Wilson Titanium Mask

[Jglopez7]

Am I reading this right? This website has MLB Baseball Titanium/Steel Wire Facemask Umpire for $61.79? Does anyone have any information on this mask? I know I've seen a few titanium mask that go for over $150 but for $61? Help me out because I about to check out and pay for this mask...too good to be true?

 

 

 

 

http://baseball.epicsports.com/prod/7286/mlb-baseball-titanium-steel-wire-facemask-umpire.html

 

[johnnyg08]

It says titanium/steel...if it is the titanium mask that is a great price.

[Mike Prince]

If you look a little closer, the product page says it is the black (steel) mask where "size" is shown.

 

Not a great deal.

[Thunderheads]

Size: 10" STEEL (WIRE IS BLACK COLOR)

 

 

that cant' be a titanium

 

we posted at the same time Mike!

[Jglopez7]

I see what you mean. It says at the bottom it gives you options for titanium or steel and wire color.

 

UMPIRE GEAR LIGHT TITANIUM OR STEEL WIRE
Item Number:WTA3077 BLTI - Titanium (wire is silver color)
Item Number:WTA3077 BLST - Steel (wire is black color)

Size: 10"
Color: Black

Features:
- Absorbent leather padding.
- Higher visibility
- Velcro adjustments
- MLB logo on back harness
- Wrap-around padding for shock-absorbing performance.

Due to color differences in monitors, the colors on this site are for reference only. Please contact Epic Sports if you have any color questions.

[Mike Prince]

Even if you want steel, that is a "New View" or low-profile mask, which I would not recommend.

[johnnyg08]

Even if you want steel, that is a "New View" or low-profile mask, which I would not recommend.

 

I have the low profile and I'm a big fan!

[gnhbua93]

 

Even if you want steel, that is a "New View" or low-profile mask, which I would not recommend.

 

I have the low profile and I'm a big fan!

 

+1

[guitarplaya2007]

Low profile is ok as long as you load it with different pads, MILB PBUC has been considering over the past couple of years prohibiting the umpires from using low profile masks because of studies which show an increased risk of concussion wearing these masks...

Edited June 1, 2013 by guitarplaya2007

[catsbackr]

Even if you want steel, that is a "New View" or low-profile mask, which I would not recommend.

 

I have the low profile and I'm a big fan! -1

[johnnyg08]

Low profile is ok as long as you load it with different pads, MILB PBUC has been considering over the past couple of years prohibiting the umpires from using low profile masks because of studies which show an increased risk of concussion wearing these masks...

 

I've got mine loaded w/ Wendy's and it is great.  

[HM_SanDiego]

On the website - to find the proper pricing - "click-on" or select the "Availability and Pricing" link - middle of the screen - to the right of "Quantity" --

--> the titanium models are "out of stock" - AND - overpriced in my opinion....

---> the best price I have found for the Wilson titanium is about $155.00 incl. shipping.....

 

The black/steel mask pricing is:

Quantity Price (EA)

10+ $58.59

1 to 9 $61.79

 

whereas the titanium mask option pricing is at the bottom:

 

Size Color  Lead Time In Stock

10" STEEL (WIRE IS BLACK COLOR) BLACK AND TAN

1 to 9 $61.79

10+ $58.59

1 to 2 business days

54

 

10" TITANIUM (PICTURED-SILVER COLOR) BLACK AND TAN

1 to 9  $184.49

10+  $181.29

No

[umpstu]

You're not getting a titanium mask for $62. It's just not happening.

[kylejt]

Are the Ti frames that much lighter, than say a Diamond aluminum, or Champro magnesium? I mean, it might be few grams, either way, right? Is that weight difference worth the $, especially if you factor in that the Wilson Ti will bend on you at some point?

 

Seeing that everyone with common sense is now loading their frames with TW pads (has everyone noticed how many guys on TV have made the change), the weight difference is ever so slight. Cool factor aside, I don't see the advantage anymore. (I don't dismiss the cool factor, fellas, as I still own a pair of +POS plate shoes, just for four man events).

 

Low profile frames give you slightly better vision, at the expense of absorbing more impact. I learned my lesson long ago, and will not touch those flat frames again. But it's all a calculated risk, as we all stand behind the batter without a mitt, with a ball behind hurled in our general direction. We've all made the decision not to use the raft, even though it provides superior protection, right? It's all a tradeoff. Protection/comfort/cool factor.

[HM_SanDiego]

I have owned several masks - the Wilson cast-iron Mask (my first mask - moliben - weighed about 2 lbs), the Wilson Ti mask, the +POS Zro-G, and 2 Magnesium masks.

 

The Magnesium masks are by-far the lightest masks available, in my opinion - noticeably lighter than the Wilson Ti, and just "barely" lighter than the Diamond iX3 mask.

 

I have read many accounts of the Wilson Ti "bending or denting" while in use. That is understandable, in that, consider the alternative might be a dent in the head, but $160+ for a mask that seems to be prone to "denting" is not my idea of a good investment. Conversely I have heard of no such accounts from folks using the Champro Magnesium mask or the Diamond mask.

 

So - in my humble opinion - the best options out there today are the Champro Magnesium (about $90 - black only) and the Diamond iX3 Mask (about $90 with the "better" leather pads) - in any case, the Team Wendy's pads seem to be the best protective option out there in which ever mask one chooses.

 

Your mileage may vary.....