Stupid question time: fitting of traditional mask?

[scrounge]

OK, this is slightly embarrassing but I couldn't think of a better place to (anonymously!) ask, so here goes: after a full first season (90+ games) using a HSM, I got a brand new Diamond DFM-UMP silver mask at an end-of-season clearance at a pretty good price. I'd been thinking of going traditional mask just out of curiousity, as well as - admittedly - appearances (not sure that's really a concern, but I dunno). Plus, I thought it might be cooler on hot days paired with a mesh hat. Can't really test that last part in fall ball now, since 100 degree days are long gone here in central Ohio.

My question is how loose should a traditional mask be tightened? I wore it in a youth game last night and it just felt, I dunno, odd. I've got it fairly loose so I don't pop my hat off removing (which I did on two occasions). The hat wasn't supertight either - a flexfit that's fine for bases. The mask felt like it would drift down and the lesser vision compared to my HSM seemed to bring the top bar into my field of view. I don't think it impaired my game, but I was conscious of it the entire game. I've read that one of the advantages of traditional masks is that they rotate when hit, deflecting energy. Would a tighter strap fit negate that? Should it move much if you shake your head? Or is this just transition that would presumably go away? Anyone transition from HSM to traditional?

[UmpJM]

scrounge,

Not a stupid question at all. Probably one that too may people DON'T ask.

I did just like you - first year I used an HSM and then switched to a traditional mask which I've stuck with since.

In a nutshell, the mask should be worn LOOSE. It should be loose enough that if you bend over and look down, the chin part of the mask should fall away from your face 3-4".

As far as it "sliding down"..... The brim of your cap should support the mask so that it is "vertically stationary" while you are wearing it. Lose the flex-fit and get yourself a proper, fitted umpire hat.

JM

[noumpere]

The hat wasn't supertight either - a flexfit that's fine for bases.

That is probably too loose for the plate. Many umpires wear a size down on the plate or because the hats vary even when they are listed as the same size wear one thats on the tighter side and I sure wouldnt use a flexfit there for just the reason you mention.

[Thunderheads]

your answer lies above!

for plate work, rock a fitted hat ...figure out your size and order one up in the offseason to make sure that size DOES indeed work for you. That should solve your issue....

[NWA_UMP]

DING DING DING...we have winners...read and be informed.

I asked the very same question about 3 years ago. I have followed it ever since and have had not issues with slippage or obstructed vision. I use a magnesium mask and have taken several shots that have left a permenant mark on the frame(bends)...

The mask will fly off when hit and the crowd goes wild! The best part is the energy is sent with the mask and not into your melon.

[Thunderheads]

DING DING DING...we have winners...read and be informed.

I asked the very same question about 3 years ago. I have followed it ever since and have had not issues with slippage or obstructed vision. I use a magnesium mask and have taken several shots that have left a permenant mark on the frame(bends)...

The mask will fly off when hit and the crowd goes wild! The best part is the energy is sent with the mask and not into your melon.

Not the best, but .......this is a glancing blow and the mask still 'rotates' ........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzuVSn3YXY4

[grayhawk]

DING DING DING...we have winners...read and be informed.

I asked the very same question about 3 years ago. I have followed it ever since and have had not issues with slippage or obstructed vision. I use a magnesium mask and have taken several shots that have left a permenant mark on the frame(bends)...

The mask will fly off when hit and the crowd goes wild! The best part is the energy is sent with the mask and not into your melon.

Not the best, but .......this is a glancing blow and the mask still 'rotates' ........

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=BzuVSn3YXY4

That happened in my last game - got all 3 of us!

[Umpire in Chief]

All of the above are great answers, but I'll add one more thing...

Some guys both including MLB guys attach their harness to the outter ear bar. This gives the mask additional freedom to spin and deflect the impact as it has less contact with your head.

[Jeff C.]

I've been pondering switching to a traditional mask. My question is about eyeglasses & the traditional mask. When the mask flies off, does it do any "damage" to your glasses? Or is it really not an issue. I'm thinking of making the switch because of sweat and heat issues.

[Thunderheads]

I've been pondering switching to a traditional mask. My question is about eyeglasses & the traditional mask. When the mask flies off, does it do any "damage" to your glasses? Or is it really not an issue. I'm thinking of making the switch because of sweat and heat issues.

I've worn sunglasses plenty of times under a mask and never had any issues. For eyeglasses ...I'd use a strap to keep them secure just in case.......

[BretMan]

First things first...a "shout out" to a fellow central Ohio blue! Where are you working games in these parts?

I tried a flex fit hat on the plate once. Never again. It just didn't have a tight enough fit to stay put or help hold up my mask. One good thing is that we have a brick & mortar umpire store here in town and we can actually try things on before buying them. Get a good fitting hat! Depending on the profile of your mask, an eight-stitch hat might not work (though I've used one before). You might want to go with the four or six-stitch (I usually use the six).

All good advice here on wearing the mask loose!

I wear glasses, or prescription sunglasses, and cannot recall ever having any issues with my mask because of them.

[Lefty]

I've been pondering switching to a traditional mask. My question is about eyeglasses & the traditional mask. When the mask flies off, does it do any "damage" to your glasses? Or is it really not an issue. I'm thinking of making the switch because of sweat and heat issues.

I wear glasses and use a traditional mask. I use a strap to hold them on. I have had my mask hit numerous times. My glasses have not been knocked off due to the strap.

I have even had my mask knocked off but the glasses stayed in place. Wearing the traditional mask with glasses should not be a problem.

Lefty

[scrounge]

Hi! Now just a rec league in a NW suburb, but did all over this year. City league, OCC, rec league, senior league, adult league, youth travel. Whatever I could get. I definitely will get the hat tighter, as many have suggested. In fact, the mask was bought at that brick & mortar store - I meant to get a fitted hat as well but I forgot.

First things first...a "shout out" to a fellow central Ohio blue! Where are you working games in these parts?

I tried a flex fit hat on the plate once. Never again. It just didn't have a tight enough fit to stay put or help hold up my mask. One good thing is that we have a brick & mortar umpire store here in town and we can actually try things on before buying them. Get a good fitting hat! Depending on the profile of your mask, an eight-stitch hat might not work (though I've used one before). You might want to go with the four or six-stitch (I usually use the six).

All good advice here on wearing the mask loose!

I wear glasses, or prescription sunglasses, and cannot recall ever having any issues with my mask because of them.