Question about Team Wendy retrofit

Tksjewelry · August 26, 2014

I'm a female umpire new this year. I've been using a diamond soft vest. After taking a few balls in the shoulders, sternum, and the collar bone I've decided it's time to upgrade. I've read tons of your posts about the Wilson platinum and gold vests with the team Wendy retrofits but I have a few questions. I haven't been able to find anyone around here that has even heard of team Wendy and I bought the face mask pads after reading everything here.

1) I'm a smallish female. 130 and 5'1" and small boned. I'm not sure if I should order the 10 3/4 or the 12. I would think the smaller but that bit me in the rear before when buying a small helmet.

2) Since my neck is so much smaller than the average man, can team Wendy make the pads around the neck bigger so that I get better protection?

3) Is the Platinum the way to go or should I go with the gold?

It's hard enough finding any equipment that fits even remotely correctly (shoot, I can't even buy plate shoes) so to keep umpiring, I want the safest equipment possible and am willing to invest in my safety by having it retrofitted.

Thunderheads · August 26, 2014

Team Wendy will retrofit just about any way you want them to, but you'll pay for it.

A Platinum would probably be best for collarbone protection for you, and ....as you say, I believe you can order a shorter one if needed. However, a retrofit is $130, so finding a craigslist deal,or something on ebay, or ...maybe even something here makes the most sense.

good luck, and welcome aboard!

mbkcoach · August 26, 2014

Get the gold. Get the smallest size they have.

Majordave · August 27, 2014

I am 44 chest, 5' 9" and 195. I wore the WV "baby" Gold for 6 years. Loved it. It will definitely fit you and protect you very well. I work college baseball and have been hit with balls pitched above 90 mph with it. Never felt anything painful. I also had a platinum in regular size (12"?). I would have had to buy larger shirts just to go over that thing.

It took me five or six tries with different chest protectors to get the one that worked best for me.

Good luck.

gnhbua93 · August 27, 2014

Get the Force3 CP.

JDavis225 · August 27, 2014

Hmmm @Majordave do you think I made a good decision in ordering a 12 inch Gold standing 5'7 175-185 lbs? I'm in pretty good shape and ordered the Gold with intention of getting it retrofitted for a lower profile than my Platinum. I noticed a lot of Big League guys look like they don't even have a CP on. That's my goal.

Majordave · August 27, 2014

@JDavis225

You will be fine with a retrofit. The 12" refers to the length so you will have better stomach coverage. I have a short torso and have been lucky enough to avoid getting a big stomach. You should also have better shoulder coverage. I recommend either cinching up and taping the harness so it fits as snugly as is comfortable under your neck to better protect your collarbone area. If you can find one and want the ultimate fit and snugness get an All-Star Delta Flex Umpire harness. It will do away with the harness sliding down and the need to constantly adjust the CP after you get into your stance.

I could wear the smaller one because I get into a very close and tight slot so it looks like I'm riding the catcher most of the time. Less of me is exposed. Although I did occasionally take one in the gut and one hit the Catcher ricocheted into batter and back into my left ribs. Ouch! Freak thing but it would have got me with almost any CP. Except the Unequal. That thing wraps around my ribs and covers most of my stomach. Thus my switch from WV Gold to Unequal.

JDavis225 · August 27, 2014

@JDavis225
You will be fine with a retrofit. The 12" refers to the length so you will have better stomach coverage. I have a short torso and have been lucky enough to avoid getting a big stomach. You should also have better shoulder coverage. I recommend either cinching up and taping the harness so it fits as snugly as is comfortable under your neck to better protect your collarbone area. If you can find one and want the ultimate fit and snugness get an All-Star Delta Flex Umpire harness. It will do away with the harness sliding down and the need to constantly adjust the CP after you get into your stance.
I could wear the smaller one because I get into a very close and tight slot so it looks like I'm riding the catcher most of the time. Less of me is exposed. Although I did occasionally take one in the gut and one hit the Catcher ricocheted into batter and back into my left ribs. Ouch! Freak thing but it would have got me with almost any CP. Except the Unequal. That thing wraps around my ribs and covers most of my stomach. Thus my switch from WV Gold to Unequal.

Awesome. I have a DF harness that I'm gonna take from my platinum if I can't sell it on here.

Rennolds · August 27, 2014

I recommend either cinching up and taping the harness so it fits as snugly as is comfortable under your neck to better protect your collarbone area. If you can find one and want the ultimate fit and snugness get an All-Star Delta Flex Umpire harness. It will do away with the harness sliding down and the need to constantly adjust the CP after you get into your stance.

