New ump new equipment. What do I get, What do I get

[The1yankee]

1st. Yr ump doing HS Jv n under games. Some lil league also. So looking for the best price, by using sales, promo codes, free ship, u name it, in order to get some mid to almost high tier equipment.

Almost 6'2'' 

180 lbs

More tall slender build.

Not sure if size affects equipment, as I noticed west vest seem to fall about 1 rib short of covering rib cage. Is 12 inch the largest WV SIZE AVAIL?

Would I want to look into a CP that fits a guy with a tall slender build like myself?

CP I'm not sure. Im in the market to spend around $140. Had my eyes on a WV gold or platinum. Opinions. WV GOLD 12'' $132 at epic, I think

What do people prefer MORE, in the WV CP, THE GOLD OR PLATINUM?

And which is more low profile n looks better under your umpire uniforms

MASK- I have a Wilson aluminum dyna- lite, with memory foam pads, waiting in my cart for, $97  w/free ship and a 10% off code, online, at purchase officials

Leg Guards- Found a pair of 16"-17" WV GOLD leg guards $88, at    bball monkey.         Seemed like a great price for quality shin guards.

They had the platinum guards for $60 at bball monkey, but sold out before I could jump. Seems that would've been a Great price on those!

Shoes- found the NB, white N style, plate shoes on eBay for $120 NEW W/FREE SHIP,

Is this best price on NB plate shoes at the moment? Has anybody seen em cheaper anywhere?

Do NB PLATE Shoes run normal, BIG, SMALL? I already wear NB running shoes for my normal everyday athletic shoe, n am a size 10.5 E or normal. Love that NB focuses on width in ALL shoes they produce.

Soo...? Do I size up a half, or go, 10.5 like other NB shoes I've owned?

Also have NB  base shoes

N probably will spend the extra for the nutty buddy. Does the  NB cup, pretty much fit any compression short with a cup pocket?

 

Thank u so much for taking the time to reply and answer ?s in my thread, and also, very much helping a fellow ump!

I'd say 10/12 persons,  in my ump class, already bought equipment, but I'm trying to make sure what I get, is SOLID, or the best I can get for my $$.

When I finally make my purchase towards my plate equipment.

Have a good day

         Yankee

[wolfe_man]

1. I use a Gold for my CP.  This will come down to personal preference. I've used Douglas, Platinum, Champro, Champion, Schutt and the Gold.  I just feel safer in it than anything else I've tried.  It is a bit bulky though under a shirt.  The slimmer profile CP's are Douglas, Champion and Schutt.  Schutt breathes the best out of them all. 

2. Wilson aluminum is a good mask and that's a good deal.

3. On here the best and most recommended leg guards will be the Force 3.  The Gold and Platinum both get pretty good reviews as well - and they are cheaper than the F3.

4. NB plates shoes fit same size as normal shoes do.  I wear 11's in both with no trouble.  If they're the new style, $120 is about as cheap as I've seen them. 

5. NB cup is designed to "float". The jock or shorts it comes with is designed to simply hold it against you - but not keep it in a pocket.  In my experience, it doesn't do well in a cup pocket as that wasn't its intention when designed.  If you want to wear other shorts/tights, I'd recommend just slipping it right against your skin versus in the cup pocket.

You're doing the right thing and buying quality gear right up front. That'll save you money in the long run.

I always tell new guys to check eBay, FaceBook selling walls, local second-hand stores (Play It Again Sports for example) and CraigsList.  You may find another umpire who is retiring who will give you a better price. I know some guys want it all new - but it's only new until you wear it the first time.

Best of luck out there and stay safe!

 

[LRZ]

Take a look at the "buyers guide" articles on the ump-attire.com website. If your gear doesn't fit well and is not comfortable, you will fidget and tug all game long.

West Gold CPs come in several sizes. Again, look at the ump-attire website for more information.

I'm more concerned about protection and comfort than how my gear looks (which means, to others).

