Time to refurb the Douglas

[Mike Prince]

I've owned my CP since 2010 and it's probably seen 300+ plate games, so I am sending it into Douglas for a refurb as well as a retrofit of their new "low profile" gap protection (currently I have the gap).  No real problems with the CP, but since I'm getting the retrofit, I figure it makes sense to refurb it while it's there to freshen up the padding and replace the buckles, etc..

 

I also have shins (20"!) that I bought just last year that have rusty D-rings and some pretty significant pad abrasion at the bottom front where the plastic shin plate has rubbed against the padding.  Douglas has offered to replace the rusted rings/buckles with plastic (like on the DIamond Lightweights I used to have) or the original metal style, my choice.  I am good about taking care of my gear and am a bit surprised with the rusting after only about 50 plate games, but not sure I want to put plastic buckles on there.  In any case, the shins are going in to get the pad replaced and I am going to ask them to grind back about 1/4" from the lower shin plate at their discretion if they think it will keep it from happening again.

 

Cost for the refurbs is $50 each for the CP and shins (I think it was $40 back when I bought the CP) and the extra gap protection is $30.  Best part is that they can get this turned around in time for my season start in early March (but it is tight)

[Kevin Finnerty]

When I bought [stole] my CP and shins on ebay, the shins already had the rusting that you described. I went with them as my back-ups at first, but when I started to see the shins as my primary, I had the refurb done. They're at least 12 years old, but with the refurb, they're almost like new ones.

 

The CP went along for the ride, and I had the slots and T-hooks added. They gave me a new harness as well, but I ditched it for the Delta Flex, which is the best upgrade that you can do to a Douglas. I use the Douglas at levels where even a gap shot is pretty safe (85 MPH and lower), but I'm still retro-fitting that gap anyway. I didn't have them do it, because they were doing it with a logo cap, which I didn't like too much. (I wanted a Douglas, not a Douglas-Douglas.) Now that they're doing it with a generic plastic flap like the Gold, it's a different story.

 

There is nothing quite like a Douglas for comfort and profile, which is probably why it's so popular. The shoulder gap is a real problem, whether Douglas lovers who've "never had a problem" want to admit it or not. Just to reiterate: when a ball hits the shoulder cap just right, it presses the cap's edge into the shoulder bone in a way that can be injurious. I have a bump on my shoulder bone that never went away. Why do you think Wilson added that gap coverage to the Gold and Platinum, which are pro-level protectors? It works. And it's necessary at high-80s/low-90s and above.

 

I'm actually going to modify mine with the two plates that I removed from my Wilson Gold shins:

 

[Mike Prince]

I already told Jeff at Douglas that the CP would arrive to him without a harness; I don't want them to inadvertently lose track of my Delta Flex .  I'm sticking with the plastic buckles though (vs doing a t-hook retrofit).  My Delta Flex came with curved plastic buckles which didn't work with the Douglas buckles, if I can track them down I may send them and ask Douglas to use those (vs the stock "flat" Douglas buckles).

 

I may pull the trigger on the plastic buckles on the shins though.  The metal ones squeaked like crazy when I first got the shins, then they rusted.  Nothing like a summer of high heat and humidity to help that along.  Once Douglas gets the shins I will discuss the options further with them.

 

I like your proposed modification, looks very much like what mine will look like when I get it back.  I've been one of the lucky ones who haven't got that "just right" shot to the gap.

[Thunderheads]

the benefit of what Jeff is doing now though is .....

 

the gap cap can come down lower like the 'douglas-douglas' cap did for protection in the outer chest area (think bicep...in between) while still being low profile ...

[Jglopez7]

When I bought [stole] my CP and shins on ebay, the shins already had the rusting that you described. I went with them as my back-ups at first, but when I started to see the shins as my primary, I had the refurb done. They're at least 12 years old, but with the refurb, they're almost like new ones.

 

The CP went along for the ride, and I had the slots and T-hooks added. They gave me a new harness as well, but I ditched it for the Delta Flex, which is the best upgrade that you can do to a Douglas. I use the Douglas at levels where even a gap shot is pretty safe (85 MPH and lower), but I'm still retro-fitting that gap anyway. I didn't have them do it, because they were doing it with a logo cap, which I didn't like too much. (I wanted a Douglas, not a Douglas-Douglas.) Now that they're doing it with a generic plastic flap like the Gold, it's a different story.

 

There is nothing quite like a Douglas for comfort and profile, which is probably why it's so popular. The shoulder gap is a real problem, whether Douglas lovers who've "never had a problem" want to admit it or not. Just to reiterate: when a ball hits the shoulder cap just right, it presses the cap's edge into the shoulder bone in a way that can be injurious. I have a bump on my shoulder bone that never went away. Why do you think Wilson added that gap coverage to the Gold and Platinum, which are pro-level protectors? It works. And it's necessary at high-80s/low-90s and above.