@TksJewlery, Majordave already hit the first thing I thought of when you said collar bone and shoulder. Are you wearing your CP too low? Sounds like a silly question but until I found this site and read through a ton of posts I wore my CP 3-4 inches lower then I do now due to just not knowing, I thought it just went on your chest right. I use both a Diamond ix3 and a West Vest Pro TW retro with Delta harness. The West Vest sits up better then the Diamond does, more the doing of the delta harness. Does your CP look like this when on?

https://www.ump-attire.com/Baseball-Umpire-Equipment/Gear-Footwear/Chest-Protectors/DCP-U_Diamond-Lite-Umpire-Chest-Protector

Tksjewelry · August 27, 2014

I recommend either cinching up and taping the harness so it fits as snugly as is comfortable under your neck to better protect your collarbone area. If you can find one and want the ultimate fit and snugness get an All-Star Delta Flex Umpire harness. It will do away with the harness sliding down and the need to constantly adjust the CP after you get into your stance.
@TksJewlery, Majordave already hit the first thing I thought of when you said collar bone and shoulder. Are you wearing your CP too low? Sounds like a silly question but until I found this site and read through a ton of posts I wore my CP 3-4 inches lower then I do now due to just not knowing, I thought it just went on your chest right. I use both a Diamond ix3 and a West Vest Pro TW retro with Delta harness. The West Vest sits up better then the Diamond does, more the doing of the delta harness. Does your CP look like this when on?
https://www.ump-attire.com/Baseball-Umpire-Equipment/Gear-Footwear/Chest-Protectors/DCP-U_Diamond-Lite-Umpire-Chest-Protector

I'm wearing it as small as I can. I've got the thing twisted and tied every which way I can. Thank goodness it's under my shirt or I'd look completely ridiculous. I've had the worst time finding gear that fits period. I can't even buy plate shoes as my feet are way too small. Luckily my husband does metal work and he's making me some removable ones. Masks are always slightly too big, the tw pads did help that a little. I've tried kids catchers masks but they are usually too small. Pants, I'm having to have some custom made as the guys are ridiculous big and baggy and the smitty women's come up to my boobs. I've had most of my shirts tailored so the sleeves don't come down to my elbows and they don't go down to my knees. Lol, it's been a revolving trial and error of comedy trying to get any equipment. I wish some of these companies would allow custom orders for us females, I'd have no problem paying even double just to get equipment that fits properly.

Rennolds · August 28, 2014

Well a Delta harness would solve that issue. It is just big enough to mod into the WV Pro on my 6'0" 185 frame anyway so sounds like a perfect fit for you. As for your OP, the TW retro was pure vanity, not sure what level you are working but its over kill for anything without a cannon. With that said you should still get it because it's what all the cool kids do.

MadMax · August 28, 2014

@Tksjewelry â€“

Shoes:

http://www.steel-toe-shoes.com/Search.html#/?_=1&filter.metatarsal=Metatarsal%20Guard&page=1&filter.gender=Women's

http://www.steel-toe-shoes.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RB486 (unfortunately, black w/ pink accent... but it gives hope that there may be an all-black version)

http://workboots.com/cat-footwear-switch-st-black~2 (as small as size 5 in a steel-toe, athletic, all-black cut)

http://workboots.com/mcrae-industrial-hiker-st-black-gray-purple (if you can be at ease with the style, it has a metatarsal guard in the tongue of the shoe)

http://workboots.com/rockport-works-6-more-energy-met-guard-ct-wp-black (granted, it truly is a boot, but it features a composite toe and metatarsal guard, and is built upon athletic shoe technology (in this case, Adidas' adiPRENE shock absorption)

CP:

The gang here has you well in hand. I would echo their inputs, that when you do send a WV in to Team Wendy to do the retrofit, request a follow-up phone call or email from one of their project leads / CSR's. Express that you'd like certain zones addressed with increased / shaped differently padding. Frank question â€“ would you need the chest padding shaped differently?

Pants:

http://www.fifthregionofficials.com/products/fechheimer-womens-umpire-pants-base-or-plate.html (Heather Gray)

As crazy as it seems, have you considered these? In Charcoal?

http://www.constructiongear.com/dickies-womens-work-pants-original-fp774.html

http://www.safetygirl.com/dickies-womens-work-pants-flat-front-fp221.html

Mask:

Are you using a Traditional Mask {TM} or a Hockey-Style Mask {HSM}? If a TM, may I suggest looking at an All-Star FM4000 ? Several of us umpires here have it (@JaxRolo, @midtnump, myself, etc.) and from using (and trialling) several different models of masks, the FM4000 is not only light and protective, but it "feels" narrower. Maybe it's the shape of the TG, or the vertical layout of the bars, but it just looks a bit smaller than a typical mask. I even measured the primary ring's width, and it's a full inch narrower than my Easton Speed Elite.