I am fortunate to have a nearby shop owned by a D3 umpire, where I can try things on. But you can't go wrong with buying your gear from ump-attire, whose Jim Kirk and Scott Kennedy both post frequently here, and where the service and return policy are as good as it gets. (Disclosure: I have absolutely no connection or financial interest in ump-attire--I just admire its business model and customer service.)

I agree that you should buy the best quality you can afford for the levels you intend to work, but whatever you will buy now, you will "upgrade" at some point. Sports officials are like kids in a toy store--we're always buying new stuff.

[AtlUmp]

As for the chest protector Wilson makes the Gold and Charcoal in a 13". For reference I am 6'2" with a tall torso, I find that 13" is too small for me. Personally I went with a 15" All-Star S7 but, Douglas and Champro also have larger sizes with more hard shell coverage while Force 3 and Schutt have the extensions on the abdomen.

 

[MadMax]

@The1yankee's post will be in blue:

1st. Yr ump doing HS Jv n under games. Some lil league also. So looking for the best price, by using sales, promo codes, free ship, u name it, in order to get some mid to almost high tier equipment.

We understand budgets, and that we umpires are not made of money, but as others advise, don't compromise on gear relative to the contextual level you are aspiring to work. First, identify your context – you're doing primarily HS (you say JV, but you'll improve) and under. Second, Ump-Attire is one of our best resources, but not the only place to purchase the best deal on equipment and officiating clothing. If you/we identify an ideal piece for you, and you can get it through a less expensive means, do so. Places like Ump-Attire set themselves apart from the rest not on their prices, but on their back-end support and service. Best example? I bought my vaunted Schutt XV CP (more on this below) on da cheap from another webstore that had it for less than Ump-Attire. Why? Because I'll never return it, no matter what happens to it, because I'm a mad-modder and will fix it (and likely improve it) myself. I accept that. Where did I buy my New Balance 460V3 low plate shoes? Ump-Attire, nowhere else considered. Why? Because if something is amiss with them, I know Ump-Attire will rectify it.

Almost 6'2'', 180 lbs. More tall slender build.

Ahhhh... I was 180 lbs... for awhile, a while back. Hang on to that tall slender build as long as you can, kid.

Not sure if size affects equipment, as I noticed west vest seem to fall about 1 rib short of covering rib cage. Is 12 inch the largest WV SIZE AVAIL? Would I want to look into a CP that fits a guy with a tall slender build like myself?

Size does affect equipment. The size you're seeing on the CP's is in regard to their height, how tall they are, from the hollow of your throat – where your clavicles meet – down. The billow – the cushion you see on the neck of the CP – is not included in that measurement, but should line up and rest just beneath your Adam's Apple. So many guys get this wrong! How, you may ask? Because they're trying so hard to cover all of their ribs and abdomen with WestVests, they are pulling (or allowing it to droop) the CP down. The WestVest wasn't designed for abdominal coverage in mind! It was designed for Joe West, who was "just fine" with the default height of the CP that Douglas and Wilson presented to him... based on their football pads!!!

Why do you need lower-rib / abdominal coverage in football?

Point is, the tallest you'll ever find a WestVest, which is designed to end at the last joined rib pair, is approximately 13". Most other companies producing CP's followed along, and offer their products in similar measurements. A few do accommodate longer torsos, and offer them in 14", 15" and greater (see below). 

CP I'm not sure. Im in the market to spend around $140. Had my eyes on a WV gold or platinum. Opinions. WV GOLD 12'' $132 at epic, I think

Why do you have your eyes on a WestVest Gold or Platinum? Yes, you're seeing it at $132 at Epic Sports, but that's absolute bargain basement pricing. Keep in mind, too, that that design hasn't changed, or been updated, for at least 10 if not 15 or so years. And Wilson still prices it on their own webstore for $200.

What do people prefer MORE, in the WV CP, THE GOLD OR PLATINUM?

Neither.

