Chest Protector's

[daled]

If you were buying a chest protector today what would you buy. Something that would be used for LL to HS? I know there will be many different opinions on this, just looking for some help.:confused:So many options out there what is the "best"?

[BrianC14]

If you were buying a chest protector today what would you buy. Something that would be used for LL to HS? I know there will be many different opinions on this, just looking for some help.:confused:So many options out there what is the "best"?

A Wilson WV Gold or Platinum.

I use the Platinum. I especially like the thick pad at the throat, and the way the collar bone and shoulders get covered.

[blue32]

I second that. I made the mistake of going cheap in the beginning, then spent a little more, then 3 protectors later I have a WV Platinum and wouldn't use anything else. My only regret is that I paid about $300.00 to get there instead of $150.00 in the beginning. (1st CP=$70.00, 2nd CP=$80.00, Platinum=$150.00.)

You will not be disappointed, I promise you.

[tallyump]

Count me in with the WV Platinum fan's. Great protection and worth every penny.

[JohnnySpot]

I can't find anything wrong with my platinum....that's what I use...I did cut out that protrusion of a pad in the sternum area...just looked odd

[mstaylor]

I use the $80.00 Wilson vest up through college and adult baseball and I have since it came out seven or eight yrs ago. I too think the Platinum is an excellent protecter. The WV Gold I don't like at all.

[JimKirk]

You'll find the Wilson Platinum and Gold are the preferred options from guys on any of the message boards, and mstaylor is correct, too, in not forgetting about the relatively newer Wilson Charcoal Umpire Chest Protector:

http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=A3217-CHA13

In my conversations with Joe West on West Vest gear, the platinums and gold were designed with college through pro umpires in mind and the charcoal with high school and below in mind.

For more info, I have written a decent buying guide on the subject (may want to skip the "basics" part to get to more in-depth comparisons):

http://www.ump-attire.com/service/buying-guides/umpire-gear/chest_protector.html

Edited January 26, 2009 by JimKirk

[Stan W.]

I am the poster child for spending way too much money on gear, and as such I have had a good number of CP's in my day...

I used the old generic ribbed protector, then got the +POS version....then got really hurt with a HS foul ball.......bought the +POS BB2000...which is just shy of samurai warrior armor.......yet I found that that protector was an absolute furnace...the heat retention was unbearable ...

I opted for a Honigs K1.......light, and good protection...for most levels (imho)...I know good umpires who swear by the K1 up to college and pro, but I only wear it for anything sub varsity ...I have taken shots, I felt I shouldnt have.....

A good friend and partner of mine had to take off a summer for health reasons and offered me the opportunity to try his WV PLAT...I immediately was sold and now I wear the platimum for the vast majority of my games.......

If I was buying today, I would buy the WV platinum............

Edited January 26, 2009 by Stan W.
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[Majordave]

I think you need to try either a WV original, a gold or a platinum. they fit differing body types and styles. I tried all three and the Gold in a Small-Medium works best for me. I am 5'9" and 190 with a 44 chest and 36 waist and I feel very protected and a comfortable fit. I am able to wear the same size shirt on bases and plate with this CP instead of sizing up a shirt to fit over the protector. I could not fit my shirts over the platinum nor could I lift my arms up over my head comfortably. What works for me and others may not work for you. Try to look at and wear/try on all of them.

[Umpire in Chief]

I got the Gold, from Jim at Ump-Attire, I absolutely love it.

I thought a lot about which to get. I debated among the Gold, Platinum, and K1. Originally I was heavily leaning towards the K1, but after talking to some folks, actually trying on the Platinum and wearing it for a few games, I went with the Gold. All are good so it will be all personal preference.

Don't skimp on your CP, you can get away with skimping on some things, but IMO the CP should be really be the #1 place not to skimp, Mask #2. Shin guards you can get away with skimping.

[daled]

Purchasing a new CP has been my focus the last couple of weeks and I think I have decided to get the WV Platinum. Thanks to everyone for the info.