The other route to go is to get a youth / smaller -sized traditional mask. These have become white buffalos in the protective gear industry, because every school program has mandated use of HSM's for catchers. That's not to say that youth-sized TM's aren't any good, or aren't being produced... they're just not marketed a lot.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Youth-Catchers-Mask-1-BLACK-and-1-BLUE-Mask-and-Pads-Only-/221529396695

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Promark-Junior-Pro-Model-Catchers-Mask-FMJ50L-Mask-Only/221160815980

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Rawlings-PWMXY-Youth-Catchers-Mask-Black-Age-5-12-Unused-With-Tags-/171226440763 (my caution is, it's probably the heaviest of the ones I've listed. I used to have a full-sized PWMX. _Heavy_)

Yes, I listed masks from eBay. All are new-in-packaging. If you are as serious as you sound, you'll probably change the pads out anyway for some Team Wendys (which are the best, after all).

Shirts:

You're in luck! It looks like MLB is going to unadorned solid polo shirts (Black... Sky will probably follow). So you'll be able to wear a properly sized polo shirt, from Nike or Adidas or UnderArmour or... whoever... very very soon!

Unless you have to wear Navy... Crap.

Well, there's some stuff to consider.

Tksjewelry · August 28, 2014

Well a Delta harness would solve that issue. It is just big enough to mod into the WV Pro on my 6'0" 185 frame anyway so sounds like a perfect fit for you. As for your OP, the TW retro was pure vanity, not sure what level you are working but its over kill for anything without a cannon. With that said you should still get it because it's what all the cool kids do.

I'll check out that harness. I do some of almost everything. From slow pitch, fast pitch, 8u rec baseball, adult rec baseball, but it's the National tournaments where it gets unnerving. One was a 14u triple crown, with a few pitchers throwing 75+ and I took one in the mask (denting my titanium diamond) and one that cracked my collar bone through my diamond vest, that said I needed a major upgrade. I need almost an inch all the way around added to the neck hole to just cover my collar bone. I'd like to do legion ball and hs next spring but the uic won't let me unless he feels I'm safe enough.

Tksjewelry · August 28, 2014

@Tksjewelry â€“
Shoes:
http://www.steel-toe-shoes.com/Search.html#/?_=1&filter.metatarsal=Metatarsal%20Guard&page=1&filter.gender=Women's
http://www.steel-toe-shoes.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RB486 (unfortunately, black w/ pink accent... but it gives hope that there may be an all-black version)
http://workboots.com/cat-footwear-switch-st-black~2 (as small as size 5 in a steel-toe, athletic, all-black cut)
http://workboots.com/mcrae-industrial-hiker-st-black-gray-purple (if you can be at ease with the style, it has a metatarsal guard in the tongue of the shoe)
http://workboots.com/rockport-works-6-more-energy-met-guard-ct-wp-black (granted, it truly is a boot, but it features a composite toe and metatarsal guard, and is built upon athletic shoe technology (in this case, Adidas' adiPRENE shock absorption)
CP:
The gang here has you well in hand. I would echo their inputs, that when you do send a WV in to Team Wendy to do the retrofit, request a follow-up phone call or email from one of their project leads / CSR's. Express that you'd like certain zones addressed with increased / shaped differently padding. Frank question â€“ would you need the chest padding shaped differently?
Pants:
http://www.fifthregionofficials.com/products/fechheimer-womens-umpire-pants-base-or-plate.html (Heather Gray)
As crazy as it seems, have you considered these? In Charcoal?
http://www.constructiongear.com/dickies-womens-work-pants-original-fp774.html
http://www.safetygirl.com/dickies-womens-work-pants-flat-front-fp221.html
Mask:
Are you using a Traditional Mask {TM} or a Hockey-Style Mask {HSM}? If a TM, may I suggest looking at an All-Star FM4000 ? Several of us umpires here have it (@JaxRolo, @midtnump, myself, etc.) and from using (and trialling) several different models of masks, the FM4000 is not only light and protective, but it "feels" narrower. Maybe it's the shape of the TG, or the vertical layout of the bars, but it just looks a bit smaller than a typical mask. I even measured the primary ring's width, and it's a full inch narrower than my Easton Speed Elite.
The other route to go is to get a youth / smaller -sized traditional mask. These have become white buffalos in the protective gear industry, because every school program has mandated use of HSM's for catchers. That's not to say that youth-sized TM's aren't any good, or aren't being produced... they're just not marketed a lot.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Youth-Catchers-Mask-1-BLACK-and-1-BLUE-Mask-and-Pads-Only-/221529396695
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Promark-Junior-Pro-Model-Catchers-Mask-FMJ50L-Mask-Only/221160815980
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Rawlings-PWMXY-Youth-Catchers-Mask-Black-Age-5-12-Unused-With-Tags-/171226440763 (my caution is, it's probably the heaviest of the ones I've listed. I used to have a full-sized PWMX. _Heavy_)
Yes, I listed masks from eBay. All are new-in-packaging. If you are as serious as you sound, you'll probably change the pads out anyway for some Team Wendys (which are the best, after all).
Shirts:
You're in luck! It looks like MLB is going to unadorned solid polo shirts (Black... Sky will probably follow). So you'll be able to wear a properly sized polo shirt, from Nike or Adidas or UnderArmour or... whoever... very very soon!
Unless you have to wear Navy... Crap.
Well, there's some stuff to consider.

