t-ringer on Ebay-Shirts reviewed sdix00

[Thunderheads]

First let me start by saying this thread is being started based on post #29 on this thread here (post #29 by sdix00)

http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/12205-favorite-brand-of-shirts/

Secondly, ...based on what I learned from sdix's post, and looking at Terry's ebay auctions, I ordered a couple of these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-New-Baseball-Softball-Umpire-Shirt-MLB-Black-AWESOME-Free-Shipping-/270977216585?pt=US_Men_s_Athletic_Apparel&var=&hash=item3f17803049

I'm going to start with the negative:

First, the picture Terry has on this auction is actually the Smitty MLB replica, not the one he's selling. But, no big deal really.

Second, the white stripe on Terry's shirt is almost 2x as wide as the Smitty and/or Majestic MLB shirt. Is this bad? Only if other umpires are watching and would notice. And if you and your partner have the same shirt, it goes virtually un-noticed. Still, it's not accurate.

Third, the buttons are a pearlescent white, not black.

Ok, now the good stuff:

1) The fabric is light, soft, and stretchy!

2) They launder and come out of the dryer (gentle cycle) very nicely!

3) The difference in cut as described by sdix00 in his post is true. The sleeve opening is a little larger, and the sleeve is a touch longer.

4) The tails, both front and back are long! This makes for a simple tuck that stays there, period! I'm a belt/pant fidget-meister, and last night I barely (if any) bothered with it! It was nice!

5) The buttons, although a pearly white actually provide a decent contrast to an all-black shirt. I thought they'd look bad, but they don't.

6) The stripe doesn't look bad as discussed. Unless you KNOW, or can compare w/ another MLB replica like Smitty, or the Majestic original, you probaby wouldn't know. AND, if you're both wearing one, it disappears..

We wore this shirt last Sunday in 75 degrees and about 25mph winds. VERY COMFY. I also wore it last night in about 72 degrees (both plates) ..again ...light, soft , comfy...nice!

I've reported back to Terry with my concerns as noted in this post. I suggested that in order for the shirts to be real replicas, the stripe and buttons should be changed. However, ... for $22 shipped, ...this is a no brainer guys! This is a great value! Terry is very interested in making a great product and openly listened to my suggestions via email and phone.

This is a nice piece guys!

Pics to follow :D

[sdix00]

Glad to know I am not going crazy.

Good shirt. Half a notch better than Smitty in quality, two notches better in value.

The VERY VERY best shirt I think still goes to the U/A Ulitmate (if you size it up). BUT, Terry's shirt is definitely second place ahead of smitty in my book. I am looking forward to trying out his other colors next season.

[BalkHawk]

I bought t-ringer's black shirt and called him to add a blue shirt from the web. The black shirt is a "ramco" brand. It does seem to have wider stripes which IMO would not be noticed unless you are standing next to each other. I like the long, slim fit, but I think I will only wear it on the bases.

as for the blue smitty pro style, I ordered an XL along with an old-style red XL. The old-style fits with enough space for my CP, the new blue XL is huge. Even with a CP on it is a dress. I'll send it back and order a pair of large pro-style shirts. (at 6'2" 200lbs I don't wear many large size shirts)

so heads up, the new pro-style smitty seems to run a size large. (like a nike golf shirt)

[Thunderheads]

I bought t-ringer's black shirt and called him to add a blue shirt from the web. The black shirt is a "ramco" brand. It does seem to have wider stripes which IMO would not be noticed unless you are standing next to each other. I like the long, slim fit, but I think I will only wear it on the bases.

as for the blue smitty pro style, I ordered an XL along with an old-style red XL. The old-style fits with enough space for my CP, the new blue XL is huge. Even with a CP on it is a dress. I'll send it back and order a pair of large pro-style shirts. (at 6'2" 200lbs I don't wear many large size shirts)

so heads up, the new pro-style smitty seems to run a size large. (like a nike golf shirt)

You have 5 posts, so I can see where you missed this. It's been discussed quite a bit this spring on this board. Smitty has changed their sizing for 2012. If you wear an XL, order an XL, their shirts are sized for plate now. You actually have to ask which model year they come from to size it right. For me, ...if I order a 2011, it's a 2x, ...if it's a 2012, it's an XL.

[BalkHawk]

I'm just as new to umpiring as I am to this site, and I guess I got off topic.

