PLus POS mask

[Mike Prince]

As update, received my box from +POS today via USPS. In it were:

3 Scraper brushes

1 Black shirt

1 Polo Blue shirt

12 indicators

1 charcoal gray mask with black microfiber pads

Will post a picture later as I am posting from my iPhone right now. Haven't unpacked everything yet, but shirts look nice and the mask looks good although I'm not sure on the charcoal color yet.

I have 2 games tomorrow so I will use the mask and a shirt for sure. I'll post my review of the mask here to keep relevant to the thread and post the other reviews in their own threads.

I got my box in the mail today as well. He must have shipped them as soon as I talked to him on the phone. Pretty good service to order on Friday afternoon and get the stuff in the mail on Monday.

The inventory of my box is as follows:

1 Black shirt Size XL

1 Light Blue Shirt with R/W/B trim Size XL

1 pair BB313 Size 17 Shin Guards

1 ZRO-G TB Mask (Tubular Steel frame in silver with black pads and standard +POS harness)

7 Scrapper Brushes

First Impressions:

Shirts:First off, I wear a XXL shirt on both the bases and the plate. He did not tell me he was sending shirts, so this is not his error. The shirts feel a little heavier in weight than my Ultimates and about the same as my smitty shirts. The fabric feels nice. I wish I would have the chance to wear them, but they are just too small for me unless I drop some weight. I might try to give them to someone else to review.

Shins: The use metal rings to secure the strap to the guard and a plastic buckle on the outside of the leg. If you are going to use plastic buckles, why not make all the strap hardware plastic similar to what Diamond does on their ump-lites. They basically look like a shin guard. I will give them a whirl soon at a Little League game to see how they work out. The quality looks good. More protective than my ump-lites, but also heavier. Not as protective as my Wilson Golds and my new Douglas shins.

Mask: It is a single bar hollow steel mask with some microfiber pads. They seem to be a little better than what diamond puts on thier masks. He told me he was sending me a charcoal frame, but the box contained silver. I was really looking forward to the powdercoated charcoal as I have never seen one before. I will try to wear this mask as is tomorrow night for a Little League Juniors game. It is a redundant mask for me since I have a All-Star FM 25TI that I use as my primary backup for my HSM. I also have a champro magnesium black mask that I use when I want to have a black frame.

Scrapper Brushes: The one I currently use is old...probably purchased in the mid to late 1990s. The construction of the brush has changed since my old ones were purshased. They are also darker in color. I will trim the bristles on one and use it tomorrow night. Not sure what I will do with 7 of them...if they are as good as my old one I will never have to buy another umpire brush again.

I will try to take some pictures tonight and post them, but all the images can be found at www.pluspos.com the site is not stellar, but pretty easy to navigate. Plus I included the item numbers above for easy reference.

(If anyone is interested in reviewing the shirts he sent me and is willing to pay the shipping cost I don't mind sending them to you...PM me if you are interested.)

The charcoal actually looks pretty nice, the color growing on me as I look at it sitting on my desk. It will be unique for sure in the small group I umpire rec/middle school ball in, my Diamond makes me the only umpire out of about 12 of us with a non-black mask. Not a low-profile mask, I am able to get an 8-stitch cap under it which I like. I'm wearing it for my plate game tomorrow. Mask feels plenty light, not as light as my Champro Mag but certainly not much heavier. I like the rounded throat guard on it (vs. the squared off look of the Diamond and Champro), the +POS billboard on the back of the harness not so much but at least there's nothing on the pads.. I may throw a set of Team Wendy's pads in though for peace of mind, the pads feel a bit stouter than the Diamond pads, but not much.

My shirts are different upon unpacking them. He sent me an XXL black which possibly is the largest shirt I've ever seen (but should be OK for the plate) and an XL Polo Blue. The black fabric is more heavyweight like Smitty, the blue fabric reminds me of the U-A Ultimate, The cut of the sleeves on the blue seems a bit off, but we'll see how it does in use (vs, looking in a mirror). The black also has a panel under the placket on the back of the shirt, which adds to the weight.

I will try the plate brushes, I've never seen one like this. They are the "Joe Brinkman" model. Very stiff bristles, should work very well.

[MidAmUmp]

Fleecing people? Calling me a crack pot?

