Champ-Pro Proplus Chest Protector?

[martums]

I got this brand of CP this past season, and it's very good, light, and comfortable, however, this season, I have acquired 4 different direct foul tips to the left shoulder area, and 3 to the right shoulder area (from 12U Select and 14U Pony and Select) and even though there are very nice shells on each shoulder, the pain has been pretty severe initially and currently each shoulder blade area is black and blue.  Does anybody else use this brand of CP, and if so, how has your experience been with it?  I don't think I will consider changing anytime in the near future, but would appreciate any feedback.

Edited May 18, 2015 by martums
Adding picture of CP

[Thunderheads]

Can you post a picture of the CP?

So, you're saying you've been hurt wearing this CP, however, you don't think you'll consider changing?  

And, finally, just because everyone who does it gets a little ribbing ..... I doubt you got hit by a foul tip

[StrikeDavis]

I don't personally use that brand of CP, but I worked with a guy that did.  The first time I worked with him he raved about how much he liked it.  2 weeks later I was working with him again and he showed me a nice baseball size black and blue mark in his right shoulder area.  Then he showed me his brand new WV Gold.  

[martums]

Well when the ball comes directly off the bat and into my shoulder area without any "interference" by the catcher.....I consider that being hit by a foul tip......

 

[TheRockawayKid]

I've used that CP for about five years. It served me well. I did get hit a few times on the shoulder blade, and it did hurt. I'd suggest tightening your CP in the neck area, if you can, and seeing if that helps. 

 

These hits are random things. You'll get hit twice one day, then not get hit again for a while. Stick with it, and when you can afford it, upgrade to a WVG. But at 14 and lower, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. 

[martums]

Yeah this is the beginning of my 4th year of umping, and I had yet to get tagged in the shoulder area, but this season, I guess that's where the bullseye is at.  Funny this is that this whole thing started on a Wednesday evening (1 shot to the right shoulder), then on Saturday afternoon (last game of pool play for a 14U tourney, bottom of the 7th) took a shot to the left shoulder, then that following day (same 14U tourney), bottom of the 1st, took a shot to the same left shoulder, and top of the 2nd, took the last shot to the right shoulder.  Yeah 5 minutes in between was a great start to the day, with 2 more games to call after that......   Luckily that was 2 weeks ago and have worked 15 games since with nothing......  That's why we get paid the "big" bucks!

[bighouse]

Well when the ball comes directly off the bat and into my shoulder area without any "interference" by the catcher.....I consider that being hit by a foul tip......

 

​A foul tip is "a batted ball that goes sharp directly from the bat to the catcher’s hands and is legally caught. A foul tip is considered a strike and the ball remains "in play."

You were hit with a foul ball.

 

In reference to that chest protector it is fine for what it is. It should not be trusted for anything over about 12 year olds.

[Tksjewelry]

I have that chest protector, its really only good for little guys 12u and even some of the 12u Majors I don't like it. I suggest getting some kind of hard shell with bicep extensions for older kids. There are some great reviews of some on here and if you watch the buy/sell area of the site, you could even pick up on reasonably. I grabbed a used WVP (for $40) that turned out to be way to big for me but I'll still wear it for 14s even if I look like a linebacker behind the plate until I find something smaller. 

[ZebraStripes]

I think that is the CP I have now and I haven't been rocked by any shots to it.  

I have that chest protector, its really only good for little guys 12u and even some of the 12u Majors I don't like it. I suggest getting some kind of hard shell with bicep extensions for older kids. There are some great reviews of some on here and if you watch the buy/sell area of the site, you could even pick up on reasonably. I grabbed a used WVP (for $40) that turned out to be way to big for me but I'll still wear it for 14s even if I look like a linebacker behind the plate until I find something smaller. 

​

 

It would be nice to find a deal on a WVG or WVP like that Tks.  

 

 

[Tksjewelry]

@zebrastripes it is really used. It was meant for a TW retro so I didn't care how well used it was but alas, it isn't to be, for me at least. I'll be selling it soon.