All Star System 7 Helmets

[kcfan102]

I bet the Shock guys will always get free replacement cages when they bend....since they are endorsed by Wilson.

I noticed the other day that Gibson or B. Welke actually uses a Navy colored older All-Star. Looks kind of funny with the black shirt. You would think all-star would be able to at least hook him up with a black one.

Gibson is used to off color things. I'm sure if we looked close enough, his socks might be green or something.

[rth54]

Just saw some highlights of Mike Dimuro working the Oakland Texas game friday night, and, low and behold, he was sporting his new System Seven helmet...

and thus the scales are tipped!

I have corrected my earlier post.

Edited August 30, 2010 by NuBlue

[rth54]

I finally had a chance to use my new MVP4000TI during last weekends Labor day tourney and found it to be everything I hoped and more.

Protection

On this front, I felt completely protected. I did manage to catch one right in the grill, and, while I did hear it, I felt nothing!

Comfort:

I have already written about my satisfaction with the fit and comfort, but, now, having worked under hot and humid game conditions, I can, with equal enthusiasm report that the helmet's venting system, and, the moisture managing properties of the padding work exactly as advertised, providing adequate airflow, wicking away moisture, and drying the pads quite rapidly.

View

The view was simply outstanding, and, in my opinion, better than any mask that I have ever worn. The increased peripheral vision is certainly one of the features that sets this helmet apart. While I would generally remove the helmet as I would a traditional mask; on those occasions when it is not possible or practical, one can be very confident in the level of visibility.

Handling:

I had absolutely no problems whatsoever with removal, successfully one handing it every single time, just as I would a traditional mask. I had practiced both the one and two-handed methods prior to the tourney, but instinctively went with the one-handed method. In addition, handling the helmet on plays at the plate proved just as effortless! While I had been quite aware of the helmet's weight and feel while practicing with it, when game time arrived, I hardly noticed it.

Strikingly, while helmets are generally looked on with disdain in my association, my colleagues who were present at the tournament, were immediately impressed by the MVP4000TI, especially admiring its appearance, and were, to a man, surprised and impressed by how light it felt to them.

Conclusion

I still have great appreciation for the traditional mask, and, there was a time not so long ago, that I would not even have considered transitioning to a Hockey Style Mask. However, in spite of of a couple of false starts along the way, I am happy to say that I continued exploring the possibilities, and, having found the MVP4000TI, I am now fully converted.

Edited September 8, 2010 by NuBlue

[slo8140]

Mine should be on the way back from All-Star...Ti cage and all. I am hoping to get to work a game or two on Saturday or next Tuesday. I can't wait to wear the helmet and also give a new chest protector a go.

[softballump0421]

slo.....how did you like your helmet when it had the SL cage in it.

[Thunderheads]

I finally had a chance to use my new MVP4000TI during last weekends Labor day tourney and found it to be everything I hoped and more.

Protection

On this front, I felt completely protected. I did manage to catch one right in the grill, and, while I did hear it, I felt nothing!

Comfort:

I have already written about my satisfaction with the fit and comfort, but, now, having worked under hot and humid game conditions, I can, with equal enthusiasm report that the helmet's venting system, and, the moisture managing properties of the padding work exactly as advertised, providing adequate airflow, wicking away moisture, and drying the pads quite rapidly.

View

The view was simply outstanding, and, in my opinion, better than any mask that I have ever worn. The increased peripheral vision is certainly one of the features that sets this helmet apart. While I would generally remove the helmet as I would a traditional mask; on those occasions when it is not possible or practical, one can be very confident in the level of visibility.

Handling:

I had absolutely no problems whatsoever with removal, successfully one handing it every single time, just as I would a traditional mask. I had practiced both the one and two-handed methods prior to the tourney, but instinctively went with the one-handed method. In addition, handling the helmet on plays at the plate proved just as effortless! While I had been quite aware of the helmet's weight and feel while practicing with it, when game time arrived, I hardly noticed it.

Strikingly, while helmets are generally looked on with disdain in my association, my colleagues who were present at the tournament, were immediately impressed by the MVP4000TI, especially admiring its appearance, and were, to a man, surprised and impressed by how light it felt to them.

