Champro Pro Plus CP

[JaxRolo]

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!

That might depend if he has good life insurance!

[Kevin Finnerty]

John touched on one of my goals that I set for each game: Don't get airlifted off the field.

That's why I wear Wilson protective gear, including the hard-shell Gold chest protector.

[AJtheUMP]

Thanks guys! I am planing on going with the Wilson charcoal! I would love to, but just can't, spring for the gold. But what I've heard about the charcoal on here makes me think it will be great!

[Umpire in Chief]

Good choice! You should be able to get many good years out of it.

[boyinr]

The Wilson Charcoal will serve you much better than the Champro IMO. Good luck.

[johnnyg08]

Thanks guys! I am planing on going with the Wilson charcoal! I would love to, but just can't, spring for the gold. But what I've heard about the charcoal on here makes me think it will be great!

Great choice. Enjoy.

[kylejt]

Nice job, AJ. Your ribs say "thank you".

[johnnyg08]

and your heart.

[NWA_UMP]

Great choice...but lose the bicep extensions.

[johnnyg08]

lose the bicep extensions.

What he said ^^^^^

[Hackman61]

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!

So those of us that are using the hard shell champro are penny cheap and dollar stupid? Granted the Champro hard shell was $85 and not $160 like a Gold, but I hardly think that's a fair statement. I wouldn't take the Champro on the field where guys are throwing in the 90's, but for middle school ball, rec league, and even some HS ball, I feel the hard shell Champro will protect well. Midwest Ump did a nice review and came to the same conclusion. With all that being said....Yes, If I were to do it over, I would purchase a Gold.

[johnnyg08]

So those of us that are using the hard shell champro are penny cheap and dollar stupid?

Maybe. The guy wanted advice and I, like many others on here made the mistake of buying less then pro gear thinking that we'd save a few bucks, only to get injured or have a near miss later. I would be doing a disservice to the members of this site if I gave a less than honest opinion when a new umpire asks what gear to purchase. I would like for others to learn from my mistakes so they're not repeated. If you choose to take things personally on here, this site will likely not be much fun for you. I did not intend to offend you or anybody else for that matter, yet I needed to not hem and haw about what advice to give this new umpire. You stated it yourself that if you had it to do over again you'd have bought the higher quality CP and eventually you probably will...in the meantime, hopefully you'll share your regrets with new umpires too so they don't repeat your mistakes. Good night sir.

[Umpire in Chief]

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!

So those of us that are using the hard shell champro are penny cheap and dollar stupid? Granted the Champro hard shell was $85 and not $160 like a Gold, but I hardly think that's a fair statement. I wouldn't take the Champro on the field where guys are throwing in the 90's, but for middle school ball, rec league, and even some HS ball, I feel the hard shell Champro will protect well. Midwest Ump did a nice review and came to the same conclusion. With all that being said....Yes, If I were to do it over, I would purchase a Gold.

I don't think that at all. We're all in different situations. Financially, professionally, and in our umpiring. You mentioned you will be primarily working middle school, rec, and some HS. That Champro will more than likely be plenty of protection. And you didn't make a bad choice with it. If you plan on being at that lever for a little while then you will get your money's worth out of it, but when you do higher level ball you may need to make a new investment.

This comes from a guy who wore an old +POS traditional CP my first 2 years of Varsity ball and felt pretty safe. But I knew the day would come where I'd regret it so I made the jump.

[Thunderheads]

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!

So those of us that are using the hard shell champro are penny cheap and dollar stupid? Granted the Champro hard shell was $85 and not $160 like a Gold, but I hardly think that's a fair statement. I wouldn't take the Champro on the field where guys are throwing in the 90's, but for middle school ball, rec league, and even some HS ball, I feel the hard shell Champro will protect well. Midwest Ump did a nice review and came to the same conclusion. With all that being said....Yes, If I were to do it over, I would purchase a Gold.

Relax there Hackman, re-read it, and understand it's context. The comparision wasn't a Champro to a Gold, it was a Champro to a Charcoal, and we ALL said "CHARCOAL" .....

In the "proper" context of comparing the Champro to the Charcoal, YES, ...getting the Champro in order to save $40 or so is NOT a wise choice. And, all of responses on here to AJohnson are clear why.

[Jeff C.]

Thanks guys! I am planing on going with the Wilson charcoal! I would love to, but just can't, spring for the gold. But what I've heard about the charcoal on here makes me think it will be great!

YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT. I know I'm shouting but I feel that strongly. I wear a Platinum and I took a mid 80's fastball off the middle of the protecter, near my left boob. The ball bounced out toward first and I stood there like NOTHING HAD HAPPENED. The catcher simply whiffed on it. Yeah, I felt it a little but there was no bruise and no stoppage of the ol' ticker. I'm glad I listened to the guys on here and started out with the good stuff. I get the best when I can.

[midmoump]

I'm late to this party, but here's my two cents:

http://midwestump.blogspot.com/2011/02/beginners-guide-to-umpire-equipment.html

Here is what I would buy on a tight budget and my wife looking over my shoulder. . .

* Wilson A3009x with leather pads, $64 w/shipping incl. from Anaconda (use 10% code ANACONDA) - you could probably contact Better Baseball and match this deal

* Champion P220 13" chest protector (old style) from Better Baseball $35

* Diamond DLG-UMPLITE150 15" leg guards $29.99 from Better Baseball - if you need a longer guard, don't buy the Diamonds.

* $10 shipping from Better Baseball

$64+35+29.99+10=$138.99

Pete

[Hackman61]

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!

So those of us that are using the hard shell champro are penny cheap and dollar stupid? Granted the Champro hard shell was $85 and not $160 like a Gold, but I hardly think that's a fair statement. I wouldn't take the Champro on the field where guys are throwing in the 90's, but for middle school ball, rec league, and even some HS ball, I feel the hard shell Champro will protect well. Midwest Ump did a nice review and came to the same conclusion. With all that being said....Yes, If I were to do it over, I would purchase a Gold.

Relax there Hackman, re-read it, and understand it's context. The comparision wasn't a Champro to a Gold, it was a Champro to a Charcoal, and we ALL said "CHARCOAL" .....

In the "proper" context of comparing the Champro to the Charcoal, YES, ...getting the Champro in order to save $40 or so is NOT a wise choice. And, all of responses on here to AJohnson are clear why.

I'm not upset at all. I just think the "stupid" comment is unwarranted. For certain levels, the Champro is sufficient and yes, the charcoal is better, as is the Gold. I never argued that the Champro was a better protector. Like Warren stated, we're all in different situations. It was my decision at the time and it will serve me well. If my association wants me to move up, then I will have to upgrade. My mistake, but when I got into umpiring, I didn't see myself at higher levels or the need for the TOP shelf gear. I have no hard feelings towards johnnyg08, he has very vaild comments and I enjoy reading them.

[Thunderheads]

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!

So those of us that are using the hard shell champro are penny cheap and dollar stupid? Granted the Champro hard shell was $85 and not $160 like a Gold, but I hardly think that's a fair statement. I wouldn't take the Champro on the field where guys are throwing in the 90's, but for middle school ball, rec league, and even some HS ball, I feel the hard shell Champro will protect well. Midwest Ump did a nice review and came to the same conclusion. With all that being said....Yes, If I were to do it over, I would purchase a Gold.

Relax there Hackman, re-read it, and understand it's context. The comparision wasn't a Champro to a Gold, it was a Champro to a Charcoal, and we ALL said "CHARCOAL" .....

In the "proper" context of comparing the Champro to the Charcoal, YES, ...getting the Champro in order to save $40 or so is NOT a wise choice. And, all of responses on here to AJohnson are clear why.

I'm not upset at all. I just think the "stupid" comment is unwarranted. For certain levels, the Champro is sufficient and yes, the charcoal is better, as is the Gold. I never argued that the Champro was a better protector. Like Warren stated, we're all in different situations. It was my decision at the time and it will serve me well. If my association wants me to move up, then I will have to upgrade. My mistake, but when I got into umpiring, I didn't see myself at higher levels or the need for the TOP shelf gear. I have no hard feelings towards johnnyg08, he has very vaild comments and I enjoy reading them.

Understood.

Johnny08's "dollar stupid" comment is referring to the price difference between the Champro and Charcoal. Which in this situation is sort of silly, thus his comment. And, that's all I was saying. Your response mentions Champro vs Gold, which there's a much larger $$ difference.

It's all good! :)

[AJtheUMP]

I'm late to this party, but here's my two cents:

http://midwestump.bl...-equipment.html

Here is what I would buy on a tight budget and my wife looking over my shoulder. . .

* Wilson A3009x with leather pads, $64 w/shipping incl. from Anaconda (use 10% code ANACONDA) - you could probably contact Better Baseball and match this deal

* Champion P220 13" chest protector (old style) from Better Baseball $35

* Diamond DLG-UMPLITE150 15" leg guards $29.99 from Better Baseball - if you need a longer guard, don't buy the Diamonds.