You have a real hardo* for me. Maybe I should fly out there so you can kick me in my teeth...lol

Finnerty,

I can assure you I am not robing anyone. . The only 2 masks I recieved back in the magnesium frame apparently are your friends. I recieved these earlier this week. He wants a refund for masks that are a year old. It is my understanding he is using them at pro ball level.

I have had more people tell me how well they like that mask and how durable it is. Metal masks will dent even welds will break.

I am not happy about the rumors you spread about masks shattering and people getting mamed. If you want 1st hand information you can call me for the REAL story regarding anything +POS related. 847 532-0533

I love what I do, I get to meet alot of great umpires and great people. I have met major league umpires and travel, the world. Been to countless MLB games..Cubbies dugout several times...and some Allstar games and world series!

I even got to meet Robert De Niro and he signed the plate coat I have that he wore in the movie "The Fan"!

I dont feel like I deserve pitty what so ever.

Viper, I thought I had sent you an AR label to return the mask. I upgraded the mask and sent you a better one. You said your association will not let you wear the charcoal frame with black pads. I am sending another AR label to return the mask. I will do anything resonable as far as upgrades to make you happy.

If anyone has a problem with product or service give me a call.

Daniel Parsons

+POS

The first 5 people who call me before 2:00 PM central time I will give them free products to review. Hopefull you can share good coments on here about +POS products. Hurry thats only 30 mins from now!

Thank You

Dan

This is the problem with message boards. People post hearsay, 2nd hand info, and rumors without knowing the full story.

I could post complaining about my New Balance plate shoes I purchased in January from a reputable company. After a game a few weeks ago as I was cleaning the shoes I noticed my right shoe was completely ripped from one side to the other around the "steel" toe - which doesn't appear to be steel, but hard plastic to my partners and me. However, I can say that I contacted the company, explained the situation, and they shipped me a new pair with a shipping sticker for me to return the damaged shoes and they express shipped them to me so I had them before my next game.

Sometimes things happen, masks get dented, shoes tear, jerseys fade or pill. Most companies are reasonable enough to stand behind their product. Those who do not need to be exposed. However, I think you need to have some first hand knowledge and not hearsay before blasting a company. I know some people who have attended my clinic haven't been happy and could come on here or elsewhere and blast me. They are within their right to do so, but I'll respond with my side of the story. I can say I would have a real problem with someone who hasn't attended my clinic ripping it based on what someone else has told them.

It's a pretty bold gesture for Dan to offer to send a considerable amount of free items to people to repair his "damaged" reputation. I would say he's acting as an honest and responsible business man who is doing more than necessary to prove his company is reputable.

The "bad apples" are going to get weeded out on their own. All I'm saying is think before you post.

[JaxRolo]

MidAmUmp has a good point. Things happen! My FM4000 after only wearing it about 8 times. And it was only 13yo pitching.

I would not say All-Stars has inferior gear. I think it was a fluke. (I hope).

I wish I would have taken Dan' offer for free stuff but felt guilty taking it. My loss is someone else's gain.

[Big J Umpire]

Is the plus pos scrapper brush better than the 3 in 1 e brush sold by umpattire?

My brush right now is in good shape but do you think I should upgrade?

[NWA_UMP]

Looking at the magnesium masks that he has on his site, they look just like my Champro. If so, they should be fairly solid. I have taken some shots with no I'll affects. Will it bend, yes. Mine is bent after taking an 80+ fastball straight to the mask. Would I trade it, no way.

[Mike Prince]

Did a few comparisons this morning on a scale against my everyday mask (Champro Magnesium with Team Wendy's pads and a plastic throat protector). Yes it is a slow work day.

Champro Pro-Plus Mag

• As used: 561 grams (19.77 ounces)
  
• Without throat protector: 498 grams (17.55 ounces)
  
• Frame/harness only: 347 grams (12.23 ounces)
  

+POS Zero Gravity (ZRO-G CB)

• As shipped: 459 grams (16.17 ounces), the website claims a 16 oz. weight, good to see the correct weight for the complete mask is stated.
  
• With added throat protector: 522 grams
  
• With Team Wendy's pads, no throat protector: 578 grams - 80 g/2.82 ounces heavier than Champro
  
• Frame/harness only: 427g (again 80g heavier than the Champro)
  

So, from a weight perspective, I would say that this mask with the stock pads is just about as light as anything out there. Not sure if the Wendy's pads are truly twice as heavy (151g) as the +POS pads (71g), I washed them yesterday and they may not be completely dry yet. I considered installing the Wendy's pads into the +POS frame, but for review purposes I am going to use it as Dan shipped it to me.

