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Posted
6 hours ago, BCBrad said:

Got it on Friday. 

35D5DBB1-9899-4F4B-ADED-6AC3C9F0F687.thumb.jpeg.bf062370cee0d553ebc7b835a41123d4.jpeg

Put an UL Flex Harness on it. 

Interesting to see how the detachable ventilated pad works. 

That is sweet! The Japanese stuff is just so cool. If I have a good season, I might reward myself with a Belgard Masterpiece. (BTW guys, other Japanese websites have them at around half the price of Samurai Gears)

Posted
1 hour ago, Thunderheads said:

Details? What is that?

Mizuno Pro CP.

Bought it from Samurai Gears. 

The shoulder caps, arm pit pads and ventilation pad are all detachable. Comes with its own storage bag like my Mizuno Pro plate shoes and shin guards (yes I do get called Mr Mizuno by other umpires). YKK side buckles are nice, but they are not generic. So, you just cant switch the male for another 1 1/2” side buckle in any refit.

 The harness was well built - real nice webbing and well stitched, but old school design, not triangle core like a Rayflex or System 7 harness. It felt like a shame to take it off. The deciding factor was that the existing harness was tight around the neck and was hard to get my head through it. The Rayflex works nice with the carapace (that’s for @MadMax though I probably used it wrong).

My first thought is that it definitely is not high profile for me, but light. Looks like good protection in the shoulders and clavicle. 

Love to get a plate coat next so I can flash the “roadrunnner” instead of the W. Although I cast my vote for the powder turtle neck. I know there is a lot of apparel trends that we are all happy have passed and gone, but man, powder blue turtle necks under plate coats and jackets in cold weather is SO cool.

 

 

 

  • Like 3
Posted

This is a typical All-Star System7 CPU4000 Chest Protector... with a twist. 

1486315523_cp_ASS7wGrayhawkmod.jpg.7d56f082bbadbff92f79272bb5342a84.jpg

If you'll notice under the armpits, this particular System7 CP has  @grayhawk 's Grayhawk Mod. This is a connecting strap of elastic, anchored with a pair of Chicago Screws, so as to tether the two shoulder pauldrons so they don't rotate towards the back and hamstring your efforts to put an umpire shirt on. 

  • Like 5
Posted

Alright, here it is, the CP that started all the modding madness... 

The Schutt MaXV: 

1773304440_cp_SchuttMaXVorifront.jpg.804deb05a526fd6d3c3b548c994448a1.jpg

1599055578_cp_SchuttMaXVorirear.jpg.a37f51ff762d707c77c29a6fb91d4871.jpg

I achieved that dramatic, low profile look by doing the following: 

  • heating up and bending the (main) shoulder arch plates to conform and shape to the shoulders
  • repositioning the shoulder ailettes back / up from their frontal position; my plate stance is slightly tipped forward in a hands-on-knees stance, with my arms locked into my sides, and I could use more protection further up on that arch-to-pauldron seam than down towards the armpit
  • removing the superfluous, unnecessary shoulder flaps from the D3O padding vest, instead just relying on the padding on the underside of the pauldrons themselves

Now, since this was one of the first modified XV's, the horrendous yoke-harness was removed, and two D-rings were installed to allow a 4-point flex harness to go on. Of course, the harness is the latest UmpLife "RayFlex" V3 (or are we now on V4? V5? @Razzer?)

You might be wondering why, on a CP this heavily modified, do I still have duct tape on it? Well, good readers, this CP is now 7 and a half years old, and in 2018, took a foul-off center mass at the bottom of the main chest plate. It caused a crack in the plastic, which, because I have this CP so bent and tightened, just caused the crack to spread. I stuck some epoxy in there, and the seam is a bit ugly, so I just covered it with duct tape. I haven't been compelled to replace this CP yet, simply because it's that capable; I routinely see 90+ MPH with no concerns. 

  • Like 4
Posted
7 hours ago, MadMax said:

This is a typical All-Star System7 CPU4000 Chest Protector... with a twist. 

1486315523_cp_ASS7wGrayhawkmod.jpg.7d56f082bbadbff92f79272bb5342a84.jpg

If you'll notice under the armpits, this particular System7 CP has  @grayhawk 's Grayhawk Mod. This is a connecting strap of elastic, anchored with a pair of Chicago Screws, so as to tether the two shoulder pauldrons so they don't rotate towards the back and hamstring your efforts to put an umpire shirt on. 

Have you ever thought or had problems with your XV to do the Greyhawk Mod on it?

I always have problems with my XV when I put my shirt on as it gets stuck in the back. I usually have to get my partner to pull down the back and move my shoulder caps (pauldrons) around my biceps as they get stuck in behind. 

