Champro Pro Plus CP

[AJtheUMP]

I have been sharing gear with my partner and am looking to get my own. I have settled on a mask and shin guards and am looking at this CP. I have looked all over the forum and seen it mentioned but there is not much info. I will be calling all summer league ball this year (up to 16U) but may get into some high school next year. Would this be sufficient for that? I believe there is a hard plastic layer under the padding, does pad->shell make it less protective then shell->pad? I would appreciate a review and any input!

http://www.sportsfanoutlet.com/champro-umpire-chest-protector-pro-plus-umpire-chest-protector.html

[catsbackr]

WOW, you have a very nice partner.

[JaxRolo]

I am not a fan of that model.

But if you are trying to save money go for something like this instead.

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If can afford it go with the All-Stars, WV Gold or Platinum

Sorry about the image. Just copy the link.

Edited January 30, 2012 by JaxRolo

[scrounge]

I own that Champro model (well, actually my son does as I upgraded last yr to a Wilson Gold). It's alright, I liked it. Nice snug fit, not too bulky, decent protection for a soft-shell. Not sure I'd be keen on using it for very high-level high school ball, but I took a couple shots and felt it but didn't feel any pain or anything.

HOWEVER, there is one big caveat, about those plastic connectors on the side. Last Aug, in a run of the mill 8 yr old rec league game, my son took a fairly light foul ball that hit that connector just so. And wouldn't you know it, it shattered half of it. What's more, it's permanently attached and Champro couldn't or wouldn't help me out with a replacement part, even if I paid for it. The CP is still usable and what he plans on using for this year - but it's taking some duct tape to hold it in place. Which works - but not the best looking.

[kylejt]

^{I don't know the physics behind it, but the soft padding over hard plastic just doesn't protect like the other way around.}

^{Okay, you've got to trust me on this, because I've had a second rate cheat protector knock my heart out of sync. BUY PROFESSIONAL GEAR. Yeah, it's a lot more money, but it's worth it.}

^{Wilson West Vest Gold, or Platinum. All Star System 7, Douglas are all fine protectors, and run around $150. TONS more that that Champion, but well worth it.}

^{Another consideration is resale value. Pro gear is easy to sell second hand, and has a great market value. Those $150 protectors often fetch $100, even after several years of use. So, your effective cost is about the same as buying a $50 dollar protector that you can't give away in a couple of years. Factor in the superior protection, the and choice is pretty clear.}

^{Another alternative is the Champion 200 series (200,210,220), They are decent hard shell rigs, that will protect you. Not as nice as the above, but a great value. But, again, trust me on this, if you continue in umpiring you will want a pro model somewhere down the line.}

[kylejt]

What's more, it's permanently attached and Champro couldn't or wouldn't help me out with a replacement part, even if I paid for it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BUCKLE-SET-MOLLE-II-BAG-REPAIR-REPLACEMENT-STRAP-12-pc-US-ARMY-USMC-USAF-PACK-/290664402470?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43acf2ce26

This is a buckle replacement kit for a military backpack. Notice that the "permanent" buckle side is slotted, in order to feed the loop through it. It's a handy fix. Just saw the old one off, and slip in a new one. I don't know if these are the exact size as yours, but I just measured the straps on my backpack, and they measure 1" and 1.5" inches. If that's the size of the strap on your Champion, you've now got a cheap fix.

[Kevin Finnerty]

You will have issues with this protector as soon as the pitching is 80-plus, and that particular quality issue that was just mentioned can happen at any speed.

The plates on the outside definitely protect better. Just because the name has "pro" in it doesn't mean it will provide adequate protection in a real hardball setting. If a new hard shell is not in your budget, get a used hard shell.

Part of the cost of a soft shell is the hard shell that replaces it, and the difference between what you paid for the soft shell and how much it re-sells for (hint: not much).

Example:

Diamond Cool Vest: $75 plus shipping ($87 total)

Wilson Platinum: $150 plus shipping ($162 total)

minus the resale price on the near-new Diamond after a mere five games' use: $30

Net price of Wilson Platinum: $219

Get the pro gear at the outset, and you will never regret it.

