difference between gold and plat. west vest

[irish2310]

Is there much of a difference btween the gold and plat. west vest.

thanks

[Umpire in Chief]

Dave will be able to give a really good answer, but I'll give my .

I own the West Vest Gold and have borrowed the West Vest Platinum. In terms of level of protection they're both great. You will feel well protected in either. It really comes down to personal preference. The major difference I noticed is that the padding on the Gold is a little thicker than the Platinum. In my experience I also felt the Gold was more comfortable, but it was already broken in for my friends body and I only had 2 games with it. Also the Gold has different sizes while the Platinum only has one size.

[JimKirk]

A good FAQ. Look near the bottom of the link for a comparison, then click to read buying guide for more details:

http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=A3210

Jim Kirk

Owner

Ump-Attire.com

[Majordave]

I have owned both and the original West Vest, Wilson Model (the original style was initially made by Douglas but Wilson bought the rights from Joe West, I hear)....

Note: Jim Kirk's site has very good and more accurate information about sizing/models, etc.

I have the small. I am 5'9" and between 185-195 lbs depending on the season. I have a 44" chest and feel completely safe and covered in the small size.

I had a Platinum which originally came in only one size but now has a Small sized model as well. I found the Platinum to be too stiff and large when I had it so I sold it. It would have required me to buy larger shirts for plate work only. I wear Large Honig's shirts on plate and bases and they fit fine for both.

The original WestVest is also a good protector. It is thick in padding. It is not as flexible but has velcro on the front of the chest plate and lower sternum pad that allow you to adjust the coverage and protection a bit. My son who is 6'2" and about 175 wears it now.

I tried several other CP's before I finally settled on my Gold. The Honig's K-1 (both regular and XL sized), Diamond iX-3, +POS BB3000 zip up the front, +POS BB2000 small plastic plates like a Japanese Warrior, among them.

I think it is a trial and error and very personal decision as to what you use to protect yourself with. Get the best you can afford that suits your needs and fit.

Edited April 21, 2009 by Majordave
delete erroneous information and reference Jim Kirk's Ump-Attire Site

[willv28]

I wear the larger size platinum. I think it's a tad wide. But I only have worn it for one game so it's not broken in yet. My partner described it as "massive". So, I dunno if I should have gotten the smaller size. But I think it's only just shorter.

Speaking of which, how does one properly break one of these in and fit it?

[MCLEOD36]

The platinum is wider and does give better east to west protection. I also have to have two shirts; one for bases and larger for the plate because of it. I do think the protection around the neck, almost collarlike is better then the gold...

[BrianC14]

The platinum is wider and does give better east to west protection. I also have to have two shirts; one for bases and larger for the plate because of it. I do think the protection around the neck, almost collarlike is better then the gold...

I wear the Platinum... a week or two ago I had an opportunity to try on a Gold, just for a few minutes in the store. The Gold has those little padded "wings" that cover the ribs under the armpits - that was a noticeable difference for me... and as just mentioned, the lack of that pad right at the base of the neck was another big difference. I think that if I had to make the choice, I'd go with the Platinum over the Gold.

But you should try both of them on, if possible, and wear them for a little while (like trying on shoes) and see what would work best for you. Either way, you're getting the maximum in protection from either the Gold or Platinum.

[Majordave]

In a HS varsity contest with me working the dish. Light rain throughout the game so every hit and throw involved the ball getting wet.

A ground ball to F5 with bases loaded resulted in a throw home for the force.

I was about two steps toward 3BLX and about 8 feet back from the plate.

F2extended like a first baseman and throw sails over his outstretched arm/glove and hits me directly in the middle of the W on my chest and bounces to the 3B line dugout for two runs scored.

I had taken my mask off so I was double lucky. I did not feel anything with the ball strking my chest and I was lucky not to get hit in the face.

I also took a fouled bunt directly in the cajones on a different play. Did not feel anything there either.

So, my testimony about getting good equipment was self-supporting last night.

[noumpere]

A ground ball to F5 with bases loaded resulted in a throw home for the force.

I was about two steps toward 3BLX and about 8 feet back from the plate.

Plays from the infield, especially from the left side, should almost always be taken 1BLX (or at the point of the plate). Especially on force plays, you want the same angle as you would have at first base.

[Majordave]

Thanks. Try to get a 90 degree angle to the direction of throw/target. Got it.

The play happened so quickly that I did not get a lot of time to set up or read the play. F5 fielded the ball on his left side and actually looked like he was going to first then turned and fired home. I don't think the catcher thought he was coming home with it either and he stretched out when ball was released then it sailed like a two seamer (or a wet ball). Just one of those things, I guess.

[irish2310]

Thanks guys. I'm not a very tall person only 5'8" 210-215lbs, i like to think semi-muscular, take a 48 coat. any suggestions on size of west-vest?

thanks again

[Umpire in Chief]

I'm close to your size, 5'10", 205#, and also a 48" coat. I got the L/XL Gold and it fits great.

[irish2310]

thanks I appreciate all the help

[willv28]

Thanks guys. I'm not a very tall person only 5'8" 210-215lbs, i like to think semi-muscular, take a 48 coat. any suggestions on size of west-vest?

thanks again

I'm 5' 10' 255#. I got the larger size platinum. Just make sure you try it with your shirt. I look like a football player out there sometimes. Thought the shirt fits, it molds the CP well and I wear an XL shirt. We're getting shirts supplied by our league this year and I'm going to try an XXL.