Customizing your gear?

[hckyosgood30]

What have you done to your gear? I know basically everything of mine has been played with or tinkered with in some way shape or form. For example my west vest platinum. (please see pictures for reference) I've shaved the corners on the neck and trimmed the pad. I've put in new rivets. Trimmed the pads under the arm pits. And taken off the extra chest pad for a more low profile look, i.e. the riddel or douglas. Also I've taken off the back strap and replaced it with the one from my All-star catchers gear from college for a better fit. This is just one example but I'm wondering what you guys have done to yours?

Mike

[sgvump]

It's always interesting to see any alterations or cutomizing that other umps have done to their gear. I have a few minor alterations I have done...

Wilson Dyna Lite mask w/ visor and 6" throat guard...

Here I cut the side straps to the harness of the mask...

Added Black athletic tape to my the instep of my NB 450, the instep of the Wilson Pro Shins(instep guard cut off) was rubbing against the instep of the shoe...

[jjb]

I wrapped tape around my Umpire Hook: the glare of the metal was bothering my partner.

[BigZigBlue]

What have you done to your gear? I know basically everything of mine has been played with or tinkered with in some way shape or form. For example my west vest platinum. (please see pictures for reference) I've shaved the corners on the neck and trimmed the pad. I've put in new rivets. Trimmed the pads under the arm pits. And taken off the extra chest pad for a more low profile look, i.e. the riddel or douglas. Also I've taken off the back strap and replaced it with the one from my All-star catchers gear from college for a better fit. This is just one example but I'm wondering what you guys have done to yours?

Mike

I am getting the some in tom. afternoon from a fellow umpire for $50. The first thing I am doing is cutting the "wussy" pad off for like you said slim look and so I lock in better. Thanks for the pics, I wanted to see what it would look like without it!

[hckyosgood30]

LHSAA,

Its a great pad, two things. First keep the pad in case you ever want to slide it in for a really big arm. 2. Sand down the holes after you've taken off the pad. Otherwise it may grab and snag your shirts.

[Thunderheads]

OK, I've done 2 mods .... 1) was on my 3n2 base shoes, because I like a little white on my shoes .... so, model car paint to the rescue!

2)my All Star FM25 ....stole some doeskin pads off of eBay, swapped out the black vinyl pads. But, cut out the "LOGO" on the All-Star pads and velcro-d it on ....turned out good!

[All-Star Sports]

What have you done to your gear? I know basically everything of mine has been played with or tinkered with in some way shape or form. For example my west vest platinum. (please see pictures for reference) I've shaved the corners on the neck and trimmed the pad. I've put in new rivets. Trimmed the pads under the arm pits. And taken off the extra chest pad for a more low profile look, i.e. the riddel or douglas. Also I've taken off the back strap and replaced it with the one from my All-star catchers gear from college for a better fit. This is just one example but I'm wondering what you guys have done to yours?

Mike

Mike, I love how you added the DeltaFlex Harness to your CP!

-Brad Jurga

All-Star Sporting Goods

[Umpire in Chief]

My number one complaint about the WV Gold is the plastic "strap hub" or what ever you'd call it on the back. I't not a big deal other when you're putting it on or taking it off. I wish it was leather.

[slo8140]

My number one complaint about the WV Gold is the plastic "strap hub" or what ever you'd call it on the back. I't not a big deal other when you're putting it on or taking it off. I wish it was leather.

I agree. I like the idea of adding one to the all-star harnesses. That plastic disc is a killer.

Brad, can you buy just the harness. I might like to try that same mod to either my gold of schutt just to see how it turns out.

[Thunderheads]

My number one complaint about the WV Gold is the plastic "strap hub" or what ever you'd call it on the back. I't not a big deal other when you're putting it on or taking it off. I wish it was leather.

I agree. I like the idea of adding one to the all-star harnesses. That plastic disc is a killer.

Brad, can you buy just the harness. I might like to try that same mod to either my gold of schutt just to see how it turns out.

DITTO!!! Great idea! I'd love to try that on my Douglas!

[BigZigBlue]

LHSAA,

Its a great pad, two things. First keep the pad in case you ever want to slide it in for a really big arm. 2. Sand down the holes after you've taken off the pad. Otherwise it may grab and snag your shirts.

hckyosgood,

What you do mean slide it in? Does it have a hard piece on the back of it so you can? I am getting cutting it so my face mask does not knock it when I'm locked in or have to turn my head. You see I have what you call a "NO NECK"

[Fittske24]

My number one complaint about the WV Gold is the plastic "strap hub" or what ever you'd call it on the back. I't not a big deal other when you're putting it on or taking it off. I wish it was leather.

That's an easy fix..... Just have your local leather cobbler (or the guy who makes and sells leather belts and boots at the county fair :-) ) make you a leather piece like the plastic one on the west vest. He could probably even personalize it too!

Hell.... I think I might do this myself :-)

[hckyosgood30]

LHSAA,

NO its just a single pad that they've folded over and sewn in. If you cut it carefully with a razor blade it should come out perfectly clean. Then once you've sanded down the holes, anytime you want you have the pad in your bag and it will just slide in behind the plastic shell. As for cutting it you can with a dremel tool but know what your doing and sand it down afterwords. I did that to curve off the back that use to rub my neck. Now I have alot more room.

As for allstar delta flex harness. Yes they do sell them just call allstar directly. The only thing I did was I took mine to my leather/tailor locally and ask them to sew on some elastic nylon on the side straps for more flex and comfort much like what is already on my platinum and gold. However I will say that this makes any chest protect feel alot better and more comfortable and controlled. Allstar did an amazing job when designing the delta flex.

[BigZigBlue]

Yeah I did it this afternoon..threw the pad away because I wont need it. I am able to what I need to do know since I have games all day tomorrow since weather has been bad earlier this week....Baseball has officially started for me!

[umpirecordova]

I have all my gear altered or customized in one way or another and I really do like the idea of the All Star harness instead of the one the CP's usually come with. I just wanted to know how well it fits on your body, does it give you a nice snug fit?

For those who are interested (like me) to buy just the harness I did a google search and found some.

Also has anyone thought about using the All Star DeltaFlex harness for there shin guards. I know i have a hard time with basic straps most shin guards come with.

[boyinr]

The only mod I have attempted is the removal of the toe plate on my WV Platinum shin guards. I drilled out the rivet from the back side and used NSF Plumbing Epoxy to fill them. I let it dry/cure, masked them off and sanded them smooth. The gray color matches the Platinum color very closely and the finish product looks good. If you are using a drill on a WV product make be careful, the plastic is fairly heat sensitive with a low melting point.

I am sure you could use this same product on the Platinum CP to fill in the holes left by the removal of the neck pad. This would really make that look smooth.

[All-Star Sports]

Hey Guys,

Answering a few questions out there about the DeltaFlex harness...

Does it provide a snug fit? Yes.

This was the idea behind designing it! The triangle which rests in the middle of the back is made out of neoprene so that it is both durable and stretchy. The harness is adjustable from four locations, by each hip and by each shoulder, so that you can really dial in the fight fit. This thing really keeps the chest protector held in place and is very comfortable.

Do we make the DeltaFlex for leg guards? Yes.

The DeltaFlex on the leg guards really helps cradle the calf muscle and helps the leg guards stay in place without rotating. The straps on the leg guard DeltaFlex harness are pre-crossed so there are no straps which run behind the knees.

You can buy both directly from us or through any store which carries our equipment. These are technically "replacement parts" so that is the only reason you can buy them straight from us if you choose to. The model number for the chest protector DeltaFlex is: CPH-PRO and the model number for the leg guards is: LGRS-PRO.

[Umpire in Chief]

Good to know thanks Brad!

[Marcus6]

Hey Guys,

Answering a few questions out there about the DeltaFlex harness...

Does it provide a snug fit? Yes.

This was the idea behind designing it! The triangle which rests in the middle of the back is made out of neoprene so that it is both durable and stretchy. The harness is adjustable from four locations, by each hip and by each shoulder, so that you can really dial in the fight fit. This thing really keeps the chest protector held in place and is very comfortable.

Do we make the DeltaFlex for leg guards? Yes.

The DeltaFlex on the leg guards really helps cradle the calf muscle and helps the leg guards stay in place without rotating. The straps on the leg guard DeltaFlex harness are pre-crossed so there are no straps which run behind the knees.

You can buy both directly from us or through any store which carries our equipment. These are technically "replacement parts" so that is the only reason you can buy them straight from us if you choose to. The model number for the chest protector DeltaFlex is: CPH-PRO and the model number for the leg guards is: LGRS-PRO.

Brad,

I have the FM25 and plan on buying the FM2000 for the upcoming season. I wish you guys had an inside "notch" to attach a harness (like the Wilson Dyna Lite masks do). I too attached my traditional harness to the outside bars on the FM25.

[Thunderheads]

Hey Guys,

Answering a few questions out there about the DeltaFlex harness...

Does it provide a snug fit? Yes.

This was the idea behind designing it! The triangle which rests in the middle of the back is made out of neoprene so that it is both durable and stretchy. The harness is adjustable from four locations, by each hip and by each shoulder, so that you can really dial in the fight fit. This thing really keeps the chest protector held in place and is very comfortable.

Do we make the DeltaFlex for leg guards? Yes.

The DeltaFlex on the leg guards really helps cradle the calf muscle and helps the leg guards stay in place without rotating. The straps on the leg guard DeltaFlex harness are pre-crossed so there are no straps which run behind the knees.

