CHEST PROTECTOR

[aiber]

After much deliberation, I have decided to buy the ALL STAR SYSTEM 7. The question I have now is which size to buy, 12" or 15". I have checked their website and it doesn't help. I am 5' 11" and 190 lbs. medium build. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Majordave]

Long torso/rib cage or no? Fit/firm/flat stomach or no? Easily bruised/injured vs heal quickly?

More coverage = more protection = more heat. Aren't you in FLA? How well do you handle heat?

[MadMax]

@aiber, I'll speak for others here, we think you made an excellent choice.

 

I'd recommend getting and/or using some black, grey or navy UnderArmour (or Nike Pro Combat, or Champion... heck, _many_ companies make these now) HeatGear shirts... sleeveless, even... to wear under your new CP for games. These shirts draw sweat off your skin faster than your body can serve it up. Try NOT to wear cotton. Bad idea. And you don't want to go without an undershirt, because that padding, no matter how comfy, will chafe big time. Your nubblies will feel like they've been sawn off.

 

Check All-Star's website (www.all-starsports.com) and locate a dealer near you. You live in Florida, for goodness sakes! You guys have baseball nearly year-round! There _should_ be several dealers within shootin' distance of you. This way, you can try the two sizes on if you're undecided.

[zm1283]

I am two inches taller than you and a 15" protector would be way too long for me.

[aiber]

In case you are interested. The CP is on sale for $120 shipped at Homerunmonkey. Thanks for all of the advice.

[JaxRolo]

Just buy something for goodness sakes!!!!

[umpstu]

In case you are interested. The CP is on sale for $120 shipped at Homerunmonkey. Thanks for all of the advice.

Does it have the 15% discount on it as well?

[conbo61]

In case you are interested. The CP is on sale for $120 shipped at Homerunmonkey. Thanks for all of the advice.

Does it have the 15% discount on it as well?

Yes. Just did a test run and it drops the price to $110 and change.

[WIUMP]

Height isn't the most important variable. I'm a bit taller than average (6'1") but I have the torso of someone who's 5'4". Try one on if you can. If I remember correctly, the critical measuremt is clavicle to bottom of sternum.

[conbo61]

Height isn't the most important variable. I'm a bit taller than average (6'1") but I have the torso of someone who's 5'4". Try one on if you can. If I remember correctly, the critical measuremt is clavicle to bottom of sternum.

Show off. I'm 5'-11" and have the torso of someone 6'-17"...

[aiber]

Just buy something for goodness sakes!!!!

I did.

In case you are interested. The CP is on sale for $120 shipped at Homerunmonkey. Thanks for all of the advice.

Does it have the 15% discount on it as well?

That includes the 15% off

[kylejt]

What has driven my choice in a c/p is pure protection. I got my heart rhythm disrupted by a foul ball in 10 year old game, while wearing a cheap, ribbed protector. I switched to hard shells right after that, and that was a dozen years ago.

 

I've recently added the System 7 to the front of my bag, and there it will stay. I've never heard anything close to any protection issues with this rig. No gaps, no cracking plastic plates, etc. It's the only one, aside from the Platinum, that has one solid plate from the chest to over the shoulder. That's the best collarbone protection there is.

 

Choose what you wish, but just do your homework. We all go on the field accepting some sort of risk. I choose to use really good protection for my heart and noggin.

[MikeSafari]

 

 

In case you are interested. The CP is on sale for $120 shipped at Homerunmonkey. Thanks for all of the advice.

Does it have the 15% discount on it as well?

 

Yes. Just did a test run and it drops the price to $110 and change.

 

 

What's this 15% discount? Looking to price it out for myself but it rings in at $129.98 + shipping

[conbo61]

Apparently it ended yesterday (2/1/15)

[midtnump]

 

 

 

In case you are interested. The CP is on sale for $120 shipped at Homerunmonkey. Thanks for all of the advice.

Does it have the 15% discount on it as well?

 

Yes. Just did a test run and it drops the price to $110 and change.

 

 

What's this 15% discount? Looking to price it out for myself but it rings in at $129.98 + shipping

The discount is still there, I just tried it. When you are in the checkout screen, on the left side of the page there is a box that says enter coupon code, type in JAN15 and it will apply the discouunt. If you don't do this it won't. If you already checked out call them with your transaction number and see if they will give it to you. Good luck

[Sayhey]

How about a Honigs k-1 for youth ball? Light weight and breathable. Very comfortable. Soft shell protector but adequate for youth ball in hot weather

[Hawkman]

How about a Honigs k-1 for youth ball? Light weight and breathable. Very comfortable. Soft shell protector but adequate for youth ball in hot weather

 

The K-1 is adequate for more than youth ball; I've worn one for over a decade working a full schedule of HS varsity baseball and never had an issue. However, the newer K-1 is not the same as the older model; the newer version is much thicker and bulkier than the older model I have. It's also not a soft shell, the plates are just covered by the fabric. I had a WV Platinum for about 3 years too but sold it as I much prefer the old K-1. Every umpire has their own personal preferences.

[Majordave]

I've owned two K-1's. Older models, mid-2000's manufacture. Wore them up to D-1 scrimmages. Finally felt one direct hit to center chest at U. of Kentucky that kind of hurt so I went to true hard shell WestVest Gold.

The K-1 of old was/is a hardshell it's just that the plastic plates/shells are covered with cloth and maybe a thin layer of dense, low rebound, closed cell padding. I think they used the same padding under the plates and a Diamond shaped quilted type lining against your t-shirt.

I've had D-1 partners in the past wear it. But not very many. Never seen the new K-1 in person. No partner I've had since Honig's changed the style has worn it.

[canadianump]

jim joyce and one other mlb umpire wear the k-1 honigs cp

[acpar72]

jim joyce and one other mlb umpire wear the k-1 honigs cp

 

alan porter

[blue23ll]

I used a K1 through youth ball and into Lower Level HS ball. I gifted it to one of our young umpires. The old style K1 is a fine protector, although I have no experience with the new Honig line. 

[Magic]

Homerun Monkey now has a 20% off going on. You can get the System 7 for less than $104.00.

[kylejt]

Long after the money is spent, you never regret buying the best.