Looking for a someone who can tell me the diffefence b/t the K1, Champion & Pro Nine

[Wally]

I'm in the market for a new CP. I've been eyeing the Honig's K1 for a long time. I also see ones by Champion and Pro Nine which are far less expensive and look similar to the K1. I have never seen in person either the K1 or the Pro Nine. I recently had the chance to take a close look at the Champion and was impressed with its lightness, but thought is was a bit bulkier than I wanted.

They all advertise that the foam is over the hard plastic, opposite to the Platinum & Gold, but are they all that bulky?

[Bigdog]

Hey all,

Wally, I own and use to use the Pro-Nine cp. It looks like the same as the Champion, just with a different brand on it. The Honig's K1 looks like it is a bit more sturdy/protective/rugged through the body area, but close throughout the shoulder and clavicle areas.

What level do you umpire at? What level are you trying to get to? This would be helpful to know before I would recommend one of these or not.

Bigdog:cool:

[Wally]

Big Dog,

I primarily do HS and I hope to break into college (D-III or JUCO) well before the life of my next CP ends.

I currently use an older +POS traditional ribbed protector which I honestly think does a good job, but it is starting to fall apart due to age. Yes, it hurts more when I get hit with it than the guys with the platinum or othe hard shells, but even the worse of the foul balls I'm able to keep going with out delay. But I've never fealt that I was not or under protected, even in summer league games with college kids.

[Bigdog]

Hey all,

Wally, I know there have been some people that have used the Pro-Nine into college level ball with no problems. I can't be one of the people that recommend that cp, or the Champion for that level.

I would suggest/urge you to stick with a more "traditional" design of hard shell protector. The most important thing is protection, and I know that the higher level the game is played, the less you get hit since the catchers are better, but the pitchers also throw harder and when you get hit, you will NEED that protection more.

I do predominantly, for now, LL and BR, maybe next year moving into HS, but I will not use anything except my hard shell.

Bigdog:cool:

[mepperson]

Bigdog -

While you're right that one gets hit less at the levels - when we do get hit at these levels, though, the shot is tougher than at the lower levels. We've all seen the guys in The Show who have had to back away for a moment after taking a shot...

I agree that, at the levels Wally's doing and aspiring to, the pitchers don't throw as hard, lessing the shot that one would take. I think Wally's looking for what I would look for - what is going to provide the best protection for the best value...

You've made some great points regarding two of his choices. Personally, I use a traditional, ribbed, "foam rubber" inside cp and have had no problem with it. I do adult ball, and have taken shots from some who have pitched in MLB, and had no problem.

Probably, Wally, my recommendation would be - think about the hardest shot that you've ever taken, triple it, and get the least-expensive cp that would keep that shot from breaking a rib or two. Unless, of course, you're looking for something to "write off" on taxes - then, go for the most expensive you can afford!!!

[Bigdog]

Hey all,

My first cp that I purchased was one from Itech. I figured if the company makes things that can stop a hockey puck, a baseball should be no problem. After that mistake, I purchased my Pro-Nine, and enjoyed it until I got hit in the side pads and in the break points.

Then I started to work in an adult mens league and went with a hard shell. I put the Pro-Nine in the bag and haven't used it since. Count it as the cost of two cp's that I didn't need to buy.

My advice is to get the most protection you can afford the first time, or the second time if you already own one that you are looking to replace. Saves money and bruises in the long run.

My current cp is a V-Sport UPRO-17 hard shell. I picked it up at @ $80 before shipping. I could have went with the WVP or WVG, but neither one would fit my body without leaving ribs exposed. For reference, I'm 6'4" and 280lbs. The 17" cp I have offers me the best protection for the size I am, without leaving parts of me exposed.

I know guys who have and love their WV products, but they are all smaller than I am.

IMHO, the Pro-Nine should go past the LL majors level.

Bigdog:cool:

[strike3scott]

I have worked HS baseball for quite a few years. I wear the Pro9 and have found it to be adequate for any game I have done. I have taken some shots and have had no injuries at all. Over the years I have worn several different CPs and this is the lightest and most comfortable to date. However I will say that a WV would at least in my mind feel more comfortable in some games. Having said that though I have worked college showcases and been hit with 80-90mph pitches fouled off and only felt impact - no pain!

I know a guy who wears a K1 and ( I know Dick Honig is going to take me off the mailing list for this) I can't see any real difference. Just cosmetics.

