Chest Protector Advice

James88 · March 3, 2016

I know this has been discussed in some other threads, and I've read through several, but I'm just hoping someone can chime in with some additional advice to help me out.

I've used a Diamond iX3 chest protector for the first several years of Little League and my 2 years of HS ball. It's served me well but last year I took a shot in the shoulder area that got me thinking it was time to make a change. That shot, combined with the advice here and from some of the equipment websites has convinced me to upgrade to a better protector.

The Diamond with the extension is a long protector and that's what I got used to wearing. I've looked over the West Vest products and have a hard time getting past the idea that they are only 12-13" in length. The All-Star System 7 seems good but also bulky. Douglas seems good but who knows.

Basically I'm suffering analysis paralysis.

That said, I have a few questions that I'm hoping you can help me with.

1. Am I worrying too much about the short length of the WV products? I'm only about 5'8" with broad shoulders. Not particularly overweight.

2. The new Unequal is very intriguing. I like the low profile design and adjustable lengths. Does anyone here have game experience with the new Version2?

3. Is the All-Star System 7 as bulky as it seems in the pictures?

Thanks in advance.

scrounge · March 3, 2016

I had a WV Gold and sold it to get an All Star S7. It's not that I disliked the Gold at all...but the last rib or two were exposed and that just really bugged me. However, I'm 5'10" and I'm not sure the rib was really exposed in my stance. Still, if I'm thinking about it....

I'd say the following as a comparison:

The Gold was clearly more padded - I had some foul balls hit me in the chest that I only heard, not really felt. The S7 is adequate, but the Gold was like a pillow.
The Gold IMO was more bulky in the collarbone/shoulder area but slimmer in mid and especially lower parts. But I don't find the S7 to overly bulky.
If you have a thick neck, then the S7 will undoubtedly be too tight....I'm not saying you have to be a pencil neck, but...it's not large in that area.
The S7 is considerably cooler to wear. Not only does it that center channel, but the precurved shoulders allows it to 'hang' more and you don't have to have it that tight.
The harness of the S7 is much better - but you can add that to the Gold, though it may take some alterations/sewing.

gnhbua93 · March 4, 2016

3 hours ago, James88 said:

I know this has been discussed in some other threads, and I've read through several, but I'm just hoping someone can chime in with some additional advice to help me out.

I've used a Diamond iX3 chest protector for the first several years of Little League and my 2 years of HS ball. It's served me well but last year I took a shot in the shoulder area that got me thinking it was time to make a change. That shot, combined with the advice here and from some of the equipment websites has convinced me to upgrade to a better protector.

The Diamond with the extension is a long protector and that's what I got used to wearing. I've looked over the West Vest products and have a hard time getting past the idea that they are only 12-13" in length. The All-Star System 7 seems good but also bulky. Douglas seems good but who knows.

Basically I'm suffering analysis paralysis.

That said, I have a few questions that I'm hoping you can help me with.

1. Am I worrying too much about the short length of the WV products? I'm only about 5'8" with broad shoulders. Not particularly overweight.

2. The new Unequal is very intriguing. I like the low profile design and adjustable lengths. Does anyone here have game experience with the new Version2?

3. Is the All-Star System 7 as bulky as it seems in the pictures?

Thanks in advance.

I have experience with the 1.0 version of the Force3 chest protector.and love it. Works as advertised. I can't wait to receive the version 2.0 and use it in a game, not because I have a complain about the 1.0. Just because I'm an equipment whore. I saw it in Baltimore and fell in love with it. The new harness is an awesome upgrade. After I got home from Baltimore I placed my order for it.

James88 · March 4, 2016

4 hours ago, scrounge said:

I had a WV Gold and sold it to get an All Star S7. It's not that I disliked the Gold at all...but the last rib or two were exposed and that just really bugged me. However, I'm 5'10" and I'm not sure the rib was really exposed in my stance. Still, if I'm thinking about it....

I'd say the following as a comparison:

The Gold was clearly more padded - I had some foul balls hit me in the chest that I only heard, not really felt. The S7 is adequate, but the Gold was like a pillow.

The Gold IMO was more bulky in the collarbone/shoulder area but slimmer in mid and especially lower parts. But I don't find the S7 to overly bulky.

If you have a thick neck, then the S7 will undoubtedly be too tight....I'm not saying you have to be a pencil neck, but...it's not large in that area.

