Backup Mask Advice

[dntrllycare]

Ok, I'm a happy HSM user, but I am looking around for a traditional style mask to outfit with Team Wendys, to serve as a backup. I will hopefully be working Pro ball this summer, so I realize I should probably just go with the Wilson Ti, but I was wondering if there were any other alternatives.

I know I am crazy for asking but would a Easton speed elite frame be anywhere near serviceable? I had to ask, it would be a good looking mask.

Anyways, thanks.

[Jocko]

Fitts! You're up!

[AZump78]

Well I'm no Fittske, but Ill put in my .02:

1. You could grab the Diamond mask.

That would be a less expensive option that is not heavy like steel or expensive like titanium.

I've seen a AAA guy wear one before, but I'm not sure it's made for 95+ speeds...

2. Honigs single bar is also a good, reasonably priced mask. Also they come preloaded with Wendy's pads, so you could kill two birds with one stone.

[MidAmUmp]

If you're hoping to work pro ball this summer you're going to be packing everything you can in your or your partner's vehicle. You're not going to have room for a backup mask.

I've never understood the reasoning behind a backup mask unless an umpire is working 3-4 plate games in a day. If my mask breaks during a game because of a shot I take, when I leave the hospital after being examined for a concussion, then I'll get a new mask.

[BRUMP]

If I were you I'd grab a dyna lite and throw some TWs in them. It's a slid mask (the most popular at the MLB level) and is relatively inexpensive.

[AZump78]

If I were you I'd grab a dyna lite and throw some TWs in them. It's a slid mask (the most popular at the MLB level) and is relatively inexpensive.

+1

[AZump78]

If you're hoping to work pro ball this summer you're going to be packing everything you can in your or your partner's vehicle. You're not going to have room for a backup mask.

I've never understood the reasoning behind a backup mask unless an umpire is working 3-4 plate games in a day. If my mask breaks during a game because of a shot I take, when I leave the hospital after being examined for a concussion, then I'll get a new mask.

That is definitely true for those on the road.

I know some NCAA guys that wear the HSM but just bring their "backup" standard mask when they show up to do the bases. That way they have a mask if their partner goes down, and they only have to lug the HSM to and from the yard on designated plate jobs.

[AZump78]

I will hopefully be working Pro ball this summer

Not sure if you mean actually getting in the game or working an independent league, but the Easton would look out of place if you mean the former.

[Fittske24]

If you don't go with a Nike or Wilson titanium......A Wilson dyna-lite is probably your best bet. I'm wouldn't be to comfortable with a diamond frame at the pro level. I have seen guys take direct shots with this mask and have welds break. Like my buddy C. Brown says the honig's mask that comes with TW pads is another nice option.

[GerryB]

MidAmUmp - was doing an NCAA game with a brand new mask when a foul bent the "eye" bars on the mask and briefly stuck. No concussion, and yes the mask spun off correctly.

I was lucky...but I went right to the locker room and got my backup; no way was I continuing with the first. I see the Pro ball point though.

And weekends with two plates...rains on day one sometimes despite my best efforts, mask pads aren't ready for day 2.

I have Honig's with TW.

[Stan W.]

I will hopefully be working Pro ball this summer, I know I am crazy for asking but would a Easton speed elite frame be anywhere near serviceable? I had to ask, it would be a good looking mask.

Anyways, thanks.

Serviceable?.......questionable

Acceptable?........No

[semper_fi_72]

If you're hoping to work pro ball this summer you're going to be packing everything you can in your or your partner's vehicle. You're not going to have room for a backup mask.

I've never understood the reasoning behind a backup mask unless an umpire is working 3-4 plate games in a day. If my mask breaks during a game because of a shot I take, when I leave the hospital after being examined for a concussion, then I'll get a new mask.

I also do not understand the reasoning to carry a backup anything around, with the exception of a few indicators.

I have enough gear in the trunk of my car without caring a backup of anything.

I also use a HSM and wouldn't use anything else now due to my past injuries to my head.

If you routinely check, inspect and perform preventative maintenance what would break that you would need a back up for?

Our equipment has straps and fasteners.

No moving parts, except indicators.

Give your equipment some TLC and it will love you in return.

[dntrllycare]

Guys, thanks a bunch for the advice. I just ended up pulling the trigger on the Wilson Ti, the more I think about it, it may supplant my bucket (I think I'm a bit too skinny to pull off the bucket look, and the it's a pain in the a#$ to haul around on the road). Also, $135 from ump-attire was a bit too good to pass up.

Thanks again.