There are other manufacturers that make hard shells. I have seen a Champion CP from BTL officials gear that looks interesting. I had a chance to get one on ebay some time ago for less than $50. My loss it appears.

The point I am trying to make is know your talent level and what you can reasonably "expect" at that level you're working. If money is no option by all means get the WV and show it off! But if you are like the rest of us, don't buy something because a guy who makes alot of money to call balls and strikes ( also has his name on the product) says it's the best.

[semperfiguy]

Hey guys- I have been doing HS, BR,Legion and some mens league. But you really cant afford to scrimp on protection. Yes it costs more initially but you said you look to move up. I currently wear a plus-pos bb2000 hard shell protection. Great cp, however I am looking at getting a west vest platinum. Again protection is paramount, and like they say you get what you pay for. just my input. Balls and strikes baby!!!!:D

[littleleagueump]

I'm in the market for a new CP. I've been eyeing the Honig's K1 for a long time. I also see ones by Champion and Pro Nine which are far less expensive and look similar to the K1. I have never seen in person either the K1 or the Pro Nine. I recently had the chance to take a close look at the Champion and was impressed with its lightness, but thought is was a bit bulkier than I wanted.

They all advertise that the foam is over the hard plastic, opposite to the Platinum & Gold, but are they all that bulky?

Try looking at cat-sports.net. They have great combo packages. I have purchased two packages in the last five years, all being the West Vest brand.

[celt62]

I have the Champro Pro Plus CP13 2008 model from theofficialcall.com which features quadruple density foam (I can't tell) for $65. I'm 6'1 290 and it provides great shoulder coverage. Unbelievably lightweight and comfortable. On his Ebay page he swears D1 guys use it. They also offer the extensions and bicep protectors. But here's the thing... I'll use it for L.L., Babe Ruth and low level J.V. games but if I'm doing Varsity, Legion, or adult/college leagues I'll use my WV platinum. Confidence is everything and if your gun shy because of an upper level fast ball opt for the better protection. It's a lot of money up front but what's the price for safety? Hope this helps.

[okump96]

i wore the k1 for hs, usssa, and juco until it broke down. 3+ years of starting in feb and ending in oct took its toll on the inner padding, 2 straight juco foul balls to the heart took its toll on the "shell". now i have the wvp and couldn't be happier about the protection. as others have said look at the levels you work or aspire to work and get what you can afford that will also have the protection you need.

[bamatazz]

When I first started doing HS ball, I used the WV original. I now use the West Vest Platninim. I LOVE IT!!!! If you plan on doing HS or higher, I suggest you get a WV or something similar to that. The prtection is great, and most of the pros use the WV or something similar to it.

[CiscoKid]

My two cents,

I've seen the Pro9 and I've seen the K1 from Honigs. Here's the difference I've seen. The Pro9 has plastic plates inside of the foam which takes a pretty decent shot with out harm. The Honigs has the plates in front of the foam which deaden the blow a lot more which gives you more protection. The major difference is the price. You pay more for the plates to be in front of the foam. Another comparable CP to the Honigs with plates in front of foam is the All-Star Pro Level CP. It's more than the Pro9 but cheaper that the K1. I'm in the process of choosing a new CP my self and have the K1, All-Star & Pro9 in my sights. I have been doing Travel ball all the way up to 18U and had been wearing the Wilson Gary Davis CP but have felt the shots in the upper divisions (16U & up) more lately. All three choices have the thick foam padding, just the plastic plate placements are different. The All-Star seems to conform to my well rounded body more.

[mstaylor]

The family of West vest products are the best protection in the game. The K1 and Pro 9

are OK for lower levels but when working 16 and above, I wouldn't use anything except a WV.

[Stan W.]

I have the K1 and WV platinum...I wear the K1 for everything subvarsity, (read JV and youth ball) and my Platinum for everything above.....

I have guys in my association who have and use the K1 and the Pro nine and Champion versions....From first hand appearance I would rate the Pro Nine superior to the Champion in workmanship and quality of materials...I would not reccomend the Champion for anyone who does anything above LL...

The K1 is light and gives good protection yet, I have felt some shots that I would never have in my plat....

I understand that Honigs is asking a pretty penny for the K1 nowadays.....if you are going to spend that amount of $$ on a CP....and you may have some aspirations to higher level baseball....I'd recommend the WV...