It is a drag when I am alone in the dressing room or at my car. I look like some bear scratching my territory on a tree or an edge of a wall, trying to rotate the caps around my arm. 

I have used my XV for 6 years now (probably the same number of games in its lifetime that you do in a season) and it has always been good. It is now a solid and reliable backup. 

Posted
3 hours ago, BCBrad said:

Have you ever thought or had problems with your XV to do the Greyhawk Mod on it?

I always have problems with my XV when I put my shirt on as it gets stuck in the back. I usually have to get my partner to pull down the back and move my shoulder caps (pauldrons) around my biceps as they get stuck in behind. 

It is a drag when I am alone in the dressing room or at my car. I look like some bear scratching my territory on a tree or an edge of a wall, trying to rotate the caps around my arm. 

I have used my XV for 6 years now (probably the same number of games in its lifetime that you do in a season) and it has always been good. It is now a solid and reliable backup. 

I found the issue wasn't the chest protector padding, plates, shoulder paldrons, etc. The issue was the world's worst velcro and glue! The year or two I had my MaXV, before moving on to an All American, I would actually have to load my Schutt INSIDE my shirt or jacket I was going to wear and throw the whole thing over my head. Hoping that the straps and harness wouldn't get twisted.

  • Sad 1
Posted
9 hours ago, BT_Blue said:

The issue was the world's worst velcro and glue!

I gave you the Sad Face of Sympathy. 😥

This here is the problem, @BCBrad... the XV’s Achilles Heel, it’s lone flaw – the adhesive hook strips (the grabbing half of the Velcro) Schutt uses are pathetic. They separate from the carapace plates way too easy, and once they do, they get fouled and are useless. 

So... I cheated. I brushed contact cement between the hook strips and the carapace plates – especially on the underside of the shoulder arch plates – and the hook strips now stick like little SOBs. As such, my pauldrons don’t rotate at all. 

There are more ways to solve this. I received in an AiR Flex II unit (preceding sibling to the XV; it uses the exact same carapace plates) which had run actual pop-rivets thru the shoulder arch plate and the pauldron strap (beneath) so as to lock it into position. I appreciated the intent, but the execution was crude and ugly. I would have used Chicago Screws and grommets.

Posted
1 hour ago, MadMax said:

I gave you the Sad Face of Sympathy. 😥

This here is the problem, @BCBrad... the XV’s Achilles Heel, it’s lone flaw – the adhesive hook strips (the grabbing half of the Velcro) Schutt uses are pathetic. They separate from the carapace plates way too easy, and once they do, they get fouled and are useless. 

 

I whole-heartedly agree. I usually take my XV apart in the Winter so it can air out a bit more and make it easier to store. Thus, I know first-hand what you are talking about. I have cut the hook strips at places that dont lie (or is that lay or lain) flush on the carapace to get better contact with the plates.

With the shoulder caps, I know every time I put my shirt on I can hear the velcro pulling away somewhere. Eventually I have to reset the shoulder caps. Also, I have played around with where I can place the caps better. I like the Chicago screw idea and it is something to work on.

Your use of Chicago screws makes me think of a good Canadian Red Green, who used to call duct tape, "the handyman's secret weapon." If that is the case, Chicago screws must be a close second.

  • Like 1
Posted
On 2/21/2022 at 5:47 AM, Scissors said:

That is sweet! The Japanese stuff is just so cool. If I have a good season, I might reward myself with a Belgard Masterpiece. (BTW guys, other Japanese websites have them at around half the price of Samurai Gears)

What are some of the web sites with Japanese gear?

Posted
2 hours ago, umpstu said:

What are some of the web sites with Japanese gear?

I like Go-Stop-Call.com but I don't think they ship to the US anymore. I've been trying to get in contact with them but no luck so far. But they do have good stuff if you can get to them.

  • Like 1
Posted
On 2/22/2022 at 3:19 PM, MadMax said:

Alright, here it is, the CP that started all the modding madness... 

The Schutt MaXV: 

1773304440_cp_SchuttMaXVorifront.jpg.804deb05a526fd6d3c3b548c994448a1.jpg

Max, I'm curious about this CP. How well does it protect your shoulders with it curved? Trying on my Champion I realized the length of the shoulder part that goes next to your neck was way too short for me. I might give this CP a try.

Posted
11 hours ago, The Short Umpire said:

Tried out another set up. Force 3 V1 with extra blast plates from a cannibalized Wilson platinum. 