* $10 shipping from Better Baseball

$64+35+29.99+10=$138.99

Pete

Any one have any issues with that CP?

[Thunderheads]

I'm late to this party, but here's my two cents:

http://midwestump.bl...-equipment.html

Here is what I would buy on a tight budget and my wife looking over my shoulder. . .

* Wilson A3009x with leather pads, $64 w/shipping incl. from Anaconda (use 10% code ANACONDA) - you could probably contact Better Baseball and match this deal

* Champion P220 13" chest protector (old style) from Better Baseball $35

* Diamond DLG-UMPLITE150 15" leg guards $29.99 from Better Baseball - if you need a longer guard, don't buy the Diamonds.

* $10 shipping from Better Baseball

$64+35+29.99+10=$138.99

Pete

Any one have any issues with that CP?

I've used the 15" version of that, ...no issues at all. There are documented stories of guys wearing this CP in D1 ball and never having an issue. Hard shell is better than soft, period.

[midmoump]

I've used the 15" version of that, ...no issues at all. There are documented stories of guys wearing this CP in D1 ball and never having an issue. Hard shell is better than soft, period.

Amen!

However, not all hard shell CPs are created equal. I suggested the Champion strictly as an adequate entry level hard shell CP for a tight budget. Some here have recommended purchasing pro gear, since it is excellent and you will not need to replace it if you progress up the food chain. The idea is that if you buy something that is adequate for your level, you may need to buy another protector as you progress (although I personally know a very good college umpire that wears the Champion for DI contests).

The Champion is a solid protector that is recommended for average HS pitching and below. If you intend to step up to better pitching, you may want to consider a Douglas (if you can find it), a Wilson Gold or Platinum, or an All Star hard shell. All of which are considerably more expensive.

Don't suck,

Pete

p.s. Remember, we are talking about the "old" Champion that has been discontinued. If you don't know the difference, do some research.

[AJtheUMP]

p.s. Remember, we are talking about the "old" Champion that has been discontinued. If you don't know the difference, do some research.

I read your entry level umpire gear blog post and looked for the Velcro straps on the plates! Thanks for all the good info! I am actually getting those shin guards as well now!

[Hackman61]

Thanks, Thunder...I hope AJ doesn't do what I did. If there is ANY possiblity of moving up levels, then by all means, buy the pro stuff first.

[detailshp]

Ok, well I guess I get to be the voice of the opposition. When the Champro Pro Plus model came out, I was one of the first guys to order it, and have used it as my daily protector ever since. Since purchase, I have done the dish with for at least 10 gems where a kid was throwing high 80's low 90's. At 18 U travel ball, D2 college ball,and varsity ball I have had no problems with the protector. I have taken shots hard enough to crack my throat protector ( last year ) to shots hard enough the the ricochet off of my shoulder went into the 3rd base dougout and had no problems.

Let me repeat it, I have had NO BRUISES from taking shots while using this protector. I agree with everything everyone has said about the wilson gear. Its TOP notch stuff. But, don't sell the champro stuff short. I especially like the longer torso fit, because at 6 ft tall I have only 30 inch inseam. Before I used the hard shell Champro, I used the charcaol for one year and that thing barely covered my last 3 ribs.

I would recommend the champro to anyone who would ask, and I think its an outstanding protector for the money.

[Thunderheads]

Ok, well I guess I get to be the voice of the opposition. When the Champro Pro Plus model came out, I was one of the first guys to order it, and have used it as my daily protector ever since. Since purchase, I have done the dish with for at least 10 gems where a kid was throwing high 80's low 90's. At 18 U travel ball, D2 college ball,and varsity ball I have had no problems with the protector. I have taken shots hard enough to crack my throat protector ( last year ) to shots hard enough the the ricochet off of my shoulder went into the 3rd base dougout and had no problems.

Let me repeat it, I have had NO BRUISES from taking shots while using this protector. I agree with everything everyone has said about the wilson gear. Its TOP notch stuff. But, don't sell the champro stuff short. I especially like the longer torso fit, because at 6 ft tall I have only 30 inch inseam. Before I used the hard shell Champro, I used the charcaol for one year and that thing barely covered my last 3 ribs.

I would recommend the champro to anyone who would ask, and I think its an outstanding protector for the money.

Are you talking about the CP that's listed in the OP? Or the 'newer' hardshell Champro? 2 different animals......