First impressions:

Construction:

The frame is hollow-core steel ("Ultra-Lite Tubular Stage 3 Alloy") and is powdercoated charcoal, definitely a unique look. The horizontal bars in the eye opening and at the TOP of the chin pad are larger diameter tubing. These bars are not ovalized like the (solid) bars on both my Champro and Diamond, but the mask feels rigid. Weld quality looks good and the powdercoat finish is well done, no rough edges or paint defects to speak of. Around the eye opening where the upper and lower loops attach to the horizontal bars, there isn't much weld material (on the Champro and DIamond, there is a solid bead here) but the welds are neat and appear solid.

Protection:

From a visual perspective, looks good. Ear protection is comparable to the Champro. The throat protector is rounded (like the Wilson or Nike titanium mask), not squared like my other masks. Visually I like the look, I will add a plastic throat protector when I wear the mask tonight - I have one on all my masks. There is no TOP extension/cap guard on the mask - not a negative in my view, just including as info.

The pads in the mask are microfiber and are advertised as "Ultra-Lite memory foam Moisture wicking and sponge mesh padding" - they crunch a bit when compressed, but the padding feels resilient and solid. The outer surface of the pads is sort of a honeycomb pattern fabric that actually has a bit of shine to it, like there is a layer underneath the fabric. The inner covering reminds me of the Diamond stock pads although they don't seem to grab at stubble quite as bad. These pads feel more substantial than the Diamond pads and I will use them for the review. For continued use of the mask I would replace the pads with Team Wendy's - not a knock on the stock pads (as I have not worn it in a game yet) but I am sold on the TW pads. We are expecting warm/humid weather today so it will be a good test for the stock pads.

Harness:

This is probably the only negative first impression for me. The back of this thing is a +POS billboard. There is a (large) +POS label sewn into the back of the harness, but there are also silkscreened +POS logos on either side of the label. The fit of the harness is a bit odd - I have a fairly normal sized head (7 3/8 cap size) and the side straps are almost backed out all of the way to get the correct loose fit. Larger-headed folks may want to take note. Also, the strap that runs across the TOP of the harness from ear to ear sort of flops around, it appears that it is too long.

Other: This is a standard-profile mask. I wear six-stitch caps, I even tried it on with an eight-stich with no issues. Retail price on this mask is $59.95 on the +POS website, it is also available in Silver and has a leather pad option for an additional $10. First impressions are that this is priced pretty competitively.

Overall, a positive first impression. I will post later this week after I've worn it for a few games.

[Welpe]

Thanks Mike. The material on those pads looks similar to that of the pads on my All-Star FM4000.

[Cajuncubsfan]

Man really hate that I missed that post by +POS about trying product. That post did get me to there site those and once I get my Dougles CP paid for I may order some shirts once the reports come in on the quality of them. Keep us posted guys

[Marcus6]

I love the "+ POS USA" on the harness then below that it says "Made in Taiwan"

[Stan W.]

Ive been a big fan of +POS for years and years......like someone said above, at one time I was all +POS from gear to uniforms and down to plate shoes.... I personally never had any of the problems expressed here now or 15 years ago.....

I have bought replacement jackets from Dan in recent years and am very happy with them.....Im in the market for a new mask and will be looking to replace my +POS single bar......Ive never quite liked my Honigs single bar.....Ill give +POS a shot at that business ......

[Mike Prince]

Update for those still tuned into this....

I used the mask last night for a middle school game. Warm night in the mid-80's and it was very humid. First time I can remember that I came into a game hoping for a mask shot.

In any case, here's my review based on last night:

In Use: Man, this thing is light with the stock pads, I put it on the scale yesterday but the difference to my current setup was noticeable when I put it on. I've got a thing for light masks and this did not disappoint. No vision issues, good visibility. Mask was easy to remove and put back on, no fighting with the harness and it didn't grab my cap. The charcoal finish matched my Smitty charcoals exactly - we wore black last night so everything matched.

