Gerry Davis or Diamond 3xi

[mepetty]

I've just started umpiring mostly LL but want to start in HS next year. Don't quite have the money to buy top of the line stuff yet WV, etc. I've been looking at Gerry Davis or Diamond 3xi. The Gerry Davis CP says you can use up thru the college level. Has anyone out there used either the Gerry Davis or Diamond 3xi products? If so please let me know how they are. I want to protect myself but not sure what to buy and don't have alot of money. Any help would be great.

[gixxershane]

I don't really have any input on thoes items.

But if your funds are tight, I would serch craigs list, ebay, and any 2nd time around sports store for equipment afyer the season ends. Usually you can get some great deals.

[DonInKansas]

If you're not averse to buying used, I'm selling my old West Vest CP. Still got a lot of life left and will definitely get you through the high school level and beyond. I also sent you a PM.

http://www.umpire-empire.com/forum/vbfclassifieds.php?do=showad&adid=14&title=affordable-west-vest-for-sale

[kwiggie]

I wear the Diamond iX3 CP:

I work Pony Ball through Varsity HS as PU. It has worked GREAT for me, I am a smaller build (5'9", 145lb.) across the chest and this CP conformes well to my body type.

It has more then proven it's worth in the protection department this season at the HS level for me.

This is the combo kit I picked up this season... very happy with it! http://www.homerunmonkey.com/homerun-umpire-equipment-combos.html

I think Ump-Attire has it as a stand alone for about $70.

[kylejt]

Don't quite have the money to buy top of the line stuff yet WV, etc.

You gotta trust me on this. Buying second tier stuff will save you a little in the short run, but cost you more over all. BUY PRO GEAR. You'll never, ever regret it.

Trust me, I've been through it. Steel toed work shoes, gray slacks, and a Diamond cp led to cheap plate shoes, combo pants and Cooper cp. What a waste of money. If I'd have bought pro gear to begin with, I wouldn't have thrown my money away. I just wish someone would have told me then what I'm telling you now.

So save up a little bit more dough, and get the good stuff.

Let's take a WV Platinum for example. They're $130 if you sniff around a bit, and that Diamond is $70. $60 buck difference, right? But a couple years from now, you'll want the best (trust me). Your Diamond is now worthless, maybe $25 on eBay. The WV will probably fetch $80 used. So your price difference is now narrowed.

My first set of pre gear was all used off of eBay. I turned around and sold it all for a profit a couple years later. Good stuff sells, junk does not. If you can find a used Gold, it's like money in the bank. The trouble is nobody wants to part with them, for good reason.

So go to 7-11 for your coffee, instead of Starbucks for a month. And don't forget to thank me later.

Edited July 3, 2009 by kylejt

[DonInKansas]

Nice post, kyle.

I agree with sniffing around for bargains if you need to, but going high end. Although I'm pretty sure that used Platinum or Gold is going for higher than 80 on Ebay; I've never seen one go for less than a Benjamin and I consider myself a fairly savvy ebayer. Shins, shirts, and occasionally masks are usually the items I can find bangup deals on Ebay for.

[mstaylor]

I use the MLU Wilson CP. It is awfully good but cheaper than than the West Vest protectors, basically a WV knock-off. Go to CAT-Sports.com and it's about $80.00. I bought one eight or nine years ago and have used it up through D1 and men's league with ex pro players. When I replaced my CP this year, I could afford any type or quality and chose to go with the same MLU. I used the Platinum last year and couldn't see $50.00 to $60.00 difference.

I have heard mixed reviews rom my local guys about the Davis protector, no info on the other you asked about.

[kylejt]

I have heard mixed reviews rom my local guys about the Davis protector, no info on the other you asked about.

If we're talking about this one

don't bother with it. I've got one, and it's no where near the WV model, as far as protection goes.

[mstaylor]

No, this is the one I'm talking about. They haven't updated the picture but all the plates are removable now. The extra arm pads are completely removable.

http://http://cat-sports.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CAT-Sports&Product_Code=W-A3217&Category_Code=BBCP

I can't get the link or the image to work correctly. Go to cat-sports.com and it is the MLB grey above the one you pictured.

