Outside Chest Protector

[BillKen]

Worked 6 games yesterday with a Heat Index of 103.  Made it through...I had the plate for the 3-5-7pm games.  Been thinking of getting this:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Champro-Umpires-Outside-Protector-23-5-Inch/dp/B007YH98WS/ref=sr_1_19?s=team-sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1405287709&sr=1-19

 

Would you ever consider this for 18-U Ball?  List and discuss pros and cons!

 

[JHSump]

18-U?  No, I would not consider it.

 

Is your CP too hot?  It may be too big. Does it reach down to your belly-button, or lower. If so, you may not need such a long CP for 18U. I find I need more protection at 10U than 18U. But for all levels I wear the smallest CP I can --- a West Vest Gold, S/M sized. I am only 5-9, 160 lbs. You may need a larger CP than I do, but consider using a lower-profile, smaller CP than you currently do.

 

Also, you might look into moisture-whicking undergarments, if you don't already use them.  And, there are those cooling pads discussed by others.

 

I'd consider all these options before using a balloon.  I used a balloon many years ago, and when I first used an inside protector I was amazed at how much easier it was to umpire with an inside protector.

[noumpere]

I would use it at lower levels where you get hit more.

 

If you know how to use it, it's just as easy as the inside protector, with maybe the exception of making lineup cahnges, etc (if you want to hold it and your mask).

 

You will raise some eyebrows when yuo walk out with it -- so you'll have to overcome it.

 

Of course, another option is not to do three plates in a row, or six games in a day.

[Majordave]

Smitty, Smitty, Smitty............

YMMV. But I doubt it.

[JaxRolo]

Don't do it!

[D62 blue]

Worked 6 games yesterday with a Heat Index of 103.  Made it through...I had the plate for the 3-5-7pm games.  Been thinking of getting this:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Champro-Umpires-Outside-Protector-23-5-Inch/dp/B007YH98WS/ref=sr_1_19?s=team-sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1405287709&sr=1-19

 

Would you ever consider this for 18-U Ball?  List and discuss pros and cons!

I know quite a few using this "pillow" in my area , especially now in off season . I own one and use when very hot or just not good level ball or during scrimmages (casual) ball .

[Magic]

Nope. Can't do it. I would rather get drilled 50 times in a game than wear a baloon. I might think differently after I get drilled for the 50th time though.

[kylejt]

I keep a couple of rafts for post-season 8u games, where the catchers give zero effort. The Junior umpires use them as shields, and punch the balls out of the way. Pretty funny to watch.

[Stan W.]

balloons?...............been there....done that......never looked back............I would never do a game with one ever again......

[Chris Hickman]

Don't knock it til you try it... I use one......................

 

 

[umpstu]

Don't knock it til you try it... I use one......................

 

 

Did you powder coat it?

[BaltimoreUmpire]

I use to use one when i did 8U i hated it, never got rid of it though, my Yorkie love to nap on it so i let her keep it, its seen its last baseball game