Fine fine, you didn't want to hear that. The two models have two different origins and "secondary" purposes. The Gold is descended from the original Douglas / Wilson WestVest (not done conjointly, by the way). That original WestVest more or less set the standard for design of hardshell, segmented CP's. Since Douglas and Wilson are both football companies as well, it inspired two other football companies – Riddell and All-American – to jump onboard and offer models that were extraordinarily similar. As to who made what first or who copied who is unclear (at least to me), but in the Patent Law Court, Wilson "won" with the design of the Gold. Of course, the primary purpose of a CP is to protect an umpire from upper chest and shoulder impacts. But the secondary purposes – mobility, sizing, and how the segments go together – are somewhat important, too. You'll notice that the Gold segments the shoulder arches separate from the chest plate, joined by PVC splines, yes? Well, there are gear nuts that claim that that joint is a potential weakness, and doesn't provide adequate protection for impacts at the collarbone.

So that's what the Platinum addresses. Whoever designed the Platinum used (again) the original WestVest as inspiration, but instead of segmenting the arch plates, extended them from chest plates up and over, arching to the back. These two chest plates are bridged by a sternum plate – just like an original WestVest. It's a novel psychological trick, and may provide more protection, but is likely is just a gimmick.

If it was a legitimate, groundbreaking improvement... why is the Gold still around? Hmmmm...

Anyway, from a gear-nut / gear-tinkerer's standpoint, both the Gold and Platinum have their advantages. The carapaces are rather solid, and the padding jackets are removable, secured via velcro tabs. The Platinum, in particular, because of how its constructed / assembled, can have its width adjusted. Yes, you read that right... because those two main chest-arch plates are joined with the sternum plate via rivets, those rivets can be destroyed, the plates can be moved in or out in width, and then simply redrilled and secured with new rivets or Chicago Screws.

The primary disadvantages of the Gold and Platinum, however, are sheer bulk and lack of ventilation. Because of the crude means of producing the ABS carapace plates, they're far heavier than they need to be and lack any kind of ventilation holes. Then, because Wilson uses sofa cushion foam in their padding jackets (and refuse to change!), they are far thicker than they need to be, hold heat and moisture, and you look hulkier than you truly are and sap your endurance.

And which is more low profile n looks better under your umpire uniforms?

Best look for a trim guy like yourself? Champion P2xx, without question. It's no great mystery as to why the P2xx is being snatched up by every MiLB umpire who can find one. While they were brainwashed conditioned on the WestVest at umpire school as being the "only real CP you need", once they started to see the light read and examine the market (and check their wallets), these up-and-coming umpires realized that the Champion P2xx is one-third the cost, lighter, just as protective, "cleaner" (because it uses modern foam laminates, and transports heat and moisture instead of holding it), and... most importantly (to them)... is slimmer and trimmer than the WestVests, so you look slim, trim, athletic, and only need 1 shirt size instead of 2.

The Champion P2xx and the Schutt XV (especially the new variant as the XV-HDX) are, pretty much, neck-and-neck in terms of best value for your dollar. They both are segmented-plate hardshell CP's. They both use advanced laminate foam pad jackets. The P2xx is narrower / slimmer, but offered in 3 torso lengths (P200 = 17", P210 = 15", P220 = 13"). Contrastingly, the Schutt XV is wider, and only available in a 13", but it is tremendously well ventilated with those massive 10mm holes, and it comes with an optional 4" abdomen extension included.

Now, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the other CP's out there that either look really really snazzy under a shirt, or are very reliable and modern in their performance – the current Douglas CP, the All-Star System 7, and the Force3 UnEqual. I can (or someone else can) explain any of those three if you have an interest in them.

I say this kindly – take the WestVest blinders off. If you have a WestVest, or get one passed or sold to you on the cheap, then "mazeltov!" and good health to you (you'll want to thoroughly clean it first; ever sit on an old sofa with complete confidence?). It will work just fine. But, if you really are asking and researching purchasing options, there are whole host of alternatives out there that are much better values and solutions.

