Forearm Guards

[magna929]

I've get hit in the forearm every few weeks it seems like, what is the general consensus about forearm guards for umpires?  If I can feel a sting doing 16u games, I'm sure it'll feel even better (read: painful) once I start doing higher level games in the future.  Are the guards not considered "professional"?  I'd like the extra protection, but won't wear them if they give off a "smitty" look.

 

Here are a few examples of what I'm talking about:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NIP-Baseball-UMPIRE-Forearm-PROTECTION-Pads-Guards-/130549336336?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item1e6558c910

 

https://www.ump-attire.com/Baseball-Umpire-Equipment/Gear-Footwear/Protective-Accessories/553_ShockSkin-Forearm-Guards?id=443

[Majordave]

I've only seen guys wear padding like that over an injury. I'm sure you could easily hide them in colder weather under long sleeves. If you're a sunburn risk you could hide them with long sleeves in summer months but your partners will hate you for making them wear navy and black in the heat. I've never seen long sleeves in any other color.

[BigUmpire]

For protection:

 

"If they make, buy it and wear it"

 

Dont ever let getting hurt look cool.

[BaltimoreUmpire]

I saw those, i do a HOK Davis stance so Im buying a pair, I dont care if it looks bad ill be laughing when my arms are intact

[mbkcoach]

Work with a guy 73 years old. He wears the white football forearm pads that cover your hands and forearms. He has broke his arm before.

[Bkesler24]

I've been thinking about getting the kind ump attire sells I seem to get hit a lot in the forearm area

[JaxRolo]

Your own safety is #1

[millerforrest]

If you wear them, you may as well use the old 'balloon" or outside chest protector.

[BigUmpire]

If you wear them, you may as well use the old 'balloon" or outside chest protector.

HorseSH*# !

Wear them!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jocko]

I changed my stance from a MGD HOK to an even more MGD with my hands behind my knees. Simply because I was tired of taking forearm shots. Worked for me. I don't knock guys wearing em, but I personally dont want any more crap on. It's already hot enough

[BaltimoreUmpire]

If you wear them, you may as well use the old 'balloon" or outside chest protector.

Thats major BS anyone using a ballon probably wouldn't touch these arm guards, the ballon is all about staying cool in the heat, these arm guards are for extra safety not less, the ballon keeps nobody safe,

[magna929]

I changed my stance from a MGD HOK to an even more MGD with my hands behind my knees. Simply because I was tired of taking forearm shots. Worked for me. I don't knock guys wearing em, but I personally dont want any more crap on. It's already hot enough

 

I currently use a similar stance to what you describe here, yet it always seems that I get hit about halfway up my forearm every 10-15 games or so.  My hands are protected (behind my knees) but my forearm is still left unprotected.  Are your forearms behind your body in some way so they don't get hit @Jocko ?

[Jocko]

I changed my stance from a MGD HOK to an even more MGD with my hands behind my knees. Simply because I was tired of taking forearm shots. Worked for me. I don't knock guys wearing em, but I personally dont want any more crap on. It's already hot enough

 

I currently use a similar stance to what you describe here, yet it always seems that I get hit about halfway up my forearm every 10-15 games or so.  My hands are protected (behind my knees) but my forearm is still left unprotected.  Are your forearms behind your body in some way so they don't get hit @Jocko ? my hands rest halfway down my calves with my arms tucked in tight. Less target profile.

[Jocko]

Really nothing below my elbow is exposed. (Just locked in in front of a mirror to see )

[umpstu]

The ones you see on ebay are a little more than bubble wrap. I gave them away before even wearing them in a game. If you're going to wear something, wear something substantial and protective. Screw what anybody says.

[GerryB]

Damaged some nerves in my elbow once upon a time; Dr. said to avoid getting hit there so I bought a matching navy elbow pad...a few partner comments but simply saying that it was necessary for me to umpire won the point.

[LMSANS]

 

If you wear them, you may as well use the old 'balloon" or outside chest protector.

Thats major BS anyone using a ballon probably wouldn't touch these arm guards, the ballon is all about staying cool in the heat, these arm guards are for extra safety not less, the ballon keeps nobody safe,

 

If the balloon gets hit, I guaranty you will not be injured.  There is nothing safer than the balloon....if you know how to use it.  

[BigUmpire]

 

If you wear them, you may as well use the old 'balloon" or outside chest protector.

Thats major BS anyone using a ballon probably wouldn't touch these arm guards, the ballon is all about staying cool in the heat, these arm guards are for extra safety not less, the ballon keeps nobody safe,

 

"the ballon keeps nobody safe"

Inexperence talking here.

[Brayan]

I took a running fastball off of the outside of my left forearm (about 85mph) while umpiring a Euro Championship Qualifier in Belgrade in July.  I had a golfball sized knot on the outside of my arm the rest of the game, which went down with ice and compression.  The catcher (Mexican-Hungarian) who couldn't reach the ball (he was set up outside), after apologizing profusely, showed me his EVOShields and promised me that he doesn't get behind the plate without them.  I ordered mine and am waiting for delivery from the States right now.  My protection is more important than my vanity.  To hell with what others may opin. 

[umpstu]

Didn't UMPATTIRE.com post on here that they were working with somebody on some type of forearm protection?  Even posted a picture for our opinions.  Personally thought they looked sharp and would be protective.  I would definitely purchase them and wear them.

[Rock Bottom]

I put my arms behind my back for this reason, but it does leave my elbows exposed.  I occasionally wear a G-Form elbow guard (the Elite Speed one that's one piece) on both arms, but it doesn't work well with long sleeves, and it's hot in the summer, so this year I didn't wear them. I do agree with @Brayan, do what you need to protect yourself - no one else is paying your medical bills and lost wages.  I hear some morons complain about use of the skull cap - guys like that are complete idiots; I'd wear a skull cap even if the pros weren't, but since MLB umps wear assignors, etc. complaining about it just show how ignorant they are. 

There's a 25% off sale right now, but looks like they may be out in L/XL in black.  And even that size is fairly tight. 

https://g-form.com/elite-speed-baseball-batters-elbow-guard 

[catsbackr]

Volleyball is looking for referees!

[Kevin_K]

11 hours ago, catsbackr said:

Volleyball is looking for referees!

Jealous?