Shoes:

Thanks for those links. I'll check those out. I have a few pairs of work boots, but they are all tan. I didn't think of work boots.

CP:

I hadn't thought about having the pads changed in shape, but man, that would be amazing. I know that evoshield is developing a personal forming vest due out next year and something like that would be the ultimate for us ladies.

Mask:

Right now I'm using a tm. Diamond titanium but I switched out the stock pads to the tw pads. I haven't been able to check out the difference yet as we've only had one fall ball game. I bought a hsm after a foul tip landed right on top of my head after coming of a pole and knocked me clean out. However, it was slightly too small (gave me a headache after 45 minutes) and it is ungodly heavy. It's a Wilson shock 2. I'm thinking about ordering the titanium fx shock 2 this winter, can the pads be changed on those for the tw pads?

I'll try the all star (how heavy is it?), I think after wearing the hsm for half a game, I'll mostly stick to a tm especially for lower level games and tournaments. I've looked at a thread or two around about that new Wilson super light weight one. It's pricey but when I'm doing 6 slots in 90+ heat, it might be worth it but I'd like to know how heavy it is compared to what I have now, which is super light. I'll check out those youth links too. (eBay and Amazon are my friends)

Pants:

I have the first ones, I think they designed them on a 6'6" female who is built like a twiggy model. Lol. I'd love for these companies to talk to actual female umpires when they design these.

The dickies, I have tons of these from when I managed a ranch. Super comfy. Unfortunately, the legs are too narrow even in boot cut.

Shirts:

I just had them all tailored! They can't change them! We can wear any color we want really, black, dark blue, and light blue are the first ones they say to buy. Just match your partner, if you have one, and more than half of my 250 games this year were one man's. My favorite is the camo right now but black or cream are the most commonly worn. I had to get a pink because I'm an excuse for the guys to pull the pink ones out. I've gathered all the smitty colors plus the camo easily as they were on freak spot sales in small or medium on Amazon for $5.

I do take this seriously. I really enjoy it too. Also, the UIC wouldn't allow me to represent his company on the fields if I didn't.

Thanks, you've been (and others) tremendously helpful.

BaltimoreUmpire · August 28, 2014

Shock FX 2.0 pads cannot be replaced by TW's at this time, in fact only the chin and forehead pads are removable in the shock FX 2.0. As an owner of both my recommendation is the All Star, I love mine. Its a tad heavy but on an HSM this problem isn't as bad, the weight is evenly distributed. All Star has removable and washable padding and it can be replaced, you can also replaced(on the 2500 not sure on 4000) the cage on the front too, so if the shell is taken care of it can really last. YMMV

