Gerry Davis or Diamond 3xi

[zm1283]

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!

Champion sells a hard shell that can be had for about $60 that is all over eBay. Why bother with the soft shell when you can get a hard shell for the same price?

[kwiggie]

Champion sells a hard shell that can be had for about $60 that is all over eBay. Why bother with the soft shell when you can get a hard shell for the same price?

Is this the Champion CP I have linked or is there another style that I don't know about?

[mstaylor]

I have a friend of mine that has one and left it for me to work a Pony game last year when my gear was not available. I looked at it and said noway, nohow. Having open heart I'm not going behind the plate with anything less than some type of West Vest. I'm not saying it isn't a good protector and a good choice for some guys, that just isn't me.

[zm1283]

Is this the Champion CP I have linked or is there another style that I don't know about?

http://cgi.ebay.com/08-Champion-P200-Adult-Umpire-Chest-Protector-17_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a2Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1205Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem4cea06a111QQitemZ330343817489QQptZLHQ5fDefaultDomainQ5f0QQsalenotsupported

Type in "umpire" on the eBay search and you'll find several of them. They come in 13, 15, and 17 inch models. Not as good as a WV, but at least they're a hard shell.

[mmiller32]

I'm a 5'11" 195 lbs guy w/ a pretty muscular upper body.. i'm thinking about purchasing a soft shell that is breathable and a little lighter when i do younger AL and USSSA games as the heat can get pretty miserable here in LA. I'm thinking about going with the pro nine or diamond ix3, but based on pictures it looks like i'd be poking out of it. Anyone here with a similar frame got any input about the ix3?

[kylejt]

i'm thinking about purchasing a soft shell

If you're buff, why worry about a couple of extra ounces? Wear pro gear, even (especially) for the little kids. That's where you take a beating.

DON'T BUY A CHEAP CHEST (read: heart) PROTECTOR!

Can I make it any clearer?

[Kevin Finnerty]

If you're buff, why worry about a couple of extra ounces? Wear pro gear, even (especially) for the little kids. That's where you take a beating.

DON'T BUY A CHEAP CHEST (read: heart) PROTECTOR!

Can I make it any clearer?

Since the guy's in So. Cal., maybe you can invite him down for a couple of drillings in the CP with your customized golf club. I can come down and show him the permanent bump on my collarbone that I got using the Diamond soft shell--the model I affectionately call the Diamond Permabump.

[mmiller32]

i'm in south Louisiana, not LA... i just thought a softshell would be more comfortable for when i do games at the 12, 13, and 14 year old level and wanted some input as to what thoughts of the various models are. i've borrowed a soft shell for a few games and taken some shots in the 70's for legion ball and didn't think it was too bad

[mmiller32]

http://www.schuttsports.com/aspx/sport/ProductCatalog.aspx?id=952

also, anyone have any experience with this new schutt model?

[Umpire in Chief]

http://www.schuttsports.com/aspx/sport/ProductCatalog.aspx?id=952

also, anyone have any experience with this new schutt model?

That's an interesting CP I've never seen before. I'd be interested in finding more about. I'd like to know if it really is more breathable and still protective.

[kylejt]

i just thought a softshell would be more comfortable for when i do games at the 12, 13, and 14 year old level and wanted some input as to what thoughts of the various models are. i've borrowed a soft shell for a few games and taken some shots in the 70's for legion ball and didn't think it was too bad

The soft shell IS more comfortable. So are my ClimaCool golf shirts, Silk boxers and Ugg boots. I just wouldn't wear them for umpiring baseball games.

Look, you can take shots with that waffle protector for years, and never get popped in a bad spot. Heck, I went years without getting hit on the foot. I could have done games with my Sperry Topsiders, and bragged about it. But it just takes one ball to a bad spot to ruin your day.

Hey, that Schutt c/p might have some promise. I'll see if my son's shop can order up one, and this time I'll to the flailing test on him. Schutt makes quality gear, so it might be a good one.

[blue32]

I agree, that Schutt looks very intriguing. Anyone know what the price tag is?

[Kevin Finnerty]

I agree, that Schutt looks very intriguing. Anyone know what the price tag is?

It's intriguing for its ventilated plates, but look at the gap in the shoulder/clavicle area! Sheesh!

And it's being listed on a softball gear page. I dunno 'bout this one.

[Umpire in Chief]

It's intriguing for its ventilated plates, but look at the gap in the shoulder/clavicle area! Sheesh!

And it's being listed on a softball gear page. I dunno 'bout this one.

Good catch Kevin, I didn't notice it was intended for softball.

[Nate]

I used the Diamond 3xi for the past 4 years before I joined the HS board. I used it again this year during an U11 game. I got a pitch off the shoulder and I thought it was dislocated. My shoulder hurt for days.. Next day I threw it in the closet and that's where it will stay. If it can't protect me from a less than 40 mph pitch from a 9 year old, then it's not worth it.

Conclusion: WV Gold is worth it's weight in gold.

[twjones]

I saw and held the new Davis-Wilson protector two weeks ago. My conclusion: I wouldn't wear this protector to call ball/strikes from behind the mound.

[semperfiguy]

Kyle & the Major said it best. If Don in Kansas cant help you then find a way to buy Wilson Gear. There is no option. Dont be a martyr when there is quality protection out there. After a full season, you will have made enough to buy what you need. Yeah you might need Dunkin over Starbucks, but it beats surgery over advil!!!!! Best of luck. Balls & strikes Baby!!!!:shrug: