Unequal Chest Protector

[johnnyg08]

Folks should just bring the pitching machines closer to get a more accurate shot.

[Umpete]

You do know that the Brass Balls Award is just an award. It doesn't really mean you actually have brass balls. I am LMAO right now!!!

[RichMSN]

First of all, I am just glad to have something to offer to this forum that helps me almost daily. Thank YOU, Umpire-Empire.

Now, the goods! I drove home with red marks on my chest. By the time i got home they were all but gone, and the never were as deep as an open-hand slap would have left but this should give you some idea as to what kind of protection this CP offers. I will wear the Unequal CP in every level of ball shy of say college/minor leagues. I believe that the light weight/custom fit more than makes up for the lack of hard plastic up to the point when the pitches are regularly 85+. But, and I think this is what we all wanted to know, for me the invincibility of the hard-shell protectors is worth a little extra sweat at speeds higher than that. I know I said Im not afraid to feel a foul, but once you reach a certain point why would you want to?

This sounds like the same protection I get with my Riddell Power. I'll have to do some similar testing at some point with the new TW pads in it.

[D62 blue]

Even after seeing your test, I feel confident in my decision to send mine back. I am not a multiple-CP kind of guy who has one for each speed of pitching I might face. I would rather have one that can handle whatever speed I put it in front of because more often than not, I have no idea how fast the pitchers are throwing until I hit the field.

I think with a few more tweeks, this CP could be something great instead of a nice addition. I am happy that SOME COMPANY out there is trying to do something new to improve umpire safety and comfort. I hope their second try is even better and I will buy (again) then.

FYI, i sent back my un equal today , i called jason , "no problem" he said . they should have it back by next friday , curious to see how quickly i receive the credit ?

marc

[CS-Blue]

They received mine yesterday. The wait is on. Most places take two or three days to process a refund.

[BalkHawk]

You do know that the Brass Balls Award is just an award. It doesn't really mean you actually have brass balls. I am LMAO right now!!!

All this time thinking I was the only expert on my own genitalia...

[BalkHawk]

Here is my report:

The Bad News-

In my opinion, the Force 3 Unequal Ultimate Umpire Chest Protector has too many names. Also, it is priced well above what I personally "want" to pay for a chest protector. The technology used in the plastic collar bone/shoulder areas is unimpressive; I haven't seen anything better and you could even say it is tried and true, but I was of the impression that I was being sold on kevlar because it is so much better than plastic plates. What gives? Finally, the harness does its job but it could be just a bit more comfortable where it sits at the top of the back. (Jason assures me that no protector will stop ME skipping baseballs to the mound.)

The good news:

In my opinion, no other CP with any serious level of protection can match the (lack of) size, custom-feeling fit and ease of maneuverability. It sits wrapped over the shoulders and around the lower ribs, with some space between itself and the sternum, and does not shift or slide down, ever. You can entirely reposition the shoulder protection with the convenience of velcro. I'm happy to have mine facing the pitcher and covering my arms rather than protecting the tops of my shoulders in case I have to tackle somebody. All of the hooks and buckles are substantial and plastic. Best of all, I can look awesome (in my own mind) and deflect an untouched 85 mph fastball to the lung without missing a beat, albeit I can "feel" the impact. It even leaves a red mark so my fiancee knows I've been working. The collar bone area is even more protective. Some will tell you that plastic cannot absorb impact and thus the energy goes straight through. I would say that I have personally bounced half a dozen baseballs off the shoulder in the past few days and I could NOT "feel" them.

I think the Force 3 Unequal Ultimate Umpire Chest Protector is not finished. I think it will be modified and updated in the years to come until it is the ultimate in umpire chest protection. It just isn't quite ready to face the highest levels of baseball. Lets be honest though, neither am I. For now I have a great fitting CP and coaches might even think I'm a tough guy.

Tomorrow I have a couple plates in the humid S. Florida a.m. so expect to hear more about heat/cooling and general real world issues.

[BalkHawk]

Are you sure this wasn't a video about how well the nuttybuddy works?

I wish to thank Don at Big League Experience for "pitching". He was very gracious to let me use his facility. As an ex-pitcher I think I helped fulfill a life-long dream of his because he had more fun than you would believe beaning the ump. I have a sneaking suspicion he was aiming for the brass...

[kkaimiv]

They also make insoles. I definitely want a pair!

I personally own the insoles and the chest protectore for that matter. IMO you will not find a better qality anywhere!

[CS-Blue]

Two days after sending back my CP, Jason had processed the refund. It hasn't cleared at the bank yet, but my bank is usually slow with that sort of thing.

[Jocko]

Hey Ford, how comfortable was it in games? Movement? Rigidity? Is it cooler than others?

[johnnyg08]

In my experience, the fit was like a glove. I would not say it was noticeably cooler that other CP's. I did not test it with a thermometer.

[BalkHawk]

Hey Ford, how comfortable was it in games?

I wore the F3UUUCP for three games this weekend. After the first game I made some small adjustments to the straps and from that point forward it felt like I almost never had to fiddle with it. It stays high on my throat. I didn't skip any baseballs to the mound all weekend (we'll just call that dumb luck). IMO the fit/maneuverability especially when compared to the competition is this CP's greatest strength.

I really can't tell you much with regards to how hot it is to wear. We had cloud cover and a breeze every game! I guess I can say it certainly doesn't seem any hotter than other protectors. I do look forward to having it for the heat of summer next year.

I didn't think about it while I wore it, except to think I had a sweet new CP. That is probably the best quality I could hope for. This is all in my head, but with my old CP I felt like I looked like someone who suffered from a little man syndrome and needed to compensate with protective gear. Not now.

The only foul ball I encountered hit my forearm.

[johnnyg08]

I will be wearing mine again this Sunday for a plate game. Will post the results if I get hit. I should also have it on a memory card too.

[Haid D' Salaami]

If you want to stop skipping balls to the mound.. Don't throw them, and give them to the catcher..LOL

[johnnyg08]

If you want to stop skipping balls to the mound.. Don't throw them, and give them to the catcher..LOL

That's my method

[zm1283]

If you want to stop skipping balls to the mound.. Don't throw them, and give them to the catcher..LOL

Or get a better arm and cut it loose, like Jim Wolf and Doug Eddings.

[johnnyg08]

Wore the unequal for a DII scrimmage today. Once again, didn't get hit. The thing is a ball repellant.

[BRUMP]

Wore the unequal for a DII scrimmage today. Once again, didn't get hit. The thing is a ball repellant.

Amazing. The only time you are hoping you get hit, no such luck.

[kylejt]

I still think it's interesting that the material is supposed to be good enough to protect my ribs, but not my collarbone.

[johnnyg08]

I still think it's interesting that the material is supposed to be good enough to protect my ribs, but not my collarbone.

I'm not saying this to be argumentative, but I think it's a deflect vs absorb philosophy.

[slo8140]

Much like Johnnyg, my unequal has proven to be ball repellent. I have worn it for 4 JUCO and small college fall games and I have not been touched. Crazy.

[johnnyg08]

I will be wearing it again on Saturday for a 9 inning DII scrimmage. Again, I will report back the news.

[BRUMP]

I will be wearing it again on Saturday for a 9 inning DII scrimmage. Again, I will report back the news.

I mean this in a good way I hope the ball hits you a good amount.

[Called3rdStrike]

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