Return To Steel

[rth54]

I was talking to an umpire gear retailer recently who told me that in his conversations with umpires that there is a trend back toward steel frame masks in lieu of the lighter weight frames (Titanium, etc). I have seen more dynalite frames than last year among the MLB guys, but I don't know if it means anything.

Anybody got any thoughts?

[johnnyg08]

I'm pretty sure there's a fair amount of proof that while titanium is lighter, it is not stronger and the expensive titanium masks are getting dented while overall the steel ones are no longer much heavier and a lot more durable.

[Thunderheads]

I'm pretty sure there's a fair amount of proof that while titanium is lighter, it is not stronger and the expensive titanium masks are getting dented while overall the steel ones are no longer much heavier and a lot more durable.

AND ................NOT that much heavier ............. ala the All-Star hollow "I-bar" frames, among others...........

[kylejt]

The Champro magnesium is pretty light, as is the silver aluminum Diamond. And those hollow tube steel frames that everyone sells are right behind them in weight. No real reason to spend 2-3 times as much for a Ti frame anymore, other than the cool factor. Remember, it's the cool factor that has guys paying big $ for Nike masks, Mizuno throat protectors, and Power chest protectors.

Not that there's anything wrong with being cool.

[boyinr]

KyleJT you are spot on. It is all about the cool. Most of the titanium masks are no lighter than some of the steel masks. The most popular TI frame is probably the Wilson and that is no feather weight as compared to the Champro magnesium or the Diamond aluminum frames. My only knock on the Champro or the Diamond is the poor quality of the standard pads. I dislike the idea of buying a new mask then having to add another $40 for decent pads.

I have worn either the All Star FM2000UMP and FM25TI all season. According to thier website they both weigh about the same. The big differences i.s the FM2000 is a single bar and $150 cheaper but, it does not have the panache of the TI. Both have the LUC micro-fiber pads which I was prepared to not like but, now I love them.

I can't wait for the All Star FM4000UMP to hit the market at approx. 16 ounces for a hollow steel mask frame. Coupled with All Stars testing I think that that mask will be a winner.

[boyinr]

KyleJT you are spot on. It is all about the cool. Most of the titanium masks are no lighter than some of the steel masks. The most popular TI frame is probably the Wilson and that is no feather weight as compared to the Champro magnesium or the Diamond aluminum frames. My only knock on the Champro or the Diamond is the poor quality of the standard pads. I dislike the idea of buying a new mask then having to add another $40 for decent pads.

I have worn either the All Star FM2000UMP and FM25TI all season. According to thier website they both weigh about the same. The big differences i.s the FM2000 is a single bar and $150 cheaper but, it does not have the panache of the TI. Both have the LUC micro-fiber pads which I was prepared to not like but, now I love them.

I can't wait for the All Star FM4000UMP to hit the market at approx. 16 ounces for a hollow steel mask frame. Coupled with All Stars testing I think that that mask will be a winner.

[rth54]

I have a brand new champro magnesium that I'm never going to use if anyone is interested... Pm me

[UmpPhil]

Like all of you most of the people in my umpiring association are in the same boat. I will never get stuck with more than 2 plates in a day and wearing a standard steel mask doesn't drain me. And with the slew of pics I've seen lately of dented and dinged up Titanium frames I feel like my $47 dollar steel caged Wilson mask was a pretty safe investment. They look slick but I want to save my money for a nice set of West Vest Gold Gear.