Wilson Shock FX 2.0

[jlutgen0]

I have been looking to upgrade from my starter mask and have seen this helmet. After searching around I have heard very positive things, but I still have a few questions. Is the titanium cage worth the price jump? If not, is there any differences I need to be aware of between the "umpire" version and "catcher" version, or are the same mask? I ask the second question because if there is no difference I will buy the catchers version because I like the matte black finish and ump-attire only has glossy for the steel cage.

[gnhbua93]

26 minutes ago, jlutgen0 said:

I have been looking to upgrade from my starter mask and have seen this helmet. After searching around I have heard very positive things, but I still have a few questions. Is the titanium cage worth the price jump? If not, is there any differences I need to be aware of between the "umpire" version and "catcher" version, or are the same mask? I ask the second question because if there is no difference I will buy the catchers version because I like the matte black finish and ump-attire only has glossy for the steel cage.

There are differences between the catcher version and the umpire version. The difference is that the catcher version use plastic shocks and the umpire version uses metal shocks. I have both type of cages, steel and titanium, on my Wilson helmets. The only reason that I have the Wilson, instead of the Force3 helmet, is that it fit my big head, 7 5/8. IMO the Force3 helmet is way better protection wise and better product all around. If it fits my head I would get rid of the Wilson helmets that I owned, hands down.

[Tksjewelry]

The catchers mask pads fall out and it's not warranteed by wilson. Stick to the umpire version which I warranteed. I gave my catchers version away. Also, the sizes run smaller in the catchers version. I have the titanium, I love it. I bought at a super discounted rate so I couldn't tell you the weight difference vs. Price and whether it's worth it.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

[umpstu]

Get the Force 3 Unqual.  http://www.force3progear.com/product/defender-hockey-style-mask/

[jlutgen0]

Thanks everyone for the feedback so far. Can anybody give some more details on why one versus the other, preferably someone that has used both for at least a handful of games?

[gnhbua93]

Why you don't contact Force3 people and ask about their product? Here is the link. http://www.force3progear.com/contact-us/

Also contact Wilson Sporting Goods http://www.wilson.com/en-us/customer-service#

[Stk004]

2 hours ago, jlutgen0 said:

Thanks everyone for the feedback so far. Can anybody give some more details on why one versus the other, preferably someone that has used both for at least a handful of games?

I echo @Tksjewelry . I have the catcher version and I'm not a huge fan. The forehead pad isn't even the leather material and the padding does indeed fall out. Nothing a little superglue can't fix but still.

[KenBAZ]

I have both of the Shocks and the Force3. I alternate the two different cage Wilsons on a daily basis. I've never used the catcher's version. My titanium cage has been bent for quite a while. The steel cage helmet took a big shot Sunday night and is now bent. Please understand, that is after hundreds of games at all levels. The steel cage is heavier but it does not bother me since both are heavy. The Force3 is heavier still, but the reason I don't wear it is the fit and the fact that a strap that snaps to the piece at the back of your head keeps twisting and requires adjustment.

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[JimKirk]

You are getting good advice here.

Wilson umpire helmets are higher quality, better construction than their silver series catcher version. We used to sell the catcher version but changed our minds after a season or so. Photos you'll see out there might make it seem they are the same helmet. As @Tksjewelry said correctly, they are not.

The steel weighs a few more ounces than the titanium but considering even distribution across the head, the weight difference is negligible.

The steel has the extra benefit of having a little more give and tends to not bend as often.

I always recommend the steel to customers when they ask this question due to the benefits mentioned and substantial price savings when comparing the titanium and steel.

i hope that helps.

[MikeSafari]

3 hours ago, JimKirk said:

You are getting good advice here.

Wilson umpire helmets are higher quality, better construction than their silver series catcher version. We used to sell the catcher version but changed our minds after a season or so. Photos you'll see out there might make it seem they are the same helmet. As @Tksjewelry said correctly, they are not.

The steel weighs a few more ounces than the titanium but considering even distribution across the head, the weight difference is negligible.

The steel has the extra benefit of having a little more give and tends to not bend as often.

