Help me out with a mask please

[soapbox]

Hey all. I'm about to order a new mask. I want to take my existing mask and make it a back up. I need to upgrade the pads on that mask. So my question is, do I get the Diamond IX3 mask, get Team Wendy pads, put them in that mask and then take the stock pads and put them in my current mask. Or do I order the Wilson Dynalite mask and just order Team Wendy pads and pop them in my current mask. Are the pads in the Wilson good? I'm doing at most, a handful of higher level ball in baseball and softball a year. Mostly 12's thru 17's.

And by the way, I've purchased homes and vehicles in less time than looking into a mask. How nutty is that. Thank you in advance.

[JaxRolo]

All-Stars 4000 and TW is what I use and Love it.

 

Also have a Champro Mag with TW for a backup which is better than most peoples Everyday mask.

[Mike Prince]

My advice is buy the frame you like (either for looks, performance, fit or other features)  and load it with TW pads.  I have used both the Diamond iX3 and the Champro Mag frames with TW pads as my main setup in the past.

 

My everyday setup now is an All-Star FM25ti with TW pads.  My backup is a +POS Zero-G with TW pads.  See a theme here?  Get TW pads!

[Texas Manny]

I just bought two masks several weeks ago. I bought the Diamond iX3's and purchased one pair of TW Black and Tan pads. I really like the iX3's with the TW pads. Very comfortable. I'd say you can't go wrong. I am amazed at how light the iX3's are. Doesn't even feel like I have a mask on my face.

 

Bottom line is, Team Wendy pads are great. I base that on the fit on my face, and the good praise they have here and other places.

[Thunderheads]

Why don't you order a set of TW pads, and then order the Honig's mask that comes loaded w/ the TW pads .......

[Platejob29]

I'm a bit of a mask whore and have a bit of everything.  The one constant I have in almost all of my masks, even the ones that I don't game and only have for the purpose of collecting have TW pads in them. The ones that don't have TWs have Wilson pads in them. My suggestion is no matter what frame you get put TWs in it or at the very minimum Wilson pads. If you get a Wilson mask order some TWs and put them in the Wilson frame and move the Wilson pads to the Diamond frame.

[Moe]

I have the All-star FM4000 with tan Team Wendy pads. Totally worth it. The stock pads are great too. The mask frame has an amazing visibility and is incredibly light.

[HM_SanDiego]

there is a guy on here now with the Diamond iX3 for sale - make him an offer and order the TW pads - OR - simply order the Honigs mask in black or silver already loaded with TW pads - those are the best 2 price and performance options right now - in my opinion - if neither of those 2 options appeals to you - as most others have advised - order your mask of choice and a set of TW pads and call it done - Happy Shopping!

[Stan W.]

Find a mask that you like.....color/style/price.....load it with TW pads and you are set.....

 

But I do have one observation:

 

Has anyone noticed a poorly sewn/construction of the team wendy's pads lately?.........I bought a set earlier in the year and they were fine, but picked up a brand new set off an old partner of mine and they look like they had been sewn together by Miss Marples 7th grade home ec class......

 

its mainly centered around the lower jaw pad.......upper is fine.....basically due to the sloppy and odd construction they wont conform as well as the previous set I have...plus they look bad....kind of like someone tried to repair the seam....

 

Since I didnt purchase them from the origiinal manufacturer, Im in no position to send them back.........is this just a set of culls that made its way into retail or is there a real lack of attention to construction detail happening now?

Edited October 2, 2013 by Stan W.
clarity

[iankelleyumpire]

Find a mask that you like.....color/style/price.....load it with TW pads and you are set.....

 

But I do have one observation:

 

Has anyone noticed a poorly sewn/construction of the team wendy's pads lately?.........I bought a set earlier in the year and they were fine, but picked up a brand new set off an old partner of mine and they look like they had been sewn together by Miss Marples 7th grade home ec class......

 

its mainly centered around the lower jaw pad.......upper is fine.....basically due to the sloppy and odd construction they wont conform as well as the previous set I have...plus they look bad....kind of like someone tried to repair the seam....

 

Since I didnt purchase them from the origiinal manufacturer, Im in no position to send them back.........is this just a set of culls that made its way into retail or is there a real lack of attention to construction detail happening now?

 

Mine kind of look different on one side than the other. Looks to me like it's the way it was sewn. I see what you mean. My upper pad is fine, but the bottom is a little awkward on one side. 

[blue23ll]

I have the Davis Feather Weight mask, which is a Diamond, fitted with TW pads. My question is, what is the difference between a steel mask and a titanium mask, as far as protection goes? Is there any discernible positive difference?

[JoHart10]

From outside the norm on this post, I will add this.

 

1. I have owned a set of TW pads, but got rid of em because I just didn't like the stubble pull from cloth. I would agree with the comments about manufacturing quality listed above as well. I also felt very protected when wearing them so I can see why so many sing their praises.

2. I am not a huge fan of the Wilson Wrap around pads either...just don't like all the straps, weight etc. I do own a mask or 2 with them though.

3. So where does this leave me, I really like the +Pos Leather pads.  I own 4 pairs of em. 2 Black, 1 Dark Tan, 1 Light Tan. I really like their materials, padding, weight and looks.  I would look into the Zero G in charcoal(the lighter one will dull) and get it with these leather pads.

 

Here is mine with the dark tan pads. 

[Jglopez7]

Digging thru some gear I found this mask. I put a my old All Star harness on it. Is this the Champro mask? If someone knows the mark/brand of the mask I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

[JoHart10]

It could be a Champro but I am guessing it could be an old Honigs...I have an old Honigs that looks similar to it and had pads like that too. Hard to completely tell shape but here is a picture of mine with black +pos pads.

[Platejob29]

Find a mask that you like.....color/style/price.....load it with TW pads and you are set.....

 

But I do have one observation:

 

Has anyone noticed a poorly sewn/construction of the team wendy's pads lately?.........I bought a set earlier in the year and they were fine, but picked up a brand new set off an old partner of mine and they look like they had been sewn together by Miss Marples 7th grade home ec class......

 

its mainly centered around the lower jaw pad.......upper is fine.....basically due to the sloppy and odd construction they wont conform as well as the previous set I have...plus they look bad....kind of like someone tried to repair the seam....

 

Since I didnt purchase them from the origiinal manufacturer, Im in no position to send them back.........is this just a set of culls that made its way into retail or is there a real lack of attention to construction detail happening now?

I've noticed that the chin pads from Team Wendy lately have been a little off lately. I'm guessing it has to do with the huge increase of sales they have had lately. They are probably having to increase production to a point that quality has suffered a little bit. I'm sure that they will figure out a way to fix the problem as they grow in the umpiring market.

[Jglopez7]

It could be a Champro but I am guessing it could be an old Honigs...I have an old Honigs that looks similar to it and had pads like that too. Hard to completely tell shape but here is a picture of mine with black +pos pads.

The old harness it had was a Honigs so I'm assuming you are correct. It is a light mask and got it when I bought a umpire package off a retired umpire. Its gonna be my back up back up back up mask!

[acpar72]

Best thing Ive done is take nail polisher remover to the black "Team Wendy" labeling on my tan TW pads. Looks great.