Edited July 4, 2009 by mstaylor

[Majordave]

Buy Don's WV. If not, then do what Kyle and Michael are saying. GET PRO GEAR!!!! Yes, I am yelling. If you were sitting here next to me I would be yelling. Don't be a cheap, dumba$$. GET PRO GEAR! If you don't and you get hurt you will deserve whatever happens to you in the emergency room. That bill will be a lot more than the WestVest. I promise. GET PRO GEAR!!! Can you hear me now?

[Umpire in Chief]

Buy Don's WV. If not, then do what Kyle and Michael are saying. GET PRO GEAR!!!! Yes, I am yelling. If you were sitting here next to me I would be yelling. Don't be a cheap, dumba$$. GET PRO GEAR! If you don't and you get hurt you will deserve whatever happens to you in the emergency room. That bill will be a lot more than the WestVest. I promise. GET PRO GEAR!!! Can you hear me now?

Dave I'm confused . How do you really feel?

[DonInKansas]

Dave has a serious shyness problem and holds his feelings in too much. One day he may explode. LMAO

[mepetty]

You know Dave that was un-called for. I'm not a dumba$$ for asking a question. How about you read the the orignial question I posed. I asked specificlly about two products that could not find reviews for. I'm sure like all of you, money was an issue when you started out. Sorry that droping over $500 is a problem. I've read enough posts to know what everyone feels or thinks is the best equipment. Hell why you just call Umpire in Chief a dumba$$ for even reviewing other brands of equipment that are not consisedred PRO equipment. SORRY FOR EVEN ASKING. Wow what a blue falcon. For those of you who gave their opinions/assessments of the formentioned equipment I say thank you.

[Majordave]

that you're so sensitive and can't understand the words that are coming out of my mouth (fingers). It's just that we have new guys come on these forums all the time asking for advice and then not follow it or argue with the advice.

I did not call you a dumba$$. I just intimated that you would be a dumba$$ for being cheap. You said you wanted to work high school. Anytime you work games with players that shave you chance being injured. That is magnified several times in JV baseball where catchers are not that good. Some varsity catchers aren't very good. I worked Little League All-Stars last year and got beat up worse than any other level I have worked. I got hit four or five times a game in five or six games. I turned in the last six to go work 14 year old tournaments.

When I started I tried the cheap gear stuff. I had the Ix3 and sold it before I worked a game in it. I posted on either Officiating.com baseball forum or umpire.org forum how proud I was, what a deal I got and how good it looked, etc. Tim C on those sites ripped me up for being cheap and told me that a $60 CP would not do the job that a $100 hard shell would do. I disagreed with him and got in a pissing contest about how rude he was, etc. Just like you did here. Then I went out and let the local high school kids throw at me wearing it and worked a scrimmage in it. I felt every ball that hit me. I then had the good fortune to try and then buy a WestVest original and other than the smell due to it's used status and attic storage for a few years it did the job. I tried the Honig's K-1 and it was nice but I started working some college and I got hit and felt it in the K-1 so I FINALLY got smart and got the WV Gold that I should have purchased over $250 dollars ago.

So, do whatever you want. Go cheap and risk serious injury or death. It's your money. Some guys wear that stuff at upper levels. I work college with a guy who wears the Davis-Wilson. It looks like a hockey shoulder pad rig, it smells bad and he said he LIKES to feel the ball when it hits him. (WTF?)

I am just reiterating some other advice and making sure you hear it.

You don't have to take the advice. It's your body and your money.

Again, sorry you are so sensitive. Oh, by the way, don't post on officiating.com and get your feelings hurt when TimC jumps in your $hit. It just hurts more because they are right.

