HSM w/Bangerz shield

[Jboval]

I know there is a lot of debate on here about the HSM vs. Mask, but I want to say that the concerns about the heat are not TRUE! I got my new Shock FX 2.0, and the amount of ventilation on top is amazing, when you combine this with the fact that you don't wear a hat, you actually dissipate a lot more hear from the old Noggin than when you have the cap on with a traditional mask.

Now on mine I added the Bangerz shield. It isn't designed perfectly to fit the Shock FX, but it still fits just fine. I got both shields, Amber and Smoke, and put the smoke on my HSM, and put the Amber on my regular mask. Again, the Amber shield is not designed to fit the traditional mask, but along with my reflective shield still installed at the top of the mask, it installs and is fully functional and looks fine.

So for those of you interested in those shields, they are expensive ($25 ea.), but in my experience so far, well worth it. Find myself flinching so much less often to keep dirt out of my eyes on the high pitches!

One last thing, the shield does make the helmet loud... If you are a 'quiet voice' umpire (really? are there any?), then you may not want to combine the shield with the HSM, if you are sensitive to loud sounds, you may not want to combine the two. All I can say is that I was louder, I felt I could also hear better with the HSM on (I think it focuses sounds around the ear more, basically the mask acts like a 'big ear'), but I got used to it, and I didn't feel like it was LOUD, just louder. With the mask, really not much difference.

I did use the smoke shield under the lights, and could see just fine. I put the amber shield on under the lights, and felt there was quite a bit of reflection in my vision, but I have not used it for a full game yet.

Last thing... man the reactions I got were sweet. "Awesome mask, man, wish my catchers helmet had that". The shield on the HSM looks pretty darn sweet, even if I say so myself.

Has anyone else had experience with these at all? Any other feedback?

[slo8140]

It would be great if you could attach some pics of both your shock and regular mask with these shields attached.

[Jboval]

I will try to snap some later this evening and get them on here. The shields have little holes and come with these small, thin velcro straps that go through them, allowing you to attach to the mask/cage. Looks like they would line up with just about any cage out there since they are somewhat 'adjustable' due to the velcro straps. I was curious if the velcro will hold up, and once I see that I am going to have no issues with the shield, I will probably replace the velcro with some black zip ties, but for right now I wanted to make sure I could easily remove the shield if I was having any issues.

Also, I took a hit straight to the mask, right in the sight/open area of the cage. I was wondering how it would react to a direct and good hit, but not a problem at all. The shields are pretty flimsy, which means they give instead of cracking when met with force.

[JaxRolo]

Could you please get a Part # for the shield you used on the regular mask?

I looked around their site but could not find it.

[kylejt]

I'll stick to my Oakley M frames, thanks.

[Kevin Finnerty]

I'm not sure that it's really even necessary, is it? How much of a problem is flying dirt? Does it really happen that often that you have to protect against it? Or is it to enhance vision?

[Astrosdawg07]

I'll stick to my Oakley M frames, thanks.

Thats got to be hotter than hell.

[Kevin Finnerty]

From what my mom told me, hell is pretty hot.

[Jboval]

Nope, not hot, seriously. Although on a 90 degree day I may tell you different. But until then, it is very comfortable, and I seem to get hit in the eyes once a game with dirt, and given my allergies and eye trouble, I feel much safer with this thing in place.

I think if you go to Bangerz website and look under catchers equipment, you will find it.

[semper_fi_72]

Nope, not hot, seriously. Although on a 90 degree day I may tell you different. But until then, it is very comfortable, and I seem to get hit in the eyes once a game with dirt, and given my allergies and eye trouble, I feel much safer with this thing in place.

I think if you go to Bangerz website and look under catchers equipment, you will find it.

90 degree days are cool.

We have 110-115 degree days here in San Bernardino area.

Try sunglasses for day games and yellow tinted shooting glasses for night games.

I wear contacts and also need to keep the dirt out of my eyes. The yellow shooting glasses even brighten things up for you on overcast days or for night games.

[Jboval]

110-115? But is a 'dry heat' right? lol I am here in nice sultry Orlando, so our days can get pretty darn humid, so I will let you know how it holds up. The nice thing is that the shields are very easily removed with the velcros. Gets too bad and I can take it off in about 10 seconds between innings.

[kcfan102]

I am slightly interested but would like to kno what it looks like on the Shock.

Post some pics man!

[semper_fi_72]

110-115? But is a 'dry heat' right? lol I am here in nice sultry Orlando, so our days can get pretty darn humid, so I will let you know how it holds up. The nice thing is that the shields are very easily removed with the velcros. Gets too bad and I can take it off in about 10 seconds between innings.

Was in Orlando for a week last July...I am sorry, humidity sucks

I don't care if it is dry or not....110-115 if F..in hot :wow:

[Kevin Finnerty]

Someone to me in Tucson, Arizona: "It's a dry heat."

Me in response: "That's very true. It feels quite dry as it sears my windpipe when I take a breath."

[Jboval]

Just worked a game last weekend with this HSM with the shield in place. For sure I thought I would be hot. I have to tell you, I was definitely cooler with this on that my partner doing the bases with his cap on. I love it! There was a very slight breeze, so maybe on a still day it will be bad, but so far, I am beyond surprised. I have pics, but I can't get them to post right, so if you want, just ask with your email.

[Umpire in Chief]

Email them to me I'll get them in there for you.