Magic · August 28, 2014

@Tksjewelry â€“
Shoes:
http://www.steel-toe-shoes.com/Search.html#/?_=1&filter.metatarsal=Metatarsal%20Guard&page=1&filter.gender=Women's
http://www.steel-toe-shoes.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RB486 (unfortunately, black w/ pink accent... but it gives hope that there may be an all-black version)
http://workboots.com/cat-footwear-switch-st-black~2 (as small as size 5 in a steel-toe, athletic, all-black cut)
http://workboots.com/mcrae-industrial-hiker-st-black-gray-purple (if you can be at ease with the style, it has a metatarsal guard in the tongue of the shoe)
http://workboots.com/rockport-works-6-more-energy-met-guard-ct-wp-black (granted, it truly is a boot, but it features a composite toe and metatarsal guard, and is built upon athletic shoe technology (in this case, Adidas' adiPRENE shock absorption)
CP:
The gang here has you well in hand. I would echo their inputs, that when you do send a WV in to Team Wendy to do the retrofit, request a follow-up phone call or email from one of their project leads / CSR's. Express that you'd like certain zones addressed with increased / shaped differently padding. Frank question â€“ would you need the chest padding shaped differently?
Pants:
http://www.fifthregionofficials.com/products/fechheimer-womens-umpire-pants-base-or-plate.html (Heather Gray)
As crazy as it seems, have you considered these? In Charcoal?
http://www.constructiongear.com/dickies-womens-work-pants-original-fp774.html
http://www.safetygirl.com/dickies-womens-work-pants-flat-front-fp221.html
Mask:
Are you using a Traditional Mask {TM} or a Hockey-Style Mask {HSM}? If a TM, may I suggest looking at an All-Star FM4000 ? Several of us umpires here have it (@JaxRolo, @midtnump, myself, etc.) and from using (and trialling) several different models of masks, the FM4000 is not only light and protective, but it "feels" narrower. Maybe it's the shape of the TG, or the vertical layout of the bars, but it just looks a bit smaller than a typical mask. I even measured the primary ring's width, and it's a full inch narrower than my Easton Speed Elite.
The other route to go is to get a youth / smaller -sized traditional mask. These have become white buffalos in the protective gear industry, because every school program has mandated use of HSM's for catchers. That's not to say that youth-sized TM's aren't any good, or aren't being produced... they're just not marketed a lot.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Youth-Catchers-Mask-1-BLACK-and-1-BLUE-Mask-and-Pads-Only-/221529396695
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Promark-Junior-Pro-Model-Catchers-Mask-FMJ50L-Mask-Only/221160815980
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Rawlings-PWMXY-Youth-Catchers-Mask-Black-Age-5-12-Unused-With-Tags-/171226440763 (my caution is, it's probably the heaviest of the ones I've listed. I used to have a full-sized PWMX. _Heavy_)
Yes, I listed masks from eBay. All are new-in-packaging. If you are as serious as you sound, you'll probably change the pads out anyway for some Team Wendys (which are the best, after all).
Shirts:
You're in luck! It looks like MLB is going to unadorned solid polo shirts (Black... Sky will probably follow). So you'll be able to wear a properly sized polo shirt, from Nike or Adidas or UnderArmour or... whoever... very very soon!
Unless you have to wear Navy... Crap.
Well, there's some stuff to consider.
Shoes:
Thanks for those links. I'll check those out. I have a few pairs of work boots, but they are all tan. I didn't think of work boots.
CP:
I hadn't thought about having the pads changed in shape, but man, that would be amazing. I know that evoshield is developing a personal forming vest due out next year and something like that would be the ultimate for us ladies.
Mask:
Right now I'm using a tm. Diamond titanium but I switched out the stock pads to the tw pads. I haven't been able to check out the difference yet as we've only had one fall ball game. I bought a hsm after a foul tip landed right on top of my head after coming of a pole and knocked me clean out. However, it was slightly too small (gave me a headache after 45 minutes) and it is ungodly heavy. It's a Wilson shock 2. I'm thinking about ordering the titanium fx shock 2 this winter, can the pads be changed on those for the tw pads?
I'll try the all star (how heavy is it?), I think after wearing the hsm for half a game, I'll mostly stick to a tm especially for lower level games and tournaments. I've looked at a thread or two around about that new Wilson super light weight one. It's pricey but when I'm doing 6 slots in 90+ heat, it might be worth it but I'd like to know how heavy it is compared to what I have now, which is super light. I'll check out those youth links too. (eBay and Amazon are my friends)
Pants:
I have the first ones, I think they designed them on a 6'6" female who is built like a twiggy model. Lol. I'd love for these companies to talk to actual female umpires when they design these.
The dickies, I have tons of these from when I managed a ranch. Super comfy. Unfortunately, the legs are too narrow even in boot cut.
Shirts:
I just had them all tailored! They can't change them! We can wear any color we want really, black, dark blue, and light blue are the first ones they say to buy. Just match your partner, if you have one, and more than half of my 250 games this year were one man's. My favorite is the camo right now but black or cream are the most commonly worn. I had to get a pink because I'm an excuse for the guys to pull the pink ones out. I've gathered all the smitty colors plus the camo easily as they were on freak spot sales in small or medium on Amazon for $5.
I do take this seriously. I really enjoy it too. Also, the UIC wouldn't allow me to represent his company on the fields if I didn't.
Thanks, you've been (and others) tremendously helpful.

I wear the Wilson titanium shock HSM and I love it. It doesn't feel heavy to me. But it definitely gets hot during the summer. Recently worked 31 games in 8 days. I worked 19 of the 31 on the plate and it was 100+ every day. It took its toll on me for sure.