I always recommend the steel to customers when they ask this question due to the benefits mentioned and substantial price savings when comparing the titanium and steel.

i hope that helps.

This is a very helpful post, Jim. Any chance you can comment on All-Star vs. Wilson helmets? I've been eyeballing the MVP2500 for a while now but not sure which is better. I know the Wilson and Force3 both have the shock absorbers, but I still see a lot of pro umpires going with the All-Star helmets instead.

[umpstu]

7 hours ago, JimKirk said:

You are getting good advice here.

Wilson umpire helmets are higher quality, better construction than their silver series catcher version. We used to sell the catcher version but changed our minds after a season or so. Photos you'll see out there might make it seem they are the same helmet. As @Tksjewelry said correctly, they are not.

The steel weighs a few more ounces than the titanium but considering even distribution across the head, the weight difference is negligible.

The steel has the extra benefit of having a little more give and tends to not bend as often.

I always recommend the steel to customers when they ask this question due to the benefits mentioned and substantial price savings when comparing the titanium and steel.

i hope that helps.

It's almost as if this Jim Kirk fella is selling the stuff he talks about.  Are you having a Father's Day Sale?

[KenBAZ]

I'll jump in about the All-Star helmets. I have an old MVP2300 I use to alternate until I got the 2nd Shock2. It is a quality helmet and a bit lighter but I prefer the max protect package the shock absorbing system the Wilson and Force3 offer.

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[JimKirk]

8 hours ago, umpstu said:

It's almost as if this Jim Kirk fella is selling the stuff he talks about.  Are you having a Father's Day Sale?

Yes, guilty.

We are not planning a Father's Day Sale. Don't think we have ever done one but perhaps use your idea and will think about for next year. Thanks!

[JimKirk]

16 hours ago, MikeSafari said:

This is a very helpful post, Jim. Any chance you can comment on All-Star vs. Wilson helmets? I've been eyeballing the MVP2500 for a while now but not sure which is better. I know the Wilson and Force3 both have the shock absorbers, but I still see a lot of pro umpires going with the All-Star helmets instead.

Thanks Mike. Glad it was helpful.

I'm going to separate your question to 2 topics and am going to use your question as a spring board to say more on this topic than just answer your question. FAIR WARNING: This is going to be preachy.

HELMETS VS HELMETS VS MASKS VS MASKS
The above heading is not a typo. I have a point I. And I want to do it here, because you guys are the ones who do a great job of spreading information to other umpires on safety and protection.

Here's the point: We need to stop saying the general statement: "Helmets are more protective than masks."

Please know that I'm not saying that "masks are more protective than helmets." Not at all. Taking in multiple factors, helmets do tend to be more protective, but it depends on which helmets and masks you're talking about.

We (and I say "we" because that's the manufacturers and retailers, too) have to stop making that a general statement. Because as a general statement for ALL masks and ALL helmets, it's not true.

The main reason this is not true is because all helmets are not the same...and all masks are not the same. The secondary reason - and I have read several of you comment on this already so we are getting there - is that some areas on a mask can be more protective than areas on a helmet. Notice I said "can" not "are", because it depends on which brand and style we're talking about helmet or mask.

Taking a vehicle analogy, could you safely say that SUVs are safer than sedans? At first thought, it seems logical that SUVs would be safer. But is that true? I'm no expert here, but I would guess that a Ford Bronco II that is 30 years old or a brand new, but smaller Nissan Cube would be overall less protective than a new Volvo sedan.

And perhaps, even then the Nissan Cube, has better side protection than the Volvo but the Volvo had better frontal protection.

The same goes for helmets and masks.

I have had this happen to me at least twice. Someone says they moved to a bucket because they wanted more protection but not sure they got what they bargained for. I ask what they are wearing. They show it to me. I see that it's pretty old. The padding has eroded in places to where it's only a thin plastic shell between their skull and a potential baseball. So, is that helmet more protective?! Only on the sides and back maybe, but maybe not in the front, especially not above the cage if the padding is thin there.

