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Never used, still in the bag with the fresh smell....Force 3 V2 Chest Protector...Inbox your best offer...

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?

Starting to notice guys moving away from the Big Yellow W masks to new ones. We know about Winters and Wegner going Force3 in the last year or two. And Hallion going Force3 at the end of the year. Also, famously, Hunter wearing the All Star Magnesium last year too. Now O'Nora is rocking the Force3, Everett (as we are all aware) getting that horrible hit with the All Star Mag, and today Jim Wolf had the All Star hollow steel in today's Indians-Mariners tilt. Would be interesting to see if anyone else has noticed anyone else going with a new rig this season?

In viewing clips of pitches and hits on mlb.tv, I have noticed a trend – MLB umpires are opting to a wider variety of masks rather than the default, formerly supplied Wilson DynaLite. We’re still seeing guys use the Wilson DynAlum and the occasional Wilson Titanium (Way Too) Low Profile, and there are those still relying on their Nike Icon Titaniums, but we’re also seeing increased numbers of Mizunos, Force3 Defenders, and All-Star FM4000MAGs. I’m sincerely wondering when that “paradigm shift” or “break point” is going to occur, when it is open season on branding gear with attributed logos instead of hiding, obscuring, or flat-out lying so as to appease a company that lethargically refuses to progressively protect their “sponsored” representatives. Because a knocked-off mask is viewed as a “failed mask”, MLB umpires – wearing Wilson -marked masks especially – are directed to wear their masks far too tight. Well, coincidentally, this plays right into Force3’s strengths, as the reactive spring suspension functions best when the mask is worn snugly. It’s just a shame that Force3 doesn’t receive due credit!

Hey guys, I ordered a Force3 Defender mask from UA about a month ago and I am enjoying it thoroughly! I have started to look into ordering replacement pads and a Wilson harness for the mask, but I realized I do not know what version of the mask (V1 or V2) that UA sent to me. I noticed on the Force3 website that replacement pads are only sold for the V1 as far as I can tell, but I do not know which version I have. Is there any way to distinguish between the two different versions of the mask? Looking at pictures, the masks seem almost identical.

I'm looking for the shoulder paldrons for the Force3 chest protector or something else along those lines. I was inspired to try and put together my own chest protector, like the one pictured below, by a minor league umpire and Facebook friend. If no one has any they want to part with. Do you know if you can get "replacement" chest protector parts or ones that are not sellable on a full piece from Force3?

Anyone out there have a Douglas with Tee Hooks and a Force 3 harness? I ham considering sending mine in to add the tee hooks but, I don't want to make my harness obsolete.

I'm sitting in a Texas Roadhouse after calling 9 baseball games over the past 3 days in 117°+ Arizona heat, watching the Mets get shellacked yet again by the Dodgers, when I notice the camera zoom way, way, waaaaaayyyyy in on Travis d'Arnaud and the Force3 Defender mask he's wearing. Travis is new to the Defender TM, having previously used the Mizuno Samurai HSM. The Samurai is one of the most thoroughly padded HSMs on the market, but doesn't get enough play besides the sleeker, more sculpted All-Star System 7's and Easton M-series. With the camera zoomed in on the telltale, trademark springs of the Defender, I begin reading the closed captioning of the two ESPN broadcasters discussing the details of the mask, and how it is progressively suited to reducing impact force and the likelihood of concussions. The camera pans to show all three spring points, and even shows the profile shape, with the broadcasters pointing out the standoff distance. They go on to say several catchers in the league are now using it, and there is now a hockey-style version on the market (the Defender HSM). In a move of directorial brilliance (the guy in the truck should get an Emmy nomination), the camera then pans to zoom in on Lance Barksdale as PU for tonight's game... wearing a Wilson Titanium Low Profile... with Wilson leather wraparound pads... Sigh. Facepalm. The broadcasters then contrast the Defender TM against the Wilson TiLP, and how little protection it affords the umpire. Barksdale's nose is on the verge of poking out of the eyeport, and the mask is nearly flat on his face. One of the broadcasters laments, "I never saw the point of that mask". #TimeForChange #GetWiseOffWilson #OtherOptionsExist #HeadInTheGame

