Traditional Face Mask vs. Hockey Style Mask

[MCLEOD36]

Ok, guys here is the quick answer. I wear a hockey mask, two reasons, I played and still play hockey and yes, I also put a throat protector on it, went from 4 inch to 6 inch. Why, I had two balls lodged under the 4 inch ones and didnt want that base award called on me.

I like it for a couple of reasons, as funny as this sounds, I wear glasses and when I wore a traditional one, when i got hit in the grille a couple of times, it jostled my head and glasses into a postion of damn I cant see and I look dopey.

The hockey one, yes you can be lazy and not take it off, but you have some areas of lost balls. After a while, the elastics become looser and you can snap it off pretty quickly. I also carry the heavier Allstar metal pitch counter, and you just get used to it. I have gotten hit of course various times and yes, it rattles you, but for me it has never caused my head/glasses to move. I wear the Easton Stealth one, ie for catchers and my head (globe) is size 7 7/8s and it works well.

I think it can be old school/new school at times, but again I have no problem in hockey dipping my body in kevlar and lacing them up. Anyway, I have been very comfortable over time with the hockey mask and acutally game my new other mask away....

I hope that helps.

[UmpJM]

When I first started umpiring I wore a HSM (Easton Stealth, like John McLeod). At the end of my first year, I acquired & started trying a "traditional" umpire mask (Wilson Dyna Lite). Now, I pretty much wear the traditional mask exclusively.

With either one, I would take it off under the same conditions of play.

I have taken a number of solid shots in each & find they each have provided me equivalent and satisfactory protection. I can think of one instance in my last 130 games where the HSM would have provided me protection that the mask did not - drew blood, but not a big deal.

I did not experience the excessive heat, loudness, or weight that others have mentioned. The HSM also provides a "less obstructed" field of view, but I feel I can see everything I need to through the mask's field of view.

The biggest disadvantage of the HSM for me was that it was more "awkward" to hold while dealing with lineups and such.

The biggest advantage from my experience is that the mask seems to "look" more professional - a subjective statement, to be sure, but nonetheless.

JM

Edited January 13, 2009 by UmpJM

[blue32]

I have a Shock FX and love it. It is much lighter than the others on the market, and the view is great. I have had a Rawlings Cool-Flo, and a Diamond iX3 HSM as well, and the Wilson is head and shoulders above them.

One thing I wasn't expecting was how cool the bucket is during summer games. I actually sweat less behind the plate wearing my Shock, than I do on the bases wearing a hat. But, to each his own, I like the feel and protection of the HSM over the traditional masks. I don't think there is a right or wrong way to go.

If anyone does decide to go with a HSM, my advice is to do a few more games, save up a little more, and go with the Wilson.

[Jeff C.]

I also wear glasses like John McLeod. I've also experienced the glasses getting twisted around. That's not a good spot to be in. I was hoping someone would mention this type of stuation. That really helps me decide.

[MCLEOD36]

I took a foul ball off the left side near the neck and still glad, I had the HM on. I think it is really preference, I have gotten used to mine, so not a bad thing. The straps (elastic) are looser now and it can be snapped off very quickly without jostling things. The Shock FX looks nice, it just doesnt fit me, so the Easton one suffices.

[jkbennett]

I am in Florida and use an HSM by Adams.

Heat - I can definately say that heat is not an issue. Let's face it...if it was I would know due to geography. In fact, I get less sunburn and tanning using the helmet, especially in the ears.

Weight - (this is probably one of the heaviest helmets made) but, because it distributes the weight evenly over your head, it is remarkebly comfortable.

Vision - I haven't noticed much difference between a traditional mask and the HSM

Mechanics - If you treat it like a mask, you will have no issues.

Protection - 1 thrown bat and several fouls balls to the back of the head....I'm glad I wear it. Fast ball to the face...the impact is destributed evenly to reduce impact.

Just my humble opinion but, I hope it helps.

Thanks

[kylejt]

Foul balls to the back of your head? What game are you watching?

[Umpire in Chief]

Foul balls to the back of your head? What game are you watching?

I'm guessing off the cage. I had one that hit the pipe supporting the fence and hit me equally hard at the top of my head as when it went off the bat.

[kylejt]

I'm guessing off the cage. I had one that hit the pipe supporting the fence and hit me equally hard at the top of my head as when it went off the bat.

Ever have one come down and smash the metal button on the top of your hat? Yow! That hurts.

Yeah, that's the only time I bust out the All Star helmet. The clam shell backstops. Hate 'em. Otherwise, the HSM is too hot, and way too loud inside. Plus, it doesn't have the padding my WV does, so it can't absorb to blow.

[LMSANS]

Ever have one come down and smash the metal button on the top of your hat? Yow! That hurts.

Yeah, that's the only time I bust out the All Star helmet. The clam shell backstops. Hate 'em. Otherwise, the HSM is too hot, and way too loud inside. Plus, it doesn't have the padding my WV does, so it can't absorb to blow.

I don't think you're supposed to leave the iPod on while you're doing a game!:WTF

[Umpire in Chief]

I don't think you're supposed to leave the iPod on while you're doing a game!

Ahhh so thats the secret to doing small ball games, get an HSM and play your ipod so you can enjoy something...

[jkbennett]

Short backstop, clamshell top....need I say more?????????????

[zm1283]

I bought an All Star HSM when I started umpiring last year. I wore it a couple times in the fall and didn't mind it too much. I wore it for a scrimmage or two before the season this spring and decided that I just didn't like it all that well. I didn't like not wearing a hat, I didn't like its bulkiness (Even though it wasn't that heavy), and I thought it was a little difficult to take off.