Tksjewelry · August 28, 2014

@Tksjewelry â€“
Shoes:
http://www.steel-toe-shoes.com/Search.html#/?_=1&filter.metatarsal=Metatarsal%20Guard&page=1&filter.gender=Women's
http://www.steel-toe-shoes.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RB486 (unfortunately, black w/ pink accent... but it gives hope that there may be an all-black version)
http://workboots.com/cat-footwear-switch-st-black~2 (as small as size 5 in a steel-toe, athletic, all-black cut)
http://workboots.com/mcrae-industrial-hiker-st-black-gray-purple (if you can be at ease with the style, it has a metatarsal guard in the tongue of the shoe)
http://workboots.com/rockport-works-6-more-energy-met-guard-ct-wp-black (granted, it truly is a boot, but it features a composite toe and metatarsal guard, and is built upon athletic shoe technology (in this case, Adidas' adiPRENE shock absorption)
CP:
The gang here has you well in hand. I would echo their inputs, that when you do send a WV in to Team Wendy to do the retrofit, request a follow-up phone call or email from one of their project leads / CSR's. Express that you'd like certain zones addressed with increased / shaped differently padding. Frank question â€“ would you need the chest padding shaped differently?
Pants:
http://www.fifthregionofficials.com/products/fechheimer-womens-umpire-pants-base-or-plate.html (Heather Gray)
As crazy as it seems, have you considered these? In Charcoal?
http://www.constructiongear.com/dickies-womens-work-pants-original-fp774.html
http://www.safetygirl.com/dickies-womens-work-pants-flat-front-fp221.html
Mask:
Are you using a Traditional Mask {TM} or a Hockey-Style Mask {HSM}? If a TM, may I suggest looking at an All-Star FM4000 ? Several of us umpires here have it (@JaxRolo, @midtnump, myself, etc.) and from using (and trialling) several different models of masks, the FM4000 is not only light and protective, but it "feels" narrower. Maybe it's the shape of the TG, or the vertical layout of the bars, but it just looks a bit smaller than a typical mask. I even measured the primary ring's width, and it's a full inch narrower than my Easton Speed Elite.
The other route to go is to get a youth / smaller -sized traditional mask. These have become white buffalos in the protective gear industry, because every school program has mandated use of HSM's for catchers. That's not to say that youth-sized TM's aren't any good, or aren't being produced... they're just not marketed a lot.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Youth-Catchers-Mask-1-BLACK-and-1-BLUE-Mask-and-Pads-Only-/221529396695
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Promark-Junior-Pro-Model-Catchers-Mask-FMJ50L-Mask-Only/221160815980
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Rawlings-PWMXY-Youth-Catchers-Mask-Black-Age-5-12-Unused-With-Tags-/171226440763 (my caution is, it's probably the heaviest of the ones I've listed. I used to have a full-sized PWMX. _Heavy_)
Yes, I listed masks from eBay. All are new-in-packaging. If you are as serious as you sound, you'll probably change the pads out anyway for some Team Wendys (which are the best, after all).
Shirts:
You're in luck! It looks like MLB is going to unadorned solid polo shirts (Black... Sky will probably follow). So you'll be able to wear a properly sized polo shirt, from Nike or Adidas or UnderArmour or... whoever... very very soon!
Unless you have to wear Navy... Crap.
Well, there's some stuff to consider.
Shoes:
Thanks for those links. I'll check those out. I have a few pairs of work boots, but they are all tan. I didn't think of work boots.
CP:
I hadn't thought about having the pads changed in shape, but man, that would be amazing. I know that evoshield is developing a personal forming vest due out next year and something like that would be the ultimate for us ladies.
Mask:
Right now I'm using a tm. Diamond titanium but I switched out the stock pads to the tw pads. I haven't been able to check out the difference yet as we've only had one fall ball game. I bought a hsm after a foul tip landed right on top of my head after coming of a pole and knocked me clean out. However, it was slightly too small (gave me a headache after 45 minutes) and it is ungodly heavy. It's a Wilson shock 2. I'm thinking about ordering the titanium fx shock 2 this winter, can the pads be changed on those for the tw pads?
I'll try the all star (how heavy is it?), I think after wearing the hsm for half a game, I'll mostly stick to a tm especially for lower level games and tournaments. I've looked at a thread or two around about that new Wilson super light weight one. It's pricey but when I'm doing 6 slots in 90+ heat, it might be worth it but I'd like to know how heavy it is compared to what I have now, which is super light. I'll check out those youth links too. (eBay and Amazon are my friends)
Pants:
I have the first ones, I think they designed them on a 6'6" female who is built like a twiggy model. Lol. I'd love for these companies to talk to actual female umpires when they design these.
The dickies, I have tons of these from when I managed a ranch. Super comfy. Unfortunately, the legs are too narrow even in boot cut.
Shirts:
I just had them all tailored! They can't change them! We can wear any color we want really, black, dark blue, and light blue are the first ones they say to buy. Just match your partner, if you have one, and more than half of my 250 games this year were one man's. My favorite is the camo right now but black or cream are the most commonly worn. I had to get a pink because I'm an excuse for the guys to pull the pink ones out. I've gathered all the smitty colors plus the camo easily as they were on freak spot sales in small or medium on Amazon for $5.
I do take this seriously. I really enjoy it too. Also, the UIC wouldn't allow me to represent his company on the fields if I didn't.
Thanks, you've been (and others) tremendously helpful.
I wear the Wilson titanium shock HSM and I love it. It doesn't feel heavy to me. But it definitely gets hot during the summer. Recently worked 31 games in 8 days. I worked 19 of the 31 on the plate and it was 100+ every day. It took its toll on me for sure.

