Should I just pony up and get a new mask?

[cyclonehokiece]

I have a Diamond Umpire mask from 2005. Nothing is wrong with it except the pads need to be replaced. I started looking up what pads might cost, and am starting to see that they are the cost of a cheap mask (can be up to $30). I need to shop around some more, but considering the age of my mask, should I just bite the bullet and buy a new one. Again, nothing is wrong with it besides the pads and I like it. I also do not have a lot of cash to drop on this, it looks like this year will be a replace equipment only if absolutely needed year due to other events in my life that will eat up my income. Thanks in advance.

[johnnyg08]

Replacement pads will run you approx $40 for good ones that will last you a while

[slo8140]

I say go with some new pads. I really like the Team Wendy's that Honigs has. Plus you could always use them in a new lightweight frame you might purchase down the road.

[Kevin Finnerty]

I got this on ebay--brand new--for $32:

The cage, bought separately, is $40; the pads, $40; the harness, $10. So, my answer is, if you need new pads, buy a back-up mask just for the pads. If you really scour, you can find some new rig for the cost of the pads, or in my case, even less than the cost of the pads.

Here's one for $45.

[midmoump]

Ooooh, I LOVE a good deal! :clap:

[midmoump]

If you decide to go the replacement pad route, take a look at this article for ideas:

http://midwestump.blogspot.com/2011/02/review-and-comparison-of-umpire-mask.html

Pete

[Umpire in Chief]

If you have a mask you like, I'd just go for the pads, unless I found a super deal on the whole thing.

[midmoump]

Ha! K-Finn, I just realized that you bought ANOTHER new mask!

Maybe you should check out this link:

http://www.shopaholicsanonymous.org/

My handle on their forum is "UmpShop12"

;)

[Kevin Finnerty]

Hey, I just skimmed it, but there are some interesting points in there.

I, honestly, don't have the kind of spending problem that results in any upheaval. I am into gear, my car, my music, my movies, and my books. Those are the things that I get too much of.

But my justification for it is that a cigarette-smoking drinker, who plays golf and skis, burns far more money than I ever could in the course of a year (thousands and thousands), and in the end, has nothing to show for any of it. Conversely, I have shelves and shelves and crates just packed with movies, music and books, all of which are an enduring source of joy and fulfillment. The only thing I burn is gas.

And I don't have to describe how much joy all my gear brings me. I joke about it--as many of us do--but it is serious. I also have a son who still plays, and over the years, I went nuts getting him all geared up. I still have his catcher's gear (he stopped catching at 15), his first baseman's mitts (he stopped playing first at 19), and some three-dozen pro stock wood bats (he stopped DH'ing at 20). Now he only pitches (a glove and some Under Armour is all I can do for him).

I suppose, like anything, we'll find a way to justify the purchase. I just find it far simpler to justify than booze or cigarettes.

[johnnyg08]

$60 brand new

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Diamond-DFM-iX3-Umpire-Face-Mask-Silver-/150694877030?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item23161d5766#ht_500wt_922

[johnnyg08]

Honigs ultralight $30

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honigs-UltraLight-Umpires-Mask-/130640180298?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e6ac2f44a#ht_500wt_1413

[detailshp]

Another line of thought. Lots of guys like the DIamond ultralight mask ( in silver or black ) and you can normally find one somewhere on the net for about 50-60 bucks shipped to you. A good set of replacement pads will cost you about $30. Just about EVERYONE recommends you change your pads after 2 years of use. So , if it was me, I would buy the Diamond unit this year, and next year get a set of pads on your old mask for $30 bucks. then you will only be spending about 30 bucks a year( over a 3 year period ) , and you will have a decent backup. I switched to the Diamond ( from an older Honigs mask ) and am totally amazed at how much difference the weight of the mask on your neck makes.

Youd be hard pressed to get a guy to complain about the Diamond unltralight who has actually used it. Its one of the more popular masks on the market.

[boyinr]

If you like micro fiber pads or vinyl/leather combo I recommend the All Star pads. I have both of these on two separate masks. They are available here for less than $18.

http://www.baseballplusstore.com/products/All-Star-pfm25luc-replacement-pad-for-fm25luc.html

http://www.baseballplusstore.com/products/All-Star-pfm25lmx-half-leather-half-vinyl-replacement-pad-for-fm25lmx.html

[midmoump]

Now Kevin, overcoming denial is an important step in the recovery process. . .

I'm right there with you, brother! Its my hobby, and equipment is just part of the fun.

Pete

[Kevin Finnerty]

It's a part time job with full time hours. It's not a hobby. A hobby is where you glue things together.

[ukce1861]

It's a part time job with full time hours. It's not a hobby. A hobby is where you glue things together.

But most hobbies don't pay for themselves either. Although, with your gear addiction, that may not be quite true...

[Kevin Finnerty]

Hey, I'm doing a game today, and I don't plan on buying any gear or supplies during this 24-hour period, so that game fee is sheer profit.

[rth54]

you should rethink that plan Finn.....lol

[midmoump]

It's a part time job with full time hours. It's not a hobby. A hobby is where you glue things together.

Ah! Confucius say, "Umpire is glue that holds game together."

Pete