Traditional Face Mask vs. Hockey Style Mask

[Strike3urout]

Which do you prefer?

Have you tried both?

Why do you like one over the other?

Discuss.

[mstaylor]

I prefer the traditional mask for a several reasons. I like the ability to clear my mask very quickly, I have read where guys loose vision clearing on pop-ups behind the plate. I personally am old school and don't like the looks of the bucket. I wouldn't like the extra weight in my hand when I have it off. I would think it would be awkward to write on my line-up card with it in my hand and there is no way I would leave it on while writing. One of our local guys wears his hat to the plate meeting and leaves his bucket in the bag hanging on the fence. After the plate meeting he puts his hat away and pulls out his helmet. I really don't like that. There is also andedontal evidence that the buckets are causing injuries in MiLB.

I haven't ever tried one but have no intention of changing.

[Umpire in Chief]

I prefer the traditional mask. I tried the Wilson HSM SunDevil71 loaned to me, and just didn't care for it as much. All jokes aside I have a larger head 18" neck and a 7 1/2 or 7 5/8 hat size. And I could never get use to the fit. More specifically I didn't like the way it fit around my jaw. I also felt like I couldn't hear as well while wearing it. I'm glad he let me borrow it because I'd convinced myself I was going to buy it before I'd even tried it. So instead I bought the Wilson Dynalite mask with doeskin pads and couldn't be happier.

[Jeff C.]

Talk about a timely thread for me! I'm thinking about buying an HSM and would like to hear some pros and cons. I can't seem to convince myself (maybe there's my answer). Does one remove it to make calls or leave it on? What is being taught about removing it? How hot are they? I'm somewhat old school on a lot of things, but I do like the way these look.

[mstaylor]

You are taught to take them off whever you would take off a regular mask. Some guys don't take it off on pop-ups behind the plate. I don't understand that because you are supposed to be looking at the catcher not the ball so it shouldn't make any difference.

The complaints I have heard is they are somewhat hot, you can't hear as well and although it doesn't hurt to get hit, you will get your bell rung when struck solidly.

I also think size plays a role in the decision. I think it looks horrible on big guys. It's not so bad on smaller guys, not as intiminating.

[Majordave]

purchased at the end of the summer from Gerry Davis for $89. Sell for $60 plus shipping (I will have to figure it out.) Used three games. Selling it for a friend who is at Wendelstedt right now.

Vision is great. It is hot when weather is hot and you have sound magnified by the helmet effect.

Protection is very good. Especially if you work at a field with close backstops or overhead fencing/backstops. I have seen umpires hit in back of head by foul balls and ricochets on those fields.

Personal choice is what I think as with most umpire uniforms and equipment.

I wear a Wilson Titanium and could not be happier. I also have a Honig's Single bar in Navy with Wilson traditional style tan doeskin pads and a Wilson New View in black with black amara suede wraparound pads. $25 plus shipping for each.

[Stan W.]

I am a tradtional mask wearer and I cant imagine changing to the bucket. I worked a few games this summer with one and despite the advertised advantages, I would never switch permanently....

The heat retention, the sound resonance and the awkwardness of mask management added to my impression...

[InDaZone]

Which do you prefer?

Have you tried both?

Why do you like one over the other?

Discuss.

I've worn HSM for three seasons, but keep in mind I don't do that many games. I originally chose it because the traditional FM's available (league owned) seemed heavy and pulled on my neck; so, I liked the balance from the HSM. Since then I've found out that there are really light ones and heck, I might have had it adjusted wrong; so I may try it again.

Anyway, I also like the extra protection from the HSM. I don't find it hard to remove- it becomes second nature pretty quickly. I've left it on in some circumstances to make a call, but that's probably just bad mechanics on my part. Carrying it around is more cumbersome, obviously.

I noticed a lot of guys, if not all, at the LLWS games used them- can anyone comment on that?

I suppose it's hotter than a mask, but that never occurred to me as a problem. I've never taken a direct shot with a mask on, but with the helmet you do get the added experience of all that plastic vibrating and creating a 'ringing in the ears' sensation.

Bottom line, I've really liked my HSM. But, my son might inherit it this year as he will be doing some catching, so I am highly considering trying out a good FM which is adjusted correctly for me and get a comparison.

~zone

[AllanA]

I prefer the traditional mask. I have a All Star and it hurts the back of my neck

abt the 4 inning on. I have a single bar and a double bar. I like em both.

The double bar I use for sub varsity and the single bar for Varsity and above.

Allan

[DonInKansas]

I've never tried a HSM and don't care to. Every time I've had a partner that wears a HSM get hit the sound just sickens me. That and I guess I just don't want to learn to use something that different.:GL:

[BrianC14]

I find it interesting that folks who've never tried something can even bother to comment.

Ah, well, I digress.

I used to use the Wilson Dynalite. I like it alot, and still have it in my kit as a backup. I will limit my comments to my experience in wearing the Wilson Shock FX; I haven't tried any other HSM.