More specifically, when it comes to the Force3 vs Wilson Shock FX vs All-Star debate, that is even more complicated than discussing differences in protection of masks.

Masks are easier because the shapes are generally similar, which leaves you comparing padding types, frame materials and frame types (e.g. standard vs. low profile) mostly. And you guys know which of those are generally more protective. But even then, masks can get a little complicated. Without even discussing mask weight, one example of "it depends" is due to the nature of memory foam. Team Wendy pads, especially, can harden in colder weather. Fun, huh? And if worrying about balls and strikes wasn't enough.

Back to the helmets. Each brand each has strengths and weaknesses. (Note I'm still learning about the Force3 so I'm open to being corrected here. We're still waiting to have all brand helmets in stock at once for a change so I can take a closer look.)

BEST SUSPENSION SYSTEM: Force3. It wins out over the Shock FX here because of the extra spring in the chin area alone. This is a terribly vulnerable spot.

BEST PADDING: It's hard to beat the Force3 Kevlar lining all-around. The forehead protection of the MV4000 is very good compared to the thinner padding ShockFX. This is an achilles heel of the ShockFX, and I would rather be wearing a traditional mask with Team Wendy or Wilson wrap-around padding if I were hit here than I would the ShockFX.

BEST SHELL: All-Star MVP4000 with the polycarbonate

LIGHTEST WEIGHT: Wilson Titanium. Wilson Steel second. Then All-Star. Force3 last.

BEST FIT: Wilson fits the largest range of head sizes. Then All-Star. For some smaller and larger head options, Wilson may be your only option.

BEST PRICE: Wilson steel then Force3.

An alternative way to look a this is by area on the head. Let's call shots to the side and back even for now. And for the helmets, as long as umpires are facing forward, they win out over traditional masks all day. However, a straight-on shot to the cage, and I'd rather be wearing a Force3 or ShockFX (and then I'd prefer the steel). A shot to the chin, and it's Force3 hands-down. A shot to the forehead above the cage and it's Force3 or All-Star due to both better padding and angles.

That's a lot. Feel free to differ, as I'd like to learn more about your experiences.

MVP2500 vs MVP4000
Even if both were called "umpire" helmets (The 2500 is referred to by All-Star as a catcher's helmet), my logic starts with the 4000 features that make it a more protective helmet: the vinyl nitrile forehead padding (basically the padding here is better, and it's good to have good padding in this spot) and the polycarbonate shell (instead of ABS shell which is better at dispersing energy).

So the logic goes when compared to a traditional mask, you are wanting a helmet because of the extra protection. So why settle with less - with a 2500 - than the protection you could get with the 4000. It was the protection that had you in the market for helmets to begin with, correct?

I do know the price is a good deal different, but let's return to the automobile analogy. imagine if you were in the market for purchasing a car with a high safety rating because that was important to you. The standard model is $25,000 and another has an optional package that provided the top-of-the line in head protection on that model at $25,150. Would you take it? Of course you would, because you were looking for safety in the first place...and your head is pretty valuable.

I will add that we actually did sell the MVP2500 at one point about 5 years ago. Just looked at the numbers. We sold 8 MVP4000 for every 1 MVP2500. So, I think umpires got the significance of the differences, and we got the picture that it was not in demand enough to keep around.

Way more than you wanted to hear, and my apologies for being preachy.

 

[jlutgen0]

46 minutes ago, JimKirk said:

Thanks Mike. Glad it was helpful.

I'm going to separate your question to 2 topics and am going to use your question as a spring board to say more on this topic than just answer your question. FAIR WARNING: This is going to be preachy.

HELMETS VS HELMETS VS MASKS VS MASKS
The above heading is not a typo. I have a point I. And I want to do it here, because you guys are the ones who do a great job of spreading information to other umpires on safety and protection.

Here's the point: We need to stop saying the general statement: "Helmets are more protective than masks."

Please know that I'm not saying that "masks are more protective than helmets." Not at all. Taking in multiple factors, helmets do tend to be more protective, but it depends on which helmets and masks you're talking about.

We (and I say "we" because that's the manufacturers and retailers, too) have to stop making that a general statement. Because as a general statement for ALL masks and ALL helmets, it's not true.

