Best low cost Chest Protector

[kstrunk]

Your thoughts on the best chest protector for use at the high school level, under $100. I realize Unequal and West Vest Gold rule this conversation, but assume there's no way for a guy to spend that much, what would you recommend? I'm currently using a Champro soft-shell. Is it good enough for HS, or is hard shell essential?

[Majordave]

Depends on how much pain you like. Any hard shell will probably work. I used a Honig's K-1 (older model with strap harness not the newer mesh "vest?"). It was great until I took a D-1 fall scrimmage foul direct to center of my chest and felt it. I got scared and went hard shell WV Gold. I worked two NAIA DH's this week with a guy who wore the Diamond iX3. I had that as my first CP but got rid of it after a single scrimmage due to feeling every ball that hit me. It does give great coverage though. Champion and Pro-Nine make inexpensive hard shells I have seen college umpiring partners wear with no complaints.

The Schutt CP's get high marks from those who wear them.

Also, ebay and Craigslist have good deals on brand name hardshell CPs like WV Gold and Platinum. Pads are washable. Nothing wrong with buying one of those and rehabbing it with delta-flex harness and some touch ups of any rusty rivets or T-buckles.

Good luck.

[johnnyg08]

Remember, cheap is good until it isn't.  

 

Trips to the ER and missed work days are much, much more expensive than the most expensive CP on the market.  

 

Budget $150 or so and get a good one.  

 

Or try to find a top tier CP on the secondary market for under $100 if you really can't spend more than $100

[NovaScotiaBlue]

If you Limit is $100, you are really not far off from being able to afford a quality CP.
I don't believe a person who is employed cannot budget and save for something that will protect him on the ball field
Cancel your cell phone for 2 months, that should free up enough to be able to aford a quality CP.

[Old Skool]

The new Schutt XV looks interesting for under $100.  Several on this site have spoken highly of it.  

[aiber]

I am not as experienced as others on this site but I love my ALL STAR SYSTEM 7. I bought it for like $105 shipped from Homerunmonkey. They have sales all of the time.

[Majordave]

Cancel cell bill? And miss games as a result? No, eat less. Eat ramen, turkey Bologna and turkey hot dogs. If you drink alcohol or use tobacco, quit. If you drink soda, stop. Eat out less. Take lunch to work.

Haha!

[johnnyg08]

I am not as experienced as others on this site but I love my ALL STAR SYSTEM 7. I bought it for like $105 shipped from Homerunmonkey. They have sales all of the time.

 

The system 7 is a great rig!  

[TheRockawayKid]

I've used the Champro Plus for years (this year, finally upgraded to a WV). It's taken some mid-80s shots, and worked great, which should be fine for you. If you don't think you'll see 85+, the Champro is a great idea. Worst I had was some sore collarbones after some baseballs snuck in, but I figure that was because I didn't tighten it properly. 

 

Remember, the primary goal of the CP is to prevent broken bones, or worse, a ball right to the ticker that's going to stop it. The CPP should be good enough to prevent that. 

[blue23ll]

Starting out, I wouldn't skimp on your chest protector or mask. You could go less expensive on the shins and clothing, in my opinion. I used the Honigs K1 for a number of years, and eventually moved to the UE. 

[BaltimoreUmpire]

The Champion P200 is a good option, The plus pos zero g is nice if you don't mind the bulk. Champro came out with a new hardshell for $70, you could also try the Schutt, alot of guys like that, there is also the Wilson Charcol that is pretty nice I hear. Alot of value options that offer protection far better than their price tag would suggest.

[Rulekeep]

Champion

Ya look like a smitty but it gets the job done (or maybe that's just me...but it's too late to peel the USMC stickers off it now)

[th3]

I LOVE MY WILSON CHARCOAL and my backup wilson charcoal. Bought each on ebay/craigslist for under $40...

[Hawkman]

I use a Honigs K-1 and have for 12 years, have worked HS varsity ball most of that time and protection has never been an issue with it. In fact I had a WV Platinum as well for 3 years and finally sold it because I preferred the K-1. I've worked several times with a guy who has the Champro Pro Plus too and he loves it. My regular partner uses a Diamond ix3 and likes it just fine as well. You can get a quality CP for $100. I plan on picking up a Schutt XV for a second CP myself at some point.

[MadMax]

I'm one of "those Schutt guys", using a Schutt AiR Flex confidently for 18U ball, and soon to be getting a Schutt XV within the next few days. You'll find AiR Flex I's and II's out there, on sale ta boot, but really, you should get the XV if you do get a Schutt – it is striving to be an option to the All-Star System 7, Wilsons, and Douglas* units. Pay no more than $90 for it.

