Equipment Bag?

[Thunderheads]

While the bag concept with EVERYTHING in it certainly makes great sense (obviously or I wouldn't have inquired), I must say that I'm one of those who has my stuff in my trunk. I have an organizer I designed myself where everything goes. Shoes, belts, LGs, CP, mask, accessories, etc. Jerseys and pants go in the back seat on hangers. With 2011 being my second season back after a 15 year layoff, I must say that to date, I haven't forgotten anything yet.

Finn: your comment is probably true with most people, but there are a few that don't have a bag and don't forget

Now that you mention it, there is one guy I know, who works out of his trunk who's organized and efficient in the way you describe. All the power to you, if it works.

I simply can not and should not be hard-pressed for time when I am doing something important, and umpiring is important to me. I need a self-contained system, so that I am assured that everything is in order, so that I can be focused on the task of working the ballgame.

And, I need to be able to A) Carry all my stuff into the house after a ballgame, B ) Carry all my stuff up a flight of stairs when I am starting the day from the office, and C) Carry my stuff to and from a locker room during the summer, fall and winter tournaments and scrimmages. I don't sleep next to my gear, but I sleep better knowing it's not in the car. I have a hatchback and I don't want someone to break in and take all my crap.

It's a lot of security for the expense of merely a fee from one doubleheader. (I should start peddling equipment bags.)

The reason it works for me, and /or has worked is the number of games I do per season. It's easy to keep things organized in my hatch area for the summer and fall without an issue w/ my current number of games. I'm expecting to get more this coming season, and that's my question about a bag. Also, traveling for tourneys, clinic, etc etc...much easier. I understand the 'containment' thingy very well!

[noumpere]

I simply can not and should not be hard-pressed for time when I am doing something important, and umpiring is important to me. I need a self-contained system, so that I am assured that everything is in order, so that I can be focused on the task of working the ballgame.

I think you italicsed the wrong word in the second sentence. The emphasis should of been on the I not on the need. That is to say that YOU need a self-contained system you can take in and back out a couple of times a day all season long. That doesnt apply to everyone. I do enjoy reading your posts but I have to say that sometimes they come across as saying that your way is the only way and everyone else is wrong becuase they dont have your values

For me for example I leave the bag in the car all season long. I take in whatever I wore that day and take the same clean items back out that night. The bag contains all the stuff I need, but not too much of the backup stuff. If I forget something, and I cant remember the last time that was, then I get it out of the backup box that stays also stays in the car (so if Im in a locker room, I go back out to the car but if im dressing at the car I just reach for it). Id rather walk back to the car once every 10 seasons or so than carry all the crap every weekend and 3 times a week or so. Again just my opinion and I recognise that yours might be different.

Oh, and someone above asked about the clamshell bags and a car trunk. I do notice that several umpire buddies here do have to take there bags out of the trunks to use them so some other solution might be better for you.

[Kevin Finnerty]

My motivation to share a method or a solution that I have found to be successful is purely out of generosity, not self-involvement.

I have incurred great monetary expense trying things that didn't work, and I am concerned that others know what has worked and what hasn't in an attempt to save them the same amount of time and money that I have wasted.

So if you mistake my motivations for anything else, I will try to convey my views in a more suitable fashion. I have tried many things, and will continue to do so. And I will continue to share my findings.

Because, I need to be of help to others.

[rth54]

Kevin, I , for one, am profoundly appreciative for your sharing the results of your gear explorations.

Thanks for sharing.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Well, thank you, Blue! I appreciate the kind words.

[Thunderheads]

I simply can not and should not be hard-pressed for time when I am doing something important, and umpiring is important to me. I need a self-contained system, so that I am assured that everything is in order, so that I can be focused on the task of working the ballgame.

I think you italicsed the wrong word in the second sentence. The emphasis should of been on the I not on the need. That is to say that YOU need a self-contained system you can take in and back out a couple of times a day all season long. That doesnt apply to everyone. I do enjoy reading your posts but I have to say that sometimes they come across as saying that your way is the only way and everyone else is wrong becuase they dont have your values

I think you need to read Kevin's posts more carefully. He always talks about what works for him and why and he NEVER imposes his values on someone else. He's one of THE contributors to this board when it comes to handy-dandy hints. Re-read, I think you'll see what I'm talking about...he clearly says in the post above ... I NEED .... not ...YOU SHOULD ..... see what I mean ?

