New Umpire: What's the best equipment to buy?

[HuskerUmp22]

As I've been thinking about this topic, I'll throw this in here...

Personally, I can't stand having my shin guards up against my bare skin. When I got started, I bought some compression pants thinking they would add another layer for cold weather games. However, I now wear them even on the hottest summer days when I'm behind the plate. YMMV.

​Do any of you guys have any brand recommendations for compression pants?

[ElkOil]

​Do any of you guys have any brand recommendations for compression pants?

​I wear Under Armor.  They were a little pricey at $60 but they're awesome.  They fit perfect and no seams in uncomfortable places.

[mbkcoach]

I would get the deal from unequal for shins and cp. get the plus pos zero gravity mask with the new Wilson memory foam pads. You will be good to go b

[Thunderheads]

    

[kylehutson]

​Do any of you guys have any brand recommendations for compression pants?

​I didn't put much thought into it, but I got the Shock Doctors from ump-attire. I've been very pleased.

[ZebraStripes]

I got my first set of gear off of Craigslist for $30.  That was 4 years ago.  I've just upgraded my mask, and CP for this year.  

[Welpe]

​Do any of you guys have any brand recommendations for compression pants?

​I purchased a store brand pair from Academy that has held up quite well and I think the cost was only around $10-15.

I'll echo the others that have said spend the money and buy decent gear, you'll thank yourself in the long run when you're not going out and replacing it in a year or so for better equipment.

[Majordave]

Compression pants. 

I've worn McDavid (lasted 7 years but don't think they're made anymore). 

Smitty (sucked. Didn't last one season and we're not very breathable)

UnderArmour winter weight coldgear base layer 2.0 (nice for these cold, windy Great Plains early season games. Lasted 3 seasons so far and expect at least Ten more from them)

UnderArmour heatgear (excellent compression but not as breathable as I'd like)

Nike ProCombat in dark gray. (Perfect for my needs in warm weather. Great compression support and cooling effect. Has small mesh pinsholes in crotch area. Extra comfortable)

Edited April 29, 2015 by Majordave

[amb1995]

Eastbay makes really nice compression gear. Their pants would be like 40 bucks for 2 pairs maybe a bit more depending on shipping. 

[HuskerUmp22]

Compression pants. 

I've worn McDavid (lasted 7 years but don't think they're made anymore). 

Smitty (sucked. Didn't last one season and we're not very breathable)

UnderArmour winter weight coldgear base layer 2.0 (nice for these cold, windy Great Plains early season games. Lasted 3 seasons so far and expect at least Ten more from them)

UnderArmour heatgear (excellent compression but not as breathable as I'd like)

Nike ProCombat in dark gray. (Perfect for my needs in warm weather. Great compression support and cooling effect. Has small mesh pinsholes in crotch area. Extra comfortable)

​I see a pair of Nike Compression Tights for $25 free shipping online. I think I'm going to grab a pair. 

[gnhbua93]

​I see a pair of Nike Compression Tights for $25 free shipping online. I think I'm going to grab a pair. 

​Where?

[HuskerUmp22]

​Where?

​Zappos.com 

[webspinnre]

Eastbay makes really nice compression gear. Their pants would be like 40 bucks for 2 pairs maybe a bit more depending on shipping. 

​I got a pair of them when they were on sale for something like 2/$25. They've been good. Before coming on this forum, I'd never even considered that as an option, but let me tell you, what a difference it makes.

[kylehutson]

 

I do the same thing.  They keep you cool and dry... and ready for action!  I call them my "super-duper fancy pants."

Darn you, @ElkOil. Ever since I read this post, every time I've put on my compression pants, I've thought "super duper fancy pants". It's akin to an earworm.

[ElkOil]

Darn you, @ElkOil. Ever since I read this post, every time I've put on my compression pants, I've thought "super duper fancy pants". It's akin to an earworm.

​You're welcome.