FYI - Size Reduced in All-Star MVP 2500-1 from 2500

[Rock Bottom]

My All-Star HSM model MVP2500-1 just arrived and I was surprised to find that the size is now smaller than the old (about 3.5 years old) MVP2500 I had (formerly my son's when he was in HS).  They changed the interior side padding some (I think it's better now, but more substantial and takes up more interior space - it's firmer but more protective it seems to me) but it appears the helmet itself might be slightly smaller as well (I can't say that for certain though).  What I can say for certain is that the new helmet is much tighter on the inside than the old one (at least for me) and the size listed on the MVP2500 itself was "7-7 3/4" but the MVP2500-1 lists it at "7-7 1/2."   I have to say, given that I'm right at about a 7 3/8 to 7 1/2, that it is a very noticeable difference.  For someone with a smaller head it's probably great, but I sadly will likely return it as my jaw is pressing against the sides.  (And that's after working inside all day at about 70*, it would likely be much tighter in 85*+ temps.)   (This is the same reason I returned the Schutt HSM, which actually was very nice too, but again, too small for me.)

Just wanted to let people know about this in case you were looking at these and found the older model too big/small, this could be good or bad news.  (I guess for me the silver lining is that it makes it an easy decision to keep my All-Star FM4000 and just pair it up with the UnCap.)  

Edited to add that I don't find a straight MVP2500 on the All-Star website anymore, it seems the 2500-1 replaced it (or I'm just not finding it).

[MadMax]

Silly wabbit, All-Star ain’t for umpires!

It’s for catchers, primarily. They make some great gear for umpires, but can you imagine how much more prevalent and comprehensive it would be if they weren’t prevented from branding or advertising it?

Branding aside, modern HSMs are being designed more and more to be kept on as much as possible. HSMs are trying to balance two needs: maximum impact protection and minimum width so as to not hinder throwing. Then, they have to built with a strong shell not so much for ball impacts, but for being tossed on the ground repeatedly. How often do MLB/MiLB catchers toss their HSM on the ground? How about college guys? Not often at all. In fact, it’s downright rare. But high school age and below (especially youth ball), the catchers are scolded and chastised for not taking their HSMs off and dumping them on the ground as soon as the batted ball is put in play!

What does this mean for umpires? Not much good, as most HSMs are designed and intended for catchers’ purposes, not for umpires’ requirements. 

If you have your heart set on All-Star, of the previous model, have you tried eBay?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F382822435754

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F163595628902

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F192350412397

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F163632601091

Personally, I favor the two-tone ones. Got a lil’ bit of pizzazz and style instead of boring ol’ all-black. Or, you _could_ go for the all-graphite one, and be able to match with not just black, but with navy.

[Rock Bottom]

Thanks @MadMax!  Interesting re: the two tone - I could swear in the past you said "black only" for umps! LOL!!  

I'm guessing (but could be wrong) that these are actually the "new" models still, but I'm taking this as a sign to just go with and stick with the FM4000 as planned.  I've only gotten 4 games in so far this year and wore it for 3.  (I've had snow/rain/cold cancel 10 games on me so far this year, and it's not looking good for my double header tomorrow as the ground is absolutely soaked.  Standing water everywhere.

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[Rock Bottom]

16 minutes ago, Rock Bottom said:

Thanks @MadMax!  Interesting re: the two tone - I could swear in the past you said "black only" for umps! LOL!!  

I'm guessing (but could be wrong) that these are actually the "new" models still, but I'm taking this as a sign to just go with and stick with the FM4000 as planned.  I've only gotten 4 games in so far this year and wore it for 3.  (I've had snow/rain/cold cancel 10 games on me so far this year, and it's not looking good for my double header tomorrow as the ground is absolutely soaked.  Standing water everywhere.

 

Adding to the above, I"m really surprised that the current MVP fits many pro catchers (and the MVP4000 is the same size according to the All-Star website).  Of course they I'm guessing get customization that mere amateurs don't, so maybe that's how they fit them, but I wouldn't say I have a large head by any means (no Michael Scott jokes!), and it's just too tight for comfort.  Oh well, the FM4000 is a great mask, so I'm sure I'll be happy with it long term (the only real reason I started looking at the HSM again is because I took a foul to the jaw, but that was my fault for set-up and turning my head problems, not the mask's).