[ump81]

Wally, I work all levels of college, mens league and the college summer leagues, as well as HS and Rec, I have always used one protector the Wilson west vest knockoff, its the same as the first west vest edition but just doesnt have Joe West's name on it! You can get them for just under $100 today I believe from Gerry Davis sports. I have had mine for over 10 years, paid $80 back then. Taken all sorts of shots over the years felt a few but never injured or winded badly. Don't skimp on protection, and buy one protector get comfortable and wear it all the time every game, every level. I think switching up and using one for rec one for college etc. just lets us be a bit less comfortable for some games possibly allowing us to change our set up, zone or movements. Not to endorse any one product but I am sure some of the other protectors mentioned here are less protective and great for kids games, if you aspire to get to the top, use the gear the guys at the top use. Never get that late cell phone call for a rescheduled men's league or college game and have to go out there in your Little League protector and hope not to get hit. When that call comes its quick and be readly for the next level! Early in my college career I got the call for a Div I series, I made the mistake of asking the assignor why he called me for this big promotion he answered " beacause all the good umps are already working". I think he was joking! take care.

[mstaylor]

ump81

That's the protector that I wear. I have tried the platinum but wasn't impressed enough to shell the extra money. Mine came from catsports.com and is still about the same as I paid 10/12 years ago.

[JimKirk]

I continue to be impressed with how knowledgeable you guys are on umpire equipment, especially CPs.

In the recent past, the main differences between the Pro Nine and Champion were mainly size options and color (Pro Nine typically with black 12", 14" and 16' while Champion typically with blue 14" and 17"). I think Stan mentioned some quality differences between those 2. I believe there could be some truth there and one reason we've decided to stick with Pro Nine despite the fact that Champion's less expensive to us.

However, this fall, Pro Nine made improvements in attempts to help its CP stand out more in quality and features from the Champion. The improvements are mostly in protection although there are some cosmetics (an updated black and silver appearance) and slightly better breathability.

One of the criticisms of the Pro Nine (and of the Champion) was that the pads on the outer left and right regions of the main protective area of the chest and upper abdomen were foam only, thus not providing the same hard plastic inserts and level of protection as seen in the main region. With the improved Pro Nine, there are now hard plastic plates sewn directly onto those pads, which I think is a nice and simple improvement that resolves that issue.

There are some good closeups of the new look and features here (especially the one titled "shoulder view").

As far as what level this CP protects you on, the prevailing wisdom is that's it's right on for JV and below but not for college and up. The only debate is whether it's appropriate for the high school level. We have customers on the high school level who swear by it and others who swear to only go with the hard shells.

Hope that helps.

[Bigdog]

Hey all,

Jim, GREAT to see you here on this forum! I think you will enjoy this site a lot!

I am glad to see that Pro-Nine has apparently listened to their potential clients and made the appropriate changes in their gear. I still personally prefer the hard shell on the outside style, but I am happy to see they have made improvements!

Bigdog:cool:

[trueblue]

What category would you put the Champro Plus? Would this protector provide adequate protection through the varsity level?

[Majordave]

or stupid. If you want to work college, buy a hard shell. Other than Riddell Power (Not available anymore other than used) almost every MLB umpire wears various Wilson products. Platinum, Gold or even the original is fine for the college level. It only takes one baseball in the wrong place while wearing the wrong equipment to make you wish you had spent the extra money. What's the deductible on an emergency room visit, x-rays, orthopedic surgeons, etc? I bet it is a lot more than the difference in price between lesser known products and the "real thing" that everyone else is copying.

I have seen two guys get their collar bones broken while umpiring and it is not pretty. They suffered.

I had the K-1 and I felt a couple of foul balls hitting me square in the chest and it caused me to lose confidence in the CP and thus flinch, etc.

Buy the best as Big Dog and others have told you to do here. If you are huge like the Dog get one like his. IF not, get a Wilson, you will not regret it. One game fee from HS or above will cover the difference in the cost to get Wilson.

Edited April 4, 2009 by Majordave
clarity

[mstaylor]

I completely agree with Dave. If you are only working younger leagues then your options are greater. If you are planning to work any HS or higher, get a hard shell. I use the cheapest of the WV protectors and really enjoy it. I just bought my second one this year. I tried a Gold last year and hated it. I tried a platinum and liked it but didn't see enough difference between it and mine for the extra bucks.

Look at all the reviews, try to find guys that will let you try protectors on and buy as good as you can afford.