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This past year, Wilson ended production of the Shock FX line of Hockey Style masks. While technically progressive, the unit represented a customer service headache for Wilson and a marketing dud when put up against the more sculpted, more rugged, and yet less expensive All-Star System7 series and Easton M series. With cages being bent by impacts, or the shocks becoming fouled up by constant frequent tossings or hurlings to the ground by catchers, more than a few were being sent back to be replaced by all-new units. At one time, Wilson did offer a replacement cage alone, but that option was quickly exhausted. Then, with a substantial portion of their production run going to replace returned units, the Shock FX wasn't generating a sufficient profit margin. Thus, last year, Wilson debuted the Pro Stock HSM, which is a great catchers HSM, as it is very sleek and looks like an even more sculpted and tapered All-Star System7. But where does that leave Shock FX users? As far as umpires were concerned, the Shock FX was a rather well-designed and accommodating HSM, offering very good viewing space and the critical stand-off distance – supplemented by the shock suspension – necessary for good forward protection. It wasn't too heavy of a unit either, all things considered, but did have some shortcomings that could have been addressed and remedied in subsequent versions. The leather pads would unfortunately retain oils and grime, and made laundering and cleaning a challenge; to their credit, Wilson did offer a replacement pad set (still may, but supplies are likely limited). Then, of course, no cage is impervious to the tremendous energy that a ball potentially carries, and the cages would get bent. Compounding this was Wilson's dalliance into titanium which, while lighter and thinner than steel, cost a substantial amount more and were "impossible" for Wilson and the average user to repair. So while Wilson was closing the line down, and supplies of replacement parts dwindled, the response back to users became, "Sorry, you'll have to purchase another one". Frustrating, to say the least. Especially when a retail Shock FX was $150 - $200 and a retail All-Star System7 was $115 - $150. Well good folks, that bent-up Shock FX can get a new lease on life. Mask-It can make repairs on the cages of the Shock FX, as the cage does remove rather easily. Two screws – one at the forehead, one at the chin – hold the cage in place, then the cage merely slides forward and free of its shock-&-spring suspension. Take note of how the parts are arranged, put them in a zip-lock bag or a jar, and then send the cage alone to Tony and his crew at Mask-It. The one they just did for @KenBAZ had a fairly large dent in the eyebrow region, and the paint was long gone to corrosion. Mask-It not only trued the mask back up, but filed the bar ends smooth (before, they were blunt and sharp) and gave it a powdercoat job in Liquid Gunmetal – one of the sexiest colors in their palette. Looks good as new, doesn't it? It came to $40, but it sure does beat trying to find and purchase a new one! Oh, I do recommend wrapping the four mounting posts in masking tape. I forgot to, and suddenly remembered an episode of American Chopper wherein powdercoat was applied to the sleeve mountings of the front fork, and they had to file and grind it off to get the fork struts in. Same thing here, I had to file the powdercoat off the four mounting posts so the springs and bushings would fit.

I'm thinking of getting one but pricing and opinions are hugely variable. I'm more than happy with my current F3v2 mask as my daily driver, so to speak, but I'm still concerned about broken bats and other flying objects that could hit me in the side of the head, so I've been contemplating biting the bullet and grabbing a HSM to use in higher-level wood bat leagues. So far the ones in contention are (in order of preference) the F3v2 Defender HSM, the All-Star MVP4000, and the Wilson MLB Pro Stock. From my perspective, the F3v2 still has the upper hand because of the springs and the extra bit of steel that extends over the forehead area, à la Gary Cederstrom's custom Wilson cage, not to mention it's over $100 cheaper than the All-Star. I'm not terribly concerned about more weight from the HSM as I didn't find the extra weight much of an issue when I switched from my +POS Zero-G to the F3v2 so I suspect I'll be fine going to the heavier HSM-style anyway. Anyone have experience with any of these masks? Things I should know that I might have missed or might not have thought about?

The question about the Carlucci chest protector material sparked the inspiration for this thread. I will start saying that I like the leather for my pads.

To All, Another fantastic experience with customer service associated with our chosen Profession/Hobby! I ordered the All-Star MVP2510m (small head) Catcher/Umpire helmet on Sunday of this week (3/6/17). I received the helmet today (3/10/17). After examination of the helmet I discovered a gouge in the plastic. Almost as if they started to drill the hole for the screw in the wrong place, and purple paint on the silver guard. I contacted All-Star and spoke to Lisa. She had me send her the pictures of the defects. I let them know that I intended to use the mask as is on Tuesday. The spots aren't detrimental to the functionality of the mask. I just wanted to let them know, so they can be aware incase someone else has something like this. They advised me that they are sending me a new helmet and I can keep this one as a backup. Between All-Star and Force3, they have made this years experiences amazing getting ready for season and during the start of this season. http://all-starsports.com/mvp2500m.html Thanks All-Star!! Brent

I need some input. I have the Wilson 36" Bag and need to pack it differently to make everything fit. That being said I am having some logistical issues with making everything fit. Here is what I used to do when I used the Champro Pro Plus - Uniforms in the bottom, jackets, undergarments, hats, belts. Leg Guards, mask, ballbags, accessory bag (have since went to a tackle box), and CP over the top of all that. Shoes in one end of the top, and cleaning supplies and towels in the other. Now since I have moved to the Unequal Force3 CP V1, All-Star 2510m Helmet. These are much bulkier. I have taken out all my Navy and put it in a separate bag. I have 4 pairs of pants in the top middle compartment, 4 short sleeve, one long sleeve, socks, undergarments, Plate shoes in one end, base in the other with the cleaning supplies. Thoughts?

