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Posted

Just ordered the new Force 3 chest protector.  Will give full report after I've worn it a couple of games.

Posted
4 hours ago, gnhbua93 said:

From who you ordered it?

Not able to tell at this time.  Not being funny, but have been asked not to say.

Posted

Ho Ho Ho. Merry Christmas.  Came in today.  Wasn't exactly sure what it was as it was in a very slender box.  The protector looks a lot like the old Force 3, but when you feel it you can tell the difference.  Everywhere there was that you can get hit now has a shhet of hard plastic buried in front of the kevlar.  So, you don't see it, but you can feel it.  And it doesn't hamper the flexibility that was evident in the old Force 3.  First impression, LOVE IT!  Plate game today in which there is a good probability I will be hit, hopefully in the V2.  Will have more later.

Posted
26 minutes ago, umpstu said:

Ho Ho Ho. Merry Christmas.  Came in today.  Wasn't exactly sure what it was as it was in a very slender box.  The protector looks a lot like the old Force 3, but when you feel it you can tell the difference.  Everywhere there was that you can get hit now has a shhet of hard plastic buried in front of the kevlar.  So, you don't see it, but you can feel it.  And it doesn't hamper the flexibility that was evident in the old Force 3.  First impression, LOVE IT!  Plate game today in which there is a good probability I will be hit, hopefully in the V2.  Will have more later.

What is a shhet? :question1: That was a very fast shipping, IMO. Are you satisfied on how long it took from ordering to receiving.

Posted

Sheet, shhet.  220, 221.  38, 39. Whatever it takes.  Yes, I am satisfied with how long the shipping took. Just adjusted it for the game and the new harness is really nice.

 

Posted
6 hours ago, grayhawk said:

Is it as low profile as the original?

Yes

Posted

So far so good.  Used it yesterday and the harness is a much welcomed improvement as it kept it snug and in place the entire game.  About 90 degrees and couldn't notice any excess heat, but since I live in a desert everything causes heat. Not a lot you can do about it.

Was hit with a fouled off fast ball and it hurt a lot.  Of course this type of thing only happens to me. I use the hands on knees stance and the ball missed everything except the back of my shoulder. Didn't come close to the chest protector.  How the hell this type of thing happens when I umpire is beyond me.  The least I can say is that it must be a ball repellent like the original Force 3.  

I have 3 plate games in the next 3 days and will keep you updated, especially if I take a shot that actually hits the chest protector.  

 

P.S. I love how light this chest protector is and I do feel protected.

 

  • Like 1
Posted
1 hour ago, ZebraStripes said:

You put the target in the wrong place, Stuart.

I know, huh.  I was hit in the ear once and thought I was stung by a wasp until I felt blood dripping down my neck.  And I didn't even turn my head. Another inside fastball off the batter, the catcher and then me. What? Huh?

  • Like 1
Posted

Second game and took a direct hit. No pain, but was startled.  Startled because I wasn't expecting any noise, but you could definitely hear the hard plastic deflecting the ball. COOL.

For umpires with big necks you will like this next bit of information.  I have an 18 inch neck and the first version would rub me raw some games.  I noticed that in working two straight game on the plate my neck wasn't being rubbed.  Emailed my contact and he said that they had increased the neck room by 1/2 an inch. SWEET!!!!!

College game tomorrow. Hopefully the catching will be better.  Hit four times in the top half of the first today. OUCH!

 

 

  • Like 4
Posted
16 hours ago, umpstu said:

I know, huh.  I was hit in the ear once and thought I was stung by a wasp until I felt blood dripping down my neck.  And I didn't even turn my head. Another inside fastball off the batter, the catcher and then me. What? Huh?

I had a wasp flying around me and the batter last night.  Was tempted to ask the batter to borrow the bat and play bumblebee baseball with it.

Posted

Man, if it wasn't a $450+ investment for me I'd definitely be in on this. Stupid SH*#ty Canadian dollar :(

  • Like 2
Posted

@MikeSafari

dont you know anyone in Buffalo or some US place close by you can get to order it for you?  If not, PM me. I have a friend in Buffalo area who might be able to help you.  

  • Like 1
Posted
19 hours ago, Majordave said:

@MikeSafari

dont you know anyone in Buffalo or some US place close by you can get to order it for you?  If not, PM me. I have a friend in Buffalo area who might be able to help you.  

The problem isn't getting it--there are loads of cross-border shipping places that I can use--the problem is the Canadian dollar. A straight conversion right now of the protector ($280USD) is $375, plus bringing it back across the border I'm likely to get hit with 13% sales tax plus duties. The $450 number doesn't even consider having it shipped straight from UA to me :\

That said, I am starting a new day job soon that brings with it a substantial increase in pay, so I may be able to justify it when my season starts anyway (in about two months' time).

Posted

Good luck. Thanks for explanation. I have no experience with exchange rates.  

Posted

I have used it for a total of 5 games and I have to say I really love it. To solve the issue of being hit in the back of the shoulders I removed that middle pad up around the neck and tightened up the upper straps on the back.  Problem solved.

All the changes are fantastic.  Even with a mock turtle neck shirt my neck would be raw after games.  I worked two hs games today wearing a regular tee shirt and not once was my neck raw.  Super impressive job on this version.  

Buy with confidence.

 

 

Posted
1 hour ago, gnhbua93 said:

Do you have the mask?

Should be receiving it sometime this week.  Will keep you updated.

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