Traditional Mask/Helmet Combination

[HeyBlueLA]

I've seen some discussion of the Estabrook type combo on the forum and want to test out some thinking on it. My motivation, of course, is to find as good protection as possible realizing that concussions will always be a risk.

It appears from the forums that he is using a Rawlings Coolflo Matte Style Alpha Sized Base Coach Helmet (https://www.amazon.com/Rawlings-Coolflo-Matte-Style-Helmet/dp/B010R05ONA). I am seeking opinions on combining this with one of the Unequal inserts -- either the Solo (https://unequal.com/solo/) or Uncap HDR (https://unequal.com/uncap-hdr/) to add to the protection. Based on what I've read in the forums, I am also considering modifying my current mask to add a DeltaFlex facemask harness (https://www.all-starsports.com/fmhpro.html) to make it easier to one-hand my mask onto the helmet.

Has anyone done this or something similar?  I am concerned less with how this looks as how it will work. One forum mentioned that the bill of this helmet might push the mask out too far. Comments (and please no "if you are afraid to get hit maybe you should find something else to do with your time")

 

[Rock Bottom]

I use the UnCap in a regular umpire hat. Works great in my opinion. https://unequal.com/uncap-baseball/

[umpstu]

2 hours ago, HeyBlueLA said:

I've seen some discussion of the Estabrook type combo on the forum and want to test out some thinking on it. My motivation, of course, is to find as good protection as possible realizing that concussions will always be a risk.

It appears from the forums that he is using a Rawlings Coolflo Matte Style Alpha Sized Base Coach Helmet (https://www.amazon.com/Rawlings-Coolflo-Matte-Style-Helmet/dp/B010R05ONA). I am seeking opinions on combining this with one of the Unequal inserts -- either the Solo (https://unequal.com/solo/) or Uncap HDR (https://unequal.com/uncap-hdr/) to add to the protection. Based on what I've read in the forums, I am also considering modifying my current mask to add a DeltaFlex facemask harness (https://www.all-starsports.com/fmhpro.html) to make it easier to one-hand my mask onto the helmet.

Has anyone done this or something similar?  I am concerned less with how this looks as how it will work. One forum mentioned that the bill of this helmet might push the mask out too far. Comments (and please no "if you are afraid to get hit maybe you should find something else to do with your time")

 

I've been reading the reviews on Amazon and almost all have said they are larger than what Rawlings says and should order a size down.

 

[BlueRanger]

Mark Stubblefield, the MiLB medical director said that the helmets are 3D printed to fit each individual umpire at about $300 a piece.

[kylejt]

2 hours ago, BlueRanger said:

Mark Stubblefield, the MiLB medical director said that the helmets are 3D printed to fit each individual umpire at about $300 a piece.

If that's the case, perhaps the bill is shorter. So perhaps the "one size fits most" may not work for us. 

 

[wolfe_man]

Under Armour has a coach/skull cap helmet on eBay for $25 and they work great with traditional masks over the bill.    Even my F3 V2 fits over the bill when I tried it. 

They are the same as All Star of course, with vents in the back to keep cool.  Plus, they're one size fits all - and they are comfortable to wear and I'm a 7 3/8" hat.

[MikeSafari]

On 5/29/2019 at 8:00 AM, wolfe_man said:

Under Armour has a coach/skull cap helmet on eBay for $25 and they work great with traditional masks over the bill.    Even my F3 V2 fits over the bill when I tried it. 

They are the same as All Star of course, with vents in the back to keep cool.  Plus, they're one size fits all - and they are comfortable to wear and I'm a 7 3/8" hat.

Got a link? All I'm finding are batting helmets.

[wolfe_man]

5 minutes ago, MikeSafari said:

Got a link? All I'm finding are batting helmets.

This what I bought, but in black.  I don't see anymore available at this time, but at least you can see the model. All Star makes the same thing.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Under-Armour-UASC500-Royal-Pro-Field-Catcher-Coach-Skull-Cap/362618805503?epid=3025988083&hash=item546dc3dcff:g:~JAAAOSwVCpcBu8h:sc:USPSPriority!43005!US!-1

[HeyBlueLA]

Thanks wolfe_man. Do you think these are really any different than the Rawlings that I linked to? I ask because I would prefer a matte black.

Also, are you using this rig in games? If so, how is it working?

[wolfe_man]

40 minutes ago, HeyBlueLA said:

Thanks wolfe_man. Do you think these are really any different than the Rawlings that I linked to? I ask because I would prefer a matte black.

Also, are you using this rig in games? If so, how is it working?

I haven't tried in a game yet, but I see no reason why it won't work.  It fits comfortably, mask goes on easily and quickly(I use both hands), off easily with one hand. 

I don't think the majority of these skull caps are all that different, just some might breathe a bit better due to strategically placed air holes.  I know what you mean and I like the "matte" look better myself too. The shiny helmets will show fingerprints, dust, etc. whereas matte will hide that better.

[Thunderheads]

1 hour ago, wolfe_man said:

I haven't tried in a game yet, but I see no reason why it won't work.  It fits comfortably, mask goes on easily and quickly(I use both hands), off easily with one hand. 

I don't think the majority of these skull caps are all that different, just some might breathe a bit better due to strategically placed air holes.  I know what you mean and I like the "matte" look better myself too. The shiny helmets will show fingerprints, dust, etc. whereas matte will hide that better.

Let's see how it looks on??? With and without the mask!  

[wolfe_man]

Okay. I’m terrible at selfies and light isn’t great, but hope this helps.

I noticed I didn’t have mask centered on my face.

[HeyBlueLA]

Thanks for the pics! I think, with a matte finish helmet, this would look pretty good. And it doesn't look like you needed to change the harness to use it on the skull cap.

[wolfe_man]

9 hours ago, HeyBlueLA said:

Thanks for the pics! I think, with a matte finish helmet, this would look pretty good. And it doesn't look like you needed to change the harness to use it on the skull cap.

No, same harness.  

Matte would look better. 

 

[Thunderheads]

Looks good Keith,..... thanks for the pics!!!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[MadMax]

On 5/31/2019 at 10:25 PM, wolfe_man said:

I noticed I didn’t have mask centered on my face.

And you know you have to add this disclaimer because somebody here will certainly point it out.

You really do live in that camo-lovin’ part of the state, huh? 

[wolfe_man]

7 hours ago, MadMax said:

And you know you have to add this disclaimer because somebody here will certainly point it out.

You really do live in that camo-lovin’ part of the state, huh? 

The funny thing is I only wear it around the house. It’s a loose shirt and comfortable.

My only other camo shirt is my one for real hunting... which I don’t do anymore.

[dumbdumb]

It is all going to come back to this (in black of course) with the full coverage all the way around, and a snap on jaw guard for both sides. Bet Jim Wolfe would have liked that. Right back to Little League where it all started with a full helmet for coverage. Also good for the exaggerated Charlie Lau backswing and the maple bats that break off. Think Greg Bonin on the first one and Brian Onora on the second one.

 

 

https://www.rawlings.com/product/MACHSR.html

[wolfe_man]

I'll sell the black helmet as pictured above for $25 shipped CONUSA if anyone is interested.   I'm not going to use it as it's not for me.  I thought about it, but not ready to do it at this point and time.

Thanks!