 

I'm actually going to modify mine with the two plates that I removed from my Wilson Gold shins:

 

Looks like the instep plate from the WV Pro SG I chop off....hmmmmmm I smell a project

 

When I bought [stole] my CP and shins on ebay, the shins already had the rusting that you described. I went with them as my back-ups at first, but when I started to see the shins as my primary, I had the refurb done. They're at least 12 years old, but with the refurb, they're almost like new ones.

 

The CP went along for the ride, and I had the slots and T-hooks added. They gave me a new harness as well, but I ditched it for the Delta Flex, which is the best upgrade that you can do to a Douglas. I use the Douglas at levels where even a gap shot is pretty safe (85 MPH and lower), but I'm still retro-fitting that gap anyway. I didn't have them do it, because they were doing it with a logo cap, which I didn't like too much. (I wanted a Douglas, not a Douglas-Douglas.) Now that they're doing it with a generic plastic flap like the Gold, it's a different story.

 

There is nothing quite like a Douglas for comfort and profile, which is probably why it's so popular. The shoulder gap is a real problem, whether Douglas lovers who've "never had a problem" want to admit it or not. Just to reiterate: when a ball hits the shoulder cap just right, it presses the cap's edge into the shoulder bone in a way that can be injurious. I have a bump on my shoulder bone that never went away. Why do you think Wilson added that gap coverage to the Gold and Platinum, which are pro-level protectors? It works. And it's necessary at high-80s/low-90s and above.

 

I'm actually going to modify mine with the two plates that I removed from my Wilson Gold shins:

 

Looks like the instep plate from the WV Pro SG I chop off....hmmmmmm I smell a project

 

DAMN'T  I didn't read the last sentence...my bad

[Mike Prince]

I will add that this refurb program is one reason why I bought Douglas gear in the first place.  I had a bit of heartburn when I paid over $200 for the shins (includes shipping and tax), but they were the only people I could find (with a reminder from Jeff M./Thunderheads) that could provide a 20" shinguard and I could work with them in the future to refresh the shins and make small changes to get them "just right".  Also, their service is fantastic; I emailed Jeff Cook this morning and had a reply within 20 minutes.

 

Had planned on shipping these today, but it is now snowing in NC   which is a humorous event for someone like me who grew up in New England - a forecast of 1"-3" here is cause for major commotion (my kids were dismissed early from school before the first flake even fell), so I guess it's off to the UPS store tomorrow...

[Mike Prince]

Sent the package to Douglas today, hopefully I get a return package in 5 weeks or less or my first games will be on the bases!

 

Not too long ago I had a full set of backup gear.  I thinned the herd, so to speak, last year because I never used the backup stuff.  Hopefully I don't regret that move...

[Mike Prince]

Just got off of phone with Jeff Cook - gear is refurbed and on its way back to me.  Now that's quick turnaround, at least based on the initial estimate!  Will update when I get the gear next week; hopefully this helps anyone considering sending their Douglas gear in for work.

 

Very happy with the quick turnaround and the service by Jeff/Douglas.

[Chris Hickman]

This is the best time to send Jeff stuff. They are in their slow season.....

[slo8140]

Just got off of phone with Jeff Cook - gear is refurbed and on its way back to me.  Now that's quick turnaround, at least based on the initial estimate!  Will update when I get the gear next week; hopefully this helps anyone considering sending their Douglas gear in for work.

 

Very happy with the quick turnaround and the service by Jeff/Douglas.

Let us know. The hooks and buckles on my shins are rusting as well. Really thinking of going the plastic route. Would love to see pics. Plus some of the fabric on the bottom of the guard is beginning to show wear as well.

 

If I send my shins in I might also send my CP to get the shoulders changed to the smaller extra cap as well. Would be cheaper to ship everything at once.

[johnnyg08]

Just got off of phone with Jeff Cook - gear is refurbed and on its way back to me.  Now that's quick turnaround, at least based on the initial estimate!  Will update when I get the gear next week; hopefully this helps anyone considering sending their Douglas gear in for work.

 

Very happy with the quick turnaround and the service by Jeff/Douglas.

Let us know. The hooks and buckles on my shins are rusting as well. Really thinking of going the plastic route. Would love to see pics. Plus some of the fabric on the bottom of the guard is beginning to show wear as well.

 

If I send my shins in I might also send my CP to get the shoulders changed to the smaller extra cap as well. Would be cheaper to ship everything at once.

The fabric on the bottom of my Douglas shins was wearing as well. I sent them to Jeff and per Kevin Finnerty...I need to be reminded and get those pictures up. The modification they made was awesome.

[slo8140]

 

 

Just got off of phone with Jeff Cook - gear is refurbed and on its way back to me.  Now that's quick turnaround, at least based on the initial estimate!  Will update when I get the gear next week; hopefully this helps anyone considering sending their Douglas gear in for work.

 

Very happy with the quick turnaround and the service by Jeff/Douglas.

