The Officials Choice 2 in 1

[kcfan102]

Last week the Officials Choice had these jackets on sale. The navy colored one was $25 and the black one ran $20. I decided that these looked pretty good and and could fill the role of light outer layer. Every now and then during some summer nights it can be a little cool out and my beefy +POS jacket is a bit over kill. Since they were on sale I figured so...why not. All in all it ran me about $55.

I got them in the mail two days later via USPS. I opened them up and immediately put them on. I really dig the trimming on the sides. The navy one has the red and white trim on the side and the black one had just the dual white stripes. I was certainly glad that the had umpire stripes on the side. I was a bit worried that these would look like ordinary wind breakers. The quality looked great (and still does). The zip away sleeves go about two inches past my elbow. When I tried it one without the sleeves it felt kind of awkward. When I put my hands on my hips, the sleeves went all the way down to my wrists. I would of liked it a little better if the cut off was a little higher.

We had a pretty cool weekend here in KCMO. I decided this was a perfect time to test out my gear. I had a long sleeve coldgear UA under my navy jacket. I will have to say that this little jacket performed pretty well. It kept the wind off of my neck and arms. I was certainly pleased. I haven't used the jacket without the long sleeves yet. Maybe next weekend.

That's my little review. I do recommend buying this jacket if you can still get it for $20/$25. I'm not sure I'd pay more than that.

I know Honigs makes the same style of jacket. Anybody have it? Thoughts?

[Finnblue]

Last week the Officials Choice had these jackets on sale.

I also have the black one and I like it. It feels cool and looks nice, too.

http://picasaweb.google.fi/EspooExpos/Finaali3ExposIceBreakers2682009#5374339072890190514

MS

[Aging_Arbiter]

I too have the black with the zip off sleeves, and agree they could be a little higher. Other than that, I like it.

[kylejt]

I'm not a big fan of the smocks.

I really like the +POS jackets, with the gray stripes that match my charcoal pants. Very nice.

[zm1283]

I didn't use to like the smocks either, but they've really grown on me, so I got one for $20 when the Official's Choice had them on sale. I wanted one and I wasn't going to pay $60 for one at Honigs. I still like the regular black jackets too, but these are pretty cool looking.

[kcfan102]

I wear a large everything. Every shirt and jacket I own is a large but this one I think is too large. Those "short" sleeves going down to my wrists is really anoying. I'm gonna send them back and get a medium.

I'm with you zm, I'd prefer to wear a pullover but when we get those in between temps in the morning and night this jacket offers some really good flexibility.

Plus, it was $20

[Aging_Arbiter]

Just like everything else in the world, everyone will have their likes and dis-likes. Personally, I agree that the sleeves are a little long when removed, but it allows for better air circulation on those days where a shirt isn't enough, but a pullover may be just a little too much.

[kcfan102]

You think they make the sleeves longer so you don't show your umpire polo when you hold your hands up for time or somethin'?

[kylejt]

The long sleeved, black jersey looks much better than the floppy, short sleeved smocks. Just because you don't see your heroes wear them on the bases, doesn't make it forbidden. Try it some time, and remember to thank me later.

p.s. zip-off sleeves are re-freaking-diculous.

Speaking of which, I like this picture of the Red Sox blacksmith reshoeing Cowboy Joe.

[kcfan102]

It's just a difference of opinion.

For the money and versatility, I think it's a good buy.

[zm1283]

Speaking of jackets/coats, I would LOVE to have a plate coat. I'm thinking about buying a regular jacket and having someone sew the big pockets on it. Are they attached just at the top so they hang like ball bags or are they sewn like regular exterior pockets where they are completely attached to the coat?

Anyone have any ideas for regular jackets that one could use for a plate coat?

[Kevin Finnerty]

Speaking of jackets/coats, I would LOVE to have a plate coat. I'm thinking about buying a regular jacket and having someone sew the big pockets on it. Are they attached just at the top so they hang like ball bags or are they sewn like regular exterior pockets where they are completely attached to the coat?

Anyone have any ideas for regular jackets that one could use for a plate coat?

Yeah, I have a suggestion for a jacket you could use as a plate coat: Get a plate coat.

Have it measured for you and your CP, and you'll spend as much as a decent sport coat, but it will be perfect for you.

[kylejt]

Yeah, I have a suggestion for a jacket you could use as a plate coat: Get a plate coat.

Ditto. A real plate coat it built like a tank. My old +POS has many miles on it, and has many more to go. They're reinforced on all the right places, vented in the arm pits, and just plain look good. Save your money, and do it right

Now if you want to go to the Salvation Army, and get a navy Pierre Cardin 42L, with a matching powder blue turtle neck, to work the bases on 70's night, that would be cool. Fu-Man-Chu, or porn mustache is optional.

Now, the BEST look, IMO, is a black mock turtleneck over your CP. I've done navy/navy with mine, and it's also good looking. Plus, it's really a smooth feel, as opposed to your CP catching inside the coat.

[Aging_Arbiter]

I have never had a fascination with plate coats. If it floats your boat, go for it.

[kylejt]

Chicks dig the plate coat.

Trust me on this.

[tommy]

I have the black 3/4 zip pull over. I do like it allot but not allot of guys have that jacket so it is not easy to use. the only other problem is I took off the sleeves and now I cant find them, but thats my fault not the jackets.