Belts (Patent Leather??)

[Panther32]

Looking for a belt for this coming high school season and I see people bashing patent leather, is that a no-go or what do you guys suggest?

[scrounge]

I have one of each, can't say that I really ever game either more than a moment's thought. Wear what you like.

I probably see more patent leather than not, but as long as it's serviceable, it's fine.

[maven]

Unless you're rocking these, as an observer/evaluator, I wouldn't ding patent leather.

[Aging_Arbiter]

Are those black patent leather, or navy blue?

[umpstu]

I wear patent leather and have never had an issue with it.  Just replace it like you would any other belt when it begins to wear out.

[wingman3110]

Some people prefer one over the other when on the stick or on the bases. It doesn't matter though. Unless your association has strictly said to wear one or the other, go with whatever you want.

[udbrky]

I've been using my standard belt (a Blackhawk belt designed for carrying a gun, so it's very strong) and it's very sturdy, holds up really well. I'm thinking about getting another one to have one dedicated for baseball. Either that, or one from U-A store. Any preferences on either?

[PonyUmpire]

I think it's sexy.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Majordave]

Have and wear both.  My patent belt is a Boston brand.  They make them primarily for law enforcement and other uniformed personnel like USPS, etc. (although I don't think I have ever seen a postal worker looking like they stand inspection. (no offense to postal workers just that looking sharp isn't exactly in the duty description in my opinion).

 

The patent is thicker and more sturdy and holds up to the weight of the ballbags when working plate so that is where I usually wear it. Plus, my plate shoes are usually leather lustered so they match up better with the patent belt.  My base shoes are usually not that shiny so the thick leather Dalco brand belt matches up better.

 

That being said I would bet that nobody has ever noticed which type of belt I wear including other umpires and assigners.

 

 

[umpstu]

3 hours ago, Majordave said:

Have and wear both.  My patent belt is a Boston brand.  They make them primarily for law enforcement and other uniformed personnel like USPS, etc. (although I don't think I have ever seen a postal worker looking like they stand inspection. (no offense to postal workers just that looking sharp isn't exactly in the duty description in my opinion).

 

The patent is thicker and more sturdy and holds up to the weight of the ballbags when working plate so that is where I usually wear it. Plus, my plate shoes are usually leather lustered so they match up better with the patent belt.  My base shoes are usually not that shiny so the thick leather Dalco brand belt matches up better.

 

That being said I would bet that nobody has ever noticed which type of belt I wear including other umpires and assigners.

 

 

At least don't wear a skinny black belt that you would use on your dress slacks.

[Majordave]

I didn't think you noticed Stu. 

I save that one for games I work with you. The slimmer belt has a slimming effect and I need all the help I can get to keep up with you. 

[Umpire in Chief]

I have both. My patent leather is may primary and my full grain is my backup. Maybe it's just the brands involved (and I do not know the brand of either) but my patent leather is more sturdy. 

[aiber]

Patent leather bases. Regular for plate. I think patent looks better and more people will notice if working bases. Sometimes I ask my partner and match up.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Thunderheads]

 I have both and use both .......... a lot of guys I work with in HS rock patent ....my primary partner also wears patent.  However, when someone doesn't, I will match what belt they have .....   both look fine, it's a personal preference

[catsbackr]

Patent leather only.

[Welpe]

I have regular grain only as I'm not a big fan of the patent look. It really comes down to personal preference and local requirements.

[GreyhoundAggie]

I have the patent. Have used it from day 1. I like the look and the feel with it being thicker and wider.

[ElkOil]

My patent leather belt is thicker and doesn't crack like my full grain belt. So it looks better for longer.

[mrumpiresir]

Being a military retiree, I try to apply the same ideals to my umpire uniform as I did to my military appearance.  With clean pressed shirt and pants, a clean creased hat and shined shoes I think the patent leather belt looks great, but there is nothing wrong with the full grain belt.  If you wear a uniform that looks like you slept in it it really doesn't matter. 

[JimKirk]

On April 25, 2016 at 0:42 PM, Panther32 said:

Looking for a belt for this coming high school season and I see people bashing patent leather, is that a no-go or what do you guys suggest?

Great question. This year, patent leather belt sales are 42% of all belt sales, a slight uptick from 40% last year. This number is higher, the higher level umpired.

Issues with patent leather will more likely happen in your bag than while worn so we suggest you separate it in your bag from any hard items.

[Panther32]

28 minutes ago, JimKirk said:

Great question. This year, patent leather belt sales are 42% of all belt sales, a slight uptick from 40% last year. This number is higher, the higher level umpired.

Issues with patent leather will more likely happen in your bag than while worn so we suggest you separate it in your bag from any hard items.

Just ordered a patent leather belt from you! Hoping to possibly wear it this weekend.

[NCAAump2]

I wear a patent leather belt, and really like the look of it.  Honestly, unless an assigner or conference says otherwise, it likely doesn't matter.  Since I wear patent leather plate shoes, the belt naturally goes well with that.  But I wear it on the bases too.  YMMV, but I've never seen anyone's umpiring abilities either increase or diminish based on the type of belt they were wearing. 

 

[Majordave]

11 minutes ago, MUAump2 said:

I've never seen anyone's umpiring abilities either increase or diminish based on the type of belt they were wearing. 

 

Hahaha! Love this comment. 

Meet sure do obsess at times over some stupid SH*#. (Me included). 

Different strokes.........

[basejester]

I would feel like Santa Claus wearing a patent leather belt.  Your mileage may vary.

 

 

[kstrunk]

Please... whatever type leather, just make sure it is appropriate for umpiring. NO department store 3/4" belts with shiny gold 1/2" buckles!