My Diamond Ultimate 30" Equipment bag has reached it end of life. This year it remained on life support having had to glue one of the wheels in with Gorilla Glue. So now find myself contemplating 2 bags: FORCE3 ULTIMATE 32" UMPIRE EQUIPMENT BAG ON WHEELS eBags TLS Mother Lode 29" Wheeled Duffel They both get a lot of positive mentions here. But here is one thing that is somewhat important to me, but I've never seen mentioned here; breath-ability. Why you ask? After a game here in the summer my equipment is weighed down with tons of nasty sweat. So after my game I don't put my equipment back in the bag so it can air out - the best they can in my trunk. I would like to put it back where it belongs in my bag, but if I did my equipment would never dry out. I'd love your thoughts pros/cons on each!

If this doesn't convince you, I don't know what will. medium.MOV

This is just a post out of sheer curiosity. I was wondering what is everyone's, current, primary mask. I'm not as interested in all your masks as there is already a thread for that ( see "Mask Porn"). I'm just curious as to the mask that you use on a regular basis. I currently still use my Nike Ti on a regular basis.

I usually post videos in the Professional section but this is an equipment post/video: Well .... it looks like the Force3 Defender didn't necessarily protect Suzuki better than other masks....... And .... the mask cut him .... http://m.mlb.com/video/v1166128783/?query=suzuki

I am looking to buy a used Force 3 chest protector anyone interested in selling please msg me. Thanks!

http://www.force3progear.com/product/pro-mask-sun-shield/ Force3 trotted out a brand-new visor for their Defender TM, and of course, it's designed to fit to the unique geometry of the Defender's upper cage. There are two tab slots instead of one, and there is a notch to accommodate the centerline mounting clip. It even has the Force3 logo (which should, and hopefully someday will, supplant the Big Yellow W) laser-engraved. ... I'm shocked I beat @gnhbua93 in this announcement. If/when I get a Defender TM, though, it will surely have one of these on it.

To All, I just had an amazing experience with Force3 Customer Service. I needed to get a replacement piece for one of the shoulder pads on a CP I am testing out (Potentially purchasing). They are sending me a replacement "SET" of shoulder pads and not just the one strap I needed. Also requested the metal piece that the harness straps thread through since the one on this is rusted (Prevention on strap fray). They are sending a new harness. Best of all of this, no charge to me. I couldn't believe my ears when Jason from Force3 said "No Charge". I haven't been a prior patron of Force3 gear, but if they take care of their customers like this in all aspects I sure am now!! This is the link to the current CP. I have the prior model. http://www.force3progear.com/product/unequal-ultimate-chest-protector/ Brent Rowe CAUA Umpire Arkansas

... and you better be on Ump-Attire.com buying a new CP!!! Really. $40. Forty Dollars and a few days of waiting on shipping it to you is all it takes to stop looking like a yutz, a schmuck or a doofus, and putting yourself at increased risk of injury. I was a catcher, and I used my ol' catcher's CP for my first year of umpiring... Forget it. Might as well wear a sheet of cardboard. Are you using a cheap softee-shell that you got from the local sporting goods store? Makes you look like a meatball? Pfffft... Donate it to the nearest tae-kwon-do or martial arts studio for use as a sparring vest, for all the good it'll do you in baseball. Own a DavisShield?... ... ... You may be beyond hope. That Champion Hardshell CP sitting there, offered by U-A, is the ideal entry-level CP. Hard plastic carapace, contoured body panels, segmented padded liner/vest, decent hardware, substantial shoulders, but no-where near as hulking as a WestVest nor as pricey as the better CP's. You don't need a sports car for the daily commute, right? You just need a simple, reliable hatchback or coupe for the daily drive to save up for and get the sports car someday! This is that commuter car. Heck, it even has a better harness than most of the other, more expensive CP's come stock equipped with! But don't stop there, I advise you... Get it, and with a few extra bucks, purchase a Flex-style harness for it. The Force3 Flex isn't bad; the All-Star DeltaFlex is good, but it only fits slim-to-average builds on a non-All-Star CP like this; but if you want to think serious, contact @Razzer and commission one of his ULFH "RayFlex" units. You can take it with you into that sports-car CP you'll one day get, and if you get it personalized (you should! Ray includes it in the cost), you're allowed to feel a little vain and self-serving at Christmas. And I better not catch you wearing Catchers' Shinguards either, mister! Those Champion shinguards offered on sale alongside the CP? Those will work swell. You'll actually be able to move in them without toeflaps and sideflaps flopping all out the bottom of your pants... Oh, and you'll actually be able to fit some good pants over them, because these are nowhere near as bulky as catchers' shinguards. Now, where is @gnhbua93 hiding so as to talk up the fact that U-A is offering the Force3 Defender V2 on sale, too?!!! PS- Go ahead and get the '15 All-Black Umpire shirt, especially at that price, if all you've got is that lone Navy shirt that some ol' codger in your association said "This 'ere navy one is all ya need!". Those of us with all the different styles of black umpire shirts (there are 4) won't mind. We'll work a game with you, no sweat!

