Looking to upgrade shins and cp

[theloyd]

I am looking to upgrade my shin guards and cp. My good ones were ruined in a storm/flood here and all I have now is my old Rawlings gear that is heavy and (especially the cp) less effective than I would like.

If anyone has some used stuff that they are willing to part with, I am looking to purchase ASAP. I'm doing some softball and fall league ball soon.

[Umpire in Chief]

I don't know if he still has if but Don in Kansas was selling a WV not too long ago.

[leonardo]

For a chest protector, I would recommend the Champion Hard Shell. I bought one recently and love it. It is way less than half the price of West Vest and I think just as protective. I have been hit a couple times since I bought it (once it the shoulder) and basically felt nothing. The ball just glanced or bounced off. I bought mine at betterbaseball.com because they had the best price I could find. It took a couple weeks for shipping though because it was backordered. I also just got my Reebok plate shoes yesterday. I get to work my first game with them this weekend. They feel great though! Anyway, that is the CP I would recommend. As far as shin guards, I am thinking about buying the Pro-9's. You might give them a look.

Edited August 18, 2009 by leonardo

[Kevin Finnerty]

I'm sorry if you think the Champion protects as well as the Gold or Platinum.

It simply does not and cannot protect as well. Its plastic plates, shoulder caps and pads are all considerably thinner. Its gap coverage is also not as complete. There are several reasons that the Champion is markedly lower in price. If the ball ever reaches 80 m.p.h., then leave the Champion and similar bargain priced CPs for the youth and softball environments that it's designed for.