west vest question

[th3]

i recently bought two used wilson west vest protectors. On is (i think) a really old model that says "The West Vest by Wilson" on the front. The other is the grey "basic" model that I still see advertised new (good for up to high school).....does anyone know how the protective properties of the two compare?

[mstaylor]

The West vest by Wilson sounds like the original WV which should be black. It should also have removeable plates. This is a decent vest protection wise, I personally don't like the vest because the velcro has a tendency to let the plates fall off. As long as the velcro is holding you can use it for any level you want.

The second sounds like Wilson's original knockoff. It should be grey, look something like the platinum but without movable plates. I have used one for years even at D1 and wooden semipro. Some guys say don't use above varsity but I have used it with good results.

[th3]

thanks...your description (including the problems with the original's velcro) is accurate..i just wanted to be sure that i wasnt sacrificing protection by using the grey one

[LMSANS]

I have the Wilson knockoff and have used it for college wood bat ball as well as adult baseball and have not had any problems.