The main reason this is not true is because all helmets are not the same...and all masks are not the same. The secondary reason - and I have read several of you comment on this already so we are getting there - is that some areas on a mask can be more protective than areas on a helmet. Notice I said "can" not "are", because it depends on which brand and style we're talking about helmet or mask.

Taking a vehicle analogy, could you safely say that SUVs are safer than sedans? At first thought, it seems logical that SUVs would be safer. But is that true? I'm no expert here, but I would guess that a Ford Bronco II that is 30 years old or a brand new, but smaller Nissan Cube would be overall less protective than a new Volvo sedan.

And perhaps, even then the Nissan Cube, has better side protection than the Volvo but the Volvo had better frontal protection.

The same goes for helmets and masks.

I have had this happen to me at least twice. Someone says they moved to a bucket because they wanted more protection but not sure they got what they bargained for. I ask what they are wearing. They show it to me. I see that it's pretty old. The padding has eroded in places to where it's only a thin plastic shell between their skull and a potential baseball. So, is that helmet more protective?! Only on the sides and back maybe, but maybe not in the front, especially not above the cage if the padding is thin there.

More specifically, when it comes to the Force3 vs Wilson Shock FX vs All-Star debate, that is even more complicated than discussing differences in protection of masks.

Masks are easier because the shapes are generally similar, which leaves you comparing padding types, frame materials and frame types (e.g. standard vs. low profile) mostly. And you guys know which of those are generally more protective. But even then, masks can get a little complicated. Without even discussing mask weight, one example of "it depends" is due to the nature of memory foam. Team Wendy pads, especially, can harden in colder weather. Fun, huh? And if worrying about balls and strikes wasn't enough.

Back to the helmets. Each brand each has strengths and weaknesses. (Note I'm still learning about the Force3 so I'm open to being corrected here. We're still waiting to have all brand helmets in stock at once for a change so I can take a closer look.)

BEST SUSPENSION SYSTEM: Force3. It wins out over the Shock FX here because of the extra spring in the chin area alone. This is a terribly vulnerable spot.

BEST PADDING: It's hard to beat the Force3 Kevlar lining all-around. The forehead protection of the MV4000 is very good compared to the thinner padding ShockFX. This is an achilles heel of the ShockFX, and I would rather be wearing a traditional mask with Team Wendy or Wilson wrap-around padding if I were hit here than I would the ShockFX.

BEST SHELL: All-Star MVP4000 with the polycarbonate

LIGHTEST WEIGHT: Wilson Titanium. Wilson Steel second. Then All-Star. Force3 last.

BEST FIT: Wilson fits the largest range of head sizes. Then All-Star. For some smaller and larger head options, Wilson may be your only option.

BEST PRICE: Wilson steel then Force3.

An alternative way to look a this is by area on the head. Let's call shots to the side and back even for now. And for the helmets, as long as umpires are facing forward, they win out over traditional masks all day. However, a straight-on shot to the cage, and I'd rather be wearing a Force3 or ShockFX (and then I'd prefer the steel). A shot to the chin, and it's Force3 hands-down. A shot to the forehead above the cage and it's Force3 or All-Star due to both better padding and angles.

That's a lot. Feel free to differ, as I'd like to learn more about your experiences.

MVP2500 vs MVP4000
Even if both were called "umpire" helmets (The 2500 is referred to by All-Star as a catcher's helmet), my logic starts with the 4000 features that make it a more protective helmet: the vinyl nitrile forehead padding (basically the padding here is better, and it's good to have good padding in this spot) and the polycarbonate shell (instead of ABS shell which is better at dispersing energy).

So the logic goes when compared to a traditional mask, you are wanting a helmet because of the extra protection. So why settle with less - with a 2500 - than the protection you could get with the 4000. It was the protection that had you in the market for helmets to begin with, correct?

I do know the price is a good deal different, but let's return to the automobile analogy. imagine if you were in the market for purchasing a car with a high safety rating because that was important to you. The standard model is $25,000 and another has an optional package that provided the top-of-the line in head protection on that model at $25,150. Would you take it? Of course you would, because you were looking for safety in the first place...and your head is pretty valuable.