Near the end of last summer season, I took delivery of a Wilson Shock FX. I had tried one on briefly during the summer, and was surprised at how light it was, and the vision was incredible.

I have used the Shock FX for several games, and I really like it. There is no difference (in my experience and use of it) in how and when you would remove it during a play. As far as making notes on a game card, I have actually used the helmet as a small table, while it's tucked under my left arm. I don't find that to be problematic; just the opposite, in fact, it has helped.

I do not wear a hat with mine, though I've read where some guys do, just to "maintain tradition". I tried a hat once, just hanging out at home, but it changed the way it fit, so I go without. I've seen MLB umpires who wear an HSM with no hat; if it's good enough for them at the top level, it's certainly good enough for me at my level.

I haven't noticed any difference in the Shock FX being hotter; (one of the last games I worked it was 90 degrees in game 1; in Game 2, I worked the bases with my usual base hat; let's face it - we wear WOOL hats. I felt equally hot under a wool base hat compared with my Shock FX.

I also haven't noticed anything "noisy" about wearing the Shock FX.

The Shock FX is now my # 1 choice when working the dish. Of course, your mileage may vary. Given the expense of them, I'd recommend trying one before you purchase, if possible.

There's my $0.02.

Edited January 4, 2009 by BrianC14

[Jeff C.]

Ok, thanks guys. I think I will try and find a HSM to borrow and try and then decide. Might save me some money.

[BrianC14]

Ok, thanks guys. I think I will try and find a HSM to borrow and try and then decide. Might save me some money.

Remember that not all HSMs are created equal. I once tried on a Wilson catcher's helmet (steel cage) in a sporting goods store, and I remember thinking it felt as heavy as the old-style steel helmet worn by GIs.

I figured that I'd never want to wear an HSM; until the day I tried on the Shock FX.

[LMSANS]

I used the All Star MVP2300 HSM for all of 2008, about 90 plate games. I take it off just like the regular mask. I do wear my hat underneath, I just think it looks better and makes for a snug fit. It took me 2 scrimmages to get the hang of removing the HSM and not the hat. The heat did not seem to be a problem and I did plate games in 95 - 100+ temps. At least not anymore than a regular mask would have been.

The only complaint I have is the ringing when the plastic gets hit. Straight on shots were not a problem.

I have a size 19.5 neck and 7 5/8 hat. I am unaware of the weight.

My regular mask was a hand-me-down from my cousin when he retired from umpiring. It was fairly new and more than adequate once I added a throat guard.

I originally got the HSM because a lot of fields I work on have the close-in back stop. I've been hit a couple times previously with foul balls off the screen. Of course, I didn't get hit once this year with the HSM. :GL:

[Bigdog]

Hey all,

I use only a traditional mask and have never tried a HSM in a game, probably never will. Not because i think they are ugly, or I am just "old skool":Cool2:, I just figure if I can't get one to be comfortable on my head in a store, I will NOT EVEN THINK about trying it on a field!

Bigdog:cool:

[InDaZone]

There is one other consideration about the HSM. Just before a game (LL Majors) I went to put on my bucket and it wasn't where I thought I left it (in the plate area). So I'm getting all frantic, looking here, looking there. I even went out to the parking lot 'cause I had been there for something not too long before. Finally I had to start the game, so I grabbed whatever was in the bin (a regular mask) and went back to the field. On my way to the plate I finally spotted my HSM.....on the catcher's head!

I suppose that wouldn't have happened if I used a regular mask.

~idz

[ump81]

Guys, been umpiring 13 seasons now, first 7 with the taditional mask, used an ultralight wilson, west mask knockoff. I Switched in 2004 to the hockey style mask first a Schutt, now a +POS (they are gone now be fun to replace parts when it breaks!). Ive had my bell rung wearing both by quality college pitching. I played goalie in hockey for college and youth before that, maybe I was comfortable wearing that style mask before. Both have pros and cons, I do not wear a hat behind plate I was eating up plate hats 3-4 a year (I'm a big sweater) so thats $60 or more saved each season! I take the helmet off and carry it for each and every play as I would the standard mask. I like the deflective quality of the hockey mask it sounds loud but realy does'nt affect me too much. The old mask ripped off or went to the side on a direct strike. The no hat thing is a drawback, wearing a plate hat is clearly more professional, I wear mine to the plate meeting then switch it to my bag, I keep my hair short (I'm a police officer in my real job) so at least I dont have "hat head" when I take it off. It is hotter for sure in the July and August games but never have noticed it during the scholastic or college season. I keep a towell in my bag near the plate and wipe down frequently. I think deep down it gives me a confidence that I feel protected much more so for a potential bat strike from the side. It of course wraps around covering the ears and jaw line much better. I wear mine for each and every game, I think I would never adjust if I wore one for rec and one for college, etc. Some advice if you are switching go all the way, dispose of the old style and wear only hockey style, it is heavier and hotter but the trade off for protectiion real or emotional is a positive for me. I dont think I could return to the old style, I feel naked. More than anything it is the perceived greater protection that keeps me wearing the new style. It is just one less thing I worry about when calling pitches. Season starts in 4 weeks! take care.

