Honig's Zero Gravity Experiment

[rth54]

The Wilson CPs do offer tank like protection, but, the problem of slippage (particularly in the Platinum) and their shortness prompted me to explore the Honig's Zero Gravity,in spite of significant skepticism in the online umpire community. Here are my initial reflections; the fit is excellent, the mesh vest harness keeps the CP snug and secure, no slipping and sliding here. The vertical breaks do in fact help the CP conform to the body. While unbelievably light, it is bulkier than I thought it would be, particularly around the shoulders but it feels like great coverage in that area. The shoulders seem to have been tweaked forward similar to the WV Gold. The extra plate over the sternum provides another layer of hard plastic and padding, which both adds protection and increases bulk in the chest area. The availability of a torso extension provides 3 inches of additional coverage that the Wilson's do not.They did upgrade to a harder material for the plastic plates in this years models (Zero Gravity and K1) but it will be interesting to see the effect of the Vertical breaks in the Zero gravity (which add to the fit) on impact dispersibility. I'll just have to see how it performs over the season before I can make a final evaluation. 


Someone on another board suggested the possibility that Honig's design choices for the Zero Gravity may have been influenced by the need to avoid infringing on the Wilson West Vest patents. While i have no knowledge of whether or not this is true, it does seem plausible.

I suspect that patent issues are at least part of what is driving the Honig's design. The ZG seems to have adapted some ideas from both the Davis and West Vest designs. I do think that for the ZG, the hard shell plastic (covered only by fabric) is in fact on top of the padding, but, the questions that still remain are: Are the HD-115 plates hard enough?, and, do the vertical breaks, which result in smaller plates, diminish the CP's ability to disperse impact?

Also the Wilson models have made cleaning a much easier process.

I will say, however, given the fact that perception is so often treated as reality ( many will not see the ZG as a hard shell protector), that Honig's was not wise in making the price point so high.

Edited February 17, 2010 by NuBlue

[celt62]

I have the platinum and would wear no other. To get around the slipping issue I just tape the straps like you would a set of football shoulder pad straps. I found a way to do the extension also. I bought an industrial roll of velcro from Lowe's and attached it to the bottom of the cp. I then bought an extension with plates for about $12 and it attaches to the velcro like a dream. I've had it there for two seasons and it has never required adjustment. Instant designer cp.

[rth54]

great ideas... nothing wrong with a designer CP!

[Stan W.]

I will say, however, given the fact that perception is so often treated as reality ( many will not see the ZG as a hard shell protector), that Honig's was not wise in making the price point so high.

Honigs has always been "Price Proud"...... oftentimes with little reason.....

[Kevin Finnerty]

Honigs has always been "Price Proud"...... oftentimes with little reason.....

I had a business school professor that called it "strategic sales volume control."

And it has come down to a single thing that Honig's features that compels you to order from them: the polywool slacks. Everything else can be had elsewhere for less---often much less, and often for a better line of products. The same basic thing is true for Gerry Davis, except that they offer not one unique thing that compels you to order from them.

When the old guard retires from umpiring, Honig's is going to need to change the way they do things to even remain alive.

[BT_Blue]

I had a business school professor that called it "strategic sales volume control."

And it has come down to a single thing that Honig's features that compels you to order from them: the polywool slacks. Everything else can be had elsewhere for less---often much less, and often for a better line of products. The same basic thing is true for Gerry Davis, except that they offer not one unique thing that compels you to order from them.

When the old guard retires from umpiring, Honig's is going to need to change the way they do things to even remain alive.

Its one of the nice things about Ump-Attire. They have a couple things that you cant get anywhere else. Namely the Ultimate shirts and ball bags. Oh and the customer service its second to none.

[rth54]

The ultimates are very nice shirts indeed... I have a couple of the ball bags even though I have not used them yet.... but I have certainly heard good things.

[BT_Blue]

Ball bags are among the best ball bags I have ever used. Only problem I have had with them (and I have let Jim know my thoughts) that they are just a little small. But I still use it as my main ball bag.

[sasmallen]

I agree that Honigs prices are high on many things, but their customer service is generally praised within my association(s). I love Ump-Attire (and their customer service)... I bought my WV Gold and Shock FX Titanium helmet from them among other things, but it seems like their prices are getting higher and higher just like Honigs (to me).

I was going to order the diamond ump-lite shin guards that are $50 at Ump-Attire...5 minutes on google and I found most places have them for at least $10 less, some are more than $15 cheaper. That kind of savings is a big deal now-a-days. Customer service is important, but when it comes down to it, I'm really just looking for the best price.

Just My Opinion...

[rth54]

You are correct on that point...the prices are not really that much different, and, for me , the fact that Honig's has a warehouse close to me means that I get stuff in a day (two tops) or, if I am so inclined. I can even drive down and pick things up that day.

For me it comes down to...who has what I need, and then cost and shipping time factor in.

[Umpire in Chief]

The major companies prices are similar in prices. In my honest opinion I think Ump-Attire pulls ahead on pricing especially when you consider some of their specials. Obviously if you search hard enough you can find better prices on virtually anything, but combining the prices, service and reputation I go there first.

[Kevin Finnerty]

The major companies prices are similar in prices. In my honest opinion I think Ump-Attire pulls ahead on pricing especially when you consider some of their specials. Obviously if you search hard enough you can find better prices on virtually anything, but combining the prices, service and reputation I go there first.

I used to have a restaurant in the 1980s (family-style Italian/pizzeria). When people would go elsewhere for the same style food because it cost a little less, they would usually come back to us for the exceptional service and cleanliness that we featured. (I would also like to think the food was better, also.)

Many people like to save money; but most people need good service at a fair price. I am one of those people. A few extra bucks for excellent service is almost always worthwhile.

[rth54]

I agree kevin... unless there is a substantial difference in price, better service always takes precedence.

[blue32]

I bet if you sent Jim an email, told him what you saw it priced at another retailer for, and see if he can match it. You never know, you might be surprised. I know he has done it for me in the past, and it doesn't hurt to ask.