Team Wendy Retrofit options

[834k3r]

Tough to say from the photos, but it looks solid enough. If it was me, I'd try to figure out a way to incorporate buckles (traditional or magnetic) instead of the T-hooks. I didn't think T-hooks were that big of a deal until I started wearing my Cobalt. I can now say unequivocally that yes, T-hooks are terrible for multiple reasons.

[BT_Blue]

1 hour ago, 834k3r said:

Tough to say from the photos, but it looks solid enough. If it was me, I'd try to figure out a way to incorporate buckles (traditional or magnetic) instead of the T-hooks. I didn't think T-hooks were that big of a deal until I started wearing my Cobalt. I can now say unequivocally that yes, T-hooks are terrible for multiple reasons.

Agreed. The new fitlocks or whatever the name is (the magnetic ones now on the new Wilsons) would work great with this. You can buy them pretty cheap on Amazon. But agreed... stay away from those terrible t hooks.

[umpstu]

2 hours ago, BT_Blue said:

Agreed. The new fitlocks or whatever the name is (the magnetic ones now on the new Wilsons) would work great with this. You can buy them pretty cheap on Amazon. But agreed... stay away from those terrible t hooks.

Those fitlocks are awesome.

 

[Umpiresrock74]

17 hours ago, BT_Blue said:

Agreed. The new fitlocks or whatever the name is (the magnetic ones now on the new Wilsons) would work great with this. You can buy them pretty cheap on Amazon. But agreed... stay away from those terrible t hooks.

Hey, I can’t seem to find them on Amazon for some reason. Do you happen to have a link, or did you type in a certain word arrangement?

[wolfe_man]

3 hours ago, Umpiresrock74 said:

Hey, I can’t seem to find them on Amazon for some reason. Do you happen to have a link, or did you type in a certain word arrangement?

Fidlock buckles

https://www.amazon.com/Fidlock-Magnetic-Buckle-Slider-Replacement/dp/B07S2S1V49/ref=asc_df_B07S2S1V49/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=343221166983&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=897684739281442245&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014977&hvtargid=pla-765753016958&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=69167794975&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=343221166983&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=897684739281442245&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014977&hvtargid=pla-765753016958

 

 

[Umpiresrock74]

I need a strong and sturdy fabric, does anyone know what there Team Wendy Retrofit Chest Protector fabric is made out of? I need some ideas. 

[MadMax]

21 hours ago, Umpiresrock74 said:

I need a strong and sturdy fabric,

No you do not. 
Use of those words is how we got cursed with nylon so crude it looks like and feels like the bottom of a Coleman camping tent. 

You need a technical (“technical” = synthetic) wicking mesh fabric. I was just looking around for similar, example suggestions, and I have here a set of Blackhawk knee pad inserts (I wear 5.11 pants for my other line of work, and I slip these into pockets in my pants), and they are exactly resemble what you’re making for your CP pad. Foam, sandwiched between a robust, abrasion resistant fabric on the outside, and softer, lighter synthetic (polyester) on the inside. 

Even that (rather cheap) gym shorts material would work, too. 

To understand why Wilson (and Douglas, and others, to be fair) used nylon in such prodigious quantities is A) they could glue the nylon to the foam directly, and then edge-stitch it with a lapped seam. Upholstery foam does not do well being stitched through, and B) the nylon has to hold up (and did) against constant abrasion and abuse, and caustic cleaning & disinfectant chemicals, that come from use as… football pads. Remember, the baseball umpire’s CP was born out of football shoulder pads. The companies used what they had at the time… and haven’t changed since!!!    
 

So what you need is a better fabric, akin to actual sports clothing. Check out what’s used on… well… volleyball knee pads and such. Force3 used neoprene as the outer skin on their CP, and it’s been received with mixed sentiments. Guys don’t understand why this was done, and they think the CP weaker because of it – because they can’t see or directly touch the hard plastic plates. Neoprene was used to “seal” in the Kevlar, because… Kevlar decays with exposure to UV, and neoprene is one of those fabrics that impedes UV transmission. 
 

[wolfe_man]

The old TW retrofits don't use a thick cover either.  It's a breathable mesh fabric.  I actually think it's two-part: one is the typical black thin fabric found on TW pads and then there is an "X" patterned mesh over the top of it.  It breathes well and is still lightweight and thin.  It's a far cry from the nylon-lined CPs from the out-of-the-box guys. 

