Rock Bottom

Plenty of MLB umpires are now wearing the All Star S7 over the FM4000 magnesium so for starting out you're in great company. (MLB catchers are using it too.) I wore the S7 for 6 years and it was very good, only thing is I'd recommend upgrading the pads to the magnesium version. Stick with the skullcap too, I find it's much more comfortable than using a regular cap. I do like the Mirage 12 better but you're just starting and it's not like the S7 is some mediocre starter mask.

Nice review! My two cents: For the All-Star if you find it slipping I recommend getting another set of pads and mixing two sizes. I'm a 7-3/8 and in theory the large should fit me, but the large slips, but the medium is too tight. M/L mixture is PERFECT for me. As for the looks, no, it doesn't look great, but I think the padding is the best of any other option, so I'll take (perceived anyway) improved protection and comfort (again, my perception) over looks. I don't notice the weight or have venting problems with the UmpLife harness (I did have them with the DeltaFlex, because that harness is designed for catchers, so when you wear the mask forwards the DF covers the vent holes - that's not an issue with the UL, but overall I do like the DF harness better because I think it slips less.) I'm pretty certain the shell of the AS is the same size no matter what padding you get. Mentioning that only because this issue was mentioned on the Rawlings. I'd REALLY love if Gerry Davis and/or @MadMax come out with a true UMPIRE skull cap - with great padding made for umps, but until I can consider that option I'm sticking with the All-Star and recommending it to all my partners. Overall what I love to see, no matter which one, is so many of us using skull caps now!

I got the extra padding and made my Large All Star skull call into a M/L by using one medium and one large pad. Works great! The helmets are the same size, it's the padding that's different. Smaller sizes are lucky, they have thicker padding.

They had that one when the ump version came out, it's the catchers model.

The All Star doesn't look great but the padding is excellent.

Better padding than the All Star or the Rawlings? The All Star padding is excellent and removable and washable.

Very cool seeing him wearing the new smooth matte finish All-Star too; did someone say Gerry Davis is going to be making a skull cap? I like the Delta Flex harness, but I think for an ump the all black one looks better.

More proof that no one cares except other umpires (as long as you look professional and clean).

Any estimate on when yours is coming? Working with Gerry Davis maybe?

After switching to one I don't know how people ump with a traditional mask without one. Even safety aside (which is a huge thing to put aside) I find wearing the mask is much more comfortable with the skully (I use the All Star Cobalt - looks-wise I know it's not the best, but the padding and comfort if far superior from the other models I've tried) and you don't need to but a ton of hats.

@DerekGDS What is the difference between DX Mk2 and the DX Kuta? They look identical to me (not including the color of course). Thanks!

I haven't used this, but it's what Gemini suggested: https://supercrease.com/dry-cleaners-tailors/

I have to say, that was what probably sealed the deal for me in getting the Mirage over the All-Star FM4000Mag.

I'm seeing more umps and a lot of catchers in the MLB who have switched to the FM4000 steel this year.

The LUC magnesium version are $70!

Somehow I've missed this all these years and have been using Lysol - just ordered some OdoBan now!

@Thunderheads Please lock this up. Thanks!

Re-posting for the new season - let me know if you're interested! Mike

Just bumping this to see if anyone has gotten the smooth matte finish version and can compare it to the sand. Thanks!

I'm surprised no one has responded. Even if you can't compare to the sand finish, can anyone comment on the new smooth matte version and how well it works with the Ump Life harness (or even the All-Star Deltaflex)? Thanks again!

Has anyone gotten the new smooth matte finish and can you compare it to the original sand finish? I'm particularly interested in which is "grippier" with the Ump Life harness. I have the sand version and I'm just wondering if it's worth getting the new version. THANKS https://www.ump-attire.com/Products/SC900UMP-REG/All-Star-Cobalt-Umpire-Skull-Cap-Regular-Matte

Just got the shoes back from my cobbler - he did an INCREDIBLE job (see pic). VERY comfortable too - I'm mad at myself that I didn't think to do this with my previous pair of shoes, the black duct tape pretty much has ruined them I fear - pulling the tape out destroyed the padding and the leather is a mess, but at least I think I saved at least another season with this other pair. Again, this cost me only $20 too!

I'll post them when I get them back. I tried the black duct tape thing on a different pair and it got me through about half a season, but now they are a mess - I'm hoping maybe to revive that pair too depending on how this better pair works out. I'll keep you posted.

On the bright side, the only one who will notice are other umpires as long as your shoes are clean. Hell, most of the fields I ump at are dirt, and my shoes are dusty or muddy by the time I get to the plate meeting no matter how perfect they were when I put them on at the car.

Update - the only real problem with my current shoes is the padding along the heel/sides, so I took it to an old-fashioned cobbler to see what he could do and he said he can't fix the padding but could cover it with leather, so I'm waiting to get them back. Only $20! If this works it will be well worth the investment - I'll update with comments and pics later if warranted.