[justwin]

i bought smitty shirts in early 2011.. i just got two smitty shirts last week and were told they were the new 2012 version... to be honest i find them to fit exactly the same.. as for the navy shirts terry ringer is selling,simply put they are awesome..very light great material, same color as smittys and fit roomy which i like.. and best of all the price is unbelievable..made in egypt but great quality

[Thunderheads]

I'm just as new to umpiring as I am to this site, and I guess I got off topic.

Nope,...

you didn't get off topic, ...just filling you in :D

[Thunderheads]

i bought smitty shirts in early 2011.. i just got two smitty shirts last week and were told they were the new 2012 version... to be honest i find them to fit exactly the same.. as for the navy shirts terry ringer is selling,simply put they are awesome..very light great material, same color as smittys and fit roomy which i like.. and best of all the price is unbelievable..made in egypt but great quality

justwin,

If they fit the same, then they're not 2012's.........

[T-Ringer of Official Call]

Hey all -

Here is the easiest way to determine if your Smitty shirt is pre-2012 or actually 2012. Look at your shirt label inside the collar. Here are the 2 options:

1) If you see a white sewn in tag or a 2"x2" white heat sealed tag with the Smitty info printed ON THE TAG - it is 2011 or before

2) If your info is printed DIRECTLY on the shirt material, it is the newest or 2012 version

OK. Now everyone run to your car or look in your closet and you will see exactly what I am talking about.

Thanks!

Terry Ringer

Official Call

304.295.7350

terry@wvteam.com

[T-Ringer of Official Call]

Hey all (again) -

I appreciate the feedback (& biz!) that everyone is giving us as it will only make the shirts we produce better. Jeff, Steve & I have emailed and spoken at great length regarding our new shirts (and I welcome anyone to call me at any time). I want to address a few concerns/corrections we have made:

1) The ebay pic has been changed to reflect the actual shirt (I regret that error)

2) The body piping is 10mm wide. Smitty is 7mm-8mm wide (depending on where you measure)

3) After reviewing Smitty & our shirt from the measurements, I think our white piping is much brighter and cleaner which may then give an appearance of a "wider" stripe

4) The length on the new MLB black shirt has been enhanced (more additional length) vs our new navy blue shirt (which will be addressed for 2013 - even though they are now longer).

Again, feedback is critical. I believe we have the correct material, have a good generous "base" cut (size up for plate), & have 2 current great colors. Although we are still discussing colors, I think we plan to have the following for next season (this can easily change):

1) navy (of course)

2) powder (navy/white trim - softball)

3) carolina blue (black trim - collegiate)

4) black (2 thin white stripes trim - HS & collegiate baseball)

5) MLB black (I think the white buttons look great on here!)

6) MLB powder

7) MLB vegas (note - this will be a limited run. We did a custom order for an association & they were a huge hit)

Red, cream, grey and a few others just don't seem to sell like they used to. Let me know what you think on the colors. Drop me a line at terry@wvteam.com.

Best wishes for a great season!

Terry Ringer

Official Call

304.295.7350

terry@wvteam.com

[noumpere]

2) powder (navy/white trim - softball)

3) carolina blue (black trim - collegiate)

Please be sure that the material color is different in these two shirts and not just the trim color. Too many have (or had the last time I ordered) the same powder color with the black trim and thats not what we or at least I want.

[T-Ringer of Official Call]

2) powder (navy/white trim - softball)

3) carolina blue (black trim - collegiate)

Please be sure that the material color is different in these two shirts and not just the trim color. Too many have (or had the last time I ordered) the same powder color with the black trim and thats not what we or at least I want.

Please note - that is why I say "powder blue" and "carolina blue." We plan on both colors (different).

thanks!

Terry Ringer

Official Call

304.295.7350

terry@wvteam.com

[noumpere]

2) powder (navy/white trim - softball)

3) carolina blue (black trim - collegiate)

Please be sure that the material color is different in these two shirts and not just the trim color. Too many have (or had the last time I ordered) the same powder color with the black trim and thats not what we or at least I want.

Please note - that is why I say "powder blue" and "carolina blue." We plan on both colors (different).

thanks!

Terry Ringer

Official Call

304.295.7350

terry@wvteam.com

I thought so but some other venders make a similar description but there really isnt any color difference (or at least I found that a year or so ago when I ordered and returned)