Why is this umpire smiling?

[BrianC14]

[BrianC14]

I'm finally in the modern era.  TW pads now being installed. 

[catsbackr]

I'm not sure what you mean, but, hey Great!

 

If you leave the pads alone, you can collect some good concussions.

[BrianC14]

Thanks again to @MadMax for the very helpful background information on the Diamond mask !

 

TW pads are in;  these feel fairly stiff compared with the stock pads;  do the TW pads tend to soften up a bit after some use?  Can any of you TW aficionados chime in?

 

[BrianC14]

1 minute ago, catsbackr said:

I'm not sure what you mean, but, hey Great!

 

If you leave the pads alone, you can collect some good concussions.

They (stock pads) did seem pretty squishy.   Then I compared them to my steel Wilson mask (also the original, stock pads after 10+ years) and those things were.... omg scary soft.   

By "modern era" I meant that I'm finally giving in to the more modern technology.  

 

[MadMax]

@BrianC14, Team Wendy pads are going to be noticeably more dense and resistant to crushing than common foam pads. They're using a patented memory foam formula called Zorbium as the core of the pads, and that density presents two challenges, both overcome by cleanliness and time.

You need to keep them clean (as much as possible). Launder them or rinse them whenever necessary. Sweat is comprised of salt, which tends to dry out upon and within the foam, stiffening it. Keeping them (reasonably) warm also helps, as when they're cold, the water vapor trapped within the foam tends to increase the weight, density and resistance to crush. I launder my mask pads after every span of 5-6 games.

We really should be changing out pads every 2-3 years (for amateur baseball). MLB advises every year, but realistically, with most of us as amateur or weekend warriors, 2-3 years is much more feasible. 10 years is far too long to have gone with those pads, especially stock standard ones.

[BT_Blue]

1 hour ago, BrianC14 said:

TW pads are in;  these feel fairly stiff compared with the stock pads;  do the TW pads tend to soften up a bit after some use?  Can any of you TW aficionados chime in?

 

Not really. They soften up as you warm it up or if you warm them before hand. I've actually come to like the Wilson Memory Foam pads. Feel like they are just as protective but much softer.

[GerryB]

I know TW doesn't work for everybody, but I had a grown-up wooden bat league game last night...very hard thrower with questionable catcher. Batter swings in an inside fastball, catcher doesn't, straight square to my Honig's/TW...impact, but no buzzing head or sore jaw. Right back at it, love those TWs.

[BrianC14]

42 minutes ago, GerryB said:

I know TW doesn't work for everybody, but I had a grown-up wooden bat league game last night...very hard thrower with questionable catcher. Batter swings in an inside fastball, catcher doesn't, straight square to my Honig's/TW...impact, but no buzzing head or sore jaw. Right back at it, love those TWs.

First game with the new gear tomorrow.   I read this and smile with confidence.   Thanks !

[Umpire43]

I use TW and wilson memory foam. The wilson pads are much softer but i think TW handles shots better.

[BrianC14]

1 hour ago, Mbaldwin43 said:

I use TW and wilson memory foam. The wilson pads are much softer but i think TW handles shots better.

Well that's what I am after.   Looking back on it, I am convinced that I had a mild concussion from a flush-on hit to the jaw early this spring season.   I definitely needed something that would absorb the impact better.   

[BT_Blue]

I can vouch for how good the Team Wendy pads are. The hit I took that made it the reason the why I had the extension went from a major concussion to a minor one because of my TW pads.

[Aging_Arbiter]

After seeing the topic..............I WAS SURE that the first response was going to be .......... "gas"

[catsbackr]

10 hours ago, Mbaldwin43 said:

I use TW and wilson memory foam. The wilson pads are much softer but i think TW handles shots better.

I find just the opposite to be true.

 

But, that's why they make both of them.

[BT_Blue]

4 hours ago, Aging_Arbiter said:

After seeing the topic..............I WAS SURE that the first response was going to be .......... "gas"

Now I'm really upset this wasn't the first response.

[BrianC14]

12 minutes ago, BT_Blue said:

Now I'm really upset this wasn't the first response.

I'd have been proud.   

[Stan W.]

19 hours ago, BrianC14 said:

TW pads are in;  these feel fairly stiff compared with the stock pads;  do the TW pads tend to soften up a bit after some use?  Can any of you TW aficionados chime in?

Mine never did....and I tried 2 pairs......one was better than my original set, but.....sold both pairs of TW to U-E Members ........went back to Honigs Leather pads.........

 

[BobUmp]

I like the feel of the TWs.. but not in the cooler weather when they are stiffer. They soften a bit in warm weather. You can massage them pregame also. I believe that is the idea with them, they dont give towards your face much, rather they disperse the force throughout the material. As a bonus, I think sight lines are great with them on the diamond AL frame

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

[BT_Blue]

1 hour ago, BrianC14 said:

I'd have been proud.   

That being said, YOU were the first one to respond to your own post.

[BrianC14]

12 minutes ago, BT_Blue said:

That being said, YOU were the first one to respond to your own post.

Yeah I know but I didn't want to brag.... but they do smell like roses.  

 

[Mr Ump]

On 5/25/2017 at 6:17 PM, GerryB said:

I know TW doesn't work for everybody, but I had a grown-up wooden bat league game last night...very hard thrower with questionable catcher. Batter swings in an inside fastball, catcher doesn't, straight square to my Honig's/TW...impact, but no buzzing head or sore jaw. Right back at it, love those TWs.

Me too. I just loosen them up in the first inning by simply mashing them with my fingers. As far as the protection I feel nothing when hit. TW's do their job which is all I really care about.

 

[BrianC14]

Unbelievable.   Double header yesterday, and at my request I worked both games on the stick.

Incredibly comfortable and of course, light.  I love this mask and the TW pads. 

Also wore the Reebok shoes that I purchased from @Thunderheads. Those shoes were even better than I could have hoped for.