Chest Protector Advice

[clasonater]

I'm 6'3 and I wear the gold.  I was iffy on the length, but those first couple shots in the collarbone area will sell you on it.  It's also longer than the platinum by just enough (I've had both).  I don't have much experience with many other cp's so I won't dog them.  I do know a couple college guys that where the cheaper champion hardshells (which I believe are longer).  Shots to the belly button are rare.  

[Thunderheads]

On 3/5/2016 at 10:25 AM, umptwo said:

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?

the 12 and 13 are the same width ......the 15 IS INDEED wider.  I recently had an old Douglas Original West Vest 15" converted to a 13.5"!    This gave me my perfect length, and width.  Douglas took a 15" padding and cut it down to a 13.5 for me, and I modified my plates to fit.  Love it!

[BuckeyeMike]

Anybody see this??   It's from Team Wendy's FAQ.        I missed my chance!!

Q: Does Team Wendy retrofit umpire chest protectors?
A: No, this program was discontinued March 1, 2016. Due to the evolution of our business, we are no longer able to dedicate the time and proper resources to this program.

[Thunderheads]

7 hours ago, BuckeyeMike said:

Anybody see this??   It's from Team Wendy's FAQ.        I missed my chance!!

Q: Does Team Wendy retrofit umpire chest protectors?
A: No, this program was discontinued March 1, 2016. Due to the evolution of our business, we are no longer able to dedicate the time and proper resources to this program.

already being discussed..................

 

[Sprink]

On 3/4/2016 at 10:10 AM, JoHart10 said:

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.

I've used the Champion rig for 4-5 years and taken a couple of good foul tips right to the chest (low 80's pitchers) and didn't feel anything but the thud.  Catchers even turn around and ask if I needed time - "nope, lets go".  Finally got around to putting a DF harness on it, Still waiting for a dry day in the Pacific NW to try it out (hopefully this Friday) but shouldn't need to push it up after every pitch anymore.  Very light weight also and fits well on my smaller frame (5'-9", 180, 40" +/- chest).

I was hoping to upgrade by finding a used WV Gold 11" and send to TW but that's out of the question now.  Dragging my feet to hear the reviews on the Unequal V2.

[ElkOil]

On 3/9/2016 at 9:16 AM, Sprink said:

I've used the Champion rig for 4-5 years and taken a couple of good foul tips right to the chest (low 80's pitchers) and didn't feel anything but the thud.  Catchers even turn around and ask if I needed time - "nope, lets go".  Finally got around to putting a DF harness on it, Still waiting for a dry day in the Pacific NW to try it out (hopefully this Friday) but shouldn't need to push it up after every pitch anymore.  Very light weight also and fits well on my smaller frame (5'-9", 180, 40" +/- chest).

I was hoping to upgrade by finding a used WV Gold 11" and send to TW but that's out of the question now.  Dragging my feet to hear the reviews on the Unequal V2.

As an aside (and I say it because as umpires, we should be precise), you've taken foul balls to the chest. A foul tip is one that travels directly to the mitt of, and is caught by, the catcher.