differences between catcher and umpire version of System7 helmet?

[BT_Blue]

So this is probably more for the fella from All Star but any help will do.

Besides the two-tone color scheme, is there a difference between the catchers System7 helmet and the umpire version? We have the two-tone MVP2500 at work and am thinking of making the switch to a HSM next season.

[slo8140]

I think the color scheme is the only difference.

[BT_Blue]

That's what I was thinking. If I'm going to get one it will probably be the MVP4000. Just want to make sure. Best price I have seen is about $230 on UA

[Thunderheads]

BT_Blue,

No, there is no difference. Color is it ...... the 2500 and 4000 are both the same

[Umpire in Chief]

Hold on there....

I haven't been able to find any noticeable difference between the Umpire 2500 and the Catcher 2500, other than color.

BUT, there are huge differences between the 2500 and 4000 models.

The big one is the 2500 shell is made of ABS plastic and the shell of the 4000 is Polycarbonate.

[Thunderheads]

Hold on there....

I haven't been able to find any noticeable difference between the Umpire 2500 and the Catcher 2500, other than color.

BUT, there are huge differences between the 2500 and 4000 models.

The big one is the 2500 shell is made of ABS plastic and the shell of the 4000 is Polycarbonate.

No, that's not what I meant Warren ...

I mean to say the Catcher version of the 2500 is the same as the umpire version ....and the same with the 4000 model.

Bottom line, ..catcher and umpire versions of each level 2500 and 4000 are the same.

[semper_fi_72]

I haven't looked at a Catchers version of either of the 2500 or 4000.

I would venture a bet that one thing you will find on the catchers version that won't be on the umpire version is:

"NOCSAE" standard marking.

[dph1026]

The 4000 also has extra padding in the forehead area

[BT_Blue]

<p>

<br />

I haven&#39;t looked at a Catchers version of either of the 2500 or 4000.<br />

I would venture a bet that one thing you will find on the catchers version that won&#39;t be on the umpire version is:<br />

&quot;NOCSAE&quot; standard marking.<br />

<br />

<br />

</p>

This should be completely and totally untrue. Why would NOCSAE not stamp the umpire helmet but stamp the catchers one. They wouldn't.

I like the idea of the polycarbonate shell with the steel cage the best. Only a couple ounces heavier then the titanium version and shouldn't bend as easily.

[slo8140]

I have a 4000 with the Ti cage. It has taken a beating over about three seasons and no bending. My Ti wilson shock bent though.

The Ti frame will set you back alot more $$ than the steel 4000, but the bars are slimmer. You cant go wrong with a 4000 regardless of the type of cage. Great HSM.

[RichMSN]

I haven't looked at a Catchers version of either of the 2500 or 4000.

I would venture a bet that one thing you will find on the catchers version that won't be on the umpire version is:

"NOCSAE" standard marking.

You would lose that bet.

[BT_Blue]

Is it slimmer that the catcher version? Looks like it is to me on tv

[semper_fi_72]

<p>

<br />

I haven&#39;t looked at a Catchers version of either of the 2500 or 4000.<br />

I would venture a bet that one thing you will find on the catchers version that won&#39;t be on the umpire version is:<br />

&quot;NOCSAE&quot; standard marking.<br />

This should be completely and totally untrue. Why would NOCSAE not stamp the umpire helmet but stamp the catchers one. They wouldn't.

Then explain why my 2500 isn't stamped??????

The reason is ours isn't checked by anyone. HS players etc must have it on theirs.

[semper_fi_72]

I haven't looked at a Catchers version of either of the 2500 or 4000.

I would venture a bet that one thing you will find on the catchers version that won't be on the umpire version is:

"NOCSAE" standard marking.

You would lose that bet.

Sorry, but look at them.

My 2500 isn't marked.

[semper_fi_72]

I have a 4000 with the Ti cage. It has taken a beating over about three seasons and no bending. My Ti wilson shock bent though.

The Ti frame will set you back alot more $$ than the steel 4000, but the bars are slimmer. You cant go wrong with a 4000 regardless of the type of cage. Great HSM.

The problem with a Ti frame or mask is that it will not bend.

A steel frame provides better protection.

By bending on a hard shot, it is dispersing the shock and therefore not transferring it to your head.

I would recommend the steel cage.

It is what All Star recommended for me in my discussions with them due to my concussions.

[BT_Blue]

I like the titanium masks but don't trust them for that exact reason. As for the NOCSAE stamp I might be a little worried about it. Did you contact all star and ask why it isn't on there?

[slo8140]

I agree with you on your past head injury status. I made no claims about the protection of the TI frame. I discussed the thinness of the bars and the fact that mine has not bent.

[Umpire in Chief]

I have a 4000 with the Ti cage. It has taken a beating over about three seasons and no bending. My Ti wilson shock bent though.

The Ti frame will set you back alot more $$ than the steel 4000, but the bars are slimmer. You cant go wrong with a 4000 regardless of the type of cage. Great HSM.

After a few earlier conversations with our friend Brad at All-Star Sports I was told they use a special Ti alloy which makes it more resilient than pure Ti.

[scrounge]

I just can't see spending the extra $100 on Ti vs. steel myself. Maybe it's thinner, but it's all of three ounces lighter, not enough to justify the cost to me. Add in the possibility of transferring more force, and it's an even easier decision to go with steel.

[BT_Blue]

Agreed. Big purchase next season will be a MVP4000sl and NB460s...

[Thunderheads]

I just can't see spending the extra $100 on Ti vs. steel myself. Maybe it's thinner, but it's all of three ounces lighter, not enough to justify the cost to me. Add in the possibility of transferring more force, and it's an even easier decision to go with steel.

What pitch speeds do you normally see?

[scrounge]

Mostly HS in the 70's and youth/JV below it, with the occasional adult/tournament in the low 80's. Frankly, I'm not even sure I'd benefit from an MVP4000. From All-Star's own youtube videos, they say the vinyl nitrile forehead band really doesn't do anything below 80 or 85 mph (can't remember, but it was one of the two). But it couldn't hurt just in case to have it.Of course, I'll prob still get it at the end of the year when I plan on passing my MVP2500 down to my son, completing his first year of umpiring and using an older, dark blue MVP2300. But that's just as much gearhead as it is anything else!

I just can't see spending the extra $100 on Ti vs. steel myself. Maybe it's thinner, but it's all of three ounces lighter, not enough to justify the cost to me. Add in the possibility of transferring more force, and it's an even easier decision to go with steel.

What pitch speeds do you normally see?

[Thunderheads]

That'll probably be fine for you then. Personally, if it were my decision, I probably wouldn't get the 4000 unless:

1) I typically saw gas at 85+ all the time

2) I've suffered from concussions

Obviously both great rigs ..... but ....the 2500 would probably suit you just fine :D

[NWA_UMP]

Here is my take on it...

The price difference is what, $100 bucks? Get the extra protection now and you never have to worry about it again....

[jflores]

SportsDepot.com had the MVP 4000sl at one time for 209.99, I bought it earlier this year.

You can get the 2500 matte finish via sports depot.