32D096EB-B34E-415B-8678-727AEF21CAA5.jpeg

Thats awesome. Wish I liked the F3 or I would buy it from you in a heartbeat

Posted
On 2/23/2022 at 6:58 PM, Scissors said:

I like Go-Stop-Call.com but I don't think they ship to the US anymore. I've been trying to get in contact with them but no luck so far. But they do have good stuff if you can get to them.

scissors, for both you and umpstu, you might want to try and reach out to this guy, who worked here, PCL, in the past, for places in Japan, and if they ship overseas.

if anyone knows about the how when why etc. for all things dealing with Japanese umpiring and uniforms and equipment it would be him. give it a try and see if you can reach out to him and if he will reach out back to you. maybe he could buy some stuff for you and ship if it is hard to get every now and then. Of course with his work for their major leagues he may not have a lot of down time on his hands or he may not want too help for some reason. however, nothing ventured, nothing gained. could be a lifelong friendship from across the ocean. who knows. good luck.

https://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/Takeshi/Hirabayashi

 

 

  • Like 2
Posted
1 hour ago, The Short Umpire said:

Force 3 V1 with extra blast plates from a cannibalized Wilson platinum. 

It just don't look right, paw!

If anything, I'd like to take a Force3 UnEqual V1 (or V2), and cut slits in the upper seam of each of those segments, and augment / supplement each section with a HDPE blast pate of my choosing. Kinda like a plate carrier. I think one of the greatest challenges to the UnEqual CP is just a matter of perception; because we can't actually see the hardened plastic plates, we don't believe they are there, or that they're effectively working. 

To be fair, the V1 lacked blast plates, instead relying on the resin-impregnated Kevlar weave that is backed by closed cell foam... that I uncovered is in their mask pads. 

force3_kevdef_1.jpg.5ff203338713d8baa651173154b43003.jpgforce3_kevdef_2.jpg.5994dbc23c0fb2adba65dd6f4e2eb0bc.jpgforce3_kevdef_3.jpg.08ac1cd55d4dc997cfe0d397834b7654.jpgforce3_kevdef_4.jpg.5cd14355c6cf24ec41cd4e76470a3da0.jpg

Kevlar is naturally yellow because it is sulfur-based. By facing the closed cell foam with Kevlar, Force3 was hoping to create a laminate that would soak up impact energy and distribute it laterally across the entire breadth of the CP section. Kevlar may have exceptional tensile strength and prevents penetration, but it doesn't exactly act all cushy-cushy or absorb the mass and energy assailing it. So, if it is combined in a laminate, as it's attempted in V2 and refined in V3, then it's ideal, but it just can't do it on its own. 

If I had my way, I'd be making perforated HDPE plates separate and insertable into sleeves & sections of the UnEqual's vest body.

  • Like 2
Posted
3 hours ago, MadMax said:

It just don't look right, paw!

 

I can appreciate that thought. It’s different for sure. But I had all the parts lying around with nothing to do so I let my imagination go wild. 
 

I’m not in a position to mass produce a CP but if I put out enough ideas then maybe someone with the time will see it and use it. 

Posted
3 hours ago, The Short Umpire said:

position to mass produce a CP

How many of us would buy multiple @MadMax (tm) designed CP's?  I know I would.  The logo could be fashioned from a couple upside down wilson logos...

  • Like 2
  • Haha 2
  • Sad 1
  • 3 weeks later...
Posted
2 hours ago, Scissors said:

We were talking about plate coats earlier, so here's what I wore today. I'm sold on the shirt under the coat.

 

original_3f35e36e-bcaa-40d0-9141-2e1c25226690_KIMG0432.JPG

Plus Pos used to have a powder blue turtleneck people wore under their plate coats.  Looks very sharp.

  • Like 1
Posted
On 3/3/2022 at 9:01 AM, MadMax said:

It just don't look right, paw!

If anything, I'd like to take a Force3 UnEqual V1 (or V2), and cut slits in the upper seam of each of those segments, and augment / supplement each section with a HDPE blast pate of my choosing. Kinda like a plate carrier. I think one of the greatest challenges to the UnEqual CP is just a matter of perception; because we can't actually see the hardened plastic plates, we don't believe they are there, or that they're effectively working. 

To be fair, the V1 lacked blast plates, instead relying on the resin-impregnated Kevlar weave that is backed by closed cell foam... that I uncovered is in their mask pads. 

force3_kevdef_1.jpg.5ff203338713d8baa651173154b43003.jpgforce3_kevdef_2.jpg.5994dbc23c0fb2adba65dd6f4e2eb0bc.jpgforce3_kevdef_3.jpg.08ac1cd55d4dc997cfe0d397834b7654.jpgforce3_kevdef_4.jpg.5cd14355c6cf24ec41cd4e76470a3da0.jpg

Kevlar is naturally yellow because it is sulfur-based. By facing the closed cell foam with Kevlar, Force3 was hoping to create a laminate that would soak up impact energy and distribute it laterally across the entire breadth of the CP section. Kevlar may have exceptional tensile strength and prevents penetration, but it doesn't exactly act all cushy-cushy or absorb the mass and energy assailing it. So, if it is combined in a laminate, as it's attempted in V2 and refined in V3, then it's ideal, but it just can't do it on its own. 

