plate gear suggestions

[umpire08]

I have the hsm so that part is taken care of what brand chest protector and what brand shin guards should i buy i mean i can buy my shin guards at Academy but the chest protector is a diffrent story what do you guys have in the way of suggestions let me hear your ideas

[Kyle_Stevens]

It depends on what level of baseball you are calling. LL, something light and breathable. HS and up, something hard shell or thick. One thing that I take into account is collar bone protection. I feel more comfortable with some protection around my neck. I haven't had a broken collar bone but know some guys who have. From their discomfort, it would be awhile before you are calling strikes again. You are looking to spend $40 to more than $250. Also, check out the reviews section tab at the top of the page by the forums tab. There are several that have been used and written about, see how others like different equipment.

[Bigdog]

Hey all,

I don't care what anyone else says, GO HARD SHELL for your cp. It will be well worth the investment, especially if you want to move up to "higher" levels of baseball. Remember the lower the level of baseball you call, the more likely you are to be hit because the catchers don't quite realize that it's not just a title, it's a job description!

Bigdog:cool:

[blue32]

I agree with the other posters. I currently use a Diamond Ix3 CP. It has hard plastic "innards" with a soft shell exterior. I have taken some shots with it, and have been fine, but after hearing everything about the Wilson West Vest Platinum, you couldn't go wrong with it. I am going to invest in one for next season. They run about $150.00 at web retailers such as Ump-Attire. Another option I hear about a lot is the Honig's K1.

The other thing to keep in mind is ease of cleaning. The inside padding is removable for cleaning from what I hear, and there are shin guards on the market that have the same feature. Being able to remove padding and throw it in the washer every couple of weeks is a huge help in the summer months, because trust me, your gear is going to get really "ripe" from use.

One thing to keep in mind when you invest in equipment is that you are much better off paying $150 for a CP now than paying $50.00, then having to shell out several hundred, if not thousands, in medical bills later. Hope that helps, and keep us posted on what you went with.

[catoblue]

I'd say it depends on the level you're going to be umpiring. My gear is all stuff I got on ebay. Mask and shin guards - most all brands are OK at multiple levels of play (double/triple knee preferred for big-boy ball), but the CP... that's where the level of play will dictate how much you need to invest. I only do LL majors/minors games, and my Richardson inside cp is sufficient. When I hang up my coaching hat and join the state association, you can bet I'll be getting myself something along the lines of West Vest for protection in big-boy games. Collar bone is a biggie - I know guys that only umpire softball now after broken collarbones from baseball.

I also know that my next CP and SG purchase will have removable, washable components - because when it gets hot out, your gear will get really ripe, and febreeze only helps a little.

[Ump29]

Hard shell CP is the way to go for higher levels. Personally I have not used one but am looking at investing in one and the West Vest line has been recommended to me.

Also invest in a good mask if doing higher levels. I went with a small mask for many years but changed when I got to higher levels. Saw too many bent masks.

[Stan W.]

Rule 1:

Buy the best gear you can afford.

Why?:

Because you have to go to work at your real job tomorrow. I have seen many injuries over the years and you cant afford to be hurt.

Because it will save you money. Upgrading over the years has cost me plenty!

Because you will be evaluated (rightly or wrongly) on the impression you make....mismatched brands, cheap gear and worn uniforms even on good umpires are a hurdle to be overcome..

lastly and leastly:

Because Umpires notice..........might seem trivial I know... but your gear and uniforms let everyone know if you are "invested" in the profession..........we should all admit it........we all want to work with someone who cares.......and we all have worked with the guy that doesn't......

Now to me.

I have always been a +POS guy, gear, shirts, pants and plate shoes.........now of course that is not possible.

I have 2 CP's:

a Honigs K1 for sub varsity

a Platinum for everything above

I have 2 Masks:

a +POS single bar in Black

a Honigs single bar in Blue

(ok this is just vanity..........I wear the black mask with black and cream jerseys, the blue with the other colors..)

+pos shin guards...........if I were to skimp on anythng it would be on shin guards.......

Just my .02

Edited August 11, 2008 by Stan W.

[Bigdog]

Rule 1:

Buy the best gear you can afford.

How about save up 'til you can buy the best gear/ gear you want.

Because you will be evaluated (rightly or wrongly) on the impression you make....mismatched brands, cheap gear and worn uniforms even on good umpires are a hurdle to be overcome.

I have never heard of an umpire being marked down on an eval because the brands on his gear didn't match, I hope it doesn't start now.

lastly and leastly:

Because Umpires notice..........might seem trivial I know... but your gear and uniforms let everyone know if you are "invested" in the profession..........we should all admit it........we all want to work with someone who cares.......and we all have worked with the guy that doesn't......

True, true....

Bigdog:cool:

[Umpire in Chief]

I have never heard of an umpire being marked down on an eval because the brands on his gear didn't match, I hope it doesn't start now.

Bigdog:cool:

I haven't been marked down for mis-matched equipment, but I have been marked down b/c I wore the Ump-Attire Ultimate ball bag. I love the bag, but if the evaluators don't then you have a decision to make. I choose to play their game. Am I less of a man for it, no. It was just such a little thing I figured I didn't care enough to fight it.

[Stan W.]

How about save up 'til you can buy the best gear/ gear you want.

Works for me..my thought is to buy the best gear you can afford....whatever level that is.......but not to skimp on your safety.....

I have never heard of an umpire being marked down on an eval because the brands on his gear didn't match, I hope it doesn't start now.

My thought is not so much as to the brand, but to the condition........old, cheap, dirty and ill fitting will get you marked down......

[Stan W.]

I have never heard of an umpire being marked down on an eval because the brands on his gear didn't match, I hope it doesn't start now.

Just had to add this tidbit.......I worked a large tourney this summer and the umpires are provided lodging at a local college. On Friday, the whole day was washed out due to rain.............40 umpires lounging around one small TV lounge in a college dorm............

I cant tell you the amount of dishing on each other that went on.......and yes a lot of it had to do with gear.....if your association requires you to have reccomendations to join (mine does) you will want to make sure you look the part....

plate shirt / base shirts.......trying to stuff a cp into the one shirt not seen favorably...

Old Ribbed style CPs..... they will question your sanity when facing college level fastballs....

any adapted Catcher gear......instant ridicule.....

it was really done in some fashion of fun..........but nether the less, some impression remained........if they dont know you and call you "jocko".......dont take it as a compliment...........(jocko conlon) it meant your uni and gear were ancient.....

[semperfiguy]

Like stan said earler I too bought strictly Pluspos because at the tiime it was the best. yes it was expensive and I was told it offered unparallel protection. I still use all of it except i just invested in a doe skin west vest mask because my other started peeling all over the mask. I also just ordered a new set of nb 450's for my dogs. But I also believe buy the best because your safety is that important, and it also pays too look good too. i agree if your not invested in this hobby of ours then your not accepted as real. balls and strikes baby!!!!