Hanging it up and selling my gear. 1) Wilson Shock FX HS mask. Used two seasons. Pads washed and sanitized regularly. Still in great shape. $60 2) Pro Nine soft shell CP. Excellent shape. Includes 4" torso extension. Again, washed and air dried often. $40 3) Diamond shins. 17" Very good shape. $20 Notify me here or at cigarmon@yahoo.com

The Wilson Shock FX may be entering its waning days. With the market success by the All-Star System 7 hockey style mask, and the follow-on effort of Easton to produce the Mako and M-line of shaped masks, Rawlings and Wilson are now forced to reformulate their own lineup. Rawlings significantly (and finally) updated their HSMs, starting with the Pro Preferred. Wilson continued on with their Shock FX, but its clunky shape, relatively complex spring-suspension, and Wilson's unsympathetic customer service, it saw only limited use in the High School and College ranks in comparison to the All-Stars and Eastons. No Major League catchers used it, and only a handful of Major League Umpires ever did (Gary Cederstrom, famously). Instead of trying to improve it, Wilson has instead developed an all-new, shaped WTA5700 Pro Stock hockey style mask in the hopes its looks and price point will gain the attention of high school and college programs. That's not to say that the Shock FX is, or ever was, an inferior model; it is more to say that Wilson abandoned it and chose not to further develop or improve it, or even to support existing models. It is this last point that's got my attention. I recently received a Shock FX in decent, but used, shape. The primary pads (forehead and chin) were completely worn out, every vent hole was dirty with the dust of hundreds of games in the desert heat, and the cage had a pair of pretty significant dents to it. Besides this, the cage's paint job (when will companies learn that paint doesn't "stick" to steel??) has flaked off, and the beginnings of rust are taking hold. So, I stripped all the parts off it, cleaned everything, sanitized the inner pads of the shell, changed out the primary pads for a brand new kit, and soaked all hardware in mineral oil to recondition them (they will be thoroughly dried before I put them back). Of major note, though, is I will be sending the cage off to Tony at Mask-It to have the dents knocked back out, the cage re-trued, and then powder coated a spiffy new color. When the cage returns, remount it with the reconditioned hardware and voilá, we'll have a Shock FX, back to good-as-new. So... why can't Wilson take care of their gear like this, or, in lieu of that, allow us to buy parts (replacement cages) so as to do it ourselves??

We have an umpire that wears a white HSM. I don't think he should. Thoughts?

I would like to get some opinions on which is the better helmet. Wilson shock FX 2.0 titanium/steel vs. All-stars system seven

I have a Wilson HSM that is in need of a paint job. It is the matte finish that feels kind of rubbery and I was wondering if there was a good paint that could be used to repaint this helmet or if it is even possible. I'm pretty good with spray paint and making things look good using only spray paint (I've done several guitars with nothing but spray paint from autozone that people swear look as good as from the factory). I've searched and there's plenty on painting/powdercoating the cage, but nothing on painting the shell itself. Not trying to be fancy, just want to improve the look a little.

How do you get dressed for a plate job? Post the order you get dressed in and any superstitions you may have as far as getting dressed (I.E. left/right shoe first) 1.) Compression shorts 2.) Nutty Buddy 3.) Under armor Jock (The one that comes with the nutty buddy I don't like as much as my under armor jock) 4.) Compression Tights (Runners Leggings, whatever you want to call them) 5.) COTTON black crew length socks (Cotton gives better grip to the ankle straps on shin guards to keep them from spinning) 6.) Honigs Poly Wool Plate Pants (Pants unzipped with inner retainer button fastened, outside fasteners undone until shirt is on) 7.) Reebok Field Magistrate Mid Cut Plate Shoes 8.) Boston Patent Leather Belt (leaving belt unbuckled until uniform shirt and chest protector are on) with Honigs Ball Bags (Left and Right Ball Bag) 9.) Honigs k2010-17 shin guards over the tongue of the plate shoes and obviously under my plate pants, ankle plates removed (And if you must know, I put my left shin guard on first, superstitious) 10.) Undershirt (Color of undershirt depending on color of uniform shirt i am wearing that day obviously) 11.) Wilson Gold Chest Protector/ Wilson Platinum Chest protector depending on my mood for the day (Both With Delta Flex Harness and "Peck Pads" removed on the gold) 12.) Uniform shirt 13.) Zip and fasten pants 14.) Buckle Belt 15.) Put plate brush in back right pocket (of my pants, can't stand digging in ball bags for anything but baseballs) 16.) Indicator in Front Left Pocket 17.) Pen in front right pocket (I've kept them in shirt pockets before, a couple foul balls and ruined shirts later I've learned to keep it in my pants pocket) 18.) Walk to field with Wilson Shock FX Titanium in left hand.

For those of you who use a HSM do you polish it's shell?

I bought this HSM used. I wanted to try it since I had never used a HSM before. I loved the view it game me but it is not for me. $30 Shipping included.

All-Stars MVP 4000 Umpire This is the greatest in Umpire Protection. This has been worn only a handful of games. I have Umpired for several years and always worn a tradition mask. Tried this MVP4000 and I like the visibility and protection it gives but just don't like having my whole head covered. The Pads are removable for washing. Many Catchers also wear this helmet as it offer top of the line protection. This is really a great deal for an Umpire or a Catcher. Feel free to ask any questions! Bought it from another Umpire that umpired for a season and then stopped Umpiring. I only wore it for 2 games. Like New! MVP4000 Umpire Helmet

I just received the new diamond mask with the upgraded padding and the silver finish. I have always been a HSM guy but I decided I would try something new. Does anyone know exactly how tight the mask should be? I want it tight enough where I'm protected but loose enough where it isn't counterproductive.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130714952764?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649#ht_500wt_1352