If I had my way, I'd be making perforated HDPE plates separate and insertable into sleeves & sections of the UnEqual's vest body.

I have owned and used V1 and V2 and they have both protected me well.  I now use an All Star System 7 with an UMP LIFE harness and love it.  So weird not having to adjust my chest protector all the time.  But I can't complain.

  • Like 1
Posted

Here's the battle-tried-&-tempered Schutt MaXV:
1773304440_cp_SchuttMaXVorifront.jpg.804deb05a526fd6d3c3b548c994448a1.jpg

Now, as I mentioned, the breastplate has a crack in it, as does the lower torso plate, due to a fouled off fastball hitting me center mass in 2018. The crack spread, and as much as I tried to repair it with all cocktails of epoxies and glues, it would not take. So, I just duct-taped it and pressed on... 

I debated whether to replace the plates, or the entire unit outright. No other CP appealed to me, save the All-Star Cobalt CPU5000. Trying that on was near-perfection, but... grrrr... I just couldn't give up on my best friend, now could I?

Well, @The Short Umpire made an offer I couldn't refuse – he wanted the shoulder pauldrons and TPU-EVA foam jacket from an XV-HDX, but didn't necessarily want or need the torso plates. So he sent them down here, and I swapped them out!
439904888_cp_SchuttMaXV22front.jpg.e74a2059c2f5293a6d0a0db25215327f.jpg

Good as new! But, I kept my existing shoulder arch plates, ailettes and pauldrons because I've got them bent just so. Well, I tried it for one intense game, but something didn't feel quite right, and it had to do with how the harness attached to the new side buckles in their default positions at the edge of the rib plates. One of the best, but most controversial, features of the Cobalt was the placement of the side release buckles, anchored more towards the centerline. So, I decided to do something similar... 
1909195777_cp_SchuttMaXV22detail.jpg.cf59447c8ffca70d443bd04c47744c99.jpg

I cut a slot, drilled a hole through the carapace and lanced it through some 1.5" webbing, then secured it all with a Chicago Screw. Tried it on again, and SNAP!... it's back to being a perfect fit, dramatically improved by not hearing the squeaks of metal T-hooks, nor having to fret on an impact causing a tear in my shirt.

  • Like 3
  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

Here is my latest creation. I prefer it to my TW gold. It's the carapace of a gold with the padding off a schutt. I used velcro tape similar to the douglas to attach the plates. Switch out the t-hooks for buckles, added some webbing to guide the straps. Here, you have yourself one awesome CP. I have a few on hand if anyone is interested in trying it out. 

5E90FD35-2C44-40B8-8952-313F348D9F97.jpeg

F688DF40-EE78-4CC7-82D2-BD6E7A1510EF.jpeg

  • Like 4
Posted
2 minutes ago, The Short Umpire said:

Here is my latest creation. I prefer it to my TW gold. It's the carapace of a gold with the padding off a schutt. I used velcro tape similar to the douglas to attach the plates. Switch out the t-hooks for buckles, added some webbing to guide the straps. Here, you have yourself one awesome CP. I have a few on hand if anyone is interested in trying it out. 

5E90FD35-2C44-40B8-8952-313F348D9F97.jpeg

F688DF40-EE78-4CC7-82D2-BD6E7A1510EF.jpeg

OK ... that's fricken genius right there!!!!!!!!   So, ... the Schutt padding will receive the velcro tape obviously?

Posted
9 minutes ago, The Short Umpire said:

Here is my latest creation. I prefer it to my TW gold. It's the carapace of a gold with the padding off a schutt. I used velcro tape similar to the douglas to attach the plates. Switch out the t-hooks for buckles, added some webbing to guide the straps. Here, you have yourself one awesome CP. I have a few on hand if anyone is interested in trying it out. 

5E90FD35-2C44-40B8-8952-313F348D9F97.jpeg

F688DF40-EE78-4CC7-82D2-BD6E7A1510EF.jpeg

How much to try one out?  I never got around to doing this myself when I had an Adams pad jacket.  I've got HD Velcro tape and a Gold CP already.

  • Like 1
Posted
8 minutes ago, wolfe_man said:

How much to try one out?  I never got around to doing this myself when I had an Adams pad jacket.  I've got HD Velcro tape and a Gold CP already.

Heck, ...I've got Original West Vest full carapace ready!!!!!!!! :nod: 

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