Pro Nine Soft Shell Chest Protector

I had a kid throwing 81mph from 46 feet in LL Majors. No way am I going on a field without a hardshell. Neither should any of you, if you have any sense.

You can go years with taking a direct shot over your heart. It just takes one to eff you up. Been there, done that. I'll take the linebacker look in my Platinum all day than wear some junk, thank you.

BUY PRO GEAR, YOU'LL NEVER REGRET IT!

This is the only protector I've used in my 5 years of umpiring and have been very happy with it. I've taken several good shots with it at the varsity level with no problem. It's light and comfortable. My only complaint is that the shoulder protection area is somewhat large giving you the appearance of wearing football shoulder pads. Can't beat the value of this product though.

A number of guys in my association have this protector and like most Honigs K1 knockoffs, I would restrict them to only youth baseball. I believe it would be at adequate at best....

I have a K1 which I only use for sub-varsity...and I believe the K1 to be superior to the pro nine or Champion. Just my opinion based on side by side comparision...

I am the first to admit my bias for hard shell... These soft types are worn by umpires in higher baseball (exp. Jon Bible wore a K1)...but the confidence and protection offered by my Platinum makes it my first choice

This would be good for LL Majors or below. Side pads are too thin for any real protection and virtually no protection at the break points. Shoulder and collar bone protection is good, though. Better off with a hard shell.