Wilson Shock FX 2.0

[slo8140]

I posted this on another site, but I thought I would start the conversation over here as well.

This past season I wore a HSM for the first time. I broke down and got a Shock FX Titanium from Ump-Attire. I love it and I do not think I will ever go back. The best part is that it is actually cooler than wearing a cap and a traditional mask. The coolmax lining and vents really allow air to move through the helmet. I took a few direct shots to the cage and it was amazing how much the shocks absorbed. I barely noticed. One time a coach came running out to check on me in a high school game because he knew the shot had to of rung my bell....but I was fine. Amazing.

All was well until fall ball when I started noticing some of the coolmax lining pulling away from the foam that secures it to the helmet. No big deal. Then one of the pads...foam and all fell off of the piece that goes on the back of your head. I knew that I could probably glue it back on, but I called Ump-Attire to get their advice first. They directed me to Scott in Consumer Relations at Wilson Team Sports. He told me to mail them my old helmet and they would replace it no questions asked. I just got the replacement in the mail today and it is the new model for 2010....Wow.

Jim has the pics up at Ump-Attire, but the mask has changed quite a bit. The protection in the chin area is beefed up. The plastic comes down a little farther and the cage has been extended. The padding configuration has also changed on the back head piece a bit. I have not used it behind the dish yet, but it seems more comfortable to me. I use a throat protector with it, but it seems like this one would have more protection in the chin/throat area for those that don't want to wear the extended protector. The newer version seems to be a little more elongated more in line with the All-Star HSMs. I will see if my 4" Shock FX throat protector fits it when I get home tonight. I think it will, but you never know till you try.

I will update once I wear it, but I think I will be extremely happy. They also sent me a new bag, so now I have an extra. I am sure that I can find some gear to store in it.

[BrianC14]

Don't know if you saw these pics or not...

http://www.umpire-empire.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8530&page=3

Scroll down to UIC's post showing the pics.

:wow:

[slo8140]

I had seen them when they were originally posted My original one never bent, and according to the rep I talked to at Wilson today, the new cage design is supposed to help the bending issue. It looks like it might deflect the blows a little better than the old design. I always thought my old one kind of stuck out. This one does not seem to stick out as much...

If I remember correctly, Wilson was able to get you a new cage for your shock when it bent.???

[kcfan102]

Gah!

Now I want my Shock 2.0... like right now!!!

[BrianC14]

I had seen them when they were originally posted My original one never bent, and according to the rep I talked to at Wilson today, the new cage design is supposed to help the bending issue. It looks like it might deflect the blows a little better than the old design. I always thought my old one kind of stuck out. This one does not seem to stick out as much...

If I remember correctly, Wilson was able to get you a new cage for your shock when it bent.???

Yes, they sent a new one... after first sending a steel cage! :WTF

[JimKirk]

I just got the replacement in the mail today and it is the new model for 2010....Wow.

Jim has the pics up at Ump-Attire, but the mask has changed quite a bit. The protection in the chin area is beefed up. The plastic comes down a little farther and the cage has been extended. The padding configuration has also changed on the back head piece a bit.

Thanks for those comments. I am a little jealous though as you got a new one before we got any, but enjoy.

I just posted this on the blog where I discussed the improvements to the Shock FX helmet through the eyes of the lead engineer on all Wilson umpire gear with whom I met with recently.

http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2009/10/wilson-engineer-discusses-shock-fx.html

There are some really good comments regarding umpire head protection in general from him as well as a very interesting revelation on shock absorber issues of Shock FX catcher's helmets some of you have reported seeing (hint: it's not from what you might have expected).

Enjoy.

[BrianC14]

Thanks for those comments. I am a little jealous though as you got a new one before we got any, but enjoy.

I just posted this on the blog where I discussed the improvements to the Shock FX helmet through the eyes of the lead engineer on all Wilson umpire gear with whom I met with recently.

http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2009/10/wilson-engineer-discusses-shock-fx.html

There are some really good comments regarding umpire head protection in general from him as well as a very interesting revelation on shock absorber issues of Shock FX catcher's helmets some of you have reported seeing (hint: it's not from what you might have expected).

Enjoy.

Another great blog, thanks Jim!

I was glad to see that Wilson has decided to beef up the weld joints. I've already spoken before on this forum about my Shock FX (1.0?) and the bends made to the cage by a direct hit... I wasn't so worried that the titanium was bent - hell, I was HAPPY that the cage had done it's job!

My bigger concern was "is that weld joint safe" - and so I called Wilson, as you may recall, Jim, and they gladly sent me a new cage to install.

I'd jump on this 2.0 in a New York minute, but first I'd have to convince SWMBO, and considering that my 1.0 is only one year old, that isn't very likely. I will be interested to hear the feedback from anyone that gets one.

Thumbs up to Ump-Attire, as usual. :2cents: