DerekGDS

I can't comment on the specifics yet but I will say you can expect HDPE distribution plates (top and bottom) and a 3-layer laminate foam stack.

The frame this year will only be released in a matte black, 25/26 you can expect an additional color option. The MSRP for the frame is $230 USD. I don't have any pricing details on it packaged with the mask pads yet or an official release date.

I will mirror what was said. They’re good, they aren’t Force3 good (both in profile and appearance) but they’re also not priced like Force3. (Then again, a lot of deals on them now) As I try not to be biased I think Force3 is still king here. We’ll see what we release in the next 12-24 months.

Who's more excited?

Ump Attire just posted this on Facebook. Apparently Smitty did not color match any of their other colors so now they have 6 colors... 𝗖𝗚 - Charcoal Grey best match to 100% Polyester Charcoal Grey Pants (S374-CC, S375-CC, S376-CC) 𝗛𝗚 - Heather Grey best match to 100% Polyester Heather Grey Pants (S11X, S17X, S24X, S377-HG) 𝗗𝗚 - Dark Grey best match to 92% Poly / 8% Spandex Charcoal Grey (S390, S391, S392, S394X, S395X, S396X)

NCAA and MLB w/ charcoal shoulders will hit the line up in Q4. Both in this variation and with the BFX Soft Shell Full Zip as well.

Is it… for sale? @mw94

They're fitted with integrated optional thumb holes, not elastic.

There will be a more economical version being released that is $130 MSRP. Same design characteristics but different foam technologies and slightly thicker. 2-3mm more off the top of my head.

The problem with Nike is they aren't big fans of people who don't have narrow feet!

We did not send them the appropriate jackets this year - convertibles ain't cutting it.

Not quite - we received some new samples late last week so hopefully we're closer but I don't have anything concrete as of yet on a possible release date.

These work?

Might be pretty difficult to find. They're no longer being made.

Don't tempt me to make a real jacket for you Idaho folks.

If traditional navy hasn't gone anywhere, the side panels won't either, but there is more adoption of the new MLB style. For example SWAC, Big South, ACC, CUSA have all switched to the new MLB style for 2025 and I'm sure we'll see more follow suit.

Thank you to everyone who expressed interest. Official application emails have been sent out. If you signed up but haven't received an application email, please send me a message. If you're interested but haven't yet completed the interest form above, please do so! Additionally, if you know someone who might be a good fit but isn't on UE, feel free to share the interest application with them.

I'll keep this short since it's a porn thread. Because the risk to a healthy adult is virtually negligible. I believe your chances of getting struck by lighting are even higher. With that being said - everything we've made in the past few years still has supplemental protection in the chest but testing for it is not something we'd do.

@concertman1971 I bought the new Davis V2 Tapered and ordered the BFX Tapered. Pricey Great value and impeccably built, and now I dont have to pay the tailor to taper them for me. Glad we got that sorted! In all seriousness, I haven't gotten hands on the Smitty's yet. All I know: Three colors (Dark Grey, Charcoal, Heather Grey) It appears to be their lightest fabric It has more Spandex than any other pant on the market There isn't a size chart so no direct comparisons against the standard cut Jim probably has more answers on this than anyone at the moment but a fairly light fabric and extra stretch. I'll be very curious to see how this holds up certain environmental conditions.

The update I got last week was late January to mid February. If it ends up being sooner than that I'll post a quick update.

They stopped making this 4-5 years ago. We haven't had it for years and I don't know anyone who has had it in stock for years either. Might be able to help you in a year with something similar it wont be Adams though.

Still a work in progress - based on the notes I have looks like there are still fit and ball bag adjustments going on. There are some other updates though. Customization Options Custom measurements/alterations to our rack sizing 8-12 interior lining color options Applique Numbers Embroidery Velcro Patches Airtag pocket (working on this per Max's recommendation in the thread) Estimated MSRP $300 - Standard rack sizing with no customization (Black/Black Lining) All other pricing is still TBD Standard delivery times are anticipated to be 6-8 weeks with rush options at 3-4 weeks. There may be some common sizes stocked for quick delivery but it would be minimal.

I’d argue that overall, All-Star develops some of the best products out there and offers one of the strongest value-for-cost ratios for umpires.

Sure, it’s true that demand dictates price, but Wilson’s pricing isn’t purely market-driven. They’ve leveraged MLB licensing to create artificial product differentiation. The MLB logo doesn’t just sell the product—it sells the idea that it’s what the pros use, which commands premium pricing. This isn’t about a purely undifferentiated market... it’s about perception. The MLB logo creates demand that allows Wilson to keep prices high, even if their products aren’t fundamentally different or, as @MadMax argues, potentially worse. It’s a psychological advantage that skews consumer perception and props up their pricing. It’s more than just efficiency. Sure, Wilson benefits from scale, but a big chunk of their cost advantage comes from using cheaper materials. As MadMax pointed out, if we’re ranking materials on a $-$$$$ scale, a lot of Wilson’s raw inputs sit closer to $ or $$ with the exception of the Fidlock. That lets them produce cheaper, but it doesn’t mean they’re producing better. Their lower costs aren’t just about smart production, it’s a tradeoff that prioritizes margin over quality. I think that’d be a risky move for them. Wilson’s premium pricing strategy rests entirely on branding and licensing, not on product quality. Lowering prices would shift focus from the MLB association to direct quality comparisons, where a lot of competitors have a clear edge. Dropping their prices would also erode the perceived value of their brand. I just don’t see Wilson doing this—it’d weaken their positioning, and the long-term consequence wouldn’t be increased profits it’d be a diluted brand. Markets don’t stay static, and I wouldn’t assume this one will. Sure, Wilson’s branding and MLB association are huge drivers of demand, and right now, it might seem like the market doesn’t care much about quality. But that could change quickly, especially if competitors find better ways to communicate their advantages. I’m not saying consumers will necessarily prioritize quality over branding in this case, but the possibility is there. The idea that “the market doesn’t care” might hold for now, but it overlooks the potential for disruption if competitors play their cards right. My too many cents.