Why Tan or Black TW Pads

[dana]

Now that I'm back in Sunrise, I'm going to drive over to Honig's tomorrow and get TW pads for my Diamond ix3 mask.

 

I find the black pads more attractive, but have to ask, what is the difference in using tan pads over black pads?

 

Does it relate to heat absorption? 

 

Thanks 

Dana

 

P.S. I DID search, but located nothing about it.

[acpar72]

Black might be a little more hot I guess but if you are worried about that then I would say you are worried about the wrong things.  Its personal preference. If you want tan, then I would buy the TW.  But if you like the black, I would tell you to purchase the Wilson at ten dollars less.  The wilson offer a bit more form as well as the function.  

[kylejt]

I've got both colors, and don't notice any heat difference. Unlike leather, the tans ones don't look like crap after a season of sweating into them, as you can hand wash them.

 

Go with what looks best to you.

[dana]

AC I'm not that concerned about heat, I just couldn't see any reason for the difference in color. 

And thank you Kyle.

 

I'm going to see how they look tomorrow.

[Thunderheads]

@dana,

it's personal preference as far as color goes.  Heat absorption.....I think it would be safe to assume that black would be warmer, but ... due to the fabric, it's probably only slightly warmer if anything

[dana]

Thank you Jeff.

[Thunderheads]

Thank you Jeff.

it's why we're here! 

 

And, ... thanks for searching, even though your question was unique!

[zm1283]

After using both the Wilson memory foam pads and the TW pads, I like the Wilson version better. Softer, more form fitting to your face, and they don't harden up in cold weather. I think they're cheaper too. 

[midtnump]

After using both the Wilson memory foam pads and the TW pads, I like the Wilson version better. Softer, more form fitting to your face, and they don't harden up in cold weather. I think they're cheaper too. 

I just purchased a set of the memory foam pads for a new mask I aquired. I will give them a go this year and see how they do. My favorite has been the All Star LUC's. TW makes the only tan pads with the fabric cover instead of leather. It would be great if All Star made their awesome LUC's in a tan fabric for umpires.

[Thunderheads]

 

After using both the Wilson memory foam pads and the TW pads, I like the Wilson version better. Softer, more form fitting to your face, and they don't harden up in cold weather. I think they're cheaper too. 

I just purchased a set of the memory foam pads for a new mask I aquired. I will give them a go this year and see how they do. My favorite has been the All Star LUC's. TW makes the only tan pads with the fabric cover instead of leather. It would be great if All Star made their awesome LUC's in a tan fabric for umpires.

 

Great suggestion @midtnump !   LUC's don't have to be for umpires, ...if they make them for catchers, ...then they're available!  I'll run it by Brad and see what he says

[dana]

Thank you zm and midtnump.

Honig's was closed today, I am heading there tomorrow.

According to their catalog, they have the TW and Wilson pads. 

I have two masks, maybe I'll try both.

 

Dana

[MadMax]

After using both the Wilson memory foam pads and the TW pads, I like the Wilson version better. Softer, more form fitting to your face, and they don't harden up in cold weather. I think they're cheaper too. 

 

Yeah, but they have a glaring flaw to them... They have that big obnoxious yellow "W" on them.

 

Anyhow, between tan and black, with the relegation of my Easton Speed Elite to "Spare & To Be Shared" status, both of my primary masks use tan pads. I've just always liked the look. As soon as I got into high school ball as a catcher, I tracked down tan pads for my masks and switched them out. It is entirely a personal style preference.

 

The only technical factor I can see is that, like eye-black, black pads will absorb light on sunny days, while tan, being closer to white, will reflect it more. So you may find yourself squinting less with black pads on those not-a-cloud-in-the-sky days.

 

... then again, you might end up cooking your face faster. Who knows?

[bam]

I where the tan with my cream or black shirts.  Black for Pro blue, white and navy.  Of course, I'm color blind, so that's a FWIW.