Just ordered the new Force 3 chest protector. Will give full report after I've worn it a couple of games.

Has anyone switched from using a W.V. Pro Gold to the Force 3 Ult. V.2. ?

Has anyone used the new force 3 mask? If so what is your feeling about it. Thanks Lefty

Just thought I would start a new thread on this mask instead of Hijacking the Mask Porn thread. After many years of designing, prototyping and testing, Force3 is proud to introduce the next generation of baseball face masks, the Force3 Defender. The Defender is truly an amazing technological creation that will revolutionize equipment forever. Independent tests conducted by one of the four independent National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) approved testing facilities in the world, concluded that nothing comes close to the protection as the Defender. With virtually the same footprint of a traditional mask, the Defender’s patent pending technology reduces the Severity Index of most impacts by up to 50% in most cases. G-Forces were also reduced with impressive results. Tests included impacts by 70mph softballs (NOCSAE standard), and 100mph baseballs (results available upon request). Currently the Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves are early adopters of the mask, and have several within each organization. Features: - Lightweight tubular chrome alloy - Patent pending dual mask system with the Shock Suspension System (S3) built in - Single bar construction for optimal view - Unequal Kevlar lined padding - 4 different high-impact foam padding construction with special memory comfort foam on chin and sides - Powder coated for superior finish - Weighs less than 29oz. - Pads available in Black, Navy, Royal, Red. Will also offer Maroon and Green in the near future. - Includes nylon carrying bag ($9.95 value) - EXTENDED LIMITED LIFETIME GUARANTEE!!! We will replace, refurbish, or fix your mask after normal game impacts, up to 3 times within 5 years of purchase of your mask for only $99 each time. *Details available upon request, and included with every mask. 29 ounces seems a bit high

... But Will Be Again Soon. I made the move to get the shinguards that will (likely) be the last pair I ever purchase. With @UmpJeff's facilitation, we ordered in the set (UnEqual CP for him, shinguards for me), and he routed them to me hastily. I opened the box, and... Wow. Wowwwwwwwwwwwww. For as large-coverage as they are, they are featherweight. I currently use All-Star LGU313-17's primarily because they are low profile and rather minimal, yet do provide a patella plate. I didn't exactly bust the scale out, but they are likely lighter than the All-Stars. They look formidable too, with a huge patella plate and lots of shape-conforming syn-leather. But they are as light as can be. I am (was) looking forward to putting them right to work with games this week and a massive tournament this MDW. But... alas... I cannot... ... because I ordered. the. wrong. size. Reading some of these threads over, the advice for someone of my height is to get the Large, 18.5" size. Well, after putting these on, within 2 seconds, you can tell they are too tall (probably best for our @BigUmpire friend). I checked Force3's webpage on the guards, and the sizing guide details measuring from the top of the ankle to the center of the knee while seated. I did, and I measured... 17.5". Dead-on between the L 18.5" and the M 16.5". So I called up Force3 (which has a mightily cheerful and friendly staff working their phones), and got an exchange underway. When he heard my plight, he acknowledged that it is personal preference on which size to take when you're dead-smack between sizes, and that the 16.5" is probably the way to go. So, back to Connecticut these go (today), and next week, I'll have new shinguards to wax ecstatic about. Beware, Wilson owners! Your time of wearing sofa cushions is about to meet its reckoning!