[AZump78]

$135? Is that after a discount? I see the cheapest on U-A at $159

[guitarplaya2007]

Keep in mind that if you are planning on going to school (HWUS of course, i don't know about the new school) that you will not be allowed to wear a "bucket" (HSM to those on here) you will have to wear a traditional mask. I too wear the wilson shock fx 2.0 TI and really love it and the way it feels, but i still have my Diamond ix3 to take to school with me so i don't have to use the school masks that everybody and their third cousin 10 times removed sweats, spits and sneezes on.

[BRUMP]

Keep in mind that if you are planning on going to school (HWUS of course, i don't know about the new school) that you will not be allowed to wear a "bucket" (HSM to those on here) you will have to wear a traditional mask. I too wear the wilson shock fx 2.0 TI and really love it and the way it feels, but i still have my Diamond ix3 to take to school with me so i don't have to use the school masks that everybody and their third cousin 10 times removed sweats, spits and sneezes on.

I never knew that. Harry's really doesn't let you wear a bucket?

[dntrllycare]

Keep in mind that if you are planning on going to school (HWUS of course, i don't know about the new school) that you will not be allowed to wear a "bucket" (HSM to those on here) you will have to wear a traditional mask.

I went to the new school this year, they are ok with buckets (a traditional mask would have been a LOT easier though).

$135? Is that after a discount? I see the cheapest on U-A at $159

15% discount from school.

[Thunderheads]

All-Star FM25 frame! You can get them for under $40 bucks and they're light, and PROVEN!!! Great vision, and look good ........ :D

[Jocko]

there is a reason no ump sites sell Easton masks. None that I've seen, anyway.

[semper_fi_72]

Keep in mind that if you are planning on going to school (HWUS of course, i don't know about the new school) that you will not be allowed to wear a "bucket" (HSM to those on here) you will have to wear a traditional mask. I too wear the wilson shock fx 2.0 TI and really love it and the way it feels, but i still have my Diamond ix3 to take to school with me so i don't have to use the school masks that everybody and their third cousin 10 times removed sweats, spits and sneezes on.

 

Not that I am going, on what legal grounds can they force someone not to wear a HSM?

Besides personal preference for some, there are medical reasons some must wear them.

They could not refuse to allow me to wear one specifically for medical/doctor recommendation.

[scrounge]

I have both an All-Star HSM and a Diamond with TW pads, not really for one as a backup per se but sometimes I like to go with one vs the other. If it's a bright sunny day and the field has a deep backstop I often wear the traditional mask. The silver Diamond just seems to disappear better. If there's a breeze, I'll wear the HSM. Believe it or not, with the vent designs in the All-Star it's actually cooler if there's a breeze than a mask and hat. If the field has a short backstop or an overhanging one, I'll almost exclusively use the HSM - got hit TWICE by rebounds this year (once in the back, once in the head). And finally, if I'm working a tournament for a certain assigner around here who I know has a strong prejudice against HSMs (yes, true situation) then I'll wear the Diamond. It's nice to have both options depending on the situation/feeling that day.

[MidAmUmp]

Keep in mind that if you are planning on going to school (HWUS of course, i don't know about the new school) that you will not be allowed to wear a "bucket" (HSM to those on here) you will have to wear a traditional mask. I too wear the wilson shock fx 2.0 TI and really love it and the way it feels, but i still have my Diamond ix3 to take to school with me so i don't have to use the school masks that everybody and their third cousin 10 times removed sweats, spits and sneezes on.

 

Not that I am going, on what legal grounds can they force someone not to wear a HSM?

Besides personal preference for some, there are medical reasons some must wear them.

They could not refuse to allow me to wear one specifically for medical/doctor recommendation.

 

I would guess they don't "force" you to wear a regular mask, but if you make it an issue, you might as well take your 3-grand and toss it into the ocean...because you ain't getting a job. I'm sure if there was a medical excuse for wearing the bucket, they would allow it. I'm sure some of it has to do with being able to see your eyes. They didn't let us wear sunglasses unless you had a script. so they could always see your eyes.

 

When I went the colors were navy, lt. blue and red.  You wore navy.  You caught some crap for wearing lt. blue and you might as well have packed up and gone home if you wore red. The main point is you don't do things that make you stand out. Wearing a hockey mask makes you stand out. You do the basic things until you're told otherwise. There are a lot of MiLB umpires who won't wear a hockey mask unless it's been given to them by an MLB guy.

 

Go with the flow, stand out on the field with your ability, not your appearance.

[johnnyg08]

Take that advice