Tough Decision: Wilson Platinum/Gold or Unequal CP

[Texas Manny]

Hey Y'all,

 

I'm having a really tough time here. Back in the day, I used to wear a +POS BB203 12" Royal Blue chest protector. It worked fine for me. I took shots all day long and had no issues with bruises or broken bones.

 

Fast forward. Sitting about 15 feet from me is a brand new Wilson Originial West Vest. I bought it a very, very long time ago and have never used it. I purchased it when I was thinking of getting back into umpiring in the late 90's, but I wasn't ready emotionally to deal with the pain I still felt over the loss of my two mentors. I can't get used to it. I want to umpire, not play football. Now I'm faced to with having to get a protector for Florida 2014.

 

I'm really close on purchasing the Unequal CP. I have searched, read, and participated in the posts on this board. Problem is, that there are really no substantiating reviews of this protector here, along with other sites. The ABUA forum board has a 260+ thread count post on it, and 17 reviews from folks who have purchased it through them for a discounted rate. Most reviews are positive. Three reviews, if I remember correctly, didn't like it, returned it, and went back to the Platinum.

 

So I'm stuck. I don't want to be like a football player. Yet I can't get over the fact that not one Major League Umpire, nor any Minor League Umpire, that I can find, is wearing one. I don't know if this is because there is an issue with the protector, or for another reason.

 

I don't know what to do. This shouldn't be that difficult. There is wisdom in counsel. What say y'all?

 

Thanks,

 

 

Manny

[johnnyg08]

I love my Unequal. Many of the top umpires in our state are also wearing the Unequal.

I know there are other guys on here who have strong opinions the other way.

You can't go wrong w/ the unequal.

Your other rig is a quality rig too. It's just more bulky as you have already discovered.

[iankelleyumpire]

Go Wilson Gold or Platinum and then get it retrofitted by Team Wendy. Search for the threads on the retrofitting and see what you think. It takes down a lot of the bulk and give you superior protection too. Many of the guys on here love theirs and recommend them also. I'm getting mine done before Florida. Instead of buying a whole new CP, you could use the money to retrofit your original WV, and boom, now you have a great new piece to wear, without the bulk or looking like a "football player!" 

[JaxRolo]

Gold!!!! Sent from my Bed

[boyinr]

Life is short. Buy both. No one on their death bed regretted having too much gear.

As for advice on your actual question I have nothing. I didn't care for either WV and I have never worn an Unequal. I like my S7 and my Douglas.

[Moe]

I have the WV Gold. I love it. I haven't tried the Unequal, but I looked it up. The reason I got my WV is because of the plastic shell. I was debating the Honigs CP and the WV Gold and my mentor suggested that I get the hard shell one if I plan on doing higher up level games. I would recommend getting the WV Gold and getting it retrofitted with TW. The only reason I'm not getting mine retrofitted is because I live in Canada and it would cost a fortune to ship. 

[Texas Manny]

Thanks Y'all,

 

I looked up the thread on the TW Retrofit. I like it! Sold on the idea. I'm going to contact TW in the morning. I'll post up the results of my phone call to them.

 

Manny

[iankelleyumpire]

Thanks Y'all,

 

I looked up the thread on the TW Retrofit. I like it! Sold on the idea. I'm going to contact TW in the morning. I'll post up the results of my phone call to them.

 

Manny

 

Good to hear! I can't wait to send mine off. 

[gnhbua93]

With the TW retrofit you will look as a football player with less bulk nonetheless bulk and according to your previous statement you don't want that.  Then go with the Unequal.

[Texas Manny]

Would someone either post up a picture of yourself wearing a TW Retro in uniform, or point me to the thread that has one?

 

Thanks,

 

Manny

[Jglopez7]

Would someone either post up a picture of yourself wearing a TW Retro in uniform, or point me to the thread that has one?

 

Thanks,

 

Manny

http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/47477-team-wendy-west-vest-gold-retrofit/

[T-Rav]

I just recently purchased the Unequal and wore it for 7 plate games this weekend, I must say I am quite impressed. The low profile of the CP is impressive, I actually had a spectator come up to me and ask me if I was wearing a chest protector and that he and a few other fans were worried that I wasn't wearing one- this was a truly impressive moment. I felt quite comfortable wearing it and I even umpired 5 consecutive plate games on Sunday while wearing it. The CP doesn't make me feel hot, like my other CP's (WV Gold, Allstar 7, Honigs ZG), I was even able to work comfortably without rocking my rite temp pads, this is foreign to me since it was around 90 this weekend. I can not believe I am saying this but the hype that this thing is a ball repellent is true, I worked 7 13U plates without taking a shot to it, I will look forward to taking a hit because I am convinced on the science and protection that the Unequal offers. I did add a delta flex harness and removed the neck pad accessory so my collar bone could be better protected. The only negative experience I have had is that a mock undershirt is necessary because the CP rubs the neck and that there are some rough/abrasive spots on the CP that have dug into my skin but it was not a big deal.

