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Posted

Hey i'm looking into a new mask, already have a diamond featherweight but just don't trust it for 90+ mph pitching, I've looked into the wilson titanium and like what I see but am wondering if anyone else has any suggestions. Caveat: I like the nike but cannot afford 500 bucks for a mask right now so that one is out...

Posted

Just get the TW pads for the diamond.

 

Have heard nothing but praise for the diamond mask (minus the pads), so I wholeheartedly agree with this.  I've used a Titanium for 3 years now and it's served me well, so would easily recommend that.  However, I don't believe there's a huge difference between it and a diamond with TW or Wilson wrap-around pads (except the Diamond is half the price).

Posted

The Dyna Lite with the two toned pads is a great mask. It's surprisingly light. If you like the frame but plan on swapping out the pads, UA offers a Dyna Lite with synthetic (cheap) pads for like $44. It's a good price.

Posted

I love wearing my Wilson titanium when it isn't getting bent.  I had a low profile titanium for almost three seasons that never bent.  I got a regular profile titanium and now I'm on my third one in about a year.  Thankfully Wilson has replaced it twice.  I probably won't buy another one.  Next mask will be a Diamond or All Star.

Posted

I have the Dynalite w/ Team Wendy pads. Its a good mask. Still heavier than most other peoples masks, but Im not one oveerly concerned with my masks weight. Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk 2

Posted

I have the silver Diamond with tan TW pads and love it, except for the terrible harness that comes with it.

Posted

I like Honig's with the TW pads. Comes assembled, good price. Lighter than Dyna-Lite heavier than the light masks.

That's what I would buy, if I had to purchase a rig today.

Posted

I really like my All Star FM25TI. Great frame and it can take a shot. Typically available for around $200. At about 19oz. It is light enough.

Posted

I really like my All Star FM25TI. Great frame and it can take a shot. Typically available for around $200. At about 19oz. It is light enough.

I agree. Got mine for much less than $200, loaded it with black TWs and it is great. Use it when I am not wearing my MVP4000TI

Posted

Nike is the epitome of awesome-ness when it comes to masks. Stock weight 16.05 ounces (including pads/harness). They are very pricey, and the stock pads leave room for improvement. Short of dropping 5 bills, there are many quality frames for under $75. Whatever you decide to get, I HIGHLY recommend TW pads. I won't wear a mask without TWs. Period.

Posted

I just placed my order for the Honig's mask with the TW pads! I am totally geeked up like a 5 year old on Christmas Eve. I'm in Arkansas for now, but hopefully it will be waiting for me when I get in. Just got my first assignment yesterday for the 26th; I got the dish! 

Posted

I have the silver Diamond mask and was more then comfortable wearing it at the college level. I will be buying the TW pads just to increase the protection. (This will also be my backup mask due to me buying a new All Star HSM.)

Posted

The sure fire way to go for light-weight and durability is the All-Star FM25 frame.  You can get them for well under $40!  Their LUC pads are very lightweight and they don't stick to the lightest stubble! :D

 

Or, put TW pads on it.   It's a two bar, but with the i-Bar vision, your view is very nice.

 

DEPENDABLE, good looking , inexpensive rig!

  • Like 1
Posted

I think i'll just go with a wilson TI with the doeskin pads, i don't know i just don't like the feel of synthetic pads . Plus I am converting back from a HSM to a Traditional mask. The diamond is why i started wearing a HSM (2 concussions, broke the first frame sent it in to have replaced and the second time was the straw that broke the camel's back). Which is why I am going away from the diamond but for one I need a reliable backup for 90+ mph pitching and 2 I would really like to go back to Hat and mask just because it is much more comfortable to work in than a bucket.

  • 4 weeks later...
Posted

I have been wearing the Wilson Titanium for 2 years. Last year with the wrap around pads and switched to TW this year. Love the pads so far.

Used to wear the Wilson Pro line with wrap around pads - took a shot - bent the mask and got a concussion. The Titanium is the first mask I have worn that has not bent.

In the NCAA conference this spring, the trainer from MLB said that the some of the MLB guys are going back to the 'steel' masks because if it is bending, it absorbs part of the impact. They can afford to 'buy' a new mask when it gets bent. The speaker also stressed to change the pads yearly, as the UV rays can break down the padding during the season. The chin pad also breaks down from abrasion and use. Germs tend to get into the leather after the coating is worn away. Worn pads or 'beat-up' mask may may the ump look salty, but spend a few bucks and stay safe!

We always worry about the players getting a concussion or injured, but we have to remember ourselves as well.

Posted

I have the All Star FM4000 (System 7) mask with the stock pads and I've liked it so far. I took a hard foul ball to the throat guard just below the jaw and didn't feel a thing. I'm sold on it (my System 7 CP too which bore the rest of the brunt of the ball right at my collar bone).

 

Depending upon how the reviews go, I may consider picking up one of the new Diamond Big League masks.

Posted

I have been wearing the Wilson Titanium for 2 years. Last year with the wrap around pads and switched to TW this year. Love the pads so far.

Used to wear the Wilson Pro line with wrap around pads - took a shot - bent the mask and got a concussion. The Titanium is the first mask I have worn that has not bent.

In the NCAA conference this spring, the trainer from MLB said that the some of the MLB guys are going back to the 'steel' masks because if it is bending, it absorbs part of the impact. They can afford to 'buy' a new mask when it gets bent. The speaker also stressed to change the pads yearly, as the UV rays can break down the padding during the season. The chin pad also breaks down from abrasion and use. Germs tend to get into the leather after the coating is worn away. Worn pads or 'beat-up' mask may may the ump look salty, but spend a few bucks and stay safe!

We always worry about the players getting a concussion or injured, but we have to remember ourselves as well.

Totally remember that.  Also he suggested to change the mask straps and the leg guards ones too.

Posted

I have been wearing the Wilson Titanium for 2 years. Last year with the wrap around pads and switched to TW this year. Love the pads so far.

Used to wear the Wilson Pro line with wrap around pads - took a shot - bent the mask and got a concussion. The Titanium is the first mask I have worn that has not bent.

In the NCAA conference this spring, the trainer from MLB said that the some of the MLB guys are going back to the 'steel' masks because if it is bending, it absorbs part of the impact. They can afford to 'buy' a new mask when it gets bent. The speaker also stressed to change the pads yearly, as the UV rays can break down the padding during the season. The chin pad also breaks down from abrasion and use. Germs tend to get into the leather after the coating is worn away. Worn pads or 'beat-up' mask may may the ump look salty, but spend a few bucks and stay safe!

We always worry about the players getting a concussion or injured, but we have to remember ourselves as well.

Totally remember that.  Also he suggested to change the mask straps and the leg guards ones too.

That talk was a major eye opener for me. Did a talk at my HS Board about it and it is amazing how many guys are looking for new pads and masks now.

Posted

I didnt quite follow the part about changing the straps but changing the pads is something I've always done on my mask and I probably should do on my chest protector as well.  It is one of the reasons I got a new protector a while ago, but its probably due to be changed again.

Posted

I didnt quite follow the part about changing the straps but changing the pads is something I've always done on my mask and I probably should do on my chest protector as well.  It is one of the reasons I got a new protector a while ago, but its probably due to be changed again.

The straps were because of the rubber/elastic breaking down over time. The straps also hold and 'breed' bacteria (from sweat) that could cause breakdown of the skin, from what I could tell

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