Jump to content

WV Platinum Team Wendy Retro

ump13

By ump13
in Umpire Equipment

 Share
Umpire-Empire locks topics which have not been active in the last year. The thread you are viewing hasn't been active in 4833 days so you will not be able to post. We do recommend you starting a new topic to find out what's new in the world of umpiring.

Recommended Posts

ump13

ump13

Posted
Posted

Finally finished up my last games down here in FL, so I stopped by the UPS store to send off my platinum to be retrofitted. Can't wait to get it back. Hope to have it back by mid December and just in time to get ready for pro school. Pics to come as soon as I get it back.

  • Like 3
  • Replies 81
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Popular Posts

ump13
ump13

Finally finished up my last games down here in FL, so I stopped by the UPS store to send off my platinum to be retrofitted. Can't wait to get it back. Hope to have it back by mid December and just in

johnnyg08
johnnyg08

yeah, it's a gap, but again, we are deciding to make a certain non-fatal sacrifice for comfort. I know I could wear a bomb suit back there and if I ever got hit, I wouldn't know it. Great gap pro

Chris Hickman
Chris Hickman

Posted Images

kylejt

kylejt

Posted
Posted

I'm curious. What are you hoping to gain by this? I don't feel anything when I get hit in my Platinum, as it is. And I know the padding is going to be a bit heavier with the TW?

Is it a little slimmer profile you're after? That wouldn't be bad. Extra protection for upper level ball? Can't argue there.

I'm thinking of doing the same thing, with a modified Gold, or my own creation. I just wondered what your motivation was.

Timothy

Timothy

Posted
Posted

I had the WV Gold I bought 2 years ago retrofitted by TW for a lower profile. B)

ump13

ump13

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I'm curious. What are you hoping to gain by this? I don't feel anything when I get hit in my Platinum, as it is. And I know the padding is going to be a bit heavier with the TW?

Is it a little slimmer profile you're after? That wouldn't be bad. Extra protection for upper level ball? Can't argue there.

I'm thinking of doing the same thing, with a modified Gold, or my own creation. I just wondered what your motivation was.

You're right on with the reasons you listed. Here are mine:

1) I have had the platinum for 7 years now. The foam padding is starting to break down and compress more than I would like. As with you, I don't feel much when I get hit, so I'm not doubting the protection. I would rather fix it before I do start to feel it.

2) I like the idea of a slimmer looking protector. I'm not the smallest guy, 6-3 225, so any reduction in the bulk will help lol.

3) The extra protection of the TW padding is definately a bonus. Seems to be the best protection and most advanced material on the market. If I'm going to be getting hit, I'd much rather be wearing the best possible gear I can.

From all the research I've done, the TW retro seems to be the best solution for me. I don't want a new CP, I love my platinum, just some modifications and improvements. The slimmer profile and new padding would have sold me, so the beefed up protection was just a bonus.

Marcus6

Marcus6

Posted
Posted

Im awaiting to get my Gold & Platinum back as well from them. Should have it by early/mid December.

Ive worn both - took wicked shots with the Platinum and never felt anything. I have felt shots with the Gold, however. This is consistent with the product description for the Platinum on Joe West's website indicating the Platinum has the "most armor."

I disliked the bulk of the Platinum and think the Gold fits better, which I would think explains why most MLB guys wear the Gold. However, I think the TW padding might slim the Platinum down a bit and provide for a better fit.

I think both protectors with the Wilson padding are a bit "bulky." Im retrofitting mine for the same reason i wear the TW mask pads and why a number of guys (MLB and not) have retofitted their Golds/Platinums - I think they are more protective and made in the USA. Im not arguing that the current Wilson protectors are not protective - I cant remember hearing a story of anybody properly wearing a Gold or Platinum suffering an injury. Heard stories of guys wearing Riddell/Douglas models and getting hurt though. Im just curious to try it out.

blue32

blue32

Posted
Posted

Serious question here: Why do they need you to send them your platinum to do retrofit? Is it because they replace the sternum pad? IIRC, the gold has no pads that aren't velcroed on. I wonder why they need you to send those as well. Can't you just tell them what you have, and the size, and they make up and send out the pads that you just strap in?

johnnyg08

johnnyg08

Posted
Posted

Serious question here: Why do they need you to send them your platinum to do retrofit? Is it because they replace the sternum pad? IIRC, the gold has no pads that aren't velcroed on. I wonder why they need you to send those as well. Can't you just tell them what you have, and the size, and they make up and send out the pads that you just strap in?