I will add that we actually did sell the MVP2500 at one point about 5 years ago. Just looked at the numbers. We sold 8 MVP4000 for every 1 MVP2500. So, I think umpires got the significance of the differences, and we got the picture that it was not in demand enough to keep around.

Way more than you wanted to hear, and my apologies for being preachy.

 

Thank you so much for this, I'm sure I'm not the only person this helped.

[gnhbua93]

9 hours ago, JimKirk said:

Yes, guilty.

We are not planning a Father's Day Sale. Don't think we have ever done one but perhaps use your idea and will think about for next year. Thanks!

@JimKirk if you make a Father's Day Sale for next year, heads up, @Tksjewelry will want a Mother's Day Sale.

[MikeSafari]

7 hours ago, JimKirk said:

I do know the price is a good deal different, but let's return to the automobile analogy. imagine if you were in the market for purchasing a car with a high safety rating because that was important to you. The standard model is $25,000 and another has an optional package that provided the top-of-the line in head protection on that model at $25,150. Would you take it? Of course you would, because you were looking for safety in the first place...and your head is pretty valuable.

As a Canadian umpire, I feel like I'm a bit more sensitive to price than a lot of my American counterparts, because of where our dollar currently sits. For me, it's more like, the standard model (which is still better than my 15 year old beater) is $25,000, but the one with the optional safety package is $115,000. That's roughly the difference in price between the MVP2500 and the MVP4000.

But this was a great post, Jim. Thanks a lot

[JimKirk]

1 hour ago, MikeSafari said:

As a Canadian umpire, I feel like I'm a bit more sensitive to price than a lot of my American counterparts, because of where our dollar currently sits. For me, it's more like, the standard model (which is still better than my 15 year old beater) is $25,000, but the one with the optional safety package is $115,000. That's roughly the difference in price between the MVP2500 and the MVP4000.

But this was a great post, Jim. Thanks a lot

That's a great point on the exchange rate. I didn't consider that. You guys are certainly heavily unbalanced at this point on that issue...and it's not like shipping costs and customs aren't quite a bit as well....so some sympathy your way. Thanks for the feedback and glad you liked the post!

[KenBAZ]

I will add an analogy from running shoes. You can get the best mid-sole and other features on a shoe but if it does not fit your foot, it's not the best shoe for you.

Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

[MikeSafari]

21 minutes ago, JimKirk said:

That's a great point on the exchange rate. I didn't consider that. You guys are certainly heavily unbalanced at this point on that issue...and it's not like shipping costs and customs aren't quite a bit as well....so some sympathy your way. Thanks for the feedback and glad you liked the post!

Yeah it's kinda terrible. MVP2500 goes for $150 locally, which I can stomach, but the 4000 is $699. Ridiculous.

[umpstu]

3 hours ago, KenBAZ said:

I will add an analogy from running shoes. You can get the best mid-sole and other features on a shoe but if it does not fit your foot, it's not the best shoe for you.

Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

Good anology

[JimKirk]

3 hours ago, MikeSafari said:

Yeah it's kinda terrible. MVP2500 goes for $150 locally, which I can stomach, but the 4000 is $699. Ridiculous.

Yikes. Very ridiculous. Moving away from analogies into the real world, you could maybe buy a 15-year old car at that price. I have a 17-year old who is wanting one. Maybe we can trade a MVP4000 for your car.

[udbrky]

https://streamable.com/bnao

 

Makes me want to think about getting a HSM! Hope Emmel's ok.

[MadMax]

There are two different methodologies at play here between Wilson and Force 3 vs. All-Star (and Easton) when it comes to HSMs. Force Absorption vs. Geometry. Then, when you factor in which companies focus on – umpires vs. catchers – you'll start to understand why things are what they seem.

