Mask and Base Shoe Recommendations

[Hoggie]

I'm looking for a new mask since I had 2 concussions last year 1 with a Hockey Style Mask and also a regular mask.
What mask would some of you recommend?

Also, I'm going to get the New Balance Base Shoes but not sure if I should get the Low Cut or Mid Cut Base Shoe along with all black or black
and white?

Thanks for your replies and I hope that you have a great day and great season,

Michael

[JSam21]

You're going to get the Force 3 mask recommendations.

 

I got the mids in black and white. Find out what the uniform requirements are as some states don't allow white 

[kylehutson]

You're probably going to get a lot of conflicting information here, but I'll throw my 2 cents worth in (at least for the mask).

1) I think the best mask out there right now is the Force3 v2 traditional mask - it has springs that separate the front of the mask from the back, which should at least theoretically spread the impact over a longer period of time, which lessens the impulse your head receives from the ball. I just bought one last fall from somebody on this site, and I have yet to use it in a high school game, but the engineer in me is quite impressed with it.

2) It sounds like you may be wearing your masks too tight (unless you were hit on the top of the head). If you're wearing your mask so that the pads are compressed before you get hit, it's that much less they will be able to absorb when a ball hits the mask.

[kylejt]

I like the Honig's traditional mask, that comes pre-loaded with Team Wendy pads. Great value.

As for shoes, nobody can tell you what will fit your feet, which is so critical. I like my Reebok mesh  x country shoes, with memory foam.

 

[Hoggie]

Thanks so much for your reply on my question! KyleHutson, My mask wasn't tight I just caught the baseballs right in the middle of the mask! JSam here in Indiana it doesn't matter on the Color.

[JSam21]

33 minutes ago, Hoggie said:

Thanks so much for your reply on my question! KyleHutson, My mask wasn't tight I just caught the baseballs right in the middle of the mask! JSam here in Indiana it doesn't matter on the Color.

Then I would go black and white. I think, when taken care of properly, they look the best. You just have to clean them after every game

[umpstu]

2 hours ago, Hoggie said:

I'm looking for a new mask since I had 2 concussions last year 1 with a Hockey Style Mask and also a regular mask.
What mask would some of you recommend?

Also, I'm going to get the New Balance Base Shoes but not sure if I should get the Low Cut or Mid Cut Base Shoe along with all black or black
and white?

Thanks for your replies and I hope that you have a great day and great season,

Michael

If you've been wearing mid cut shoes you might stick with them.  I switched from high tops to low tops with the plate shoes and it's taking some getting used to.

As for mask protection you can't get any better than the Force 3 IMO.  The second version feels lighter than the first one and they moved the springs around so you don't have the one on top ramming into you forehead when you take a shot.

[umpstu]

2 hours ago, JSam21 said:

You're going to get the Force 3 mask recommendations.

 

I got the mids in black and white. Find out what the uniform requirements are as some states don't allow white 

And it really sucks that they won't let you wear the black and white shoes.  I think they'd be having an issue with me.

[Hoggie]

Umpstu are you talking about me or about JSam? I do agree with you!

[umpstu]

1 hour ago, Hoggie said:

Umpstu are you talking about me or about JSam? I do agree with you!

Jsam's comment about states uniform requirements.  It's the same with having to still wear a Navy blue shirt.  I just don't get why some people can't move forward.  Nothing wrong with a navy blue shirt or black shoes, but just because some people don't like the white on shoes doesn't mean they aren't sharp looking shoes.  Just watch pro umpires.  Those are sharp looking shoes.  It's like eating plain burgers every day. Good for you, but be crazy and add cheese once in awhile. 

[Hoggie]

Umpstu, I totally agree with you!

[kstrunk]

12 hours ago, kylehutson said:

It sounds like you may be wearing your masks too tight (unless you were hit on the top of the head). If you're wearing your mask so that the pads are compressed before you get hit, it's that much less they will be able to absorb when a ball hits the mask.

Well said Kyle. If you take a solid shot and your mask doesn't at least spin/move significantly, it's probably too tight and your brain is taking more of the shock than it needs to. In this case, the Force 3 will only help minimally, and concussions may still result. #kinematics of trauma. 

[KenBAZ]

Regards the shoes I prefer low cuts because they are lighter and my shins/shoe combination provides all of the protection I need. Despite spraying down and cleaning my shoes sometimes multiple times a day I have to polish them often and the all black is just easier to polish and ends up looking better. I have multiple HSM with and without shock absorbing systems. How your helmet fits is a big factor. Also, I've gotten so use to HSMs so the weight issue is not a problem.

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[kylehutson]

6 hours ago, kstrunk said:

Well said Kyle. If you take a solid shot and your mask doesn't at least spin/move significantly, it's probably too tight and your brain is taking more of the shock than it needs to. In this case, the Force 3 will only help minimally, and concussions may still result. #kinematics of trauma. 

I would think that would be where the F3 would help the most. If you get a straight-on shot (such that the ball bounces back approximately in the same direction it came from, your face is absorbing all of the momentum, regardless what you're wearing. That's when it's important to slow the ball down over as long a period as possible. That means thick pads that are neither too hard (extreme example: a brick, which would instantly transfer all that momentum to your face), nor too soft (extreme example: nerf, which would compress without slowing the ball down much, and then when completely compressed, transfer all that momentum to your face). In the case of F3, you have not only the pads, but the springs, which should absorb that momentum over as long a period of time as possible.

[Hoggie]

Kyle, 

Thanks so much!