MASK- I have a Wilson aluminum dyna- lite, with memory foam pads, waiting in my cart for, $97  w/free ship and a 10% off code, online, at purchase officials

Sure. It's a very good mask frame. You're not going to get any argument from anyone here. The mask itself isn't the variable in the equation – it's the pads. They're doing most of the work of protecting you.

Leg Guards- Found a pair of 16"-17" WV GOLD leg guards $88, at bball monkey. Seemed like a great price for quality shin guards. They had the platinum guards for $60 at bball monkey, but sold out before I could jump. Seems that would've been a Great price on those!

With you raving (justifiably) about the New Balance plate shoes (below), I'll caution you – both the Gold and Platinum shin guards from Wilson were designed many years ago, and haven't been adapting to the new styles of plate shoes. Not only are they, like their CP parents, clad in sofa cushion foam, but they are rather flat and contour-less. They also have big flappy toe guards and hard ankle plates, since they were made to be used with rather low, suspect plate shoes that resembled something more like a business shoe than an actual athletic shoe, much less a steel-toed work boot (as some of the New Balance MU460's, Reebok Magistrates, and 3N2 mid-cuts come off behaving like).

The trend now, with Plate Shoes becoming more athletic (thanks Reebok) and protective, is to encase the ankle in fortified vinyl wings and eschew (leave off) the toe guards and caps. The bottom also terminates higher so as to allow you to bend your ankle and foot easier, and allow the mid-cut plate shoes to fit properly. Such examples of these new shinguards are the Force3 Ultimates, the All-Star System 7's, and the Douglas's. Even the Champro, Schutt, and Diamond models are decent. And, aside from the Douglas, each is using the new modern foam laminates to cut down on bulk, weight, and be barely noticeable under plate (or combo, for that matter) pants.

Shoes- found the NB, white N style, plate shoes on eBay for $120 NEW W/FREE SHIP,

Is this best price on NB plate shoes at the moment? Has anybody seen em cheaper anywhere? Do NB PLATE Shoes run normal, BIG, SMALL? I already wear NB running shoes for my normal everyday athletic shoe, n am a size 10.5 E or normal. Love that NB focuses on width in ALL shoes they produce. Soo...? Do I size up a half, or go, 10.5 like other NB shoes I've owned? Also have NB  base shoes...

As you identified, one of the great advantages of New Balance is their focus on not only length but a variety of widths. These length-width combination templates are known in the shoe industry as lasts, and New Balance has one of the most diverse arsenals of lasts in the entire industry. I'm a Nike guy, and have worn a size 11 in Nike and for the most part, a size 11 Nike fits me exactly the same from shoe to sandal to boot to shoe. I wear a 11 in New Balance as well, and the D (Medium) width is as expected, but in the New Balance 460V3, it has a bit more "wiggle room" in the toe box. It's a very welcome feature, as my toes don't feel smushed or cramped as I would think with a metal(?) toe cap. The foot arches do line up as expected, Nike to New Balance (which they don't in Adidas / Reebok). 

I probably will spend the extra for the nutty buddy. Does the  NB cup, pretty much fit any compression short with a cup pocket?

I don't wear all the extras. I wear Nike Pro Combat (compression) sliders, with the cup pocket, and just put the Nutty Buddy or Shock Doctor in there, and it stays. I had an original Nutty Buddy and liked(?... is that the right word for something protecting your junk?) it. I tried it in UnderArmour -brand sliders, and it didn't fit at all. So, back to Nike I went, and I have tried it in McDavid (it works) and Easton (not well) sliders in the meantime. As I said, I had a Nutty Buddy until I took a 10-pin strike to the wahoos that left a lovely purple ring around the plums. That hurt for awhile, and it just so happened that the founder of Nutty Buddy is an amateur / Academy baseball coach in our baseball landscape of Phoenix. I talked with him about it one afternoon, and he remarked that Nutty Buddy has a Flex -version coming out, with a contoured, softer edge. I was intrigued, steering the conversation towards him bringing one the next week to the game and I would try it out. That next week, he said I could "buy one" in about a week.

