Umpire Mask/Helmet

[Thunderheads]

Ok...so what questions can and can not be asked on here?  I post asking about masks in general and that does not seem to be cool then I ask about a specific brand and again it seems like that isn't alright either.  I am just trying to stay safe and make a good decision.  Thanks to everyone for the input and have a good day.

Storm, first, ...here ..........have fun

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=umpire-empire.com+diamond+mask&tbs=li:1

Second ... your first question was answered, and .... @kylehutson gave a great analogy about cars,...your question is too broad.  Then ... you ask a specific question about something that's been talked about ad nauseam  on this site.  There's TONS of info about equipment here, your answer is already on this site.  That's all we're saying. No one is mad, and no one is saying your questions aren't cool .....we're just pointing you in the right direction.

Edited September 4, 2015 by Thunderheads

[MadMax]

I am stupefied and aghast that nobody... nobody... (imagine saying it like Lord Humungus from The Road Warrior) pointed @Storm13 towards this fine resource hosted here on U-E.
Facing the New Season – 2015 Masks

Goodness... must I do everything here?

 

And Storm, the Diamond mask you are considering (likely the DFM-UMP or iX3.. same thing) is a very good mask, well-traveled around the amateur baseball umpire community because it's strong (aluminum), lightweight (aluminum), affords excellent visibility (thin, uncoated by vinyl-dip bars because they are aluminum), has added protection in the form of a crown guard (neat feature), and looks like titanium (not; aluminum). If you do go this route, be sure of what you're getting in regards to the pads. The brand-new, latest pads are decent; the stock pads from last year and years previous, you may as well not have any pads on it. 

[Thunderheads]

I am stupefied and aghast that nobody... nobody... (imagine saying it like Lord Humungus from The Road Warrior) pointed @Storm13 towards this fine resource hosted here on U-E.
Facing the New Season – 2015 Masks

Goodness... must I do everything here?

 

And Storm, the Diamond mask you are considering (likely the DFM-UMP or iX3.. same thing) is a very good mask, well-traveled around the amateur baseball umpire community because it's strong (aluminum), lightweight (aluminum), affords excellent visibility (thin, uncoated by vinyl-dip bars because they are aluminum), has added protection in the form of a crown guard (neat feature), and looks like titanium (not; aluminum). If you do go this route, be sure of what you're getting in regards to the pads. The brand-new, latest pads are decent; the stock pads from last year and years previous, you may as well not have any pads on it. 

your post @MadMax was in my "link" I do believe, but ....this post is indeed a goody!! 

To the Diamond; agree on the pads, ..... my own personal opinion .......the 'silver' version looks white-ish, and I personally don't like the looks....but that's a personal decision.  I worked w/a guy who had this mask and felt it for the first time, ...stupid-light!!   It also has "I" bar (flat bars) construction ala the FM25

[kylehutson]

I have the iX3 with the "new" pads, and I really like it. I've taken a couple of serious shots (high school varsity fastballs), and barely even felt it. It's actually kind of amusing hearing the crowd with a collective "oooh", and then realizing that they thought it must have hurt. Not that I'm going to try to get hit with a 90+ screamer, but it definitely does its job.

[Storm13]

I am stupefied and aghast that nobody... nobody... (imagine saying it like Lord Humungus from The Road Warrior) pointed @Storm13 towards this fine resource hosted here on U-E.
Facing the New Season – 2015 Masks

Goodness... must I do everything here?

 

And Storm, the Diamond mask you are considering (likely the DFM-UMP or iX3.. same thing) is a very good mask, well-traveled around the amateur baseball umpire community because it's strong (aluminum), lightweight (aluminum), affords excellent visibility (thin, uncoated by vinyl-dip bars because they are aluminum), has added protection in the form of a crown guard (neat feature), and looks like titanium (not; aluminum). If you do go this route, be sure of what you're getting in regards to the pads. The brand-new, latest pads are decent; the stock pads from last year and years previous, you may as well not have any pads on it. 

Thanks...i was considering the iX3 and switching the pads to Team Wendy pads in a Tan.  

[Thunderheads]

Thanks...i was considering the iX3 and switching the pads to Team Wendy pads in a Tan.  

many do that!! 

I see you've found threads on Team Wendy pads too!  

[Storm13]

I see you've found threads on Team Wendy pads too!  

Yes...I am trying to do some research and get set up...just so much to go through it can be hard.  We don't have a good local sports shop here so the majority of my stuff has to be bought online.

[Thunderheads]

Yes...I am trying to do some research and get set up...just so much to go through it can be hard.  We don't have a good local sports shop here so the majority of my stuff has to be bought online.

Exactly, understood.
It's also the same reason we refer you to 'search' because there's SO MUCH info ....it's crazy to bring it up again and rehash ....