This is all just my personal opinion, as I sold it to a board member here (Hope he likes it) and bought a Wilson titanium for about the same that I sold the HSM for. I used to catch and I always wore a standard mask, so I like the titanium a LOT better. It's unreal how light it is, it's very easy to see out of, it's very easy to take off, and I can wear a hat now.

[Minnz]

IMO there is a big problem with misuse of the hockey style mask. The mask was made and intended to never be taken off. That is what makes them safer in addition to the shell on the back of head an ears.

Catchers and umpires should not have to take the hockey mask off. They are supposed to give a better view than a standard mask while it is worn. This is why I think it is dumb states require kids to wear the hockey mask. They still take it off 99% of the time on foul balls and plays at the plate.

Look at major league guys, many of the catchers and umps leave those thing on 100% of the time. Then you are using the mask correctly.

That being said...I personally prefer the traditional mask. I was in HS when hockey masks came out and tried then playing HS ball but always went back to traditional.

[zm1283]

IMO there is a big problem with misuse of the hockey style mask. The mask was made and intended to never be taken off. That is what makes them safer in addition to the shell on the back of head an ears.

Catchers and umpires should not have to take the hockey mask off. They are supposed to give a better view than a standard mask while it is worn. This is why I think it is dumb states require kids to wear the hockey mask. They still take it off 99% of the time on foul balls and plays at the plate.

Look at major league guys, many of the catchers and umps leave those thing on 100% of the time. Then you are using the mask correctly.

That being said...I personally prefer the traditional mask. I was in HS when hockey masks came out and tried then playing HS ball but always went back to traditional.

If I'm coaching (And I have) and my catcher doesn't take it off to catch a pop-up or field a bunt, he's going to be in trouble. Furthermore, the PU has to take his mask off to make calls. I would never make a call at home with my mask on. The only thing I'll leave it on for is a fair/foul call on a ground ball that's hit hard down the line when I don't have time to get it off.

[kylejt]

The mask was made and intended to never be taken off.

You are correct, if you're a hockey goalie.

But we're baseball umpires, and are using a piece of borrowed gear from another sport (minus the center bar).

Plus, who are you to say I can't take the helmet off? You're not the Boss of me.

It's really not that hard to remove the helmet, with a bit of practice. It is a bit trying on the shoulder socket when selling a SAFE! call though. I rarely use mine, but when I do I remove it just as I do my mask, as I get a much better view of things without it (Duh). Plus, it looks like your getting a much better view, which is also important. Standing there with your mask or helmet on makes you look like a dunce.

[Minnz]

You are correct, if you're a hockey goalie.

But we're baseball umpires, and are using a piece of borrowed gear from another sport (minus the center bar).

Plus, who are you to say I can't take the helmet off? You're not the Boss of me.

It's really not that hard to remove the helmet, with a bit of practice. It is a bit trying on the shoulder socket when selling a SAFE! call though. I rarely use mine, but when I do I remove it just as I do my mask, as I get a much better view of things without it (Duh). Plus, it looks like your getting a much better view, which is also important. Standing there with your mask or helmet on makes you look like a dunce.

Let me be clear. I am not saying do not take the mask off for umpires. All I am saying the mask was made to leave on ESPECIALLY for catchers. If it is all about safety why HS makes them wear the one piece, they should use them correctly is all.

Seems dumb to now allow a two piece to be used.

[umpkid7]

One nice helmet from Wilson through west vest is the A3191. Its very similar to the Shock FX minus the shock absorbers. You get all the same comfort, the same titamium face mask, and at 150 dollars less. IMO, Unless your taking 90 mph fastballs to the dome, you probably don't need the shock FX technology. I own it and couldnt be happier with it. Only available from the Joe West site.

http://www.cowboyjoewest.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CJW&Product_Code=A3191&Category_Code=

[blindumpire99]

Ahhh so thats the secret to doing small ball games, get an HSM and play your ipod so you can enjoy something...

I wear my HSM with radio earplugs so I can have Tim He-who-shall-not-be-named and Joe Morgan up in the booth radioing down any and all correct rulings, ball/strike calls and observations so that I can do my job better and more efficiently.

But seriously, I have worn an HSM for about 7 years and refuse to go back to a traditional. I have no problem taking mine off with my left hand with an indicator in it at the same time and I do it just like I did with the facemask (must be the large fat fingered hand, ladies:cool: hahaha). No problem with a 'safe' call.

BUT, I am following what little research exists or may evolve henceforth concerning any valid testing of the HSM and concussions vs a facemask. And I am planning on getting a Wilson Shok as soon as I can get back onto the field fulltime, after my upcoming surgery, based upon the reports for you guys who wear 'em.

And I am looking more at Gary Cederstrom's setup with the hockey goalie type neck protector. The carotid artery areas are no place to take a deep bruising from a shot.

[Jboval]

I have been using the HSM this season for the first time. I love that I do not have to take the mask off to see the play and make a call. Let's face it, most of the time you remove a traditional mask when watching a play is because as you move around the darn things bounce all over the place, no matter how tight you have it on. When that happens you miss calls. You do not have that problem with the HSM on, and therefore I am totally comfortable running around the field with it on, and not having to worry about missing a play because the mask spins around on my face or bounces up to block my view at an inopportune moment. If you say that you have to remove a HSM to see properly and make a call you have: not been wearing it correctly, have never worn one, or have not figured out how to wear it with your glasses on!

All I can say is that I can see much more, much more clearly, and have much more confidence about what I am seeing with my HSM. Just my 2 cents.

[mstaylor]

I agree 100% that for most calls you can see just as well with ot on as off, but you still need to take it off. The perception that you see better is what is important plus it makes you look lazy if you leave it on. I'm not saying there is a true difference just a appearance of a difference.