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MRPorter

By MRPorter
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MRPorter

MRPorter

Posted
Posted

I am new to umpiring this year, and I'm just wondering what the best equipment I should get is. The company I am doing it with has some discounted Champro gear, but is that good stuff? Also, what are the good plate shoes, and shoes that I wear when I'm the field umpire?

 

Thanks

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kylejt
kylejt

My advice:   First, get your gear on eBay. You'll spend a LOT less, and get what you need.   Chest protector: Champion P2xx series. They're dirt cheap on eBay, and protect quite well. There's a fe

Stan W.
Stan W.

try not to buy cheap gear, it might be tempting to get started with the low dollar stuff, but in the long run, you will save big $$ after deciding to upgrade all your gear in a year or so......plus yo

mjr_2013
mjr_2013

I was just about to comment what @Stan W. posted... It's fair to say I've spent probably $1,000 on gear alone in my six year career... Had I bought what I use now to start off with, it'd have cost me

grayhawk

grayhawk

Posted
Posted

You'll get lots of opinions on such a broad question.  My advice is to read through this forum (Umpire Equipment) thoroughly first and use that knowledge to narrow your question so that you are asking about 2 or 3 models of CP, shin guards, mask, etc.

 

For shoes, the 2 most popular brands are Reebok and New Balance.  Both offer plate and base shoes that should suit most any umpire's needs.

 

I don't own any Champro gear, so I have no opinion about them.  I don't know any guys that get all of their gear from one brand.  I have a Diamond mask, Douglas CP, Wilson shin guards, Reebok plate and base shoes, etc.

rjt6

rjt6

Posted
Posted

Decent masks: Wilson, All-Star, +POS, Diamond, Mizuno

Chest protectors: Wilson, Douglas, All Star

Shins: Wilson, Douglas, Diamond (HS and below)

Plate Shoes: New Balance, Reebok

Base Shoes: New Balance, Reebok, some leagues may allow black tennis shoes

 

Best sites for gear: Ump-Attire, Honigs, Smitty, even ebay has some decent gear

MRPorter

MRPorter

Posted
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Posted

I will be doing anywhere from 10 to possibly 14 year olds. I don't want to spend a ton of money, but I of course want to get stuff that will protect. Mask wise I prefer the non-hockey styled ones. So what are some good ones like that, that aren't terribly expensive?

kylejt

kylejt

Posted
Posted

My advice:

 

First, get your gear on eBay. You'll spend a LOT less, and get what you need.

 

Chest protector: Champion P2xx series. They're dirt cheap on eBay, and protect quite well. There's a fellow selling all three sizes, and has "Or Best Offer" in his auctions. He'll take $5 off his asking price.

 

Mask: I'd look for a Wilson Dyanlite. They're stout, and inexpensive. There's usually several on eBay at any one time. If you can get a great deal on the Champro magnesium model, get that.

 

Shoes: New Balance and Reebok make the best. If you find the NB 450 model, be sure to 1/2 size up.

 

Pants: Lots of heather pants on eBay, because most organizations have gone to charcoal gray. If it doesn't matter, get some heather. I go 2" on the waist size, because I'm usually tucking in two shirts.

 

Shirts: Find out what colors are worn.

 

Lastly, understand that if you stick with it a while, you'll want to take some of your paychecks and buy pro gear. That means $125 masks, $150 chest protectors, $120 plate shoes, $80 pants, etc. So, you can buy it now, or buy it later.

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midtnump

midtnump

Posted
Posted

@MR Porter  also Homerun Monkey is having an internet sale right now, 15% off everything and free shipping on orders over $100.  Their regular prices are lower than a lot of others, plus you can pick up the extra 15%. They have a lot of the brands mentioned above.

Stan W.

Stan W.

Posted
Posted

try not to buy cheap gear, it might be tempting to get started with the low dollar stuff, but in the long run, you will save big $$ after deciding to upgrade all your gear in a year or so......plus your safety is worth it..... 

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mjr_2013

mjr_2013

Posted
Posted

I was just about to comment what @Stan W. posted... It's fair to say I've spent probably $1,000 on gear alone in my six year career... Had I bought what I use now to start off with, it'd have cost me probably $350.

 

If you know you will love umpiring, or have umpired in the past and are moving up, spend a lot now to save a load in the long run. If you are just starting out, I'd reccommend borrowing some gear for the first couple games. Then, if you like it, spend a lot now to save a load in the long run.

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BigUmpire

BigUmpire

Posted
Posted

You will actually get hit MORE in the lower age groups because catchers don't catch, pitchers are wild, these guys throw all over the place inbetween innings and batters swing everywhere.

You wont get hit as hard BUT lots more.

 

New Umpire bumper sticker:

 

"If they make it, buy it and wear it" - Bigumpire

MRPorter

MRPorter

Posted
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Posted

This is the stuff my company has. Would this be pretty much what I'm looking for?

 

Mask: http://shop.champrosports.com/p-275-drigear-proplus-umpire-masksuper-lite155-oz.aspx - $100

 

Chest: http://shop.champrosports.com/p-816-proplus-umpire-chest-protector.aspx - $55

 

Legs: http://shop.champrosports.com/p-801-proplus-umpire-leg-guards.aspx - $55

 

I know they aren't the top of the line, but they seem like a good deal. 

BigUmpire

BigUmpire

Posted
Posted

No. What company?

from MRPorter " This is the stuff my company has. Would this be pretty much what I'm looking for?"

Not sure what he means.

Mike Prince

Mike Prince

Posted
Posted

T

This is the stuff my company has. Would this be pretty much what I'm looking for? Mask: http://shop.champrosports.com/p-275-drigear-proplus-umpire-masksuper-lite155-oz.aspx - $100 Chest: http://shop.champrosports.com/p-816-proplus-umpire-chest-protector.aspx - $55 Legs: http://shop.champrosports.com/p-801-proplus-umpire-leg-guards.aspx - $55 I know they aren't the top of the line, but they seem like a good deal.
Mask and shins are high quality gear. I would not use that chest protector, if you are trying to save money get the Champion - it is cheaper and it is a hardshell. I have owned and used that same mask and shin guards and would recommend them without hesitation. Consider spending the extra $40 for Team Wendy mask pads. Sent using Tapatalk
BigUmpire

BigUmpire

Posted
Posted

I don't mean a company, just the organization I'm doing my umpiring through. I apologize for the confusion, I couldn't think of the word for it.

Who is it?

BigUmpire

BigUmpire

Posted
Posted

I would highly recomend you network into the other members and ask if anyone has any used equipment for sale or will donate.

You may be suprised on how generous midwesterners are.

 

Also ask for a mentor in your email.

I am mentoring 3 young umpires this year and have bought and/or found lots of gear for them.

BillKen

BillKen

Posted
Posted

http://www.ebay.com/itm/UmpiresMart-Complete-Umpires-Equipment-Combo-with-Pro-Plus-Umpire-Leg-Guards-/151233331352?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item2336358098

 

Same stuff you quoted above for about $50 less.

 

But for about 80, you can get a honigs mask with Team Wendy pads that will be a lot more comfortable than the mask in your post.  Their top of the line CP runs about $100, and you can get some Diamond leg guards for about $40 that will do the trick.  So...for $220, you can have nearly pro level gear that will last you a long time and be very comfortable.  

 

You asked for our opinion...so that is my $0.02 worth.

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