P.S. I know I reiterated what Kyle posted, but I hadn't the chance to read his before posting mine. But, obviously it rings true.

[sdix00]

@AJohnson1209 - Not following the above advice has cost me about $300 over the last two years.

GTBGYCA

Get the best gear you can afford.

[AJtheUMP]

WOW, you have a very nice partner.

yeah, we have known each other for years.

Im disappointed to hear that as my funds are very limited, plus SWMBO is of the impression borrowing is sufficient, so for me to have talked my way into any budget is good! This is actually more sufficient than the one my partner has, so maybe I can save this season and donate it to him for summer ball when I upgrade down the road.

As for the plastic connectors I have a camera bag that has heavy duty metal ones I was thinking I could trade them out, since its overkill on a camera bag.

Or I could always go for the pillow.

[Hackman61]

I'm using the next model up that utilzes the hard shell. The Champro Pro Plus Plate something something. I've only used it a few times, but I am getting ready for the upcoming season where I will be doing JV and Varsity middle school games. I think it should be ok, but honestly I am looking at going up to the Gold. My hard shell Champro cost me about $80. I wish I had gone for the Wilson Gold to start with. Oh well, live and learn.

[Umpire in Chief]

Another alternative and IMO one of the best values in CPs is the Wilson Charcoal.

http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=A3217-CHA13&Category_Code=CHEST-PROTECTOR&Product_Count=4

Adequate protection, good padding. It will take the sting off of a hit, but you will still feel it. I know somebody who has used this for D-1 games, I wouldn't, but he feels comfortable with it.

You mentioned funds being tight. We all know that story. I would suggest doing what it takes to get the better protection. If that means ebay, craigslist, etc or if it means squirreling away some of your game fees to dedicate to your equipment and continue sharing for the immediate future. Hackman & Dix refer to it costing them more money to buy lesser equipment then upgrade later. I know that sometimes it is a necessity, but see what you are able to make happen.

Best of luck

[NWA_UMP]

I have a similar CP...I have taken some shot with it in summer varsity wood bat league. I have felt the impact and the bruise lasted for about a week...needless to say I am stepping up to the All Star for this season and handing this one down to my son...works 9 and under ONLY.

If funds are tight the charcoal wilson is a great purchase...it can be found for under $90 on-line. Be safe, not sorry...

[AJtheUMP]

UIC I saw that one in a local store in my area. I may go back and give it a second look so I can try it on a get a feel for it. I may try to find some cheaper shin guards so I can get this one! Thanks for pointing that out! In your opinion would this (wilson) be sufficient for HS ball? I dont see myself going any higher than that.

OK, so I am down to these 2 now.

The wilson looks like the collar bone area may not be that well protected IMO. But I AM the new guy after all.

[Kevin Finnerty]

I am showing an ebay listing for two reasons. First, of course, it is to show that by spending a few more bucks, you can have one of the best CPs by buying used. But I am also showing it to prove the point that Kyle has been making for years: With a full day left, this guy has someone bidding over $100 for a used chest protector. It will likely go for $120 or more, plus shipping.

These things perform at an outstanding level, and keep a large share of their original value. If you really shop, you can get a Platinum for just a few dollars more than this thing is going to go for. Used Platinum on ebay

Or do as NWA suggested. Get the Wilson Charcoal. It's outstanding protection for high school and it goes for $10 more than that soft-shell you're considering.

[boyinr]

Another way to look at is.......what is the cost of your co-pay for one ER/Doctor visit? Or the lost wages from your real job becasue you got stung and had to miss a day? I will bet it is less than the difference between pro gear and something else. Additionally the day you figure out that your old gear isn't up to anymore is likely to be a painful lesson. My priorities for buying gear are:

1. Mask

2. Cup

3. Chest Protector

4. Plate shoes

5. Shin Guards

I wished I had dug a little deeper when I bought my first set of gear. If I had I would have more money in my pocket and a much lower Ebay rating.