Wilson is a big company, and a major outfitter within Major League Baseball. There are several big companies – from Rawlings to Majestic to Nike to Louisville Slugger to EvoShield to New Balance to... I'm sure there are some I'm forgetting – which get the official endorsement of MLB to be official suppliers in some capacity. It just so happens that Wilson has the MLB Umpires. All-Star leads a pack of suppliers in terms of catcher's gear, followed by Nike, UnderArmour, Easton, Rawlings and Mizuno. Far and away, though, All-Star supplies most of the HSMs that are used by Major League catchers (notable exceptions are Yadier Molina and his bespoke Rawlings gear, and Kevin Plawecki, who wears Mizuno). Most catcher's HSMs are based around three-dimensional geometry as their primary design motive. This geometry addresses vision first and foremost, followed closely by allowance for throws, then ease of removal, then protection, then durability of being hit by a wide range of velocities and being dropped, thrown or kicked.

Lesser HSMs – like those from Diamond, Nike, Champion, Champro, Franklin, Louisville Slugger, Worth, and lower-tier models from All-Star, Easton and Rawlings – are built around durability first and foremost. Protection is a secondary focal point because of the relatively lower velocities the ball travels in youth and big-ball (ie. softball) sports. Manufacturers are trying to accommodate the greatest range of body frames and sizes and ages with the least amount of variety. Variety creates additional costs that don't see profitable ROI in amateur ball. All those manufacturers I've listed, with the exception of Diamond, have lower-tier HSM models that look nearly identical, with distinguishing differences being the cages and superficial graphics and branding. The Rawlings planform seems to be the common base shape, and either they are outsourced to the same manufacturing plant in China, or they use this same planform. It stands to reason that it's at least the same planform because once you put a prototype through all the testing and NOCSAE approval process, it becomes cost prohibitive to repeat that process for a different model.

This is what is bugging me about the Force3 Defender HSM; they used this "common" HSM planform that has been out there for several years and fit their technology to it, instead of letting the technology dictate what the shell's (new) planform should be.

All-Star is notably independent and forward-thinking, and their designs – both in TM and HSM – have a different ethos to them. Easton has been keeping a close watch on All-Star, and they released a completely unique geometry, signature, flagship HSM to counter All-Star's System 7 lineup. It's these signature units that I'm referring to above, that emphasize three dimensional geometry to address the protection and latitude (to make throws and take the mask off) collegiate and high-school age catchers need... and are willing to pay big dollars for. Minor League and Adult baseball isn't emphasized solely because these two entities still allow Traditional Masks to be chosen and used.

In order to fully optimize padding protection, there needs to be sufficient stand-off distance between the head and the shell. Since the System 7 is based around protection for the adult-level catcher, especially those in semi-pro, collegiate and professional ball, it's going to have a shell design and padding type and design to protect against higher velocities. The Wilson addresses this the most comprehensively, with an almost oversized shell holding cavernous stand-off distance, packed with padding and serving as the foundation for their Shock system. That Wilson is big, though, by comparison to its rivals, and because of its complexity of technology (and Wilson's callous customer service, especially in regards to cage repair / replacement), carries a hefty price tag.

Certainly amongst Major League Umpires (which are the best marketing ambassadors for umpire equipment), the only HSMs that see the field are the Wilson Shock FX and the All-Star System 7 (likely the MVP4000). But for the budget-conscious local umpire, what is there available? Force3 has to start making headway in one of the two realms, but my perspective is that it can't be both: they either emphasize and focus a comprehensively unique, technologically-sound piece of equipment and appeal to the upper level of umpires, and work from the top down, or they putz around and shoehorn their technology into the rest of the common masses and work from the bottom up.

I'd like to see Force3 partner or collaborate with an alternative company, such as Shoei, Arai, Giro, Team Wendy or Schutt, and treat the impact of a ball (or a bat) upon the HSM as an infrequent, catastrophic event. Schutt is now taking their TPU-EVA foam technology used in their football helmets and putting it in their HSMs. 

 

[umpstu]

5 hours ago, MadMax said:

There are two different methodologies at play here between Wilson and Force 3 vs. All-Star (and Easton) when it comes to HSMs. Force Absorption vs. Geometry. Then, when you factor in which companies focus on – umpires vs. catchers – you'll start to understand why things are what they seem.