Let us know. The hooks and buckles on my shins are rusting as well. Really thinking of going the plastic route. Would love to see pics. Plus some of the fabric on the bottom of the guard is beginning to show wear as well.

 

If I send my shins in I might also send my CP to get the shoulders changed to the smaller extra cap as well. Would be cheaper to ship everything at once.

 

The fabric on the bottom of my Douglas shins was wearing as well. I sent them to Jeff and per Kevin Finnerty...I need to be reminded and get those pictures up. The modification they made was awesome.

 

Would love those pics as well. I think the original design of the padding at the bottom is not so great. 

 

Love the shins...I think with a couple of mods when I send them in they will be perfect.

[Mike Prince]

Got my stuff back from Douglas this week, will try to get up a few pictures later today.

 

Overall happy with the work, everything was cleaned and all straps/buckles were replaced.  It looks like the padding on the shins was repaired where the plastic was rubbing the fabric at the top of my shoes, but not sure anything was modified, they look like they did when they were new.  The new plastic buckles on the shins are a big improvement IMO.

 

The low-profile gap protection looks like it will work.  I was hoping for black plates (my CP is one of the old black ones) but I got gray.  Oh well.

 

Overall money well spent, 

[Mike Prince]

Hopefully this posts - CP pic...

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

[gnhbua93]

Thanks for the photo.  Looks ok but not what I was expecting in the gap coverage.  When I send mine I will ask to put the JaxRolo version of it.

[Mike Prince]

To be fair it's really no different than Jeff's picture in post #4 aside from the color.

[gnhbua93]

I like Thunderheads better than yours because he is a moderator. 

[Thunderheads]

Thanks for the photo.  Looks ok but not what I was expecting in the gap coverage.  When I send mine I will ask to put the JaxRolo version of it.

why would you want that behemoth of a gap cap ....it's large and it's overkill, ....this is just like the cap on the Gold

[Mike Prince]

Couple of shin pics (after I adjusted and trimmed/taped the straps

The fabric here was replaced

All padding was cleaned

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

[Mike Prince]

 

 

Just got off of phone with Jeff Cook - gear is refurbed and on its way back to me.  Now that's quick turnaround, at least based on the initial estimate!  Will update when I get the gear next week; hopefully this helps anyone considering sending their Douglas gear in for work.

 

Very happy with the quick turnaround and the service by Jeff/Douglas.

Let us know. The hooks and buckles on my shins are rusting as well. Really thinking of going the plastic route. Would love to see pics. Plus some of the fabric on the bottom of the guard is beginning to show wear as well.

 

If I send my shins in I might also send my CP to get the shoulders changed to the smaller extra cap as well. Would be cheaper to ship everything at once.

 

The fabric on the bottom of my Douglas shins was wearing as well. I sent them to Jeff and per Kevin Finnerty...I need to be reminded and get those pictures up. The modification they made was awesome.

 

@johnnyg08 any ETA on those pics? 

[johnnyg08]

Yeah, I need to get on that. My bag is 5 feet away from me and my camera is upstairs! Maybe later tonight.

[Mike Prince]

Had my first scrimmage of the season working solo on a 70' diamond last night, learned one lesson - don't make adjustments on new gear in the comfort of your living room.  I had set up the shins on Sunday and did not wear my plate shoes.  Got to my scrimmage last night and it didn't take long to realize that the lowest strap (which goes over the ankle plates and around the tops of my NB460's) was way too tight.

 

If Douglas made "normal" straps like other manufacturers, I possibly could have made a quick adjustment between innings.  But due to their "innovative" design the straps pretty much have to be taped down to hold their setting and also to keep them from flapping around and catching on the inside of your pant legs.  They are attached to the SG at both ends (vs. having dual rings on one end allowing the strap to be adjusted, this has to be done at the buckle) So I suffered for about another 90 minutes with pseudo-tourniquets around my ankles.

 

Took a few pitches to the shins, but no CP shots last night.  I really do like the plastic buckles on the shins, IMO they are an improvement over the stock metal j-hook buckles and they won't rust.  I just don't understand the design of the straps they are attached to...

[UmpireFever]

Does anyone know if Douglas will sell a bottom plate with t-hooks built in? I have an delta flex with t-hooks I used on my platinum that I plan on using on the douglas. I don't feel it's necessary to send my whole vest in if I just want the t-hooks.

[Thunderheads]

Does anyone know if Douglas will sell a bottom plate with t-hooks built in? I have an delta flex with t-hooks I used on my platinum that I plan on using on the douglas. I don't feel it's necessary to send my whole vest in if I just want the t-hooks.

jeffcook@douglaspads.com

 

[slo8140]

@johnnyg08

 

Pics...Wore my Douglas CP for the first time all season and thinking about sending it in for the smaller shoulder mods...plus my shins need some work. Very interested to see if they did something different to the shin guard padding on your shins compared to @Mike Prince.

 

I know I want to go with the plastic buckles on my shins....just wondering what to ask them to do with the padding.