HSM Question

[ksump55]

I am looking into getting a HSM for the upcoming season and am looking at a couple options. Does anyone have any knowledge of the Diamond EDGE Ump Helmet? I can find reviews on the Wilson FX (my other interest), but none for the Diamond. Any help on this or other HSM that I should also consider, please let me know.

[BrianC14]

I am looking into getting a HSM for the upcoming season and am looking at a couple options. Does anyone have any knowledge of the Diamond EDGE Ump Helmet? I can find reviews on the Wilson FX (my other interest), but none for the Diamond. Any help on this or other HSM that I should also consider, please let me know.

There are several ways to get information:

Look on this forum in the "Equipment" category- there have been several thread where guys have discussed those two helmets.

For other discussion/comments, visit Jim Kirk's blog at http://umpattire.blogspot.com/

Also, in the Equipment forum at http://umpire.org/forum.php there are several threads there about various HSM brands.

If at all possible, try before you buy.

[kylejt]

TRY THEM ON BEFORE YOU PLUCK DOWN YOUR DOUGH.

Everyone's head is shaped differently, thus fit in these contraptions differently. Your sight line is not the same as mine, through the bars.

Me, I can tolerate the All Stars. The Wilsons feel weird on me.

[ksump55]

Just found another one....the Wilson A3191 on umpirejoewest.com. It looks like it's missing the Shock FX, but is made with titanium. Any advice on this one?

[Umpire in Chief]

I tried a A3191 of a friends and it didn't feel good on me it was too snug on my jaw. That was the only HSM I tried, but I've lost interest in them for now.

[kcfan102]

I had the Diamond Edge for two years before i got my Shock FX 2.0.

Edge is FAR more comfortable in my opinion. That doesn't mean that the Shock isn't, it just means the Edge is a delight to wear.

The Shock has better protection I think, but the location of the straps are it's only downfall.

They both offer pretty good throat protection (nothing is better than a guard).

I think if you go with the Edge, your head will thank you simply because it's so comfortable. It's easy to take off and it's pretty easy to make those emphatic "safe" call with one in your left hand.

Maybe you're head is a different shape, but I loved my Edge. Time will tell with my Shock FX.

My dream mask is the Edge with shocks

mmmmmmmmm :)

[ksump55]

I'm sure I'll get crap for this being a newbie question, but what is the difference between the HSM for umpires and the HSM for catchers? The price difference is quite a bit between some of them and I was just wondering if buying the catchers version is just the same as the umpires version.

[Umpire in Chief]

You won't catch hell here for a legit question....

I do not wear a HSM, but understand that the difference is the cage. Ones made for catchers typically have steel cages and weigh more, umpires have lighter weight material.

[mstaylor]

First of all, I don't see much of anybody giving anybody hell for anything here. We do disagree but no flames.

Now, as to the difference between a catcher's helmet and umpire's helmet, I don't see a lot of difference except for the cage weight difference. The only other is the pads tend to be smaller for an umpire's mask for comfort's sake. Personally I don't recomend using a bucket, I prefer some of newer masks that offer as good vison, are lighter and seem to offer as good or better protection. There does seem to be growing evidence, imperical eveidence only, that helmet wearers are substaining concussions. There have been no scientic studies to comfirm it though. JMHO

[BrianC14]

I'm sure I'll get crap for this being a newbie question, but what is the difference between the HSM for umpires and the HSM for catchers? The price difference is quite a bit between some of them and I was just wondering if buying the catchers version is just the same as the umpires version.

Catcher's version: steel cage.

Umpire's version: titanium cage.

There's quite a weight difference between the two, but please don't ask me to cite what it is... .I have both cages (steel & titanium), and it's a readily noticeable difference.

[kcfan102]

Funny you should ask! I asked that same question when I was deciding to pony up the $$$ for the "umpire" version of the Shock FX for the cater's version. Both of them were black, and both had shocks so I didn't really care as long as the weight of the steel cage wasn't too much. I emailed Wilson before I made the purchase. I also emailed Ump-Attire. I got an email from Ump-Attire within a few hours and they told me that there is no structural difference between the catcher's version and the umpire version. The difference is in the case material. As Brian said, one is steel and one is titanium. I asked the weight difference and the lady I talked to was sooooo wonderful in getting me the information. The steel version is 2 pounds 11 ounces. It's only two ounces heavier than the EDGE. I ordered the all black version (not a fan of silver cages) and can't tell the difference between the EDGE and the Shock FX 2.0 steel cage.

Oh, and I STILL havn't gotten a reply from Wilson, Anessa from ump-attire.com was so awesome!

So, as much as I don't want to say it, technically, I'm using a catcher's helmet.

[kylejt]

There does seem to be growing evidence, imperical eveidence only, that helmet wearers are substaining concussions. There have been no scientic studies to comfirm it though. JMHO

All you need to do is look at the padding at the forehead for your answer. In my All Star bucket, it's severely lacking. The latest version seems to address this issue. But if you take a shot just above the cage in most helmets, it's gonna stir up the ol' gray matter.:)

[ksump55]

Funny you should ask! I asked that same question when I was deciding to pony up the $$$ for the "umpire" version of the Shock FX for the cater's version. Both of them were black, and both had shocks so I didn't really care as long as the weight of the steel cage wasn't too much. I emailed Wilson before I made the purchase. I also emailed Ump-Attire. I got an email from Ump-Attire within a few hours and they told me that there is no structural difference between the catcher's version and the umpire version. The difference is in the case material. As Brian said, one is steel and one is titanium. I asked the weight difference and the lady I talked to was sooooo wonderful in getting me the information. The steel version is 2 pounds 11 ounces. It's only two ounces heavier than the EDGE. I ordered the all black version (not a fan of silver cages) and can't tell the difference between the EDGE and the Shock FX 2.0 steel cage.

Oh, and I STILL havn't gotten a reply from Wilson, Anessa from ump-attire.com was so awesome!

So, as much as I don't want to say it, technically, I'm using a catcher's helmet.

So what model did you get then? The normal umpire A5590 or A5591 or another?

[blue32]

I had the Diamond Edge for about 20 games in 2008. I returned it and got a Shock FX. The biggest problem I had with the Diamond was the mesh that covered the padding started coming off right after it started getting hot. I think it was only 2 games with my sweaty head inside, and it started falling out. I don't have that problem at all with the Wilson. Plus, the Wilson is much much cooler than the Diamond.

[Jeff C.]

I use the Diamond Edge. My mesh is also coming loose. I'm going to purchase a new chin pad from Ump-Attire. I haven't taken a good shot yet, so I can't answer that question. I do like the mask and think it's a decent choice for entry level HSM's. I can't compare how hot it is with other HSM's. Purchase the best protective equipment that you can afford, depending on the level of ball that you work. You won't regret that. That's why I'm getting ready to purchase new shins. I have single knee right now, and I don't feel too protected.

[ksump55]

Just an update. I went to purchase a new Wilson Shock FX 2.0 umpire helmet and ended up with the catcher's version of the helmet. I got it for a steal at BaseballSavings.com which is actually located in Wichita, KS. I did try on both models and for the added expense, I didn't think that it was quite worth it. Can't wait for spring ball to start in about 2 months so that I can try it out. I'll give a review later.