The S7 is considerably cooler to wear. Not only does it that center channel, but the precurved shoulders allows it to 'hang' more and you don't have to have it that tight.

The harness of the S7 is much better - but you can add that to the Gold, though it may take some alterations/sewing.

Thanks scrounge. I really appreciate you taking the time to give me that information.

I'm with you on the last rib or two. I've gotten used to wearing the Diamond, which is probably too long for me with the extension, so it makes the shorter WV Gold seem even shorter. I tried one on at an umpire camp and it seemed like the bottom of my rib was exposed. Maybe no big deal, but it just didn't feel right.

James88 · March 4, 2016

1 hour ago, gnhbua93 said:

gnhbua93:

So you're telling me you've taken some pretty good shots wearing the unequal and it has performed as well as advertised? If that's the case, and they've added the additional protective sheet, it seems the protection would have improved considerably.

Also, is it a relatively cooler (hot days) due to its low profile?

Thanks for taking the time to respond. Really helpful info.

conbo61 · March 4, 2016

I will be buried in my Platinum....

Man_In_Black · March 4, 2016

I'm 6'0" tall and have worn the 13" WV Gold for years. Never had a problem with rib coverage. I prefer a shorter CP because, IMO, they're cooler and more comfortable than extended length CPs. Whether you need the extended protection probably depends on the level of ball you work. The better the catchers, the less often you wind up getting hit. But I certainly don't feel "exposed" when wearing the WV.

Thunderheads · March 4, 2016

The All-Star is a great rig. It DOES FEEL bulky, but doesn't "look" like it. If I can find the thread, ....our Equipment Pimp (Fittske24) posted photos of him w/ 3 different CPs on and you can see the "bulk" in each. The cool thing about the All-Star is the sides drop down for that last rib.

Your other choice is Douglas. That's a great rig! Their standard padding is protective, light, and thin ......very comfy rig! And ....if you'd like, you can have it made to any length you want. I recently sent my 15" original West Vest by Douglas in and had a customized 13.5" pad made, and "poof" .....my own personal Douglas.

By the way, here's the post I was referring to ......... PAGE 2 ....about 3/4 of the way down .....look for my comment , and Fittske24's posts and pictures! Ask and you shall receive! :meditation: :notworthy:

GreyhoundAggie · March 4, 2016

I have used the WV Platinum for nearly 8 yrs now as well. Put a delta flex on it, and never again worry about getting hurt by a ball to your chest protector.

I am sure there are many other CP's that work great too, I am just going from what I know.

JaxRolo · March 4, 2016

I have a Gold and Platinum. Won't wear anything else.

Had an unequal at one point. Took a shot and it hurt. Not worth it. Sold it the next day.!

As far as the WV. How many time have you been hit in the stomach area? Probably never or rarely.

JoHart10 · March 4, 2016

I am a TW Platinum guy and have a hard time being convince that their is a better option. If I was forced to take on another CP, or wanted one in additional lengths, I would chose the Champion Hard-Shell option that resembles a Wilson Gold. I would even choose this model over a Gold, due to the fact that I like the "Wing" construction on this model more than the flaps of the gold. I know a few major-league guys use this Champion set up as well and that is all the confirmation I would need to justify it to myself. And at $60.00 how can you really make a mistake if you try it and don't like it.

Welpe · March 4, 2016

I had a Platinum but had misgivings about the lower rib protection as well. I fully admit it may be mental but I just didn't like the coverage. I sold that and went with the S7 in 15" and haven't regretted it at all. I don't think it's all that bulky and certainly don't have any mobility issues with it. It was a little tight in the neck but I got used to that pretty quickly. The collarbone protection is superb and the delta flex harness keeps everything in place perfectly.

It really comes down to trial and error and what works best for you.

gnhbua93 · March 4, 2016

19 hours ago, James88 said:

gnhbua93:

So you're telling me you've taken some pretty good shots wearing the unequal and it has performed as well as advertised? If that's the case, and they've added the additional protective sheet, it seems the protection would have improved considerably.

Also, is it a relatively cooler (hot days) due to its low profile?

Thanks for taking the time to respond. Really helpful info.