Conclusion

I still have great appreciation for the traditional mask, and, there was a time not so long ago, that I would not even have considered transitioning to a Hockey Style Mask. However, in spite of of a couple of false starts along the way, I am happy to say that I continued exploring the possibilities, and, having found the MVP4000TI, I am now fully converted.

Ok NuBlue, you can shut-up any time now!! You're making me start to think about spending money I dont' have right now! WOW, ...there's a LOT of GREAT info and recommendations on this rig!!

I started this season with a MVP2000sl that I was impressed with. But when I did my second game w/ a traditional mask, I had to stick with that.

Now, with all of this hullabaloo ......no, ....I can't ....wait, maybe, no, I can't , wait ..maybe!!:rock

[slo8140]

slo.....how did you like your helmet when it had the SL cage in it.

I really liked the MVP4000 with the SL cage. I liked it better than my shock with the Ti cage. It is honestly the best helmet I have ever worn. The way that it sits on your head makes it feel incredibly light. I hope I like it better once it comes back with the Ti cage on it (or I would have wasted some money).

With the price point of the MVP4000SL and the Shock 2.0 Titanium being the same price (ump-attire), I would steer people towards the MVP. The removable and washable moisture wicking padding really is amazing. One plus with the All-Star with either cage choice is that they have not had a single one returned to them bent. I know that the shock has had some issues with that. Hopefully after this Saturday or Tuesday I will be able to post a good review of the comparison between the TI and SL models. I am expecting it to weigh about 3-4ozs less and for the size of the bars to be slightly smaller...maybe it will arrive today via UPS...that would make me happy.

[rth54]

I also had an SL, and, for me, the weight differential is noticeable but not that significant. However, to me, the bars on the cage do seem considerably thinner on the TI.

Edited September 8, 2010 by NuBlue

[softballump0421]

Thanks slo and NuBlue.........I'm trying to get my hands on 1 to use for this year's Fall Ball season. I have an MVP3000TI helmet, that I got a few years ago from All-Star. That mask is light as can be, but the straps can be a pain in the but, they come undone when I take my mask off and is time consuming to put them back on. Slo and NuBlue, what was the color of the SL bars on the cage of the MVP4000.

[slo8140]

The bars are silver. as for the straps coming off, not a problem on the system 7 helmets. The have a little bridge that holds the strap in place even is the strap comes on snapped. You could finish the inning or even the game and probably never even know the snap came off.

I cannot wait till the system 7s filter down to the players so that I will not have to be constantly helping catchers resnap their helmets.

[Scuzzyfeller]

Let me know when the side sponge padding starts wearing away....

I've had a little issue with it...with help it was rectified...but it's rearing it's ugly head again...

I'm a little bummed out about it...but I'm working on it....with help...

Scuzz

[rth54]

You know, while dwarfed by all the positives of the helmet, I did notice that padding and thought that perhaps it was a bit flimsy when compared with how substantial the other components are, but, thus far, I have not had any problem.

So, what was the fix?

Edited September 9, 2010 by NuBlue

[slo8140]

Let me know when the side sponge padding starts wearing away....

I've had a little issue with it...with help it was rectified...but it's rearing it's ugly head again...

I'm a little bummed out about it...but I'm working on it....with help...

Scuzz

Are you talking about the thin padding that is on the bottom of each side of the helmet?

If so, if you order the replacement snaps, straps, and screws package it comes with an extra set. I think the package runs less that $10. Brad was supposed to include one with my remodeled 4000 that should arrive today. I also ordered an entire backup set of pads for the helmet. I think that cost me $25. Not bad when you think we pay more for traditional mask pads.

[slo8140]

My upgraded MVP4000 arrived today. I really like the Ti cage. The bars are a lot thinner than the hollow steel bars on the SL cage. I don't really notice a weight differnce, but the upgrade made a good helmet even better. Now to try and find a game to call.

[JaxRolo]

My upgraded MVP4000 arrived today. I really like the Ti cage. The bars are a lot thinner than the hollow steel bars on the SL cage. I don't really notice a weight differnce, but the upgrade made a good helmet even better. Now to try and find a game to call.