[dookiexman]

Storm....a few words of advice from someone that just found this site earlier this year. Stick around, ask more questions, do lots and lots of searching, because they have most likely talked about what you want to know in multiple threads, don't be offended by some of the responses (these guys and gals know their stuff and are always good at giving advice and constructive criticism), watch the videos that are posted on this site and critiqued by the people here, etc. I have grown so much more knowledgeable this past 6 months and feel like I have been able to go out an do my job on the field so much better because of what I have found here.

And good luck with finding a good mask setup for yourself. Once you find what works for you, please share it in the Mask Porn thread so we can all ooooh and aaaahh along with you. I am going to ship my mask off this off season to get powder coated and probably shop for some new pads. Would have not gone that route without this site.

[Man_In_Black]

Yes...I am trying to do some research and get set up...just so much to go through it can be hard.  We don't have a good local sports shop here so the majority of my stuff has to be bought online.

You may also be aware of the recent trend in some circles to move away from the lightweight masks (Ti, Al, Mg & co.) and move back to the steel masks such as the Wilson you just picked up. There are those that say that the more massive masks are better able to disperse energy upon impact. Also, there is apparently data claiming that the concussion rate among catchers and umpires wearing lightweight masks was higher vs. those who wore steel masks.

I have, in fact, noticed that quite a few MLB catchers and umpires who were sporting titanium masks in previous seasons are now back to wearing steel masks despite the increased weight.

Now, I'm not advocating one over the other (I, personally, wear a titanium mask), but it's something you might want to consider before you ditch your Dyna-Lite for a lightweight Diamond. Just throwing that out there for the sake of information. The choice is ultimately yours.

[Storm13]

I see you've found threads on Team Wendy pads too!  

I personally am going to try the Wilson i just picked up first for a few weeks of fall ball and then decide if I need to get anything else.  I have another mask it is a Champion Ultra-Lite Umpire Mask I got with the Champion Umpire Equipment Starter Package.  I just am not too sure I trust the mask as an every gamer.

[Thunderheads]

I personally am going to try the Wilson i just picked up first for a few weeks of fall ball and then decide if I need to get anything else.  I have another mask it is a Champion Ultra-Lite Umpire Mask I got with the Champion Umpire Equipment Starter Package.  I just am not too sure I trust the mask as an every gamer.

You mean "Champro"?  like in this?

https://www.ump-attire.com/Baseball-Umpire-Equipment/Featured/Packages-Starter-Kits/CBSUVK_Champro-Varsity-Umpire-Gear-Kit

[Storm13]

You mean "Champro"?  like in this?

https://www.ump-attire.com/Baseball-Umpire-Equipment/Featured/Packages-Starter-Kits/CBSUVK_Champro-Varsity-Umpire-Gear-Kit

No...it is a set like this. http://www.fifthregionofficials.com/champion-umpire-equipment-starter-package/ Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

[JimKirk]

The A3017 is a very good value umpire mask. It's the only mask we have had for at least 9+ years with only a cosmetic change to the "W" color (was yellow with no red). Have sold many with no complaints I can recall.

If you like Wilson and want something lighter and with more comfy padding, the new aircraft aluminum dyna-lite frames plus memory foam pads offer a decent value at under $110. Paul just uploaded lots of views of this black-on-black mask yesterday - including front, back, side and worn views. 

https://www.ump-attire.com/Baseball-Umpire-Equipment/Gear-Footwear/Masks/A3009-AL_Wilson-Dyna-Lite-Aluminum-Umpire-Mask-with-Memory-Foam-Pads

Along those same lines, if the weight is ok on the A3017, but you want more comfy padding at some point, you could simply add a set of Team Wendy or Wilson pads.

You mentioned the Diamond mask. I prefer The Diamond "Big League" masks to the iX3 (same frame but better padding (as others here have allude to). These are a good alternative to Wilson for the same reason I recommended the Wilson masks above - but for somewhat less price.

Again, nothing wrong with the A3017. I didn't see your level or how important protection is to you, so not offering a specific recommendation. Recs above are a good happy-medium on protection, comfort and price. If you are looking for the best protection at the least price, you have already found it.

And if you are new or didn't know, we have TONS of images and reviews on umpire protective gear. So that and this forum are both great resources to help you make the call on any item - no matter where you end up making a purchase.

Do save us as a favorite and come and see us (we also are a sponsor of Umpire-Empire).

[MadMax]

Holy cats, @Storm13... If you've got @JimKirk writing you, you're being outfitted by one of the best at it.