That is a really good point. There are only two sizes of Gold.

GerryB

GerryB

Posted
Posted

Good point; I wondered the same thing, I just had my Gold refitted. I'm guessing since they are accepting significant liability they would want to make sure it is all put in place correctly. Yeah, they send mask pads out, but those are simpler.

Timothy

Timothy

Posted
Posted

I was looking for lower profile. Retro is on the left and original padding on the right. BIG difference and does not weigh any more than the original.

post-290-0-08286200-1353534454_thumb.jpg

I replaced the new straps TW put on with a Delta Flex.

post-290-0-54056400-1353534598_thumb.jpg

I like the new lower profile feel and look.

post-290-0-92126400-1353534699_thumb.jpg

:nod:

ump13

ump13

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Here is my theory on havjng to send in the protector.

The reason you have to send in the protector is due to the slight variation in placement of the holes in the plates for the velcro to attach. Each production run of chest protector varies slightly from the next. It's easier on TW to have the protector to ensure a proper fit. Also, it eliminates people sending back the padding due to improper fit or alignment of velcro with the holes in the plastic plates. They also don't have to worry about the different sizes of protectors (ex. 13in vs 15in, etc.) Of course it's a slight hassle to send in the protector, but in the end, I'd rather have a perfect fit than have to deal with hassle of exchanges and such.

  • Like 1
JaxRolo

JaxRolo

Posted
Posted

I was looking for lower profile. Retro is on the left and original padding on the right. BIG difference and does not weigh any more than the original.

post-290-0-08286200-1353534454_thumb.jpg

I replaced the new straps TW put on with a Delta Flex.

post-290-0-54056400-1353534598_thumb.jpg

I like the new lower profile feel and look.

post-290-0-92126400-1353534699_thumb.jpg

:nod:

Very good!

Marcus6

Marcus6

Posted
Posted

Here is my theory on havjng to send in the protector.

The reason you have to send in the protector is due to the slight variation in placement of the holes in the plates for the velcro to attach. Each production run of chest protector varies slightly from the next. It's easier on TW to have the protector to ensure a proper fit. Also, it eliminates people sending back the padding due to improper fit or alignment of velcro with the holes in the plastic plates. They also don't have to worry about the different sizes of protectors (ex. 13in vs 15in, etc.) Of course it's a slight hassle to send in the protector, but in the end, I'd rather have a perfect fit than have to deal with hassle of exchanges and such.

Id agree with this. Lets not forget this was a service offered to the MLB guys (i.e. a small number) in the beginning. I think thats what they did for those guys and probably dont see a reason to change it now. Makes sense to me based on their standpoint. Im curious how well they would do with this product if they made pads and sold them through UA and Honig's.

Marcus6

Marcus6

Posted
Posted

Id be curious to know more how the TW mask pads came to market. If I remember correctly, Honig's started carrying them a few years ago - maybe end of summer 2010?

My guess is that MLB started searching out materials to increase safety and lessen the likelihood of injury. Probably the same story with the Rite Temp cooling packs.

blue32

blue32

Posted
Posted

Seems like a nice business model now.

I guess, but I am thinking about the guy with 1 protector (not me, I have 2 WVPs and a 13' Douglas :) ), who can't afford to be without it for however long during the season. Much less the money issue. Guys are more willing to spend the cash during the season when they know there is much more coming in, rather than the end. If they sold the stand alone pads, then I would bet they would sell many many more. But maybe this is a niche part of their business, and they aren't concerned about the extra cash coming in :shrug:

As far as the holes being different and such, I'm not buying that so much. It's all stamped plastic from the same dies, so that shouldn't be an issue. The only issue should be is what brand, model, and size.

Maybe Jim Kirk will work on this and maybe get some stock for his shelves. Time will tell, I suppose.

Thunderheads

Thunderheads

Posted
Posted

The issue I see with the retrofit is the friggin' gap between the end of the main chest plate and those circular tabs under your armpits.

That's a gap! And, regardless of TW material, it's going to sting! ;)

WOW is that chest plate on the Gold narrow!!!

Marcus6

Marcus6

Posted
Posted

I dont get the gap/space from the main plate to the side pectoral pads, either. Is the TW padding larger (i.e. a larger surface area) than the Wilson stock padding?

 Share
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...