That night, I checked out Shock Doctor, noticed their new Flex model, and purchased it.

Whichever you get, get a Flex -version.

Thank u so much for taking the time to reply and answer ?s in my thread, and also, very much helping a fellow ump!

I'd say 10/12 persons,  in my ump class, already bought equipment, but I'm trying to make sure what I get, is SOLID, or the best I can get for my $$, when I finally make my purchase towards my plate equipment.

Have a good day

         Yankee

... and you, sir, have a better tomorrow.

[The1yankee]

Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank you for all feedback and please keep the opinions coming. I'd like to hear EVERYBODIES opinion,

in regards to this thread topic.

The info that Im receiving, at this forum, is PRICELESS,  Way better feedback, than I could get anywhere else, PERIOD!!

[The1yankee]

I know one guy had mentioned low profile fit of CP, that definitely makes you and your equipment as one.

Compared to CP looking very bulky, but I guess that's tradeoff and your decision

U want that lower profile, n maybe less protection, or a bulkier CP n more protection.

One guy at umpire class, last nite, I had to compliment him how good n put together he looked in his plate shirt uniform over the top of his CP. Think it was the champro, obviously a good low profile, think it was the DRI fit moisture wicking plated CP.

[The1yankee]

Thanks mad max!!!!

[The1yankee]

And yes totally agree, I'm definitely a name brand guy, and I think Wilson has hypnotized me into buying or trying to buy, their equipment.

Thanks for barging into my hypnotist session and breaking me from my hypnotic WV infatuation!! Lol.

 And from people, Max, Wolf, Lrz, that know what direction to point me, other than the salesman who is short on time, or doesn't understand my whole situation. Thanks to forums, as you seem to learn WAY MORE off a topic targeted forum than any other form of reasearch

 

 

 

[BT_Blue]

@Scott K, @UADirOps, and @JimKirk can you guys help this young man?

[umpstu]

On 3/2/2018 at 2:28 PM, The1yankee said:

I know one guy had mentioned low profile fit of CP, that definitely makes you and your equipment as one.

Compared to CP looking very bulky, but I guess that's tradeoff and your decision

U want that lower profile, n maybe less protection, or a bulkier CP n more protection.

One guy at umpire class, last nite, I had to compliment him how good n put together he looked in his plate shirt uniform over the top of his CP. Think it was the champro, obviously a good low profile, think it was the DRI fit moisture wicking plated CP.

A Delta flex harness helps with chest protector.  That is if you have it nice and tight against the body.  If you have it loose it will continue to look bulky.  Razzer, from what I've read, makes a very nice custom made harness.

[The1yankee]

OK guys, I think Im gonna go with the schutt xv hdx. 

What do you guys think of the new harness schutt is using, shown on MADMAX thread about this CP

JUST SEEM FOR PRICE AND QUALITY TOGETHER, IT SEEMS TO BE A GOOD CP FOR ME AT $58 with 15% off at hibbetts sports, free ship.

I can only work JV and under, seems a majority of my $ will be made thru lil league, reg sea n tourney GMs

Maybe if I did HS Varsity I'd look at a Douglas,  or system 7.

But it seems this CP would be GREAT in hot weather, with all the air flow holes

Opinions,???

for a guy ,not, having unlimited funds to spend

But want quality for the $$.

Can I stay with the factory harness on this CP, with protector sitting in correct position n not sliding on me

Translation: is this a good harness on the hdx??

I like the look of the schutt, looks more like a vest type CP, than football SP

 

 

 

[umpstu]

1 hour ago, The1yankee said:

OK guys, I think Im gonna go with the schutt xv hdx. 

What do you guys think of the new harness schutt is using, shown on MADMAX thread about this CP

JUST SEEM FOR PRICE AND QUALITY TOGETHER, IT SEEMS TO BE A GOOD CP FOR ME AT $58 with 15% off at hibbetts sports, free ship.

