Intriguing CP...but something makes me wary...

[scrounge]

This seems intriguing as a budget hard shell for someone starting out and maybe unable to afford a Gold or All-Star level of protector...but something about it just makes me a little cautious. Anyone know much about The Officials Call? This protector is on ebay but not on their website. And on their site, they're obviously just rebranding Champro stuff as their own (sometimes not even changing the pic of the stuff with the Champro logo still on it). I've never seen a CP like this. Sort of looks like a cross between a Champro Pro Plus and a knockoff of a Wilson Gold.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-New-Professional-Umpire-Chest-Protector-Free-Shipping-/280832851109?_trksid=m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7042444437527700786

[Kevin Finnerty]

I guess they don't give a crap about violating patent law.

All the power to the slimeballs. I hope they make enough to pay their legal bills and judgments.

[sdix00]

If you don't want to spend the money on a Wilson or all-star, Pete really struck gold when he found the Champion P210. At $41, it is an incredible deal.

http://www.sportaboutequipment.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_83_252&products_id=160

http://midwestump.blogspot.com/2010/01/umpire-chest-protector-comparison.html

[scrounge]

I've heard about the Champion. As I recall, Pete had a follow-up post a few months later where the current P210 (pictured in the first link) has been redesigned to avoid patent issues with Wilson and isn't as good as the pre-2008 P210 shown in the Midwest Ump comparison in the 2nd link.

Interestingly, right above the P210 in the 2nd link is....the original CP that's now on ebay! And it has an OC logo on it while being labeled a Champro Pro Plus Gold. Champro and OC must have a partnership to cross-promote/label or something. Kinda looks like Champro was going to roll out a knockoff of the Wilson Gold but got stopped by...something (cease & desist letter, perhaps?). OC must be trying to liquidate their inventory.

If you don't want to spend the money on a Wilson or all-star, Pete really struck gold when he found the Champion P210. At $41, it is an incredible deal.

http://www.sportaboutequipment.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_83_252&products_id=160

http://midwestump.blogspot.com/2010/01/umpire-chest-protector-comparison.html

[kylejt]

I recently bought three of the Champions, one of each size, and they're a good value for a beginner. They're on eBay, and you can make an offer of $5 below the asking price, and he'll take it. I got them for my Junior umpires, as I've got kids from 4 foot nothing to 6'4".

But they aren't a West Vest. What I really like about my Platinum, and the new All Star does this too, is that the chest plate and the collarbone plates work together as one solid piece. That's the key in preventing injury, spreading the energy over a larger area.

[D62 blue]

I've heard about the Champion. As I recall, Pete had a follow-up post a few months later where the current P210 (pictured in the first link) has been redesigned to avoid patent issues with Wilson and isn't as good as the pre-2008 P210 shown in the Midwest Ump comparison in the 2nd link.

Interestingly, right above the P210 in the 2nd link is....the original CP that's now on ebay! And it has an OC logo on it while being labeled a Champro Pro Plus Gold. Champro and OC must have a partnership to cross-promote/label or something. Kinda looks like Champro was going to roll out a knockoff of the Wilson Gold but got stopped by...something (cease & desist letter, perhaps?). OC must be trying to liquidate their inventory.

If you don't want to spend the money on a Wilson or all-star, Pete really struck gold when he found the Champion P210. At $41, it is an incredible deal.

http://www.sportabou...products_id=160

http://midwestump.bl...comparison.html

i own the pre lawsuit version . i dont know if i would wear it above JV HS gms . but it is solid value for the $$$ . i took a shot 85+ mph off one of the shoulder caps a couple season ago . didnt feel anything but a loud noise .

marc

[BretMan]

Back two or three years ago, The Official's Call began selling what they advertised as their own line of umpire gear- all of which was obviously rebranded Champion gear. There were chest protectors, shin guards and masks, all with the "OC" logo on them.

A major part of The OC's marketing plan must involve eBay, as they have had a heavy presence there for several years. Their eBay ads for the rebranded gear were fairly prolific a couple of years ago. The fact that this gear no longer appears on their own website leads me to believe that they're trying to get rid of leftover stock through eBay.

[Umpete]

OC was (is) the supplier for VHSL. They had a setup at all clinic locations in past years. I guess with the online clinics this year they lost alot of business. They always had some good clinic specials but I never bought any protective gear.

[NWA_UMP]

I purchased 2 shirts and a pair of pants from them. Quick service and prices were resonable. I have seen the protective gear and it's essentially rebranded Champro stuff. Now I have no beef with Champro gear...but I would not be in the market for their CP, shins yes. Midwest Ump did a review on the shins and he had some nice things to say...

[scrounge]

I have the Champro triple knee shin guards and can wholeheartedly endorse them. I wouldn't mind the new All-Star guards but I can't justify the expense. The Champro guards are comfy, form-fitting, and a great value at half or even nearly a third the cost of the All-Stars. I might get the All-Star shin guard delta flex straps and put them on the Champro, but it's not really a need, just a want.

I purchased 2 shirts and a pair of pants from them. Quick service and prices were resonable. I have seen the protective gear and it's essentially rebranded Champro stuff. Now I have no beef with Champro gear...but I would not be in the market for their CP, shins yes. Midwest Ump did a review on the shins and he had some nice things to say...

[Thunderheads]

HOLY CLAVICAL COVERAGE BATMAN!?!?!?