Comfort: Not a fan of the stock pads. They were very scratchy on my face and were irritating. They also had a slight chemical smell to them for the first inning or two. Last night was the first warm night we've had in a while so maybe it was that, but the pads seemed to amplify the heat on my chin. I've been spoiled by the feel of the Team Wendy's pads since last spring, but after wearing those I wonder why manufacturers make microfiber pads that are virtually unwearable. For anyone who has used the stock Diamond pads, the feel is very similar but these pads are more substantial. I probably had "3 o'clock shadow" so not a lot of stubble, but the pads were grabbing at what was there.

Protection: Well, I got my wish for a mask shot in the 4th inning. RHB fouled a high inside pitch and it caught me flush on my left temple. Left a big mark on the mask and it hurt. I felt it for an inning or two. The mask did spin a bit and I wondered based on how it felt if I may have been wearing it a bit snugly, but it was nice and loose. Made me wish I had the TW pads in there. Mask held up well to the hit, no bending or damage other than a ball smudge.

Initial Verdict - I would put this mask in the same league as the Diamond - light, strong, but the pads let it down. Value-wise I would say it is comparable to the Diamond, which can easily be purchased for under 60 bucks. Need to factor in the cost of replacement pads for both masks. As mentioned earlier Dan got me the mask next business day which puts service and responsiveness in the Ump-Attire category (albeit for a sample size of 1 order). The charcoal finish looks sharp with black, wondering how it goes with other colors. I will wear it again Thursday (and we will probably not wear black so my previous musing will be answered), but with a set of Wilson wrap-arounds I already have to simulate the leather pad option that +POS offers.

[NWA_UMP]

Purely from a shopper stand point on +POS. I find their site very lacking in both product detail and their imagery is HORRIBLE. It is hard to get a true look at a product because the photos are stretched and distorted. I might be interested in the scrapper brush but it looks very short and fat. Not sure if that is true but I can't tell from product images on their site.

[MidAmUmp]

Purely from a shopper stand point on +POS. I find their site very lacking in both product detail and their imagery is HORRIBLE. It is hard to get a true look at a product because the photos are stretched and distorted. I might be interested in the scrapper brush but it looks very short and fat. Not sure if that is true but I can't tell from product images on their site.

I know what you mean about the site. Several other companies are that way, too. I work in graphic/web design and it drives me nuts with you get crappy photos to work with. However, if you look at Mike's pictures above - the 1st photo he posted of his mask, the brush you are asking about is to the left of it.

Which brings me to my next question...why do you need a scraper on your brush? If the plate is muddy, I'm not touching it. I'll kick some dirt on it and let it dry for a few minutes, then kick it off as best I can with my shoe. Otherwise, my brush is staying in my pocket and if the teams want it clean they can do it themselves with a towel.

[Mike Prince]

Agree on the website design. I have noticed that if you click on many of the photos, they look normal, but some get even more squished or stretched.

I used the brush from my picture last night. He sent 3 and the one I pictured I cut about 1" of bristle length off. I actually had quite a messy plate last night as we had several periods of rain during my plate game. I did not use the scraper but the bristles are so stiff that they really did a good job on the plate. One thing I like about the brush is that it is nice and slim and slides in and out of the inner pocket of my ball bag easily (better than a wood-handled brush). I can see using the scraper to pick caked mud out of the sole of my Reebok plate shoes, but not to scrape the plate off.

I wore one of the shirts he sent me last night as well. Will give my impressions of that in a separate thread so that this one hopefully sticks to the mask discussion.

[kylejt]

That brush actually does a nice job of scraping off a muddy plate. Just need to wipe it off on the grass before putting it back in your bag. And when working the bases with breakaway bases, it's nice to have a slim brush in your back pocket. I've been using them for 10 years now.

[Welpe]

And when working the bases with breakaway bases, it's nice to have a slim brush in your back pocket. I've been using them for 10 years now.

I realize this may be different in LL but I don't touch dislodged bases.

[jr12]

I used to have the POS plat shoes. They were very heavy, but lasted about 12 years.

[Stan W.]

I've always found the best thing about the +POS scraper brush is using it on a plate that has dried mud on from a previous game...scrape it one or twice, switch to brush side....all good.......

[kylejt]

And when working the bases with breakaway bases, it's nice to have a slim brush in your back pocket. I've been using them for 10 years now.

I realize this may be different in LL but I don't touch dislodged bases.