FWIW, there are a couple of companies working on updating the pad jackets on CPs and even the CP themselves.  Gr8-Call, for one, is working on new padding and I am excited about where they are headed.  The padding and lining on their current CPs remind me of the old TW retrofit jacket cover (mesh vs. nylon) and their pad jacket is coming a lot closer to 1/2" too - but they're still working on updates.  I'm hoping they're ready to go for Spring ball!

[umpstu]

8 hours ago, MadMax said:

No you do not. 
Use of those words is how we got cursed with nylon so crude it looks like and feels like the bottom of a Coleman camping tent. 

You need a technical (“technical” = synthetic) wicking mesh fabric. I was just looking around for similar, example suggestions, and I have here a set of Blackhawk knee pad inserts (I wear 5.11 pants for my other line of work, and I slip these into pockets in my pants), and they are exactly resemble what you’re making for your CP pad. Foam, sandwiched between a robust, abrasion resistant fabric on the outside, and softer, lighter synthetic (polyester) on the inside. 

Even that (rather cheap) gym shorts material would work, too. 

To understand why Wilson (and Douglas, and others, to be fair) used nylon in such prodigious quantities is A) they could glue the nylon to the foam directly, and then edge-stitch it with a lapped seam. Upholstery foam does not do well being stitched through, and B) the nylon has to hold up (and did) against constant abrasion and abuse, and caustic cleaning & disinfectant chemicals, that come from use as… football pads. Remember, the baseball umpire’s CP was born out of football shoulder pads. The companies used what they had at the time… and haven’t changed since!!!    
 

So what you need is a better fabric, akin to actual sports clothing. Check out what’s used on… well… volleyball knee pads and such. Force3 used neoprene as the outer skin on their CP, and it’s been received with mixed sentiments. Guys don’t understand why this was done, and they think the CP weaker because of it – because they can’t see or directly touch the hard plastic plates. Neoprene was used to “seal” in the Kevlar, because… Kevlar decays with exposure to UV, and neoprene is one of those fabrics that impedes UV transmission. 
 

As I'm getting ready to read a Mad Max response I just ran and got a snack.

[umpstu]

8 hours ago, MadMax said:

No you do not. 
Use of those words is how we got cursed with nylon so crude it looks like and feels like the bottom of a Coleman camping tent. 

You need a technical (“technical” = synthetic) wicking mesh fabric. I was just looking around for similar, example suggestions, and I have here a set of Blackhawk knee pad inserts (I wear 5.11 pants for my other line of work, and I slip these into pockets in my pants), and they are exactly resemble what you’re making for your CP pad. Foam, sandwiched between a robust, abrasion resistant fabric on the outside, and softer, lighter synthetic (polyester) on the inside. 

Even that (rather cheap) gym shorts material would work, too. 

To understand why Wilson (and Douglas, and others, to be fair) used nylon in such prodigious quantities is A) they could glue the nylon to the foam directly, and then edge-stitch it with a lapped seam. Upholstery foam does not do well being stitched through, and B) the nylon has to hold up (and did) against constant abrasion and abuse, and caustic cleaning & disinfectant chemicals, that come from use as… football pads. Remember, the baseball umpire’s CP was born out of football shoulder pads. The companies used what they had at the time… and haven’t changed since!!!    
 

So what you need is a better fabric, akin to actual sports clothing. Check out what’s used on… well… volleyball knee pads and such. Force3 used neoprene as the outer skin on their CP, and it’s been received with mixed sentiments. Guys don’t understand why this was done, and they think the CP weaker because of it – because they can’t see or directly touch the hard plastic plates. Neoprene was used to “seal” in the Kevlar, because… Kevlar decays with exposure to UV, and neoprene is one of those fabrics that impedes UV transmission. 
 

And another good read Max.  Thanks.

[Kelly McNary]

On 10/20/2023 at 10:36 AM, Umpiresrock74 said:

Hi everyone! So, does anyone know who to contact about maybe getting a chest protector retrofitted like Team Wendy used  to do? I have called upholsters, and all say they can’t do it. Does anyone have any ideas?

DOUGLAS out of Houston, TX, is a possibility. 

[wolfe_man]

57 minutes ago, Kelly McNary said:

DOUGLAS out of Houston, TX, is a possibility. 

Unfortunately, Douglas won't do anything but their own stuff anymore.   They'll retrofit one of their own with new padding, velcro, etc. for a steep fee.  A new pad, for example, is over $100.

[Thunderheads]

17 minutes ago, wolfe_man said:

Unfortunately, Douglas won't do anything but their own stuff anymore.   They'll retrofit one of their own with new padding, velcro, etc. for a steep fee.  A new pad, for example, is over $100.