Best of luck.

[dl1340]

Do what ever it takes to buy the best gear the first time. I am entering my third year of umpiring. I did some varsity level games this fall. I had a wilson WV platnium. I took several shot, didn't fell a thing. I have already bought all my gear 2 or 3 times by not following advice above. I have replaced, umpire bag, umpire plate shoes, shin guards, 2 chest protectors, and I replaced the mask because I wanted a lighter mask. Don't know your size but I got a set of 16 honigs k10 leg guards and a honigs mask with like new pads that I will let you have a very good price. This would save you money to get a nice CP. I just sold a WV platnium last week, going with a All-Star CP in the spring

[Kevin Finnerty]

Boyinr: That's not just another way to look at it, that's the best way to look at it.

Horsesh!t plate shoes ($50), plus the co-pay for having the bones in your foot re-set and cast in plaster ($100-$500), plus the lost pay and diminished performance level (thousands?), plus the human suffering is the cost of a lousy pair of plate shoes. The cost of a great set of plate shoes is about $115. Now, apply that analogy to your ribs and clavicle, and you have the real cost of a lousy CP.

The chest has fewer bones to shatter than the foot, but those bones protect the heart and lungs for crying out loud. Scrounge together a few more bucks, or change SWMBO's perspective on cutting corners on gear.

The total difference between horsesh!t gear and pro gear for all of the things Boyinr listed (mask, cup, CP, plate shoes and shins): about $250 (less if you buy used mask, shins and CP---go strictly new on the cup and shoes).

Try something like, "Honey, don't you think that properly protecting my feet, shins, kneecaps, ribs, collarbone, lungs, heart, face, teeth, eyes, brain and skull are worth an extra two-fifty?" (Don't bring up your nuts unless you absolutely have to.)

Let us know how it goes.

[AZump78]

I've seen WV Gold and Platinums still in great shape for $70-$80 in the past few months on eBay. Keep your eyes peeled and find a deal on "used" pro gear. Don't risk your life (literally) to save a few bucks.

Pick up an extra game one weekend and use the game check to cover the difference.

[cbiesecker]

I too was originally planning on purchasing some of the "mid" tier gear. My thinking was "Why do I need the high end stuff if I'm just starting out at the youth ball level". But after reading through the U-E archives, I soon noticed a trend. Buy the good stuff and buy it once. So that's what I did. Now I won't have to think about the quality of the gear when I get behind the plate. I know it will do its job and I can focus on mine. Besides, in a couple years when I want to move up I won't have to purchase new gear. My stuff will already be broken in and I'll be ready to go.

[AJtheUMP]

Found this for info and opinions on the champro.

http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/3771-champro-pro-plus-plate-cp/

But I am still torn between it and the Wilson. I found it (Wilson) at a local store for $85 so about $10 more.

[cuban]

Major Dave is selling his West Vest for $65. You should PM him.

[Fittske24]

the bruise lasted for about a week...

I dont care what level of ball you work, if you get a bruise from a ball hitting you in the chest protector, that protector should never see the field again.

[Thunderheads]

AJohnson, ...

Please listen to these guys, ok? Just make adjustments in your budget to get something better. Get the Wilson Charcoal above the Champro, period. And, have a little discussion with your SWMBO and tell her, ...look, do you want me to significantly increase my chances of injury while I do this? She'll listen, or at least, she should!

[johnnyg08]

Understand you're protecting your HEART!

For crying out loud. Do you have any idea what an airlift to a hospital is going to cost you (or taxpayers) depending on your situation if you decide to not spend another $50 bucks?

Don't be penny cheap and dollar stupid. You were smart enough to come on here and ask for advice...now make us all proud and get a nice CP!

[JaxRolo]

Understand you're protecting your HEART!

For crying out loud. Do you have any idea what an airlift to a hospital is going to cost you (or taxpayers) depending on your situation if you decide to not spend another $50 bucks?

Don't be penny cheap and dollar stupid. You were smart enough to come on here and ask for advice...now make us all proud and get a nice CP!

Well Said!