Douglas Chest Protector

[Hawkman]

I recently sold my WV Platinum and am looking at purchasing a Douglas CP. I understand that they are bit more streamlined than the Platinum and come in longer sizes which is what I'm looking for. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get any pictures of the padding side of the protector. For anyone that has one, is the padding removable as with the Wilson protectors or is it permanently riveted to the frame? Any other pro or con feedback would be appreciated as well.

[Marcus6]

A search would answer your questions.

The padding is affixed via Velcro to the plastic plates and is removable. Although I do not have pictures, the bulk and size difference between the two are night and day.

In my experience, the Douglas is more streamlined, comfortable, and cooler than the platinum and gold models.

[Thunderheads]

TONS of reading here for you!

 

http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/page/SearchResults?cx=partner-pub-2064801920729129%3A3967667570&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=UTF-8&q=douglas

[kylejt]

I have both, and I find that my Platinum has superior collar bone protection, because of the one solid, unhinged piece of plastic that goes from your chest over to your back. That's why I'm sticking with the Platinum, and probably retrofitting it with the TW at the end of the season. Can't beat the protection, and the TW will cut down on the bulk.

 

The Douglas is fine, and I like the side buckles. It's a pro rig, to be sure, just not quite as protective, for me, as the Platinum.

 

Protection is a trade off. If we wanted 100%, we'd all be using the raft out there. So weigh your options, and do what's best for your situation.

[Thunderheads]

I have both, and I find that my Platinum has superior collar bone protection, because of the one solid, unhinged piece of plastic that goes from your chest over to your back. That's why I'm sticking with the Platinum, and probably retrofitting it with the TW at the end of the season. Can't beat the protection, and the TW will cut down on the bulk.

 

The Douglas is fine, and I like the side buckles. It's a pro rig, to be sure, just not quite as protective, for me, as the Platinum.

 

Protection is a trade off. If we wanted 100%, we'd all be using the raft out there. So weigh your options, and do what's best for your situation.

Kyle always has the best chest protector insight on this site!!

[Hawkman]

Appreciate the feedback, read a lot of other things about the Douglas on the site as well. I decided to go ahead and get a WV Gold though I'm not thrilled about it but just couldn't pull the trigger on a Douglas without seeing one in person first. I have an old model Honigs K-1 as well and will rotate that in on particularly hot days as I always did with my Platinum. I know a lot of people knock the K-1, but I personally like it and have never had a problem with it protecting sufficiently and I've had it since 2001. It is getting long in the tooth and decided to get rid of my Platinum and order the "new and improved" K-1. Big mistake; the new K-1 is not only bulkier than it's predecessor (the shoulder caps are absolutely huge), but the neck area was too small and very uncomfortable. I'm a big guy and don't mind a tight fit around the neck as I want my collarbone protected, but the padding around the neck was very rough and abrasive to the sides of my neck. I had to send it back as there was no way I'd be able to tolerate it. I'd heard the same comments about the neck area of the All Star which is why I didn't give it a try. The WV products obviously offer great protection, but they are hot and heavy rigs. That's why I always use my old K-1 on the really hot and humid days.

[Welpe]

I think you posted on Officiating.com also. I responded to you there but the jist of the post was that the All-Star neck area was tight at first until it broke in some. Now it is quite comfortable and has great protection. I've taken a collar bone shot and haven't felt a thing.