Good luck with whatever you choose. (Seriously and sincerely)

[mstaylor]

Ddave is the gear expert for a reason. He is very adament about good quality gear to makes our job easier and safer. The end result is he is trying save you in the long run a ton of money and possible injury. The hard shell I suggested is a good comprimise, it is $20.00 more than the one you were looking at but every bit as good as a WV. Ump-Attire has a mask that is about $70.00 and is as good as you can get. Shin guards you can cheap out on to get you by for a while. I strongly suggest plate shoes of some type. You can go with Smitty combos pants to save on uniforms and just go with a basic dark blue shirt to start.

The problem with baseball is it is one of the most expensive sports to get into to officiate.

[Majordave]

What's a blue falcon? Sounds derogatory and insensitive. I kind of like it.

Seriously, I have been accused of using "words that cut like softball bats" on several occasions in my past. Don't take it personally. But I would like to know what a "blue falcon" is. Just for $hits and grins.

[DonInKansas]

What's a blue falcon? Sounds derogatory and insensitive. I kind of like it.

Seriously, I have been accused of using "words that cut like softball bats" on several occasions in my past. Don't take it personally. But I would like to know what a "blue falcon" is. Just for $hits and grins.

I had to look it up as well. It's supposedly a military expression Dave, so I'm a little stumped you haven't heard it. Then again, with the definition I'm reading, I'm not sure how it applies.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=blue+falcon

[mepetty]

I called you a Blue Falcon because of the social setting. I guess I could have called you a Bravo Foxtrot. (Same meaning) Thanks to DoninKansas for the link to urbandicitionary. I'm sorry Dave, I'm truly not that sensitive just didn't appreciate the way you gave your advice. I know you were trying to save me money and injury in the long run. Right now I'm using an (barrowed) Honig (Ribbed) CP for Jr. (13-14) All-stars. Just looking to buy new gear, for myself. I figure, if I start doing HS next year it would be at the Freshmen, JV level, so I have a year or two before I need to buy a WV. I have to get the expenses past the wife if you know what I mean.

[DonInKansas]

My three questions then would be:

What do you need?

What do you have to spend?

What level of ball do you hope to be calling 3-5 years from now?

Believe, me, a lot of us have been in the spot you are, myself included. It's not that we don't know money's tight; it's just for most the experience of having to go out and replace already expensive equipment in only a year or two is not cost effective, and the time that you take that one shot that good protection could have saved you from makes the few extra bucks worth it.

In many businesses, umpiring definitely being one, a piece of advice I hear often is "dress one step above your station" or something to that effect. Next year you say you'll be working JV/JH BB. Do you aspire to Varsity? College? Some guys don't and that's fine. But if you do, every little thing can count especially if you live in an area where there's pretty stiff competition for high quality games.

I know where you're coming from on clearing the spending; I've got a wife too. Just lay out the facts; I'm sure she wants you to be as safe as you can be back there. If nothing else, the equipment is tax deductible (more money in the tax refund!) and could lead to better games quicker (more money in the game checks!) It helped for me.:confused:

[kylejt]

Right now I'm using an (barrowed) Honig (Ribbed) CP for Jr. (13-14) All-stars.

I wouldn't use that rig in a 9/10 game. Honest.

Find some travel tournament to work, and have that pay for your gear. One weekend can set you up with enough $ to make it happen.

This isn't about appearance, or status. It pure safety. No plate shoes, well that's just gonna hurt. But a lousy chest protector can KILL you. I know, because I get messed up in a 9/10 with one of those ribbed jobs. It ain't fun, but it might have been worse. So protect your noggin, your ticker, and your boys.

Edited July 4, 2009 by kylejt

[Majordave]

"So protect your noggin, your ticker, and your boys." I agree, well said. Kyle is right again. As far as the money. Do what I do. Whatever I make after my gear is up to speed is hers. She LOVES for me to umpire. I give her the checks, use debit card for gas, food on the road when going very far from home and occasional beer at "The Pub" in Lexington, KY when working that area AND I can find someone to go there with me. (I NEVER drink alone, that is so effin sad.) She's happy. I am happy and all is right with the world.

