Test Drive of the Unequal CP

[clasonater]

I am in no way knocking the UE CP, but the shoulder question is something that has made me hesitant about it.  I have bad shoulders from baseball surgeries and labor wear and tear.  I get hit in the shoulders a lot, and have never felt a thing from the wilson hard shells.  im not knocking it because I havent tried it, but its just one of those things.  The mask however, is on the list.  I was fortunate enough to try the mask, and even though the weight is considerably different and more cumbersome than a wilson ti, it sat really nice. 

[T-Rav]

I am in no way knocking the UE CP, but the shoulder question is something that has made me hesitant about it.  I have bad shoulders from baseball surgeries and labor wear and tear.  I get hit in the shoulders a lot, and have never felt a thing from the wilson hard shells.  im not knocking it because I havent tried it, but its just one of those things.  The mask however, is on the list.  I was fortunate enough to try the mask, and even though the weight is considerably different and more cumbersome than a wilson ti, it sat really nice. 

​I own both the TW'd WVG and the UE CP. I've had the UE CP for 2 years now and I haven't had any issues with the shoulder protection once I fully adjusted it. The shoulder pieces are Velcro'd together so they may not be properly adjusted to cover what they need to cover.

I find that the UE CP has better shoulder protection than my WVG and I have taken numerous hits to both CP's in the shoulder and "feel" more when hit with the WVG. Just my 

Edited May 11, 2015 by T-Rav

[clasonater]

​I own both the TW'd WVG and the UE CP. I've had the UE CP for 2 years now and I haven't had any issues with the shoulder protection once I fully adjusted it. The shoulder pieces are Velcro'd together so they may not be properly adjusted to cover what they need to cover.

I find that the UE CP has better shoulder protection than my WVG and I have taken numerous hits to both CP's in the shoulder and "feel" more when hit with the WVG. Just my 

​TRAV, Thanks for the response, I'll probably pick it up after a few games here starting the last week of the month.  Its either the cp or the mask first, Im still trying to decide

[UmpJeff]

Received my CP/shins (bought for another member...) package this morning!  Can't wait to don the new CP in tomorrow night's HS Varsity game!!! 

[UmpJeff]

Well, the Delta Flex harness arrived yesterday from Ump-Attire.  Strapping it up on the UE CP tonight and going to give it its first action tomorrow night in a HS Varsity game.  Looking forward to it!!!

[ruralump]

First time poster, but a long time lurker. I trust that I am not breaking etiquette with this being my first post. I have used a West Vest Platinum for the last five years and a champro for two years before that. After reading much of what was discussed about the UE, I thought I would give it a try. I have been mostly content with the WVP, but having my stomach exposed and having to tighten up the harness every few games, I was interested to see if there was something "better". Also, I had done a lot of high school games and had some money to burn. So it wasn't a need, just a want.

I got the UE yesterday and adjusted it so that I could use it behind the plate today. At first, I thought it was a total bust. The stock harness tightened all the way at the midsection was still too loose. I did buy a Delta Flex as I read it was highly recommended. So after putting it on things got better, but the neck extension hit my throat no matter how low I went with it and my neck was pinched. The little wing flaps below the shoulders at the chest bound me up just like my WVP, and I didn't like that. Swapped out the harness to the original, but was making no progress. 

A few stats: 5'11", 180 pounds, so not huge but not rail thin either. This morning I had an epiphany. I ditched the neck extension, even though I "paid" for it, put on the DF harness, and dropped the optional wings… and my neck was no longer being pinched along the sides, my throat didn't rub, and no binding with the wings. Progress. 

The last thing I did was get the shoulder "caps" dialed in, checked everything in the mirror in my stance, compared it to the coverage of my WVP, and had a winner. 

The game today was uneventful, and the CP stayed in firmly in place. No hotter or cooler than my WVP. 

The only complaint I have is that the clips are dismal. The convenience of the the front slot on the WVP is way better. At my age twisting/fumbling around for the strap/clip is a good way to pull a muscle. 

I also bought the mask and shins and am heading to those for a reply as well. 

[Razzer]

I like mine a lot and love the shins more.

Did the same thing and ditched the throat guard and it fits great.

 

[JDavis225]

After reading all the positive reviews, I want one of these BAD! I'm a pretty muscular 5'6 180 and I'm tired of looking like a football player in my WV Platinum. There's no way I'm paying $280 for one when I'm already $160 in on my Platinum. I really want a low profile CP. Is anyone willing to part with their UE CP or know someone who is? 

[BretMan]

On my Platinum I took off the two outermost pads from the shoulder cups.No more bulk and no more "robo-ump" look!

This might depend on the person, but on me those two pads are down on the sides of my shoulder, kind of in the triceps/biceps area. The shoulder joint itself and the collar bones are still fully covered and protected. The plastic cups that held the padding are still there and offer some protection. I've been hit there twice since making this modification several years ago (hundreds of games). You feel the plastic smack your arm, but no marks or injury. And, if you don't like it, you can always put the pads back in.