Sounds like slumpbusters weeks here, so that's great to know.

Tksjewelry · August 28, 2014

Shock FX 2.0 pads cannot be replaced by TW's at this time, in fact only the chin and forehead pads are removable in the shock FX 2.0. As an owner of both my recommendation is the All Star, I love mine. Its a tad heavy but on an HSM this problem isn't as bad, the weight is evenly distributed. All Star has removable and washable padding and it can be replaced, you can also replaced(on the 2500 not sure on 4000) the cage on the front too, so if the shell is taken care of it can really last. YMMV

That's a bummer they can't be replaced by tw. Do you have the all star tm too? Or just the hsm?

BaltimoreUmpire · August 28, 2014

Shock FX 2.0 pads cannot be replaced by TW's at this time, in fact only the chin and forehead pads are removable in the shock FX 2.0. As an owner of both my recommendation is the All Star, I love mine. Its a tad heavy but on an HSM this problem isn't as bad, the weight is evenly distributed. All Star has removable and washable padding and it can be replaced, you can also replaced(on the 2500 not sure on 4000) the cage on the front too, so if the shell is taken care of it can really last. YMMV

That's a bummer they can't be replaced by tw. Do you have the all star tm too? Or just the hsm? I have an allstar TM but not the one others reccommended to you, I have the FM-25, its cheap but works well when I chooses to wear a TM every now and then.

gnhbua93 · August 28, 2014

I didn't knew that Diamond made titanium masks. That's a first one for me :fuel:

MadMax · August 28, 2014

I didn't knew that Diamond made titanium masks. That's a first one for me

Yeah, I think @Tksjewelry is mistaken, @gnhbua93. Only four companies make a Titanium mask â€” Wilson, Nike, All-Star and Rawlings â€” and Diamond isn't indicating that they are. The only other company doing an alternate -metal mask is +POS, and that's a Magnesium alloy.

Diamond's iX3 is _noticeably_ light, though, so it is often mistaken to be titanium. What doesn't help this misconception, too, is retailers advertising it as "titanium -colored" (the matte silver model). Why would the black one and the silver one be the same price point, at ~$75, if the silver one was actually titanium?

The other giveaway is TK's report that her mask dented... meaning it bent or deformed. Titanium doesn't bend, it shears or fractures. Steel's saving grace is that it does deform, thus absorbing that kinetic energy that's headed right for your face. This is why the pads on titanium masks are (or should be) _really_ good.

I have two sets of TW pads now, with one set on my FM4000 (I bought the other set off a fellow U-E umpire at a great deal, will probably resell them to a fellow local umpire who uses those crap Diamond stock pads). I have yet to try the brand newly-debuted Wilson synthetic pads, but guys on here are giving them rave reviews. Wilson debuted them on their new Aluminum DynaLite mask. I'll have to weigh my FM4000 w/ TW's sometime soon.

Tksjewelry · August 28, 2014

I didn't knew that Diamond made titanium masks. That's a first one for me

That makes sense, no wonder it dented. It was bought for me, all my starter gear was and I was just going of what I was told.

Tksjewelry · August 28, 2014

I didn't knew that Diamond made titanium masks. That's a first one for me
Yeah, I think @Tksjewelry is mistaken, @gnhbua93. Only four companies make a Titanium mask â€” Wilson, Nike, All-Star and Rawlings â€” and Diamond isn't indicating that they are. The only other company doing an alternate -metal mask is +POS, and that's a Magnesium alloy.
Diamond's iX3 is _noticeably_ light, though, so it is often mistaken to be titanium. What doesn't help this misconception, too, is retailers advertising it as "titanium -colored" (the matte silver model). Why would the black one and the silver one be the same price point, at ~$75, if the silver one was actually titanium?
The other giveaway is TK's report that her mask dented... meaning it bent or deformed. Titanium doesn't bend, it shears or fractures. Steel's saving grace is that it does deform, thus absorbing that kinetic energy that's headed right for your face. This is why the pads on titanium masks are (or should be) _really_ good.
I have two sets of TW pads now, with one set on my FM4000 (I bought the other set off a fellow U-E umpire at a great deal, will probably resell them to a fellow local umpire who uses those crap Diamond stock pads). I have yet to try the brand newly-debuted Wilson synthetic pads, but guys on here are giving them rave reviews. Wilson debuted them on their new Aluminum DynaLite mask. I'll have to weigh my FM4000 w/ TW's sometime soon.

