Handling the heat ... suggestions?

[The Man in Blue]

It does the same for me - their site is weird.  Go through the link, search for it, add it your cart.  You should see the 20% off.

 

I just came in from the back yard and had a package on my front porch ... it’s here already!

[Rock Bottom]

3 minutes ago, The Man in Blue said:

It does the same for me - their site is weird.  Go through the link, search for it, add it your cart.  You should see the 20% off.

 

I just came in from the back yard and had a package on my front porch ... it’s here already!

Nope, didn't work.  Tried both on my laptop (Chromebook) and phone.  Thanks again!!! Hopefully I'll get a coupon soon (just signed up for text alerts, and the account) and they'll still be in stock.  I'm buying this as a backup to my primary (same Schutt model).  For the price if I can get the coupon it's a single missed game fee, so it's worth it (probably worth it otherwise, but with being out of games this year, and just finding out 2 of my kids summer jobs are gone I'm trying to pinch pennies.

[The Man in Blue]

 

Sorry @Rock Bottom... I didn’t read the full text message ... use the code SAVE at checkout.  Not a one-timer and good for anybody else here!

(My fault, every time I had used a text coupon before it was a link.)

[Rock Bottom]

20 minutes ago, The Man in Blue said:

 

Sorry @Rock Bottom... I didn’t read the full text message ... use the code SAVE at checkout.  Not a one-timer and good for anybody else here!

(My fault, every time I had used a text coupon before it was a link.)

No problem. Still not working though -- UGH!!!!  Sorry, didn't mean to clutter this thread up - such a great deal and I can't get it. Wah!  LOL!  (They must have no one answering phone - I was on hold for a combined 2 hours today on 3 calls, and nothing.)

[The Man in Blue]

Hmmm ... says the code is good till 5/9 ... maybe try again later?
 

My apologies also ... I was trying to help!

[AL-Ump]

On 5/31/2019 at 11:46 AM, The Man in Blue said:

Best chest protector to provide the protection you expect but still breathe well in the heat?  I currently use the DaviShield and like the way it fits.  I’ve taken many shots and never been concerned.  I feel as if it doesn’t breathe very well, but I’ve never used anything else to compare it to.

Best uniform shirts and pants?  I feel like most of my shirts are too heavy for summer (granted, I’ve been somewhat cheap when buying shirts).  We don’t wear the MLB panel style around here; still the old navy, red and white collar or light blue with the black and white (not MLB style) collar.  I mainly work USA Softball in the summer and really like the weight of their new shirts.

I work softball as well and live in Alabama, where it will be 95 degrees with 85% humidity - just brutal.  I agree with you on the new USA shirts - they're pretty good.  If you are wearing plain, there are two shirts that are the best:

1. Cliff Keen MXS:  https://www.gerrydavis.com/product/B05SH20MX21/Cliff-Keen-MXS-Moisture-Wicking-Umpire-Shirt.html?cid=6

2. Smitty V2 "Body Flex" Shirt: https://www.mcssl.com/store/1-stop-sports/smitty-body-flex-powder-blue-short-sleeve-shirt

I looked for them on Ump Attire, but they don't carry them.  I think they have the Smitty but in MLB panel/alternate colors.  The link I posted is solid powder and the shirt is REALLY nice.  Only issue is that it shows sweat easily but hey, it's friggin HOT!!!  The shirts are a little pricey, but you get what you pay for in this case.

I have two chest protectors - One I use during college season that has pretty much full coverage; I've modified it for 6 months after inspiration from @MadMax and @Razzer and am finally happy with it.  I also have a second CP for Summer ball that offers less protection but is much cooler.  Summer ball girls typically aren't throwing as hard as the D1 girls so I take my chances for a little more comfort.  Link to the Honig's SB CP here:  https://honigs.com/honig-s-elite-fastpitch-protector.html .  I would advise NOT wearing it for baseball.

Hope this helps!

[The Man in Blue]

On 4/29/2020 at 4:30 PM, The Man in Blue said:

Pandemic deals ... Hibbett has been sending 25% off, no minimum codes.

Today I decided to check, and they have the Schutt HDX back in stock — $69 less 25% = $51.75 + free shipping.

I pulled the trigger finally (or again).  I’ll be moving to Mississippi in a few months.  I’m really going to need the help with the heat!
 

For the price (about $40 after coupon), I picked up Adams’ low profile protector too.  Not the t-shirt thing, but the actual CP.  Worst case scenario, I can help somebody who is just getting started with it.  Anybody have any experience with that one?

 

Revisiting the heat topic ...

Two years later and I broke the Schutt out several weekends ago.  Happy to say I have gotten comfortable in it and wear it all the time now.  I think I can do some tinkering to dial it in, but I am liking it.

One thing I have stopped doing is wearing an undershirt under it.  Because of the design, I feel much more comfortable this way during a game than I did with previous protectors.  The "mesh" over the foam does not hold the sweat against my skin, nor does it absorb and hold the sweat like other CPs do.  I ditched the undershirt to get rid of another layer holding that moisture in.

Ditching the undershirt on both plate and bases seems like the biggest difference maker to me in the heat.  I prefer an undershirt, but I'm willing to ditch it for the difference it makes.

The cheap Adams I mentioned ... not sure what to make of it as a chest protector as I hate the harness and the way it fails to hold in place.  Haven't even used it.

Going to ask about shirts again though ... since I am getting ready to order a few more.  I've been doing the Smitty Body Flex shirts from Ump-Attire and I like them.  It just seems like there should be something a little more vented or a little lighter though.  Any new suggestions or guidance?

Next odd one ... hats.  I have a suggestion I may take flak for: Walmart has a flex fit hat for $7.88 that I have been using for a few years now.  They have black and navy.  These are lightweight, moisture wicking, and they have held up pretty well for me.

[The Man in Blue]

Bringing back another tip that seems crazy ... long sleeves.

Not long-sleeved shirts, but the "sun sleeves" or "cooling sleeves."  A few weeks ago I was desperate.  It wasn't so much the heat that was getting to me, but it was the direct sun beating me down.  I thought "screw it, I'm going to try this" and wore a long-sleeved, moisture wicking shirt underneath.  It was amazing.  It didn't add any noticeable heat, pulled the sweat off of me (a major source of the discomfort), and kept the direct sunlight off my arms.

After that I ordered some of the sleeves from Amazon to try.  Used them this weekend and I am sold.  I have noticed more guys and gals wearing these and I cannot recommend them enough.  The ones I wore were a beige color, not quite skin-tone but passable so nobody could give me guff for wearing sleeves under my shirt.

Anybody else try these or see other umpires using them?