[kylejt]

All of my clothes are folded up in the bottom.. I am too lazy or smart to carry around 2 bags..LOL

Hey, I resemble that remark.

For me, it really depends on the situation. If it's one game, and I know what I'm wearing, one bag will do. If it's a tournament, I'm bringing a clothing bag, and a gear bag. If it's cold, a rarity here in San Diego, I might bring a garment bag with a plate coat.

I know guys who carry all their gear in their car, and they are really well organized. Yeah, some guys just toss stuff around, but the guys I know have a show palace in the back of their SUVs or stations wagons. Everybody does it differently.

[Thunderheads]

Well, it sounds like I can't lose with either the Pro 9, Diamond, or the Force 3 really ......

[sdix00]

I am participating in a symbolic ritual right now.

My wife gets mad when I buy stuff for myself around Xmas time. So, since a bag is next on my list, I have to move it to my Xmas list. . . and wait.

I have all but filled out the order form for the Force3 so all she has to do is click the [submit Order] button.

Can't wait to open it on Xmas morning.

I should have told her to get me a Nutty Buddy and Jock combo. That would make for some fun conversation at Grandma's house.

[Thunderheads]

I am participating in a symbolic ritual right now.

My wife gets mad when I buy stuff for myself around Xmas time. So, since a bag is next on my list, I have to move it to my Xmas list. . . and wait.

I have all but filled out the order form for the Force3 so all she has to do is click the [submit Order] button.

Can't wait to open it on Xmas morning.

I should have told her to get me a Nutty Buddy and Jock combo. That would make for some fun conversation at Grandma's house.

" .... Look Grandma ....MONGO!!! " :angel4:

[sdix00]

I am participating in a symbolic ritual right now.

My wife gets mad when I buy stuff for myself around Xmas time. So, since a bag is next on my list, I have to move it to my Xmas list. . . and wait.

I have all but filled out the order form for the Force3 so all she has to do is click the [submit Order] button.

Can't wait to open it on Xmas morning.

I should have told her to get me a Nutty Buddy and Jock combo. That would make for some fun conversation at Grandma's house.

" .... Look Grandma ....MONGO!!! "

She already knows that. She used to change my diaper.

[Thunderheads]

I am participating in a symbolic ritual right now.

My wife gets mad when I buy stuff for myself around Xmas time. So, since a bag is next on my list, I have to move it to my Xmas list. . . and wait.

I have all but filled out the order form for the Force3 so all she has to do is click the [submit Order] button.

Can't wait to open it on Xmas morning.

I should have told her to get me a Nutty Buddy and Jock combo. That would make for some fun conversation at Grandma's house.

" .... Look Grandma ....MONGO!!! "

She already knows that. She used to change my diaper.

:Spit_20Laugh:

[boyinr]

I have decided on the new Diamond 33" model. Ordering it as soon as my new debit card comes. No sense involving SWMBO in an purchase of some swag that won't see the field for 6 months.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Did you get your new debit card yet?

[boyinr]

Go it this weekend and buying the bag tonite. Had to switch from my bank to a credit union. The bank can keep all of their fees now.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Go it this weekend and buying the bag tonite. Had to switch from my bank to a credit union. The bank can keep all of their fees now.

I have all my savings and checking accounts, check card, MasterCard and car loan through a credit union where my father has been a member since the mid-60s. The car loan is actually a 2.9 percent personal loan, so I already own the car. Once my wife gets real and moves her checking account and our joint account over, the only thing I'll have at B of A is our mortgage. And when we refinance that down, we'll be done with them, and I won't even go near a bank for anything anymore. Monstrous jokes, all of them.

When I call the credit union or walk into its office, I get greeted by name by someone I also know by name. See that happening at your local B of A or Citibank? Chase or Wells Fargo perhaps?

Not me.

[Thunderheads]

I am not a fan of lugging around a bag with words like Wilson and Diamond slathered on the sides. Let the ball players use that stuff.