You can send it to me and I will test it for you! :D

[Kevin Finnerty]

When I tested the Shock FX (never wearing it in an actual game), I went to my son's college team and had him and another young pitcher give me their best shot. We set it up with one or the other of them pitching a bullpen, and every now and then, the catcher would let one through. I tested the Shock FX and the Gold CP at the same time.

It was pretty interesting. But the thing that got me (aside from how loud HSMs are when you get a shot), was how great the visibility is through the thin titanium cage. The HSM's visibility is outstanding anyway, but it's markedly better through those thinner bars.

[slo8140]

Since I got my helmet back yesterday I thought I would post some pics comparing the two cages and the padding that is inside the helmet. I know that several people have asked questions about closeup looks at things. See the attached images. Let me know if you have any questions.

[slo8140]

More pics

[slo8140]

Padding Pics.

[All-Star Sports]

awesome! Thanks for posting pics Slo!

[Thunderheads]

awesome! Thanks for posting pics Slo!

Now if we can only get pics of the new All-Star traditional mask, ...now that would be great!!:hi5:

[boyinr]

Now if we can only get pics of the new All-Star traditional mask, ...now that would be great!!:hi5:

TH:

Here is your ump porn to get you through the weekend.

I couldn't pull out just the photos of the FM2000UMP so just use the link below to access the 2011 All Star Dealer Catalog. I need to give credit to slo8140 on this forum. He was the one who pointed someone to this link. Sorry to say there is nothing about the highly anticipated All Star hard shell CP.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/32669896/2011-All-Star-Catalog

Enjoy!!!!!!

Edited September 11, 2010 by boyinr
Credit to slo8140

[Thunderheads]

TH:

Here is your ump porn to get you through the weekend.

I couldn't pull out just the photos of the FM2000UMP so just use the link below to access the 2011 All Star Dealer Catalog. I need to give credit to slo8140 on this forum. He was the one who pointed someone to this link. Sorry to say there is nothing about the highly anticipated All Star hard shell CP.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/32669896/2011-All-Star-Catalog

Enjoy!!!!!!

boyinr: You're the man ....I love ump porn!! OOops, did I say that out loud!?

Anyhow ...I REALLY like the concept of the FM2000ump. I like the fact that they're using the System 7 padding for this mask! If it's as comfy as Slo and NuBlue, say ...and it's washable ......I think we may FINALLY have a mask where you don't have to replace pads that aren't leather!

Looking forward to it!

And ...on the hardshell, ....no, ....that will be announced this winter I'm sure as a late release for spring, or maybe later ...along w/ their new leg-guards ...I HOPE!!!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^This is all speculation,...I know nothing! Brad won't tell me anyhow!!:beerbang

[All-Star Sports]

And ...on the hardshell, ....no, ....that will be announced this winter I'm sure as a late release for spring, or maybe later ...along w/ their new leg-guards ...I HOPE!!!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^This is all speculation,...I know nothing! Brad won't tell me anyhow!!

The design process is not something fast, simple or something we're looking to rush too fast. We want to get this right. Lots of ideas are floating around right now from all the feed back which I've received from you all! In fact I have been overwhelmed by responses! Thank you so much!

We'll be working on the new stuff heavily over late fall and winter. It's technically for the 2012 season but am hoping to get a few out there a bit sooner.

Sorry I can't be too specific about anything! Id love to spill the beans more but I can't ruin all the surprises! SUSPENSE!

[Thunderheads]

The design process is not something fast, simple or something we're looking to rush too fast. We want to get this right. Lots of ideas are floating around right now from all the feed back which I've received from you all! In fact I have been overwhelmed by responses! Thank you so much!

We'll be working on the new stuff heavily over late fall and winter. It's technically for the 2012 season but am hoping to get a few out there a bit sooner.

Sorry I can't be too specific about anything! Id love to spill the beans more but I can't ruin all the surprises! SUSPENSE!

Brad, no worries! You're still the ONLY guy from a major mfg, that comes on here and keeps us all up to date, or suspense, whatever you want to call it! Regardless, ...we appreciate it! And remember all....

Brad IS the Shizzle!

AND....hey Brad .....I just noticed something sweet! I like the resemblance of your All-Star logo with the bars on the FM2000ump!! Am I seeing that right ??

And, ...is the FM2000 "I-Bar"?