Douglas has always only done their own products.  Yes, it's a little steep, but it's well done and worth it, IMHO (YMMV)

[wolfe_man]

19 minutes ago, Thunderheads said:

Douglas has always only done their own products.

I had a Wilson Gold pad jacket made by Douglas that would beg to differ.   Mr Fox has it now, but I had a Douglas pad jacket that was made by Douglas for a Wilson Gold.  

But yes, their products are great quality and last well... but $100 for a pad jacket is more than some complete CP's out there today!   But with F3, Wilson and All Star all over $220 now, Douglas is actually becoming more affordable.

[Umpiresrock74]

Hey guys! So I am stuck. I am trying to find some fabrics that are sturdy enough to hold plates, but at the same time is still breathable and comfortable. Can you guys give me some ideas, your ideas would be a blessing.

 

Thanks,

Mike

[Umpiresrock74]

On 12/15/2023 at 9:58 AM, wolfe_man said:

I had a Wilson Gold pad jacket made by Douglas that would beg to differ.   Mr Fox has it now, but I had a Douglas pad jacket that was made by Douglas for a Wilson Gold.  

But yes, their products are great quality and last well... but $100 for a pad jacket is more than some complete CP's out there today!   But with F3, Wilson and All Star all over $220 now, Douglas is actually becoming more affordable.

He

 

On 12/15/2023 at 10:27 PM, Umpiresrock74 said:

Hey guys! So I am stuck. I am trying to find some fabrics that are sturdy enough to hold plates, but at the same time is still breathable and comfortable. Can you guys give me some ideas, your ideas would be a blessing.

 

Thanks,

Mike

Hey guys! Almost done! Instead of sewing I bought lime industrial fabric glue. It is awesome! Want to see pics!? Of course you guys do!

 

Glue is a little messy, so will have to figure out that. But, hypothetically would you by a product like this, even if under the straps there was some glue spillage? Let me know. 

[Umpiresrock74]

On 12/13/2023 at 10:43 AM, wolfe_man said:

Fidlock buckles

https://www.amazon.com/Fidlock-Magnetic-Buckle-Slider-Replacement/dp/B07S2S1V49/ref=asc_df_B07S2S1V49/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=343221166983&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=897684739281442245&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014977&hvtargid=pla-765753016958&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=69167794975&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=343221166983&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=897684739281442245&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014977&hvtargid=pla-765753016958

 

 

It’s done! I just need to clean up the glue! Next version will have fidlock buckles! Thoughts everyone!?

Edited December 18, 2023 by Umpiresrock74

[The Short Umpire]

Looks good. How is the fit? How much of a lower profile do you get from it when worn? 

[Umpiresrock74]

It’s good man, it’s a 1/2 inch, so just like the Team Wendy padding. Wanting to make these. 

[Umpiresrock74]

I can send some pics of wearing it when I had the regular west vest, and I can send pics now. If you would like. 

[Birdieseeker]

It looks good. I hope you’re onto something since there has been a hole in the market since Team Wendy left. Umpirerocks as I told you earlier, it’s not just the lower profile (we all like to look slimmer) but it’s the way the Team Wendy molds to your upper body that made it awesome. I wish you the best


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[Umpiresrock74]

What do you mean by molding to upper body? Could you elaborate more?

[Birdieseeker]

The Wendy just folds around you where the standard gold just feels like you’re wearing it. Hard to explain


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[Umpiresrock74]

Hello everyone! We are so happy to compete the first version of the chest protector padding!

With this version we have Team Wendy like design, (not exact) but similar. 
 

We have 1/2 neoprene foam (subject to change, will still be 1/2).

Compatible with west vest gold, champion, and platinum (reach out to me for details).

We are working with foam companies to find some foam for our cold weather umpires where the foam will not rot, deteriorate, or become firm or soft because of the cold.

We are also working with our “Florida” umpires, (where I am from), with working on some ways to keep you cooler out on the field! 
 

Nothing has been set in stone yet, but we are hoping to have a prototype ready for some people to try out in the spring, if any of you guys would like to get out on a list to possibly try it out in the spring, please text me at (727) 331 3998

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

 

Contact Info:

 

Email: mcmaterasso@gmail.com

Phone: 727 331 3998

[Birdieseeker]

If you get it real close to the Wendy, northern guys will love it. I was working in the Northeast and it was great. Southern guys might love the protection but there are cooler CPs out there but you sacrifice a little with a cooler protector


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