Traditional vs. HSM

[Umpire in Chief]

Okay I realize this topic has been covered too many times to count elsewhere, but it is a new season and many people upgrade and make changes to their equipment.

I bought a new traditional mask this off season. I earlier had every intention of buying a HSM until I tried one on. I told a good friend I was looking at an HSM like his and he allowed me to borrow one of his. I took it and tried it out and as much as I like the view the look, and the protection, I did find it uncomfortable and sounds were echoed and muffled. I told him I really didn't care for it, so he let me try is other one. Not much difference his other brand of helmet fit better but I still didn't like it as much as I thought I would. I'm so glad I talked to him before shelling out any money.

[semperfiguy]

Wally- i wear a traditional mask. I did notice wilsons new shock fx hsm. Certainly looks hot. But helmets are just not my style. I am somewhat traditional. My current pluspos mask is starting to wear as teh vinyl coating is peeling off. I just dont know which one to buy. I call upper level ball and am willing to pay for my protection. Let me know if you have any suggestions.

[littleleagueump]

Go with the wilson dynalite. Look for the doe or calf skin. The helmets, well I never tried one but I know a foul ball to the head will ring your ears. Go with the mask and a 6 stitch cap. Don't get a beannie.

[Umpire in Chief]

Go with the wilson dynalite. Look for the doe or calf skin. The helmets, well I never tried one but I konw a foul ball to the head will ring your ears. Go with the mask and cap.

I like your thinking... I bought this over the winter and finally get to wear it Saturday

[littleleagueump]

I like your thinking... I bought this over the winter and finally get to wear it Saturday

After looking later, the best mask is called chrome by Wilson. It may cost a little more but you chin and cheeks will not feel bad at the end of the day. This is the one I have along with two others that I don't use anymore.

[littleleagueump]

In addition, what ever you do, do not buy the plastic framed mask. In two years with lots of use it will dry rot on you. The sun will weaken the plastic and it will crack on you.

[Bigdog]

Hey all,

I prefer traditional style masks over HSM. Heat retention, ear ringing, etc...

I wear a Honig's K-82 and love it!

Bigdog:cool:

[umpire54]

Hey all,

I prefer traditional style masks over HSM. Heat retention, ear ringing, etc...

I wear a Honig's K-82 and love it!

Bigdog:cool:

I been using the helmet about 5 years now, first 2 I had a cheep helmet, had the ear rings, but when you buy a good helmet, you won't have the ear rings, like the new Wilson or I have use the ALL STAR MVP2200SL for 3 years now and it's great. I use the traditional for about 10 years before going to the helmet

[BrianC14]

Wilson Shock wearer here. I haven't had these reported issues with heat, noise, etc.

Wilson Dynalite A3009WV was what I'd been wearing, and now it's my backup.

I worked an intrasquad scrimmage last weekend where pitchers were being clocked at 85-88 MPH, and took a foul ball straight back - it hit me right at the bottom of the HSM, near the gap between the helmet and the CP. No worries. I wondered later what it would have been like wearing a mask. Probably would have hurt, given the smaller area of coverage right there. B)

Just my $1.18, (adjusted for inflation).

[BT_Blue]

Brian,

Have you thought of getting something to fill that gap between the mask and the CP. Living in Los Angeles we all remember Kerwin Danley taking that shot. Something I dont want to hear or see ever again.

[BrianC14]

Brian,

Have you thought of getting something to fill that gap between the mask and the CP. Living in Los Angeles we all remember Kerwin Danley taking that shot. Something I dont want to hear or see ever again.

And that's very nearly where I got hit, where Danley got it - though he got it more in the jaw from a pitch at 96MPH; mine was certainly slower, and it hit straight on the collarbone area, but thank goodness the Platinum covers that area. And Danley was wearing a traditional mask; big difference in coverage there.

Edited February 27, 2009 by BrianC14

[BT_Blue]

In hind sight, a very good point. I just now mentally pitcher Danley in his Wilson Shock with that hockey style throat guard.

[JordanF]

I have worn both, but prefer the traditional style mask. I just bought the wilson titanium mask and mounted an inboard 6" throat protector. It is super light and has great visibility.