Is There a Demand For New Protective Technology Behind The Dish?

[NaiCam]

Is There a Demand For New Protective Technology Behind The Dish?

Hello Everyone,

I am new to the Umpire-Empire, and am hoping for some great feed back. For the past 3 years I have been obsessed with finding better ways to protect umpires behind the plate. I am currently in the patent process for a new kind of Throat Guard that is intended to maximize protection, and significantly reduce injury to umpires. My goal is to fix obvious problems with our current protective gear by using state of the are technologies and materials. My next mission is to develop the perfect chest protector. Companies are on there way to getting it right, but at this pace it is going to take a very very long time. I have access to materials that will allow me to accomplish what I want to do, but it costs $$$. If I was able to develop a Chest Protector that would -

A. Provide Maximum Coverage

B. Be Very Light Weight

C. Breathable

D. Take a 90+ mph direct hit like a West Vest can.

E. Look Very Cool

Questions:

1.Would U buy it?

2.How much would you pay for it?

I am just hoping to get some good feed back from the Umpire-Empire. Like many of you I love the game of Baseball witch is where my passion comes from. However, I do not want to invest my time and hard earned money into something that no one would want. I have noting to sell (yet :-)), and I do not work for any large companies. I am an independent contractor like all of you.

I am open to any questions any one may have.

Thank You and God Bless

[JaxRolo]

First I don't mean to insult you but you might get taken more seriously if your spelling and grammar was correct.

[NaiCam]

No Worries, I was never good at that kind of stuff. I am serious though.

[jjb]

As far as your first question, the answer is: Of course. We're always looking to improve comfort without sacrificing protection. Looking cool is nice, being (especially here in TX) cool is nicer.

If you check the MLB website, you'll see a lot of umpires hurt getting hit close to the throat area. Most of what I've seen has to do with being hit towards the side of the neck. Some improvement may be marketable.

As far as developing the perfect chest protector, hey, go for it, but you're in a very large pond, here. From WV, to GD to Honigs, Champion, etc, etc, they've all got an extensive R&D program. Sure we'd buy it, and sure we'd pay good money for it, but the question borders on the rhetorical.

[T-Rav]

Yes I would, I don't care about the price as I do the protection and quality of the product - as long as it is not astronomical. The coolness factor is not that important, rather the low profile look, as we wear shirts over our CP's and most of us have better things to do in our days than stare at our chest protectors.

Welcome to the forums. :rolleyes:

[NaiCam]

jjb, thanks for your feedback. Hopefully, my throat guard product would prevent that sort of injury entirely - that is the idea anyway.

P.S. Is everything really bigger in TEXAS?

[NaiCam]

T-Rav - I appreciate the feedback. LOL.. I couldn't agree with you more.

Thank You

[jjb]

jjb, thanks for your feedback. Hopefully, my throat guard product would prevent that sort of injury entirely - that is the idea anyway.

P.S. Is everything really bigger in TEXAS?

Yes

[Umpire in Chief]

More power to you if you can build a better chest protector.

IMO Price will be very important. You have the Wilson lineup which is very highly thought of to keep in mind which offer a very nice price to protection ratio.

Would I pay more for a better CP? Yes, but it has to be relative in the price to protection ratio of my Gold. If you get too far out of line people will stay where they are at.

Remember umpires are very fickle when it comes to their equipment so do your research and use experienced, higher level umpires who are self professed gear junkies to help you along the way.

[kcfan102]

use experienced, higher level umpires who are self professed gear junkies to help you along the way.

You've come to the right place :angel4:

[jnazz]

Of course, there are some umpires who will buy affordable gear and sacrifice protection just to save a buck. I think you will find that most umpires on this forum DO NOT fall into that category. I personally will pay whatever it takes to wear the best pro gear. I cannot afford to miss work, so paying an extra $100-$150 for a CP is a no brainer. At the time being, I don't feel I need to upgrade my protective gear --- I feel I have the market's top gear. But, if something extrordinary comes along I may be tempted.

[JaxRolo]

Do you have a pic of the Throat Protector?

[yawetag]

First I don't mean to insult you but you might get taken more seriously if your spelling and grammar was correct.

were correct

[kylejt]

were correct

Down goes Frazier!

Edited September 14, 2010 by kylejt

[JaxRolo]

were correct

You is correct. But Is's not trying to pitch a sale to ya'll.

Plus I am Cuban so I have an excuse.

[NaiCam]

I do have a picture of the guard, but can't post it yet. The moment I find out the patent is pending I am going to post a pic to see what people think.

[NaiCam]

Thanks for the feed back jnazz. I think I am going to move forward with the protector. I hope I can impress y'all.

[NaiCam]

Thank You for your reply Umpire in Chief.

[T-Rav]

Thank You for your reply Umpire in Chief.

How much do you estimate you might be selling this throat protector for?

[NaiCam]

Well, I dont know yet. What ever people will pay for it I guess. I am thinking $40 - $60 but I am not really sure.

As of right now it is a custom product. So it is allot of hands on work for me. The idea is to stop injuries to the neck/throat area completly. Eventually, I hope it will be something you can't live with out behing the plate - like shin guards or a chest protector.

[JaxRolo]

Well, I dont know yet. What ever people will pay for it I guess. I am thinking $40 - $60 but I am not really sure.

As of right now it is a custom product.

WOW

[D62 blue]

i think there is and always will be a demand for better gear . the majority of umpires have there regular job , umpiring is for a hobby (so to speak of) . and game fee's, and those who volunteer , for most are just enough to keep the fun going . so any improvements can only be a good thing , getting hurt (due to inadequate gear ) and possibly missing youre real job cant be good . i would be interested in something new.

d62 marc