@BaltimoreUmpire, I am _shocked_... _shocked_ I say... that you didn't suggest your discovery! You're such an eBay snooper, and you happened across a _steal_ of a very-good-quality CP – http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/60815-has-anyone-ever-seen-this-cp/?p=258685

* = I did not list the Force3 UnEqual because it isn't a true hardshell. It is a Kevlar unit, which puts it in a class of its own.

[Rulekeep]

I'm one of "those Schutt guys"

Oh go on, tell us more about this development. None of us have heard of your sudden new preference.

:wave:

[BaltimoreUmpire]

I'm one of "those Schutt guys", using a Schutt AiR Flex confidently for 18U ball, and soon to be getting a Schutt XV within the next few days. You'll find AiR Flex I's and II's out there, on sale ta boot, but really, you should get the XV if you do get a Schutt – it is striving to be an option to the All-Star System 7, Wilsons, and Douglas* units. Pay no more than $90 for it.

@BaltimoreUmpire, I am _shocked_... _shocked_ I say... that you didn't suggest your discovery! You're such an eBay snooper, and you happened across a _steal_ of a very-good-quality CP – http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/60815-has-anyone-ever-seen-this-cp/?p=258685

* = I did not list the Force3 UnEqual because it isn't a true hardshell. It is a Kevlar unit, which puts it in a class of its own.

I forgot about that cp, another low cost option he could consider,

[kstrunk]

I like what I'm hearing about the Schutt XV - anybody actually take an 80+ mph shot  off one of those? 

[MadMax]

I like what I'm hearing about the Schutt XV - anybody actually take an 80+ mph shot  off one of those? 

 

I've taken 18U speed with an AiR Flex (the predecessor), and I can tell you hand-on-heart (no, not covering the sore spot) that the XV is more protective and will do even better than the AiR Flex before it. The shell plates didn't change, but the padding sure did, now using the same TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) Schutt uses in their pro-grade helmets and shoulder pads for football. 

 

The XV is debuting this spring, so very few of us have put it into combat yet (we've still got snow melting snow on the ground up here in the Great Lakes region). I myself will be getting one in the next few days. I'll even stand in front of a pitching machine in a batting cage if I have to, just to try it out. Some of the southern guys said they'd be getting one or trying one out... Anyone got a report?

[kstrunk]

 

I like what I'm hearing about the Schutt XV - anybody actually take an 80+ mph shot  off one of those? 

 

I've taken 18U speed with an AiR Flex (the predecessor), and I can tell you hand-on-heart (no, not covering the sore spot) that the XV is more protective and will do even better than the AiR Flex before it. The shell plates didn't change, but the padding sure did, now using the same TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) Schutt uses in their pro-grade helmets and shoulder pads for football. 

 

The XV is debuting this spring, so very few of us have put it into combat yet (we've still got snow melting snow on the ground up here in the Great Lakes region). I myself will be getting one in the next few days. I'll even stand in front of a pitching machine in a batting cage if I have to, just to try it out. Some of the southern guys said they'd be getting one or trying one out... Anyone got a report?

 

Just pulled the trigger on an amazing price on the Schutt XV, found here - http://www.dowdlesports.com/Schutt-XV-Umpire-Chest-Protector_p_38115.html - Stay tuned, should be here in a few days. Love ump-attire, but couldn't turn away from this price. 

[fastfredyb]

I love this bad boy!! Champion hard shell. breathes well and I haven't been hit where I have felt pain.

 

http://www.purchaseofficials.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&category=1601

[catsbackr]

How about a balloon?

 

 

[sdix00]

I love this bad boy!! Champion hard shell. breathes well and I haven't been hit where I have felt pain.

 

http://www.purchaseofficials.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&category=1601

 

Second this.  Here is a slightly cheaper link.   http://www.amazon.com/Champion-Sports-Umpire-Protector-13-Inch/dp/B0029W1VHS/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1426861168&sr=1-1&keywords=champion+chest+protector

 

Amazing for high temperatures, too.  Padding is extremely well-ventilated, possibly at the expense of a little protection.   They are really low profile and compact and look great. 

 

 

But, if priorities are value at the lowest price point, comfort, and hard shell - then this one fits the bill.   Both of my sons use it as their primary, and I have one for really hot days. 

 

More here:

http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/52670-champion-cp/?p=220887

[kylejt]

There's someone that sells all three Champion sizes (P200, P210, P220) on eBay, with "or Best Offer" pricing. In my experience, he will take $5 off his already really low asking price. Can't beat that.

[kstrunk]

Just took delivery of the Schutt XV - sleek, light, fits VERY well, and seems to cover close to exceptionally. It's a bit lumpy under a shirt, but that doesn't bother me much. The harness makes me feel like I'm WEARING it rather than CARRYING it in front of me. I'm pretty sure there is some adjustability to it, but I'm always afraid to start moving stuff right away. All in all, without using it in a game, I'm happy so far.