I'll bet you right on the one I have. It's very light. I was told it was titanium, you would think I would know metal better with a shed full of every kind imaginable. Don't tell my husband I got a metal wrong, lol, I'll never hear the end of it.

The pads on it are brutal. A few low level shots to rang my bell and is what started my hunt for a new mask. I knew there had to be better. I also borrowed one from the UIC when I left my mask at a field, it was an old old Wilson and weighted as much as my car, thank goodness mine showed up before the games. Props to the guys who worked multiple games a day with those and didn't break a neck.

I'm glad I found this board. Guys I've talked to around here had never heard of tw pads and only two I've seen have WV.

Magic · August 28, 2014

I didn't knew that Diamond made titanium masks. That's a first one for me

Yeah, I think @Tksjewelry is mistaken, @gnhbua93. Only four companies make a Titanium mask â€” Wilson, Nike, All-Star and Rawlings â€” and Diamond isn't indicating that they are. The only other company doing an alternate -metal mask is +POS, and that's a Magnesium alloy.
Diamond's iX3 is _noticeably_ light, though, so it is often mistaken to be titanium. What doesn't help this misconception, too, is retailers advertising it as "titanium -colored" (the matte silver model). Why would the black one and the silver one be the same price point, at ~$75, if the silver one was actually titanium?
The other giveaway is TK's report that her mask dented... meaning it bent or deformed. Titanium doesn't bend, it shears or fractures. Steel's saving grace is that it does deform, thus absorbing that kinetic energy that's headed right for your face. This is why the pads on titanium masks are (or should be) _really_ good.
I have two sets of TW pads now, with one set on my FM4000 (I bought the other set off a fellow U-E umpire at a great deal, will probably resell them to a fellow local umpire who uses those crap Diamond stock pads). I have yet to try the brand newly-debuted Wilson synthetic pads, but guys on here are giving them rave reviews. Wilson debuted them on their new Aluminum DynaLite mask. I'll have to weigh my FM4000 w/ TW's sometime soon.
I'll bet you right on the one I have. It's very light. I was told it was titanium, you would think I would know metal better with a shed full of every kind imaginable. Don't tell my husband I got a metal wrong, lol, I'll never hear the end of it.
The pads on it are brutal. A few low level shots to rang my bell and is what started my hunt for a new mask. I knew there had to be better. I also borrowed one from the UIC when I left my mask at a field, it was an old old Wilson and weighted as much as my car, thank goodness mine showed up before the games. Props to the guys who worked multiple games a day with those and didn't break a neck.
I'm glad I found this board. Guys I've talked to around here had never heard of tw pads and only two I've seen have WV.

You umpire in Syberia?

Tksjewelry · August 28, 2014

I didn't knew that Diamond made titanium masks. That's a first one for me
Yeah, I think @Tksjewelry is mistaken, @gnhbua93. Only four companies make a Titanium mask â€” Wilson, Nike, All-Star and Rawlings â€” and Diamond isn't indicating that they are. The only other company doing an alternate -metal mask is +POS, and that's a Magnesium alloy.
Diamond's iX3 is _noticeably_ light, though, so it is often mistaken to be titanium. What doesn't help this misconception, too, is retailers advertising it as "titanium -colored" (the matte silver model). Why would the black one and the silver one be the same price point, at ~$75, if the silver one was actually titanium?
The other giveaway is TK's report that her mask dented... meaning it bent or deformed. Titanium doesn't bend, it shears or fractures. Steel's saving grace is that it does deform, thus absorbing that kinetic energy that's headed right for your face. This is why the pads on titanium masks are (or should be) _really_ good.
I have two sets of TW pads now, with one set on my FM4000 (I bought the other set off a fellow U-E umpire at a great deal, will probably resell them to a fellow local umpire who uses those crap Diamond stock pads). I have yet to try the brand newly-debuted Wilson synthetic pads, but guys on here are giving them rave reviews. Wilson debuted them on their new Aluminum DynaLite mask. I'll have to weigh my FM4000 w/ TW's sometime soon.
I'll bet you right on the one I have. It's very light. I was told it was titanium, you would think I would know metal better with a shed full of every kind imaginable. Don't tell my husband I got a metal wrong, lol, I'll never hear the end of it.
The pads on it are brutal. A few low level shots to rang my bell and is what started my hunt for a new mask. I knew there had to be better. I also borrowed one from the UIC when I left my mask at a field, it was an old old Wilson and weighted as much as my car, thank goodness mine showed up before the games. Props to the guys who worked multiple games a day with those and didn't break a neck.
I'm glad I found this board. Guys I've talked to around here had never heard of tw pads and only two I've seen have WV.
You umpire in Syberia?

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