 

At this point in my experience with the unequal, I would single handedly pick the Unequal over a Gold/Platinum even with a TW retrofit.  

[Fittske24]

I just recently purchased the Unequal and wore it for 7 plate games this weekend, I must say I am quite impressed. The low profile of the CP is impressive, I actually had a spectator come up to me and ask me if I was wearing a chest protector and that he and a few other fans were worried that I wasn't wearing one- this was a truly impressive moment. I felt quite comfortable wearing it and I even umpired 5 consecutive plate games on Sunday while wearing it. The CP doesn't make me feel hot, like my other CP's (WV Gold, Allstar 7, Honigs ZG), I was even able to work comfortably without rocking my rite temp pads, this is foreign to me since it was around 90 this weekend. I can not believe I am saying this but the hype that this thing is a ball repellent is true, I worked 7 13U plates without taking a shot to it, I will look forward to taking a hit because I am convinced on the science and protection that the Unequal offers. I did add a delta flex harness and removed the neck pad accessory so my collar bone could be better protected. The only negative experience I have had is that a mock undershirt is necessary because the CP rubs the neck and that there are some rough/abrasive spots on the CP that have dug into my skin but it was not a big deal.

 

At this point in my experience with the unequal, I would single handedly pick the Unequal over a Gold/Platinum even with a TW retrofit.  

 

Let's see if this post holds once you take an uncaught fast ball to the chest.....

[grayhawk]

FWIW, I took a hard shot (80+) to the front my shoulder last weekend with no pain whatsoever.  I wear a Douglas Douglas.  I know that some folks lament that TW can't retrofit the Douglas, but they shouldn't.  It would be a waste of money because the Douglas is already pretty low profile, and the protection is second to none, IMO.

[Specks]

I just got my gold retro fitted and like everyone says it is much less bulky. On the other threads about the retro fit I think Fittske 24 posted pics. Big fan of the TW pads, mask and CP.

[umpstu]

 

I just recently purchased the Unequal and wore it for 7 plate games this weekend, I must say I am quite impressed. The low profile of the CP is impressive, I actually had a spectator come up to me and ask me if I was wearing a chest protector and that he and a few other fans were worried that I wasn't wearing one- this was a truly impressive moment. I felt quite comfortable wearing it and I even umpired 5 consecutive plate games on Sunday while wearing it. The CP doesn't make me feel hot, like my other CP's (WV Gold, Allstar 7, Honigs ZG), I was even able to work comfortably without rocking my rite temp pads, this is foreign to me since it was around 90 this weekend. I can not believe I am saying this but the hype that this thing is a ball repellent is true, I worked 7 13U plates without taking a shot to it, I will look forward to taking a hit because I am convinced on the science and protection that the Unequal offers. I did add a delta flex harness and removed the neck pad accessory so my collar bone could be better protected. The only negative experience I have had is that a mock undershirt is necessary because the CP rubs the neck and that there are some rough/abrasive spots on the CP that have dug into my skin but it was not a big deal.

 

At this point in my experience with the unequal, I would single handedly pick the Unequal over a Gold/Platinum even with a TW retrofit.  

 

Let's see if this post holds once you take an uncaught fast ball to the chest.....

 

It holds true. I've been hit, no big deal.

[acpar72]

The TW retrofit is lower profile but slightly heavier. Ive had them all, the Douglas Douglas is my favorite. 

[Stan W.]

I wear a  platinum...........I'm sort of a square built guy anyway, so any "bulky look" has been negated by the absolute confidence that my plat will protect me........I am convinced that a TW upgrade is my next lgoical step and after my fall season its off to be retrofitted...

 

I believe then I will have the best of both worlds.......the reported "less bulk"....to the added TW padding.....all wrappped up in my WV Plat armor.........

 

I only have one friend who has the unequal.....when asked if he likes it , he replys he likes it because its lighter than the WV........and it is.....Ive held it....but that was never one of my must haves..........

[midtnump]

Hey Manny, If you are looking for the WV Platnium, I have one in mint condition that I would sell you. I have the shipping papers that validate my March 2013 delivery from Wilson.

[Texas Manny]

Well, I've come up with a plan. I'm going to get both the Unequal and the Wilson Gold and have that unit retrofitted Team Wendy. I'll see the difference, try them on, etc., and make my decision that way.

 

I just took the plunge on the Unequal. $249.99. I'll order the Wilson later this month. I'll send that and my leg guards to Team Wendy for retro fitting. I will follow-up with pics and thoughts.

Hey Manny, If you are looking for the WV Platnium, I have one in mint condition that I would sell you. I have the shipping papers that validate my March 2013 delivery from Wilson.

Thanks. I've decided to do the Gold since it is smaller. I have a small chest, but a long stomach area.

[acpar72]

I saw, held, tried on the Unequal. I dont see how it is at all respected as a top level protector. My partner that day was a Jim Evan's graduate and to me that was the reason he bought it. Forgive me, I just dont see why there is a following for it. If it works though, good for those that use it.