Best CP for the price

[MRPorter]

I've looked around and these two CPs are good value

 

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

 

http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=P2&Category_Code=CHEST-PROTECTOR

 

I fell like the Champro will be lighter and more breathable for those hot days, but is it worth risking my protection for this? I will be umpiring 10-14yr olds so is a hardshell the better option for that age, or would I be okay with a soft CP?

[Mike Prince]

Hardshell.

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[BigUmpire]

No on soft

[MB_Ump]

The Champion CP is a good product with great bang for the buck. I would not hesitate to wear at the level you will be calling. I think most umpires are over soft shells now. If you plan to move up, then I would suggest skipping this middle step and get the Gold/Platinum now if you can afford it.

[umpstu]

The Champion CP is a good product with great bang for the buck. I would not hesitate to wear at the level you will be calling. I think most umpires are over soft shells now. If you plan to move up, then I would suggest skipping this middle step and get the Gold/Platinum now if you can afford it.

Don't go cheap if you are going to be in this for awhile.

[johnnyg08]

take a few game fees and buy a nice CP.  You'll never regret it.  

[Thunderheads]

please do a search on the equipmment forum for advice on chest protectors.  It's discussed adnauseum here, and you'll have enough reading material to keep you busy for a week!

 

on that note:  HARD SHELL!

[conbo61]

Compare the price differential to your co-pay for an ER visit.

 

My vote: hard shell.

[th3]

I believe the champion is best for the money. I use a wilson charcoal that I bought used on CL for 50 and love it

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[JaxRolo]

Wilson Gold

[NWA_UMP]

I used to have a champro soft shell when I first started. It is anything but comfortable or cool. It is like wearing a furnace on your chest. Plus I took a rather mundane shot off the right peck...I felt that shot for 2 weeks and decided hard shell was on the gear list for the next season. I highly suggest you look at a hard shell. All Star System 7 is what I have and love it.

[KLAH316]

Wilson Gold....

You can find them on Ebay well under retail price too!

[johnnyg08]

Wilson Gold or Platinum

[rjt6]

HARD SHELL!!!! I agree 100% with @conbo61

[coachump4]

Love my Diamond ix3 not too hot and provides plenty of protection.

[iankelleyumpire]

I've had both of those protectors in the past, again I recommend the Champion. Hardshell, way lower profile, better buy in my opinion. The Champro is very lightweight and breathable, but its bulky and looks funny under a shirt IMHO, and some shots can make you wish you had a hard shell piece on. 

[Toucs1977]

I have a wv platinum. I really like it. Or you can get the unequal. :)

[Jocko]

Ive used Champion all the way up through showcase. HS seniors trying out for college coaches. And I trust it as much as my gold. Plus, it's lower priced, and more comfortable. Just sayin.

[tldavis19]

I trust the Champion completely. I've taken fouls, direct shots, and even a thrown bat and have yet to feel anything. No red marks, bruises, or soreness of any kind. Having said that, I will be moving up to the platinum/gold sometime soon. For what you're doing and for the price you will NOT beat the Champion hard shell. Great protector.