I guess I don't get this comment. I mean, we use Wilson CP and masks. Is that different? I've looked at the Force 3 bag, and I'm still considering it (although I'd like confirmation that the zipper issue has been worked out), but that's not a reason I'm considering this bag... Obviously, to each his own.

For some it is ...

I don't own anything Wilson, and primarily because of the HUGE UGLY YELLOW "W". I understand what Chris is saying. But, to each his own...some love it, some don't mind, some can't stand it....

Based on Chris's comment, I bet he's not rocking a Wilson mask or CP....

But you own an All-Star, which also has a logo and is also used by players. I'm certainly not going out of my way to pay to advertise for a company, but if the product I want happens to have a logo, I'm not going to not get it just because of that. Like I said, to each his own, this just doesn't seem like a great reason to buy, or not buy, a particular bag. Just sayin'...

I think it's more of the logo style, or size ..... I mean, things can be OVER-logo'd ....is that word ?:givebeer:

[Thunderheads]

Interesting ...

From UmpAttire, ...Wilson bag is 119, Diamond is (approx) 140 ..either size

Pro 9 is 150, Force 3 is 135 (at Honigs)...I could actually go look at that one!

I'm being requested to make a Christmas list, ....trying to narrow it down, but I think maybe the old gift cert is best!:shrug:

[Kevin Finnerty]

Pro Nine with free shipping

[boyinr]

This is what I was looking at. The 33" Diamond for $123 plus shipping.

http://baseball.epicsports.com/prod/5517/diamond-deluxe-pro-umpire-gear-wheel-bag.html

[Kevin Finnerty]

If you know for sure that you want this exact item and will be happy with it no matter what, then buy it from Epic Sports, which has a return policy that charges such a high re-stocking fee that it eats up more than just the discount.

I bought a large Wilson Gold for $135.00 from Epic. I needed an extra large. The return would have cost me something like $70.00 for a re-stocking fee. So I sold it to a member of this site,for $120.00 on good faith, only to have the member---a fairly young man---suddenly suffer early onset memory loss right when it was time to pay me my last $50.00. Then I did what I should have done in the first place: I bought one from Ump-Attire for a hassle-free $160.00. So I tried to save $25, and it cost me $90.

This bag seems like a safe buy. But buyer beware when you deal with Epic.

P.S. Every other time I sold something at or below cost to a fellow Empire member, I was dealt with in a timely and honorable manner. So thanks to all of you for being more honorable and reliable than the unnamed deadbeat from the lower midwest.

[NWA_UMP]

Kevin, at $121 for the 33" Diamond. Epic is not really a good retailer to buy from based soley on price. I have had similar experiences with Epic but I was popped for a restocking fee on an item that was on back order and would be shipped for 6 weeks. Come to find out they never shipped the item and dropped it from their site! But they sure kept some of my money....:(

[boyinr]

NWA and Kevin:

Thanks for the heads up. I checked the status and it stated it was "in stock". I doubt that they have anything in stock and suspect that everything is dropprd shipped from the supplier. Between their order filling delay and the shippping it is not going to be here until 11/21. I wont need it for 5 months or so.

I had a credit with them for a prior purchase so UPS ground shipping was less than $2.50. The different from other sites was half a game fee. Too much $ to turn down.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Kevin, at $121 for the 33" Diamond. Epic is not really a good retailer to buy from based soley on price. I have had similar experiences with Epic but I was popped for a restocking fee on an item that was on back order and would be shipped for 6 weeks. Come to find out they never shipped the item and dropped it from their site! But they sure kept some of my money....

Epic boasts of having one of the largest selections of balls in the industry.

They have a lot of balls, all right.

[Thunderheads]

Pro Nine with free shipping

WOW, ...this is promising. Not only am Iooking at something that I KNOW HAS BEEN TESTED (this is Kevin's recommendation for a bag) ....but that's the best price I've seen! At this rate, I'm going to lean either ProNine, or the Force3. I'm considering the Force3 because of the extra's that come with it, the upgrades, and ....I'm a 25 minute ride to Honig's World Headquarters! I love to see stuff before I buy. I haven't seen the ProNine, but I know Kevin, I've met him, and there's no one more passionate about gear. His word is golden....thanks bud ;)