Which Mask?

[Kevin Finnerty]

Not true. A quality mask needs a certain blend of angle and spin and velocity to make a dent. A horsesh!t mask will dent rather readily at standard velocity, like the +POS magnesium I described.

Or like my Wilson titanium that dented last week with a high school pitcher throwing low-70s. That is rather readily at standard velocity if you ask me.

I guess I'll back off on that contention then. I suppose even a Wilson titanium can bend at standard velocity. Mine only bent when it really got drilled. The first one was at 94. It bent the U-bar on the forehead. The second one got two good bends in it before I retired it. Both of those shots were 90 or so.

[jkumpire]

Not true. A quality mask needs a certain blend of angle and spin and velocity to make a dent. A horsesh!t mask will dent rather readily at standard velocity, like the +POS magnesium I described.

Or like my Wilson titanium that dented last week with a high school pitcher throwing low-70s. That is rather readily at standard velocity if you ask me.

I would be talking to Wilson if that happened to me...

[midmoump]

I currently carry two masks in my umpire bag : a silver magnesium sold by +POS with tan Markwort pads, and a silver Diamond with black Team Wendy's pads. I have taken a few blows to the magnesium and it shows absolutely no sign of denting, although my previous magnesium mask dented after a serious blow. My unscientific opinion is that the magnesium masks are more durable than the hollow core steel and probably about as durable as titanium.

FYI: the Markwort pads are thick, comfortable, very durable and (I think) look great. However, I recently took two shots during one at bat (only times I've been hit all year) while wearing the Markwort pads, and it rung my bell pretty good. It was comparable to what I have experienced with the Wilson wrap around pads. I'm going to switch to the Team Wendy's tan for a time and see if this makes a difference.

In the past few years I have taken significant blows while wearing the Diamond without any sign of denting. K-Finn's report of cracking is the first I have heard of trouble with this mask. A mask is supposed to dent, not crack, so this is worrisome.

Pete

[kylejt]

The Diamond doesn't bend, but it does crack. I have seen one too many do this to call it a freak occurrence. It may be safe from this at low velocity pitching, but I would deem it unsafe at high speeds.

That is the first time of heard of this, and now it's got me spooked. But I'd rather be wary, than blind, so I'll take that into consideration, inspect mine before and after, and look at other guy's masks, too. Thanks for the heads-up.

[Mike Prince]

Kevin - on the damaged Diamond masks you have seen, are they cracking on the bars or at the weld points?

Like Kyle, I will now check mine more regularly/diligently.

[pastor ump]

With a lot of different opinions, is the Honig's option a good option? I do like the fact I can order the silver mask with the Team Wendy's pads already on it. And a very affordable price.

I believe so. The Honig's frame is not as light as the diamond but IMO it is more sturdy. Not sure what the actual weight is on the Honig's but its not heavy. I got mine at the beginning of this season I work upper level varsity and NAIA and JUCO in the DFW area and have been very pleased. I got really drilled one time in an NAIA game the kid was throwing in the mid 80's and i got hit square, without a mask it would have hit me right between the eyes. I was momentarily stunned but for taking such a square shot I was very pleased. I love it. It looks good feels good and i trust it. All that being said my treasure may be trash to you. Good luck getting what will be best for you

[Kevin Finnerty]

Kevin - on the damaged Diamond masks you have seen, are they cracking on the bars or at the weld points?

Like Kyle, I will now check mine more regularly/diligently.

The weld points.