[Strike3urout]

Thanks for the replies.

I switched to a BLACK Rawlings Cool-Flow hockey style mask three seasons ago and I will never go back.

I like the vision improvement I get with it and I like the protection given to the top of my head. I take it off with my left hand whenever I go down the first base line on a routine play and I take it off on a passed ball or a runner trying to score with a play at the plate.

I switched for basically two reasons: 1) I always stand in the slot and I took a foul ball off an 85 mph (approximately) fastball and it yanked my traditional mask all the way around to the side of my head. It also gave me a raging headache for the next few hours and the next day my jaw also hurt.

2) I was working the bases and the PU took a foul ball off the top of his head wearing a traditional mask and it knocked him unconscious (sp?)as he fell to the ground right where he stood. It wasn't really a hard pitch or a hard foul it was just the fact that it hit him on the top of his head where his traditional face mask gave him any protection. I finished the game for him as when he came around I insisted that he go to the hospital. I saw him the next week and he didn't have any major problems but he had a headache off and on for about 4 days.

I work high school baseball games in Illinois and I have talked to some other IHSA umpires that would "never" wear a hockey style mask. One reason they often give is that you can't wear your traditional "beanie" hat with a HSM and when you take your HSM off your head is bare.

I personally don't care if my head is bare or not. I don't care if the "powers that be" would rate me lower because I don't wear a hat and thus "I could never work the state finals". I don't care about how it looks to IHSA raters and I don't care if I ever work the state finals. Not a big deal to me.

I have worked the first round of the IHSA playoffs which are the Regionals in both baseball and softball wearing my HSM. The fact that I have only been an umpire for 8 years means that the guys who have worked 20 years PLUS are going to get assigned the next level of the playoffs and especially the state finals. Not a big deal to me.

I always wear clean and unwrinkled grey pants and I like the IHSA logo on the blue umpire shirts I get from Honig's. I always wear either base shoes or plate shoes and they are always clean. I always wear the blue IHSA logo hat on the bases and my black HSM behind the plate.

I have a West Vest Platinum I wear behind the plate plus of course shin guards under my plate pants. I have a good habit of holding my indicator in my left hand and making strike and/or out calls with my right hand.

None of the above apparel causes me to be at greater risk of getting hurt.

In my opinion my HSM KEEPS me from getting hurt unnecessarily when working the plate and potentially getting hurt by foul balls.

Like most if not all of the posters on this site I have a full-time job that I work and I work baseball games as a hobby. If wearing my HSM keeps me from getting hurt at my hobby and thus keeps me from missing work or losing my job altogether than I am all for it.

I'm not saying EVERYONE should wear a HSM. I'm just advocating that any umpire that wants to should borrow one of their partners for one or two games and make the decision for themselves. :HD:

[mstaylor]

I find it interesting that folks who've never tried something can even bother to comment.

Ah, well, I digress.

I used to use the Wilson Dynalite. ...

.

Brian, the question was, which do you prefer and why. It wasn't, have you used the bucket.

I don't use one and I listed the reasons why. I also listed a pro and con list from my experience and information I have gotten from bucket users. The loss of vision, being loud, being hot, all come from guys that use and prefer using them, including one guy that uses the Shock.

[Stan W.]

I played goalie in hockey for college and youth before that, maybe I was comfortable wearing that style mask before..

I think as the younger generation of catchers grow up only using the HSM then we will see them only grow in common usage for umpires....

I was a catcher when I was young, so the traditional mask is the only thing Ive ever known and the umpires, (HS, college and Pro) all wore the traditional mask....

Ive tried the HSM.......I tried it because I was told it offered a better view....The view was good......but the other issues, heat, bulk, and sound resonance made me opt out...

[Bailey8]

What is the difference between the umpire version of the shock fx and the catcher version?

[AllanA]

I believe the umpire shock is lighter (titanium) and the catchers is steel making it heavier.

Please correct me if I am wrong. But I think I remember reading that about the two of them.

Allan

[catoblue]

I tried an HSM one time (not sure of brand), and it just didn't feel right - maybe only because I've used a traditional FM for so many years.

[Bailey8]

I believe the umpire shock is lighter (titanium) and the catchers is steel making it heavier.

Please correct me if I am wrong. But I think I remember reading that about the two of them.

Allan

Thanks, That would explain the $100 difference!

[InDaZone]

Thanks, That would explain the $100 difference!

Yup, this board just saved me 100 clams too.

I was going to get the catcher's one from a magazine that came this week, but I think I would've been disappointed. I'll hang on for a little more overtime and get the titanium one.