Michael

[Hoggie]

31 minutes ago, KenBAZ said:

Regards the shoes I prefer low cuts because they are lighter and my shins/shoe combination provides all of the protection I need. Despite spraying down and cleaning my shoes sometimes multiple times a day I have to polish them often and the all black is just easier to polish and ends up looking better. I have multiple HSM with and without shock absorbing systems. How your helmet fits is a big factor. Also, I've gotten so use to HSMs so the weight issue is not a problem.

Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
 

 

Ken,

Thanks so much for your reply to me!

That said what kind of HSM do you use?

Michael

[KenBAZ]

Wilson Shock FXs, one with a steel cage and one with a titanium cage. I also am using the Force3 HSH with its shock absorbers. Previous, I used an All Star helmet.

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[RJBlue]

Is it true that Team Wendy pads won't fit a Force 3?


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[JimKirk]

28 minutes ago, RJBlue said:

Is it true that Team Wendy pads won't fit a Force 3?


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Yes. Force3 has specific replacement pads for the unique configuration of the Defender mask as Team Wendy will not fit that (and nor will the Defender pads in others).

The V1s:

http://www.force3progear.com/product/defender-mask-replacement-pads/

The V2s:

https://www.ump-attire.com/catalog.html?page=1&perpage=24&cat=0&orderby=relevance desc&brand=&search=Defender pads

[RJBlue]

Yes. Force3 has specific replacement pads for the unique configuration of the Defender mask as Team Wendy will not fit that (and nor will the Defender pads in others).
The V1s:
http://www.force3progear.com/product/defender-mask-replacement-pads/
The V2s:
https://www.ump-attire.com/catalog.html?page=1&perpage=24&cat=0&orderby=relevance desc&brand=&search=Defender pads

Thanks Jim.


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[Hoggie]

2 hours ago, JimKirk said:

Yes. Force3 has specific replacement pads for the unique configuration of the Defender mask as Team Wendy will not fit that (and nor will the Defender pads in others).

The V1s:

http://www.force3progear.com/product/defender-mask-replacement-pads/

The V2s:

https://www.ump-attire.com/catalog.html?page=1&perpage=24&cat=0&orderby=relevance desc&brand=&search=Defender pads

 

Thanks for the advice Jim! I do have to ask though Jim will the Force 3 Visor fit all mask or just Force 3?

Michael

[MadMax]

@Hoggie, what masks were you using when you were concussed? Frame & Pads (TM) and Model (HSM), please... need to know what you had so we can identify some components and go from there.

What @kylejt preaches is fit, and for him, the Honig's K-4 is the most accommodating of fit. It has a quite voluminous half-sphere "bowl" profile (most other premier masks are low profile, or flat), big protective ear guards, an effective extended crown guard, and a chisel-point chin guard so as to attach nearly any throat guard. And when it can be outfitted with any of a variety of quality-assured mask pads, "custom" – instead of having to purchase default crap ones (Diamond! Champro! Get it together guys!) – you're on the right sort of path. I have one, I like it. But I also have other models, such as from Nike and All-Star and +POS, and I've had Eastons, and Diamonds, and... 

It's all about the pads.

As soon as you start using the C-word, the only mask really actively addressing it is the Force3. All-Star, with its committment to catchers (first) had to progress down the geometric path, designing a mask that relies upon its shape to deflect and minimize impact delivery. Their masks cannot afford to have any moving parts, otherwise its a design and warranty concern every time a catcher somewhere tosses a mask onto the ground. Because Force3 is an umpire's company first, its mask can infuse mechanical devices to absorb and suppress that impact force. Yes, it may take use by Major League catchers for the design to gain traction, but MLB catchers can afford to use one because they're getting a new unit whenever necessary. A High School -age catcher can't afford this expenditure.

Point is, what's The Big Yellow W doing for us?

As far as shoes, my professional (both as an umpire and as a retail sports sales dude) opinion holds that, within reason, you get the gear that suits and fits you best, and is most enabling of your success. If it's a Nike Air Max, or a New Balance 9500 (guess), or a Brooks Banger (made up), it really should not matter. One of the most effective and humane measures the US Military undertook in the past 15 years was the abolishment of the contracted model of uniform footwear – meaning that soldiers were given latitude to purchase and wear footwear of any brand or style provided it fit within guidelines and parameters. So, just because the New Balance MU950 has the Official MLB logo on it doesn't mean it's a better shoe than anything else.

With that said, a healthy number of guys here in Arizona swear by Nike Air Max shoes simply because they want the cushiest shoes possible when we're out standing in a dusty, sun-baked field that has the consistency of concrete for 4-8 hours. Synthetic-fabric uppers that breathe are an imperative. My own MU950's look and clean up beautifully, but I am remiss about wearing them for long, multiple-game stretches if I don't need to. I've only been using them on "big time", singular games where I'm around professionals. Lastly, I keep a set of Nike Flex Show shoes in my bag for just the occasion where we've got a muddy, crappy or windswept field in a game that, you know, 14-year olds or their coaches really aren't going to notice or care what shoe you're wearing.

[Hoggie]

MadMax,

Thanks for your reply! As for the mask, the one in the HSM was the All-Star Helmet and for the other one it was a Rawlings Mask!

Also, I appreciate the info with the shoes. May we chat since I'm looking for both Plate and Base shoes? 

I know what Plate shoes I want to use and that is the new New Balance Plate Shoes.

Take care and have a great weekend,

Michael Hogg

 

[kylehutson]

10 hours ago, Hoggie said:

Thanks for the advice Jim! I do have to ask though Jim will the Force 3 Visor fit all mask or just Force 3?

Michael

Force 3 stuff only fits Force 3, from everything I've heard.

[Hoggie]

So the Visor won't work with the mask I have know?