Wilson is a big company, and a major outfitter within Major League Baseball. There are several big companies – from Rawlings to Majestic to Nike to Louisville Slugger to EvoShield to New Balance to... I'm sure there are some I'm forgetting – which get the official endorsement of MLB to be official suppliers in some capacity. It just so happens that Wilson has the MLB Umpires. All-Star leads a pack of suppliers in terms of catcher's gear, followed by Nike, UnderArmour, Easton, Rawlings and Mizuno. Far and away, though, All-Star supplies most of the HSMs that are used by Major League catchers (notable exceptions are Yadier Molina and his bespoke Rawlings gear, and Kevin Plawecki, who wears Mizuno). Most catcher's HSMs are based around three-dimensional geometry as their primary design motive. This geometry addresses vision first and foremost, followed closely by allowance for throws, then ease of removal, then protection, then durability of being hit by a wide range of velocities and being dropped, thrown or kicked.

Lesser HSMs – like those from Diamond, Nike, Champion, Champro, Franklin, Louisville Slugger, Worth, and lower-tier models from All-Star, Easton and Rawlings – are built around durability first and foremost. Protection is a secondary focal point because of the relatively lower velocities the ball travels in youth and big-ball (ie. softball) sports. Manufacturers are trying to accommodate the greatest range of body frames and sizes and ages with the least amount of variety. Variety creates additional costs that don't see profitable ROI in amateur ball. All those manufacturers I've listed, with the exception of Diamond, have lower-tier HSM models that look nearly identical, with distinguishing differences being the cages and superficial graphics and branding. The Rawlings planform seems to be the common base shape, and either they are outsourced to the same manufacturing plant in China, or they use this same planform. It stands to reason that it's at least the same planform because once you put a prototype through all the testing and NOCSAE approval process, it becomes cost prohibitive to repeat that process for a different model.

This is what is bugging me about the Force3 Defender HSM; they used this "common" HSM planform that has been out there for several years and fit their technology to it, instead of letting the technology dictate what the shell's (new) planform should be.

All-Star is notably independent and forward-thinking, and their designs – both in TM and HSM – have a different ethos to them. Easton has been keeping a close watch on All-Star, and they released a completely unique geometry, signature, flagship HSM to counter All-Star's System 7 lineup. It's these signature units that I'm referring to above, that emphasize three dimensional geometry to address the protection and latitude (to make throws and take the mask off) collegiate and high-school age catchers need... and are willing to pay big dollars for. Minor League and Adult baseball isn't emphasized solely because these two entities still allow Traditional Masks to be chosen and used.

In order to fully optimize padding protection, there needs to be sufficient stand-off distance between the head and the shell. Since the System 7 is based around protection for the adult-level catcher, especially those in semi-pro, collegiate and professional ball, it's going to have a shell design and padding type and design to protect against higher velocities. The Wilson addresses this the most comprehensively, with an almost oversized shell holding cavernous stand-off distance, packed with padding and serving as the foundation for their Shock system. That Wilson is big, though, by comparison to its rivals, and because of its complexity of technology (and Wilson's callous customer service, especially in regards to cage repair / replacement), carries a hefty price tag.

Certainly amongst Major League Umpires (which are the best marketing ambassadors for umpire equipment), the only HSMs that see the field are the Wilson Shock FX and the All-Star System 7 (likely the MVP4000). But for the budget-conscious local umpire, what is there available? Force3 has to start making headway in one of the two realms, but my perspective is that it can't be both: they either emphasize and focus a comprehensively unique, technologically-sound piece of equipment and appeal to the upper level of umpires, and work from the top down, or they putz around and shoehorn their technology into the rest of the common masses and work from the bottom up.

I'd like to see Force3 partner or collaborate with an alternative company, such as Shoei, Arai, Giro, Team Wendy or Schutt, and treat the impact of a ball (or a bat) upon the HSM as an infrequent, catastrophic event. Schutt is now taking their TPU-EVA foam technology used in their football helmets and putting it in their HSMs. 

 

Good post. Thanks.