Yes, I've taken big shots. I'm fortunate enough to work higher level games and being hit and felt only the push and nothing else, no black/blue mark. Remember regarding the being cool or hot is going to be a relative answer but I've been umpiring in days that feel cooler and other days that feel warmer. The days that it feel cooler outnumbered the days of warmer.

gnhbua93 · March 4, 2016

6 hours ago, JaxRolo said:

I have a Gold and Platinum. Won't wear anything else.

Had an unequal at one point. Took a shot and it hurt. Not worth it. Sold it the next day.!

As far as the WV. How many time have you been hit in the stomach area? Probably never or rarely.

:crybaby2:

Mudisfun · March 5, 2016

I have the All Star...

Love it.

First it comes with the best strapping ever in the Delta Flex...

Collarbone protection is great

The pads are removable for easy cleaning or swapping out between those hot, hot sweaty game days

There is a nice air channel right up the middle which allows pent up heat to escape

It is light and I do not find it bulky at all. I am 6'00" 225 and I find the protection to be superb

Had an issue with my original where a rivet pulled though some material and Allstar shipped a new on within a couple days. Told me to keep the original for parts or whatever. They stood behind their product 100%

my $0.02

ChrisUrbz · March 5, 2016

West Vest Gold and West Vest Platinum both Team Wendy Retro fitted.

Hawkman · March 5, 2016

At your height I don't think you'd have a problem with rib coverage with a Platinum. I personally don't like my protector too long it only needs to just cover my ribs. I'm 6'2 with a long torso and found a 14 inch is about right for me. I wore a Platinum for 3 years and rotated it with an old style Honigs-K1 I purchased about 14 years ago. I didn't care for the Platinum, it was hot and heavy, didn't cover my bottom rib and had a bad habit of slipping down all of the time no matter how tightly I adjusted it. The rivets also tend to rust if you sweat a lot (I do) so after the first season I had to clean them up with a metal brush and apply rustoleum on all of them. A complete pain in the rear. I found after 3 years of rotating the two that I was wearing my old K-1 most of the time so I sold my Platinum. The K-1 is lighter, more comfortable and has never failed to protect me sufficiently. I'm actually in the market for a new protector this year too as my K-1 is getting long in the tooth and I suspect the inner padding is breaking down a bit. I'm looking at either the Schutt XV or the Champro Pro Plus Plate Armor. I'd get another K-1 but I ordered one a few years ago and they changed it from the previous model. It was heavier and thicker than my old model and the neck was really tight on me so I sent it back.

umptwo · March 5, 2016

While we're (somewhat) on the topic, the Douglas comes in 3 sizes (12, 13, 15). Does anyone know if that is only the height, or is there any width difference also?

kylejt · March 5, 2016

I'm 6'1", and around 180. My S7 does cover my last rib, but my Platinum does not. The S7 is bulky, but the best protection this side of working the raft. I'm getting Platinum retrofitted, and requesting some extra material below the "normal" pads, to get that coverage.

If you are in need of extra length, The Champion P200 is 17", is fairly decent protection, and is dirt cheap.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Champion-P200-Umpire-Chest-Protector-17-BLACK-/381559291638?hash=item58d6b4bef6:g:nQcAAOxy3zNSgTic

Offer him $35, and he'll take it. You can't beat that for the money.

MadMax · March 5, 2016

4 minutes ago, kylejt said:

If you are in need of extra length, The Champion P200 is 17", is fairly decent protection, and is dirt cheap.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Champion-P200-Umpire-Chest-Protector-17-BLACK-/381559291638?hash=item58d6b4bef6:g:nQcAAOxy3zNSgTic

Offer him $35, and he'll take it. You can't beat that for the money.

Wow, is that thing a welding apron too, @kylejt?

So a shot to the shoulder prompted this endeavour, but longer, near-full-torso coverage is desired, huh? I'd say the Douglas and the All-Star System 7 will give you the most comprehensive coverage of these two points. I would even give the brand new +POS Cobra a definite consideration, especially with its shoulder layout and abdominal extension.

I myself use a Schutt XV and love it. It's quite possibly the best ventilated CP of the bunch, and it too offers an abdominal extension. Aside from the Douglas, each of these I've mentioned is using latest-generation foams that are substantial yet aerated, and their plastic shells are designed and laid out to maximize airflow.