You can buy both directly from us or through any store which carries our equipment. These are technically "replacement parts" so that is the only reason you can buy them straight from us if you choose to. The model number for the chest protector DeltaFlex is: CPH-PRO and the model number for the leg guards is: LGRS-PRO.

Brad,

I have the FM25 and plan on buying the FM2000 for the upcoming season. I wish you guys had an inside "notch" to attach a harness (like the Wilson Dyna Lite masks do). I too attached my traditional harness to the outside bars on the FM25.

DITTO! :D

[All-Star Sports]

I have the FM25 and plan on buying the FM2000 for the upcoming season. I wish you guys had an inside "notch" to attach a harness (like the Wilson Dyna Lite masks do). I too attached my traditional harness to the outside bars on the FM25.

Great feedback, mrm!

Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do about it for this season but it can certainly be a change for next!

There are a few guys out there who own them now who maybe able to try this out... I know when I have worn the mask and attached the harness to the outside ears, I never had an issue putting it on or having them drop when wearing it. When I put it on I would use two hands, one hand holding the cage and the other pulling the harness back around my head. When the mask was off and if the harness fell to a different part of the ear ring, a simple tug when putting it on would pull it into position.

But if you want it, and others would like it too, it is not a difficult thing to add to the mask. Thanks for the feedback! This is great stuff to hear so that we can continue improving our equipment!

[Marcus6]

I have the FM25 and plan on buying the FM2000 for the upcoming season. I wish you guys had an inside "notch" to attach a harness (like the Wilson Dyna Lite masks do). I too attached my traditional harness to the outside bars on the FM25.

Great feedback, mrm!

Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do about it for this season but it can certainly be a change for next!

There are a few guys out there who own them now who maybe able to try this out... I know when I have worn the mask and attached the harness to the outside ears, I never had an issue putting it on or having them drop when wearing it. When I put it on I would use two hands, one hand holding the cage and the other pulling the harness back around my head. When the mask was off and if the harness fell to a different part of the ear ring, a simple tug when putting it on would pull it into position.

But if you want it, and others would like it too, it is not a difficult thing to add to the mask. Thanks for the feedback! This is great stuff to hear so that we can continue improving our equipment!

I dont mind attaching the harness on the FM25 to the outside bars but in looking at some stock photos for the FM2000 (and MidwestUmp's blog review), it looks like the harness could slide around (I wouldnt attach the harness to the outside on the FM2000). Is this a huge deal to me? Not really; it doesnt change my mind Im still going to get the new mask for the upcoming season. I never saw the ball as well as when I wore the FM25 (and I also noticed there is a good collection of MLB guys who wear the mask) and I dont think thats a coincidence. I never felt comfortable with the Dyna Lite masks after wearing the FM25. Im a big fan of the All Star brand.

[Thunderheads]

I have the FM25 and plan on buying the FM2000 for the upcoming season. I wish you guys had an inside "notch" to attach a harness (like the Wilson Dyna Lite masks do). I too attached my traditional harness to the outside bars on the FM25.

Great feedback, mrm!

Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do about it for this season but it can certainly be a change for next!

There are a few guys out there who own them now who maybe able to try this out... I know when I have worn the mask and attached the harness to the outside ears, I never had an issue putting it on or having them drop when wearing it. When I put it on I would use two hands, one hand holding the cage and the other pulling the harness back around my head. When the mask was off and if the harness fell to a different part of the ear ring, a simple tug when putting it on would pull it into position.

But if you want it, and others would like it too, it is not a difficult thing to add to the mask. Thanks for the feedback! This is great stuff to hear so that we can continue improving our equipment!

I dont mind attaching the harness on the FM25 to the outside bars but in looking at some stock photos for the FM2000 (and MidwestUmp's blog review), it looks like the harness could slide around (I wouldnt attach the harness to the outside on the FM2000). Is this a huge deal to me? Not really; it doesnt change my mind Im still going to get the new mask for the upcoming season. I never saw the ball as well as when I wore the FM25 (and I also noticed there is a good collection of MLB guys who wear the mask) and I dont think thats a coincidence. I never felt comfortable with the Dyna Lite masks after wearing the FM25. Im a big fan of the All Star brand.

That's what Brad is saying, ...he's attached the harness to a FM2000 and yes, it does move, but, with a little tug, it never gets 'tangled' etc, ....

[amarillo]

On a scale of 1 to 10 ten being Smitty to the max how bad would it be if I chose not to cut off the metatarsal plate on my wilson platinum shins over my soon to be aquired Reebok low cut plate shoes?

Side note anybody know if Honigs or Ump Attire or any other site price matches?? I really don't want to pay shipping from three different websites to aquire my allotment of gear this year. May wind up walking over to my local store for a gouging

[Guest]

On a scale of 1 to 10 ten being Smitty to the max how bad would it be if I chose not to cut off the metatarsal plate on my wilson platinum shins over my soon to be aquired Reebok low cut plate shoes?

11.5