anyone tried F3 Defender mask

[THUMPER61]

Just bought one of these and I'm wondering if the extra weight is worth the protection. I have had it on and played around with it adjusting and for feel. Any feed back would be appreciated.

[gnhbua93]

Just bought one of these and I'm wondering if the extra weight is worth the protection. I have had it on and played around with it adjusting and for feel. Any feed back would be appreciated.

I own a couple of Nike titanium and a couple of Nike NRS, Wilson regular and low profile in steel and titanium, Wilson helmets in steel and titanium cages and  Mizuno 2QA122 and 2QA129.  Since ​the purchase of  my Defender, I use it and love it!  All of my other masks and helmets are collecting dust.  I would say it absolutely is worth it. Look at all the recent umpire mask hits by foul balls or pitches in the big leagues. Why would you want to mess around with protecting your head?
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[THUMPER61]

Well a few oz's more to protect  my noggin is probably worth it. I have a couple of 16/18 babe Ruth games this week and I will see how it  does. Lol not that I'm looking to take one square in the face!  How are the Kevlar lined pads? 

[gnhbua93]

Well a few oz's more to protect  my noggin is probably worth it. I have a couple of 16/18 babe Ruth games this week and I will see how it  does. Lol not that I'm looking to take one square in the face!  How are the Kevlar lined pads? 

​Awesome.

[THUMPER61]

I will try it this week and post my opinions. I've only been umpiring a year so I haven't had much experience with alot of masks so  it will be compared to a diamond dfm43 lol my first mask. Thanks for feedback.

[gnhbua93]

Not a problem.  I'm happy to help!

[umpstu]

Wear it snugly like they tell you.  It's not a mask that goes flying off of your head when it takes a direct shot.  That's what the springs are for, to absorb the impact.

[THUMPER61]

thanks umpstu I already have it tighter than my old one but I will snug it up some more.

[clasonater]

Any of you guys use it with an 8 stitch?

[umpstu]

Any of you guys use it with an 8 stitch?

​ I use a six stitch

 

[THUMPER61]

I also use a 6 stitch 

[RingEmUp]

I used my Force3 with an 8 stitch once, never again.  I normally use the combo 4 stitch hat for the plate.  I love the defender mask.  I used my old mask for nostalgia, never again.  I've taken a couple of shots and felt nothing with the Force3 mask, it just took some getting used to but I love it.

[THUMPER61]

Took my first foul ball square in the face last night 80+ fastball. Felt nothing! catcher headed out to the mound,told him thanks but I'm ready to roll. I know you're  suppose to wear tighter than a normal mask not sure I have it right. I think I have it too tight. Anyone have any guidelines?  Love the mask so far!