Alright, so you've purchased this Umpire Starter Set, or are considering it... right? Let's review these:

1. The accessories are good to have – plate brush, indicator (I'll get my personal pitch in that you don't need it, but oh well), ball bags... I'd rather see you (as an umpire) get two navy and two black instead of one of each (with heather and charcoal), but it is what it is.
2. The shins are okay, and will do adequately, as long as you don't mind the upper knee "meat" guard, and can remove the token tarsal guard – it may just be snapped on there. You should be wearing plate shoes (of some sort) and most plate shoes will either have a pronounced tongue (like New Balance) or their own tarsal guard extends back significantly (like Reebok) such that that shin guard's tarsal guard will just be annoying.
3. Now, the Chest Protector is rather good for a first purchase. In fact, it's outstanding as a "new umpire" item, primarily because it affords full, hard shell coverage in the critical places that "solutions" other new umpires employ do not. You know, those catchers CP's, or those soft-shells, or a DavisShield. You can confidently get involved in umpiring with this (just make sure you size and adjust it – properly – to you!), settle in to the level of ball you want to call, and then consider a more robust, more focused CP.
4. Ready for this? That mask is a Diamond DFM-iX3-UMP from the 2013 style, so chances are (very likely) the pads suck. But the mask frame itself is really good, and is the same aluminum mask that a great number of umpires use.

Edited September 7, 2015 by MadMax
It is really tough to create a post like this on iPad

[Storm13]

Holy cats, @Storm13... If you've got @JimKirk writing you, you're being outfitted by one of the best at it.

Alright, so you've purchased this Umpire Starter Set, or are considering it... right? Let's review these:

1. The accessories are good to have – plate brush, indicator (I'll get my personal pitch in that you don't need it, but oh well), ball bags... I'd rather see you (as an umpire) get two navy and two black instead of one of each (with heather and charcoal), but it is what it is.
2. The shins are okay, and will do adequately, as long as you don't mind the upper knee "meat" guard, and can remove the token tarsal guard – it may just be snapped on there. You should be wearing plate shoes (of some sort) and most plate shoes will either have a pronounced tongue (like New Balance) or their own tarsal guard extends back significantly (like Reebok) such that that shin guard's tarsal guard will just be annoying.
3. Now, the Chest Protector is rather good for a first purchase. In fact, it's outstanding as a "new umpire" item, primarily because it affords full, hard shell coverage in the critical places that "solutions" other new umpires employ do not. You know, those catchers CP's, or those soft-shells, or a DavisShield. You can confidently get involved in umpiring with this (just make sure you size and adjust it – properly – to you!), settle in to the level of ball you want to call, and then consider a more robust, more focused CP.
4. Ready for this? That mask is a Diamond DFM-iX3-UMP from the 2013 style, so chances are (very likely) the pads suck. But the mask frame itself is really good, and is the same aluminum mask that a great number of umpires use.

sorry...that picture isn't the one I got.  I have attached the pictures of mine.

[Storm13]

I got a used mask today in the mail that I bought on eBay...and I can not stand the harness. Thinking about the All-Star harness. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

[MadMax]

I got a used mask today in the mail that I bought on eBay...and I can not stand the harness. Thinking about the All-Star harness. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

Diamond makes some inexpensive harnesses, as does +POS. The All-Star "DeltaFlex" harness for masks is actually intended for catcher's helmets, not hats, and is partly tacky and not very adjustable. If you can locate their "for hats" harness, you're fine.

Another option that some of the guys here favor is a MLB-tagged harness (with the official logo), available at Ump-Attire and other places, such as Umpire Joe West Equipment. I get most of my harnesses from Honig's.

[gnhbua93]

I insist, get the Davey strap and give us a review of it.

[Storm13]

lol...I may just do that... I am considering just going back to the HS helmet but trying to resist the temptation. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

[Thunderheads]

Diamond makes some inexpensive harnesses, as does +POS. The All-Star "DeltaFlex" harness for masks is actually intended for catcher's helmets, not hats, and is partly tacky and not very adjustable. If you can locate their "for hats" harness, you're fine.

Another option that some of the guys here favor is a MLB-tagged harness (with the official logo), available at Ump-Attire and other places, such as Umpire Joe West Equipment. I get most of my harnesses from Honig's.

the FM2 I believe is All-Star's traditional mask harness they sell for their umpire line of masks

[gnhbua93]

Another harness option is the Force3 mask harness.

[Storm13]

Here is the problem...the harness tends to sit too high on my head. If I tighten it up the mask grabs my hat and if I leave it loose it falls right off my face. Thinking about doing an AllStar Delta Flex Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

[Mizzou2016]

Here is the problem...the harness tends to sit too high on my head. If I tighten it up the mask grabs my hat and if I leave it loose it falls right off my face. Thinking about doing an AllStar Delta Flex Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

Loosen the top middle, so that the harness sits lower on the back of your head - then tighten the sides just enough so that it doesn't slide forward. 

As @MadMax said - The All-Star "DeltaFlex" harness for masks is actually intended for catcher's helmets. It won't work very well with a hat.

[Thunderheads]

Loosen the top middle, so that the harness sits lower on the back of your head - then tighten the sides just enough so that it doesn't slide forward. 

As @MadMax said - The All-Star "DeltaFlex" harness for masks is actually intended for catcher's helmets. It won't work very well with a hat.

Correct.

DO NOT get a "Delta Flex" for a traditional mask .... it won't work.  Brad from All-Star even said, ...a DF is striclty for a catcher, that's why all of their umpire masks on their site show them coming w/ the traditional harness FM2