Equipment Ideas/Thoughts/Information

[Ax3bL4d3]

Just want to get some thoughts on equipment as I get back into the fray.

I've got some ideas on what I want to get and it seems I've come to a couple choices on both the mask I want and the chest protector. I need experienced input to help finally choose one or the other. Tell me the GOOD, the BAD and what is the Biggest consideration to take into account in the choice. I found both items of each brand in the same price range, so it won't be based on that. If there is another comparable Brand/Model in the same price range, feel free to add that info too before I pull the trigger. Thanks in advance for your help.

Mask: 1- Diamond iX3

2- +POS ZRO-G

Chest protector:

1- Champro cp23

2- Diamond iX3

Need Ideas on Shin Guards too.

Thanks, AX3

[th3]

I love my Wilson Charcoal Umpire Chest Protector (#A3217-CHA13). I use it up through varsity and feel very protected and its very comfortable and doesnt look too bulky. You can find it new for $80. I got mine used for like $40 and have used it for close to 500 games. Someone is (or was) selling a used one of these on the buy/sell/swap page. the arm things arent attached and you wont use them

[semper_fi_72]

If you get the Diamond 1X3 mask you need to replace the pads immediately with Team Wendy Pads.

I suffered 3 concussions with that mask and stock pads.

Don't make the mistake I made and not listen to advise on the stock pads.

If your even thinking of HSM I would go with All Star System 7 MVP 2500.

The Wilson Charcoal recommended by th3 is OK, the Wilson Gold or Platinum would be my recommendation. I use the Gold.

[Jocko]

Upgrading Depends on what level you're calling and your budget.

Mask - The Diamond iX3 is lightweight, fairly inexpensive, and comfortable. However, and this is just personal, in Varsity High School, it is not recommended. No details, but I was told not to use it. I wear Wilson Dyna Light. Slightly heavier, but if it's good enough for MLB pitches, I feel confident I'm protected. $65

CP - I wear Wilson West Vest Gold. Substantial protection at all levels. Somewhat cumbersome in those long tournament days, but I'll trade hot for hurt anyday. $150+

Also, I own a Champion P-210 15" that I love. Retails for about $60 new

Shins - I'm upgrading to Wilson WV Pro. Been wearing Diamond Ultra Light no knee strap and no problems, but I realize I've become a walking Wilson advertisement. $105 for my Wilsons, $60 for Diamond.

Don't skimp on gear. Starting out, get what you can afford, then upgrade. Let baseball pay for itself.

[JaxRolo]

The foaming mask is great with different pads.

The champion cp is good for the price. Do NOT get the ix3 it will not protect you.

[D62 blue]

Ax3 , i wear the diamond silver at HS and below , it is a very popular mask . Many wear it at NCAA level . I agree with others that you need to get the team wendy's pads . I also own the champion sports P220 15" CP (good value), which several years ago was reviewed favorably by midwestump.com . It is not a CP to wear above HS though . If you can the douglas is great , the ix3 CP dont consider at all . I owned one briefly , not good enough for anything but LL , IMHO .

BTW there is a difference between the "champro" cp23 and the champion sports P220 , two completely different CP's .

[kylejt]

Hear me know, and remember me always (was that Hans, or Frans that said that?)

Buy pro gear.

I've got a few of those Champion chest protectors for the kids in my program. Honestly, they're not bad, and a heck of a deal. I got 220 for around $40 on eBay.

But here's the deal: At some point you WILL buy pro gear, if you stick with this. Then you'll be stuck with middle of the road equipment, that is basically worthless. Look what used pro gear goes for on eBay. Good coin. Buy pro gear, wear it for few years, sell it on eBay, and buy new stuff. Your net cost is very low, and your protection is supreme. Plus, you're wearing new gear every few years. All for less then the price of the "other" stuff. Think long term.

I'd get the Honig's mask, pre loaded with the Team Wendy pads. That's the best deal, right now.

Buy a Douglas, WV Gold or Platinum or the new All Star, for a chest protector. Trust me on this.

I like the Davis shinguards, but usually wear my Bauer hockey official protectors.

[Welpe]

Kyle is right. Investing in pro level gear now will save you money in the long run. Even if you're calling younger ages, you will appreciate the protective gear and the confidence it instills in you. It's hard to stay locked into a stance when you doubt the quality of your gear, I know.

For the mask:

Consider a wilson dynalight if you're on a budget otherwise the All-Star is a good mask with good pads. I've heard nothing but rave reviews for the Team Wendy's pads.

Chest protector:

Don't skimp on something that's going to protect your collar bone, ribs and heart. Spend you money here. I have the All-Star System 7 and love it but the Platinum and Gold are both great protectors as is the Douglas.

Shins:

You can afford to skimp here some. I bought the Pro-Nine guards for $65 on Ebay and they have done a great job.

Also be sure to budget in a pair of plate shoes.

[RichMSN]

Plate shoes are extremely important. I've probably already taken three to four pitches or foul balls this season that would've broken my toes or foot.

[Ax3bL4d3]

.

BTW there is a difference between the "champro" cp23 and the champion sports P220 , two completely different CP's .

Just wondering, anything BAD about the Champro cp23? I checked into the P210 and like it alot, however.

I have pretty much settled on the Honigs w/ TW pads after investigating further, but I never saw anyone address the +POS ZRO-G mask I was considering.

Shins I'll be looking into a little more, thanks for the suggestions.

Thanks again for all the input from everyone, I appreciate it a lot.

[3rdGENump]

.

BTW there is a difference between the "champro" cp23 and the champion sports P220 , two completely different CP's .

Just wondering, anything BAD about the Champro cp23? I checked into the P210 and like it alot, however.

I have pretty much settled on the Honigs w/ TW pads after investigating further, but I never saw anyone address the +POS ZRO-G mask I was considering.

Shins I'll be looking into a little more, thanks for the suggestions.

Thanks again for all the input from everyone, I appreciate it a lot.

If you search ZRO-G you will find my review of the mask vs. the Allstar FM4000UMP.

I have used both mask throughout this season with about 25 plate games on each. As you will read in my review these two masks are very similar, about the only difference is the design of the frame itself.

If you have any questions on either mask let me know, I would highly recommend both.

[Big J Umpire]

The Diamond Featherweight shin guards are good choice if you're on a budget. You can get them on baseballplusstore.com for 30$.

http://www.baseballplusstore.com/products/Diamond-DLG%252dUMP-Lite-Series-15-inch-Umpire-Leg-Guards.html

[GerryB]

Team Wendy's - absolutely. Tonight in a college woodbat league, I took my first REAL shot with them. High heater inside, batter got a piece of it, straight to the middle of my mask.

My Honigs mask flew off, and I simply felt none of the blow. I was really shocked...no sore jaw or woozy brain. I'm sold.