The UnEqual is an entirely different beast. It's an advanced hybrid, with hard plates within the foam casings, which also house the Kevlar weaves which give it its energy-dissipating properties. The shoulders see the plastic shells on the outside, and the V2 has a marked improvement in this. It's designed to be worn low-profile and as close to the body as possible, so airflow is restricted – if you're going this route, you really should go all-the-way and wear a close-fitting, wicking technical undershirt, not some cotton t-shirt a camp hands out or you get from Wal-Mart.

What I'm not addressing are the Wilsons, because, as many regulars know, I have a bone to pick with Wilson. Those that have taken their Wilson Golds and Platinums off to get refitted with TW pads are exempt and excused, as this act alone solves half the problem. Wilson hasn't changed or improved from using sofa-cushion foam encased in some lackluster nylon. It insulates rather than ventilates. Besides that, you'll notice that the plastic plates are rather thick and heavy, and lack even strategic ventilation holes. So these plates hold all that heat and moisture in, teamed with that sofa cushion foam, and you're left with a sodden, heavy hulk of a CP after a doubleheader. Try leaving a sofa out in the rain, and you tell me how much fun it is to lift. Go ahead.

If the Big W can stop sitting on its arse and counting its dividends and actually address and progress its gear for us umpires, I may sing a different tune. If they had even half the charisma and hutzpa of Force3 in their developmental efforts, they'd have no equal and soon make umpiring one of the safest officiating jobs in the world. Til then, you can do better.

Mr Ump · March 6, 2016

I have both the West Vest Gold with Team Wendy Retro-fit and the UnEqual. Worn the WV for 13 or 14 years in some very big games from DI on down. I have it strapped up with an All-Star Harness. I totally prefer this rig to the UnEqual. Especially since I retrofitted it. Slim, cool and protective. The UnEqual has a slight pinch on my neck and it does not wrap around like the WVG-TW. Never feel a thing when hit in the WVG-TW. Have not taken a solid shot in the UE, just a glancing blow here or there. My confidence with the WVG-TW is an 11 on a scale of 10. The UE probably a 7 out of 10 but I only had it one year so it has a lot of catching up to do in all fairness.

I don't like the extended piece on the UE. Feels too long and I don't get hit in the gut so it is not something I feel I need. I am 5'11, 195lb and like to think I am an athletic build, at least for 59 years old. Insert jokes here guys. Anyway, that extend piece makes me feel bulky where I am trying to appear as if I have nothing on under my Polo. I am even contemplating selling the UE but probably won't as it is a solid backup for me. I like to give my gear a break every now and then.

Now those UE Force3 shins are the truth....LOL. Never going on the field without them.

Majordave · March 6, 2016

@Mr Ump said: "Now those UE Force3 shins are the truth."

Preach brother. Preach.

They are most definitely the TRUTH.

umpstu · March 6, 2016

16 hours ago, Mr Ump said:

I have both the West Vest Gold with Team Wendy Retro-fit and the UnEqual. Worn the WV for 13 or 14 years in some very big games from DI on down. I have it strapped up with an All-Star Harness. I totally prefer this rig to the UnEqual. Especially since I retrofitted it. Slim, cool and protective. The UnEqual has a slight pinch on my neck and it does not wrap around like the WVG-TW. Never feel a thing when hit in the WVG-TW. Have not taken a solid shot in the UE, just a glancing blow here or there. My confidence with the WVG-TW is an 11 on a scale of 10. The UE probably a 7 out of 10 but I only had it one year so it has a lot of catching up to do in all fairness.

I don't like the extended piece on the UE. Feels too long and I don't get hit in the gut so it is not something I feel I need. I am 5'11, 195lb and like to think I am an athletic build, at least for 59 years old. Insert jokes here guys. Anyway, that extend piece makes me feel bulky where I am trying to appear as if I have nothing on under my Polo. I am even contemplating selling the UE but probably won't as it is a solid backup for me. I like to give my gear a break every now and then.

Now those UE Force3 shins are the truth....LOL. Never going on the field without them.

Just remove the extension for the UE protector. Velcro, baby. Velcro.

umpstu · March 6, 2016

6 hours ago, Majordave said:

@Mr Ump said: "Now those UE Force3 shins are the truth."

Preach brother. Preach.

They are most definitely the TRUTH.

Majordave has arisen.

James88 · March 7, 2016

Sincere thanks to everyone that responded.

Sounds like there are several good options out there but I'll just have to find what works best for my preferences. It just may take a little trial and error on my part to get to that point.

Thanks again.

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