It's not a LL thing at all. And I could always wait for someone to get a broom, and sweep off the bottom part, before they put the base back. I only do it for the sake of getting the game moving. And no, I don't clean the bases or rubber with it.

[Welpe]

The way I see it, they pay me to be the umpire, not the groundskeeper. You won't see me chalking lines out there either.

[kylejt]

I used to have the POS plat shoes. They were very heavy, but lasted about 12 years.

I just bought a new pair of +POS low tops, that I'll use when working four man. They're still the best looking shoes to date.

[johnnyg08]

The way I see it, they pay me to be the umpire, not the groundskeeper. You won't see me chalking lines out there either.

I agree. I did see some Smittys raking the batter's boxes after a playoff game that they worked. Bet they got asked back the next year.

[3rdGENump]

I recieved my package from +POS today. In it was a ZRO-G TB mask and a black shirt. As I told Dan, I will post my honest opinion of the items he sends for everyone on this site to read.

In this post I will review my first impressions of the mask, I will post my review of the shirt in the post about the +POS shirts. I was more interested in the shirts as that is what I am currently in the market for. As for the mask I was very impressed upon opening the package. This winter I purchased the Allstar FM4000UMP, so I will compare the ZRO-G TB to the 4000UMP

First Impressions:

I don't know which mask hit the market first the ZRO-G TB or the 4000UMP, but I would say one is probably a copy of the other, and a VERY good copy!!! I have worn the 4000UMP in about 10 plate games so far this season so I will use it as my base and compare the ZRO-G TB to it.

The silver finish on the ZRO-G TB appears to be the same as the finish on the 4000UMP. The finish on the 4000UMP has been a disappointment in my opinion, I have taken several shots off the mask and the silver finish on the 4000UMP has been taken off "scuffed" in the area of impact.

The ZRO-G TB is stated as weighing only 16 oz. while the 4000UMP is stated as weighing 16.5 oz, holding the mask side by side they feel identical in weight. In the next couple days I will weigh each of them on a postage scale to get the exact weight, and update my review.

The pads on these two mask appear to be almost identical as well. They are shaped the same and both have the same "crunch" sound when pressed on. The only differences I see is the Allstar has the logo printed on the front of the chin pad, it also has an extra vertical stitch on the forehead pad.

Once again the harness on each mask appear to be identical in material and design. The harness on the 4000UMP mask has the Allstar logo stiched on the back and the ZRO-G TB is a plain black harness.

I have noticed one "defect" in the ZRO-G TB, it sounds like inside the hollow bars of the mask are pieces of "debris" from manufacturing??? When putting the mask on you can hear them rattle. Once the mask is on and you move your head side to side you can hear the pieces rattling inside the hollow bars. They sound like they are in the horizontal bars around the eye opening. I will contact Dan about this and will update when I recieve information.

Other than this "defect" my initial reaction is "WOW" this is a nice mask. I have a tournament coming up this weekend and plan to use this mask, this will give me a good comparison between the ZRO-G TB and 4000UMP. I will update my post at that time.

If anyone has any additional questions or would like more detail on the ZRO-G TB mask please let me know and I will do my best posting the information here.

[Stan W.]

I used to have the POS plat shoes. They were very heavy, but lasted about 12 years.

I am just getting to need new plate shoes.....Ive had 2 pairs in 20+ years..........both +pos......

[3rdGENump]

I recieved an email from Dan about the "rattle" in the mask. His response is below:

The rattling that you hear is the welding wire material used to weld the bars. Similar to solder. The welding wire melts and dripped inside the steel bars creating a drop. It is a ball rolling in a tube. Per my instruction to my factory, I request that these are not shipped and remade. The drops of welding wire can come loose when shipping to the customer as well.

I do replace the masks if I am notified about this problem with in 30 days. The welding wire drops are annoying but that is all. Its a rare occurrence, at the very most I get 3 returns or complaints about this a season.

I will replace that mask

Continuing my review:

Today I weighted the ZRO-G TB and the 4000UMP on our postage scale at work. Good thing my boss is also and umpire and didn't even look at me twice when I carried two masks into the office.

ZRO-G TB - 16.08 oz. - website states 16.5 oz.

4000 UMP - 16.02 oz. - website states 16 oz.

As I stated before the ZRO-G TB continues to impress. The mask I recieved weighted less than want is stated on the company website