Right now I am in KC, MO area for training at Leavenworth, KS and I am working a Legion DH in Warrensburg, MO tomorrow for MazzaMouth while he is on vacation. We haven't met yet but hope to in a couple of weeks for a Zone Tournament Mazza is assigning for. I also tried to get some games in the Jayhawk League in Wichita, KS area or Walter Johnson League games in same area but so far, assigner does not need me. (Thanks for the intro and good word Don in Kansas-maybe we will get to work together one day.)

I LOVE umpiring and only want to work games. I hope you do and if you get hurt I bet your wife won't let you work anymore.

So, just give her the checks. Tell her what amount you need to be safe and be a member of the club (what you wear and how you look WILL get you more games once the right people get to know you and your work-assuming you can work. I'm sure you can.) so all the other umpires will want to work with you and let you play too.

All commentary so far have been pearls of wisdom for you. Even my course and callous "Blue Falcon" dive bomb on you.

Good luck in whatever you choose. But, we all (I think I speak for all the others here) hope you take our advice and learn from most of our earlier mistakes and stay safe and look professional.

[Jeff C.]

The Major and Kyle are speaking the truth. I listened, bought a Platinum and am glad I did. Took two shots directly to the chest and felt nothing. One catcher even looked at me and thought I would be down. Plate shoes are a must too. I took one off my big toe before I had plate shoes and thought my damn toe was broke and this was a U10 game.

[chuck]

I completely agree with most of what has been said here. In fact, the lower the level, the more protection you may need. This is my first full year working games, so all youth. Little League Minors, Majors and Juniors. I get hit way more in Minors. Probably less chance of very serious injury, but you are going to get hit a lot. Some of the 10's can throw hard, and a lot of the catchers can't catch up. I took one in the left shoulder that the catcher never touched, and one center of the chest that just ticked the bat. Had I been wearing a "ribbed" cp, I would have likely been down and at least out of the game. My old original WV did the job on both. Also, lower levels require plate shoes, for sure. I think most shins that cover will do, comfort is what goes up with $. i have I3 shins, and they work fine, except the hooks on the clasp seem to be wearing my combo's. Any suggestions? I thought about wearing them on opposite legs to see if they rub on the inside, or putting athletic tape on the hook.

[Kevin Finnerty]

You gotta trust me on this. Buying second tier stuff will save you a little in the short run, but cost you more over all. BUY PRO GEAR. You'll never, ever regret it.

Trust me, I've been through it. Steel toed work shoes, gray slacks, and a Diamond cp led to cheap plate shoes, combo pants and Cooper cp. What a waste of money. If I'd have bought pro gear to begin with, I wouldn't have thrown my money away. I just wish someone would have told me then what I'm telling you now.

So save up a little bit more dough, and get the good stuff.

Let's take a WV Platinum for example. They're $130 if you sniff around a bit, and that Diamond is $70. $60 buck difference, right? But a couple years from now, you'll want the best (trust me). Your Diamond is now worthless, maybe $25 on eBay. The WV will probably fetch $80 used. So your price difference is now narrowed.

My first set of pre gear was all used off of eBay. I turned around and sold it all for a profit a couple years later. Good stuff sells, junk does not. If you can find a used Gold, it's like money in the bank. The trouble is nobody wants to part with them, for good reason.

So go to 7-11 for your coffee, instead of Starbucks for a month. And don't forget to thank me later.

Thank him now.

No more truth in as few words has ever been stated on this subject.

[kwiggie]

Here is an alternative to the GD and the iX3:

This is the Champion CP that a lot of guys are high on from another thread on this site and it is comparable in price to the GDiX3.

http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Champion%20P180%20Professional%20Umpire's%20Chest%20Protector:2000842053

I looked at this CP when I purchased my protective equipt. this year, but I found the iXp (like I stated before) to fit my frame better then the others. This is the same basic make up as the iXp with the inner plastic, shoulder pad and such. The Champion sits a little higher on the shoulders from what I can tell. I will say that the iXp is very "forward facing" CP and is a little hard to get use to but is a good CP in the end.

That is my 2 cents, hope it helped!