Titanium Tales (Wilson)

[rth54]

The Wilson Titanium Masks have been out for a while now. How are they performing and holding up?

[Umpire in Chief]

I've never heard a negative thing about them other than the price.

[mstaylor]

I have at least six guys in my group that have them and love them, including at least three that dropped their buckets to go to it.

[mazzamouth]

I have one.. and can tell you.. if i ever had to give it up I might cry, I love that thing, very light durable, comfy, I have had some shot to the face from some fast pitchers. So it works for me, I will not switch any time soon.

[rth54]

I ordered both the Wilson dyna-lite mask (doeskin pads) and The Titanium. After trying both I was amazed by the fit and feel of the Titanium. The padding on the Titanium, while not as substantial (or bulky) feels so soft and fits perfectly. The thinner bars on the frame and slightly slimmer padding design allows for greater visibility. It also, to my surprise, felt so much lighter than I expected, which, when combined with the increased visibility, made it an easy choice.

The Dyna-lite went back the next day.

[Ump Rube]

Can I get some clarification on whether people are getting/wearing the standard-profile or the low-profile mask?

[eagle_12]

I bought the standard profile in sept. of '08. wore it through fall ball (college and hs) and completely loved it. First college game in the spring, fastball, batter swung, nicked it a little drilled me right in the lower vertical support bar. Dented it in towards my face.

Sent that back, got a replacement. Month later, HS ball fouled into the right ear wing, dented it.

Two masks, two fouls, two dent. Both replaced for free each time with no hassle or haggle. These also are just minor dents, both very noticeable, but probably didn't increase future injury

But as long as the thing dents under warranty, I'll take a free one to replace it.

Love the weight, the visibility, every thing about it, other then the denting. I swapped the pads out after a few wears to the old west vest vinyl/calfskins that I had (more squared version) and this winter looking to replace those with the honigs version. I also will swap in a pair of traditional all tan doeskin wilson's

[rth54]

Mine is also the standard profile.... bummer about the denting mentioned above. Hope I can avoid that hassle.

I am considering alternative pads but I think that the doeskin, which is somewhat more substantial/ bulkier than the pads that come with the titanium, may add weight and diminish visibility just a tad.

Edited December 7, 2009 by NuBlue

[mazzamouth]

Mine is also the standard profile.... bummer about the denting mentioned above. Hope I can avoid that hassle.

I am considering alternative pads but I think that the doeskin, which is somewhat more substantial/ bulkier than the pads that come with the titanium, may add weight and diminish visibility just a tad.

I have the lower profile...love it..

[mstaylor]

I think they are all low profile but I'm not sure.

[rth54]

ump-attire.com and between the lines both offer the titanium in standard profile or low profile models.

[tommy]

I wear the standard profile titanium and I love it. I have had it for about a year and a half now and it is holding up well. I have a friend who has the low profile version, I have put it on and I will admitt that the vision is a little better and I cant explain why I just know that it is however with the flat face of the low profile it does not deflect the direct hit of a foul ball as well as the concaved version standard profile. with the low profile you will feel the impact of a foul ball much more. hope this helps.

[Kevin Finnerty]

...I have a friend who has the low profile version ... with the low profile you will feel the impact of a foul ball much more.

Man speaks truth!

I have both and used the low-profile for about a year, before getting the standard. The severity of a blow is significantly different.

I would never use the low-profile in games where guys are throwing hard. I use it for 35-U MSBL, and that's about it.

[rth54]

I decided to switch out the pads that came with the titanium. Got some Wilson Doeskin Wrap arounds....all black.

The Titanium is now available at umpattire.com with these all black pads in the standard profile.