Advice For A New Mask/Helmet

[TravelUmp4425]

Hey guys, so I am currently looking at purchasing a new mask/helmet since my old one is getting old. I previously used my old catchers' mask from when I used to play baseball so I am used to having a hockey style helmet. My fellow umpires that I work with have been suggesting I look into getting the Diamond ix3 mask and I have heard good things about them. I have also been looking at the Diamond DCH-EDGE Umpire Helmet and I am wondering if any of you guys have had any experience with it or heard anything about its performance. Any info on either of the two masks would be great!

[BigUmpire]

ix3 with Team Wendy pads is the best for you right now.

Mike Prince has that exact rig for sale on this forum.

@Mike Prince

[Mike Prince]

Diamond iX3 is a favorite of the crowd here.  I have owned this mask and the first thing you should do is replace the pads so factor that into the cost.  Another good choice would be an All-Star FM25.

 

Can't help much with a helmet recommendation, but the All Star MVP series is highly spoken of.

 

What is your budget?  You can spend $30 to $300+, there are tons of choices.

 

My advice is to buy good gear the first time.  You may pay a little more up front, but you will save money in the long run.

[TravelUmp4425]

Awesome thanks for the help!

[Mike Prince]

ix3 with Team Wendy pads is the best for you right now.

Mike Prince has that exact rig for sale on this forum.

@Mike Prince

 

Almost, it is a +POS ZRO-G (which I prefer over the iX3) with TW pads.

[TravelUmp4425]

Yea I can spend around $60 to about $120ish. And I always make sure I buy the best for the long run, that's why I come here to ask about masks!

[umpstu]

ix3 with Team Wendy pads is the best for you right now.

Mike Prince has that exact rig for sale on this forum.

@Mike Prince

Mr. Man, a very good piece of advice on this. Especially if that mask is still available.

[umpstu]

Yea I can spend around $60 to about $120ish. And I always make sure I buy the best for the long run, that's why I come here to ask about masks!

Buy that mask from Mike Prince. I have the plus pos mask and really like it.

[Mike Prince]

In that range I would consider the following:

 

+POS ZRO-G

Diamond iX3

All-Star FM25

Champro Pro-Plus Magnesium

Honigs Lightweight Steel with TW pads

 

The Champro is really light (so are the others, the FM25 less so).  On the iX3 you will need to replace the pads, the others have decent pads out of the box.  Team Wendy pads are great, but they add $40.  If I was buying new and wanted the TW pads Honigs will sell you the mask and those pads as a package.  You could piece together the diamond rig (black) with TW's for about $95.

 

I will add a shameless plug that I have the ZRO-G with TW's listed for sale at $75.  If you are interested in that let me knwo.

[catcher]

@Mike Prince - why did you rank them like that? Any factors besides weight?

[slo8140]

I would think @Mike Prince mask for sale would be perfect for you. Can't beat the pads and a sharp looking frame. I prefer the look of the +POS to the Honig's and FM25 frame. Also the Champo-Mag would cost more because you would want to go with TW pads as well.

 

I have bought and sold with @Mike Prince in the past with no issues.

[Mike Prince]

@Mike Prince - why did you rank them like that? Any factors besides weight?

Not sure what you mean, I didn't rank anything LOL

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[catcher]

You're right - I misread it as listing them in order of favorites, and I was curious what your reasoning was. Now that I read it again, I see that there wasn't a particular order to the list. sorry!

[3rdGENump]

All Star FM4000UMP

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk 2

[kylejt]

Patrick,

 

Grab Mike's mask, while it's still around. You can't beat that protection, at that price. Solid frame, great harness (my favorite), and the best pads ever made.

[thunder6661980]

IX3 with team wendy's. It's what I'm wearing. Light but the pads give you a lot more protection. Do not buy the ix3 and keep the stock pads, you will get killed...

[FranklinT]

In terms of "value" the Wilson Dyna Lite with synthetic pads that UA has for about $45ish IMO is the best value in terms of price and protection.

[rjt6]

@FranklinT

 

I agree, but I believe he should replace the synthetic pads with TW's. It makes a good mask even better.

[BT_Blue]

I would say the diamond is the best of the bunch. I hace the All Star FM25 now. It is a bit heavy but feel totally safe behind it.

[JaxRolo]

FM4000 rocks

[NWA_UMP]

Jax-

 

Tell me about your 4000...will be in the market for a new Mask to replace my Champro Mag....

[Jocko]

My advice? WEAR ONE!

[JaxRolo]

Jax-

 

Tell me about your 4000...will be in the market for a new Mask to replace my Champro Mag....

 

Love the mask with TW pads. Lightweight. Taken several shots. No dents. Its my primary with my Champro Mag secondary!

[midtnump]

I agree with Rolo, I bought mine last year and I love it! Light weight and strong. I have kept the ALl Star stock LUC pads in mine, and have taken two shots from MS guys. If you like it, go to between the Lines officals gear, they have a good price on it, or homerun monkey, they are having an internet only 15% off everything sale right now.

[FearNot]

Is there a vendor that sells masks with TW's as a package?