I can only work JV and under, seems a majority of my $ will be made thru lil league, reg sea n tourney GMs

Maybe if I did HS Varsity I'd look at a Douglas,  or system 7.

But it seems this CP would be GREAT in hot weather, with all the air flow holes

Opinions,???

for a guy ,not, having unlimited funds to spend

But want quality for the $$.

Can I stay with the factory harness on this CP, with protector sitting in correct position n not sliding on me

Translation: is this a good harness on the hdx??

I like the look of the schutt, looks more like a vest type CP, than football SP

 

 

 

Saw pictures of the chest protector on Umpattire.com and like the looks of both the protector and the harness.  The harness looks really good. I would recommend you try it on and tighten it up, then try a plate stance a few times and see how it works for you.

[sd181612]

1 hour ago, The1yankee said:

OK guys, I think Im gonna go with the schutt xv hdx. 

What do you guys think of the new harness schutt is using, shown on MADMAX thread about this CP

JUST SEEM FOR PRICE AND QUALITY TOGETHER, IT SEEMS TO BE A GOOD CP FOR ME AT $58 with 15% off at hibbetts sports, free ship.

I can only work JV and under, seems a majority of my $ will be made thru lil league, reg sea n tourney GMs

Maybe if I did HS Varsity I'd look at a Douglas,  or system 7.

But it seems this CP would be GREAT in hot weather, with all the air flow holes

Opinions,???

for a guy ,not, having unlimited funds to spend

But want quality for the $$.

Can I stay with the factory harness on this CP, with protector sitting in correct position n not sliding on me

Translation: is this a good harness on the hdx??

I like the look of the schutt, looks more like a vest type CP, than football SP

 

 

 

Have you seen the new version that just came out? Here it is just in case: 

 

And in my honest opinion, being new to the CP game as well but always looking at trends and reviews, I would get something that is comfortable, durable, useful, and SOMETHING THAT “calls” you (no pun intended). If you like the WV, go for it.Yes, it might set you back a few bucks, but if it’s truly what you like and is safe for you, go for it! Although the CP may not be visible, it’s good to have something under there that’s “unique” to you and your style. Hope it helps and best of luck.

 

[gnhbua93]

8 hours ago, The1yankee said:

OK guys, I think Im gonna go with the schutt xv hdx. 

What do you guys think of the new harness schutt is using, shown on MADMAX thread about this CP

JUST SEEM FOR PRICE AND QUALITY TOGETHER, IT SEEMS TO BE A GOOD CP FOR ME AT $58 with 15% off at hibbetts sports, free ship.

I can only work JV and under, seems a majority of my $ will be made thru lil league, reg sea n tourney GMs

Maybe if I did HS Varsity I'd look at a Douglas,  or system 7.

But it seems this CP would be GREAT in hot weather, with all the air flow holes

Opinions,???

for a guy ,not, having unlimited funds to spend

But want quality for the $$.

Can I stay with the factory harness on this CP, with protector sitting in correct position n not sliding on me

Translation: is this a good harness on the hdx??

I like the look of the schutt, looks more like a vest type CP, than football SP

 

 

 

Did you add this to your purchase with the 15%off?

https://www.hibbett.com/schutt-xv-hdx-umpire-chest-protector-bicep-replacement-pads/5103D.html?dwvar_5103D_color=0001&cgid=#q=umpire&lang=default&start=24

[The1yankee]

1 hour ago, gnhbua93 said:

Did you add this to your purchase with the 15%off?

https://www.hibbett.com/schutt-xv-hdx-umpire-chest-protector-bicep-replacement-pads/5103D.html?dwvar_5103D_color=0001&cgid=#q=umpire&lang=default&start=24

Yessir, all day! If google can find it, n google can find the coupon code, I'm on it for best price I can get, as long as I feel the person and/or website is reputable