grayhawk Posted May 17 Report Share Posted May 17 12 hours ago, DerekGDS said: A little update for the folks who have had interest. Early to mid June is now confirmed. 100% Polyester w/ Lycra T400 yarn which gives it the stretch without Spandex. Base Cut MSRP: $100 Plate Cut MSRP: $110 A limited warranty that will cover manufacturing defects for a practical product lifespan. May give them a try for next season. But dang, we're talking nearly $150 after getting them altered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyhoundAggie Posted May 21 Report Share Posted May 21 On 5/17/2024 at 10:32 AM, grayhawk said: May give them a try for next season. But dang, we're talking nearly $150 after getting them altered. Cost money to look good i guess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadMax Posted May 21 Report Share Posted May 21 On 5/17/2024 at 10:13 AM, 834k3r said: I noticed after my last game behind the plate I need to replace my plate pants! Did you notice visually, audibly... or tactilely (by feel... hello breeze!)? On 5/17/2024 at 11:32 AM, grayhawk said: May give them a try for next season. But dang, we're talking nearly $150 after getting them altered. Hey, if it means not having to demote-&-replace them every year because they 🤬 fade too damned easy... !!! ... I'm sold! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
834k3r Posted May 21 Report Share Posted May 21 2 hours ago, MadMax said: Did you notice visually, audibly... or tactilely (by feel... hello breeze!)? Yes, no, and no...thankfully. I was folding them after putting them in the wash, and the fabric is fraying near the knee (I like to pick up F2s HSMs and knock the dirt from it for them if they rip it off to make a play). Now I know to knock the dirt off my banging it on the back of my leg, not the knee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekGDS Posted May 21 Report Share Posted May 21 2 hours ago, MadMax said: Hey, if it means not having to demote-&-replace them every year because they 🤬 fade too damned easy... I’m sorry to say that with the intense and constant Arizona sun, there’s not much that can be done to prevent fading unless the games largely take place under the haze of a haboob. However, the materials we used are designed to fade more slowly compared to others and as little success as we've had finding a true game changer, we're always looking at the latest in coatings, dyes, fibers, etc. that improve the colorfastness to light. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grayhawk Posted May 21 Report Share Posted May 21 3 hours ago, MadMax said: Did you notice visually, audibly... or tactilely (by feel... hello breeze!)? Maybe it was the rust from the "Hands Free Umpire" hook? 🤣 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadMax Posted May 21 Report Share Posted May 21 1 hour ago, DerekGDS said: under the haze of a haboob You really wanted to use that phrase, didn't ya? Such alliteration. 1 hour ago, DerekGDS said: However, the materials we used are designed to fade more slowly compared to others That's all that matters to me. If I can reserve these for my broadcast and evening games, and use my faded ones for tournament, (most) high school, and adult amateur games, I'm happy. Guys, the effect of brand-new, dark charcoal, pressed-&-pleated umpire pants is wholly lost on anything younger than Varsity HS, and amateur baseball beyond college. No one cares. They care more for your physical appearance – do you look like you can keep pace with them, do you look like you played baseball before – much more so than what you're wearing, vis-a-vis a particular color, shade, tint, or style. I'm not saying that clean, well-kept uniforms are not important... they are, but it is – here's that favorite term of mine – completely relevant to context. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grayhawk Posted May 21 Report Share Posted May 21 13 minutes ago, MadMax said: Guys, the effect of brand-new, dark charcoal, pressed-&-pleated umpire pants is wholly lost on anything younger than Varsity HS, and amateur baseball beyond college. No one cares. They care more for your physical appearance – do you look like you can keep pace with them, do you look like you played baseball before – much more so than what you're wearing, vis-a-vis a particular color, shade, tint, or style. My good uniforms don't see the light of day (or even that of a crescent moon) once the season has ended. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekGDS Posted May 21 Report Share Posted May 21 30 minutes ago, MadMax said: You really wanted to use that phrase, didn't ya? Such alliteration. Guilty as charged. Sometimes you just need to go with the linguistic punches. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranklinT Posted May 22 Report Share Posted May 22 I don’t think these are too expensive if they are a significant upgrade. I’m willing to pay for quality (Derek has given us a glimpse of how hard this is) and support a company trying to innovate. I think of the old Hardwick made Honig’s Poly Wools from 15-20 years ago. Think they retailed for about $75 which seemed absurd back then. Think the traditional polyester pants were going for $40. Convinced myself to buy a set and every time I wore those poly wools I loved them and they stood up to anything. I still have some pairs 15 years old that look great. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekGDS Posted May 22 Report Share Posted May 22 25 minutes ago, FranklinT said: I don’t think these are too expensive if they are a significant upgrade. Yes, they are much more expensive than other pants on the market but I still think people will find them to be a good value. In terms of gross margin, this product actually has the lowest margin in our pant line. There are three primary factors contributing to its higher cost: Raw Materials: The fabric used is significantly more expensive due to the specialized yarn and the difficulty in maintaining color consistency between lots, unlike standard polyester fabric. This means larger lots and holding the raw fabric for a longer period of time. Labor: These pants are produced on a very small production line that typically handles prototyping and samples. This slower process is performed by more skilled workers, resulting in fewer defects. Although our overall defect rate is very low, we wanted to ensure these pants meet our highest standards. Shipping: Despite the high cost, it is actually more economical to air freight these pants rather than ship them by sea. While air freight is still expensive, sea freight would subject the pants to a 28.2% tariff, making it more costly than air shipping. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackrabbitslims Posted May 22 Report Share Posted May 22 So, what pants are going to keep me the coolest when it is 98 degrees outside? Core light weight or the pant that is not out yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekGDS Posted May 22 Report Share Posted May 22 3 hours ago, Jackrabbitslims said: So, what pants are going to keep me the coolest when it is 98 degrees outside? Core light weight or the pant that is not out yet? @Jackrabbitslims I would prefer the Core Lightweight pants personally in the highest heat scenario. Although both pants have a similar fabric weight, the BFX is woven in a way that makes it feel a little heavier, more durable and gives it more texture. We’ve been prototyping a pant specifically designed for extremely hot and humid environments. I wore it recently in Thailand, and it performed well in temperatures over 100 degrees. However, it challenges the traditional look of umpire pants, resembling more of a technical pant than a uniform pant. I can’t share much more since it’s still an R&D project, but apparel designed for high heat and humid environments is definitely an are of emphasis for us right now. I have a few dozen pairs of pants that we never produced for retail due to various reasons, such as a cut that doesn’t suit everyone and concerns about durability. However, they are extremely lightweight. These pants are slim-cut, made from a very lightweight fabric, and have a fitted waistband. If anyone is interested in helping clear some warehouse space, you can get them for the low low price of $0.00—just cover the shipping costs. If you’re interested, please PM me, and I’ll check if your size is available. Keep in mind that these pants are best suited for thin and athletic frames. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Man in Blue Posted May 22 Report Share Posted May 22 Thin and athletic?! We are old man umpires here! We sport more of the “beer and fear” builds. 🤣 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amb1995 Posted May 23 Report Share Posted May 23 6 hours ago, DerekGDS said: @Jackrabbitslims I would prefer the Core Lightweight pants personally in the highest heat scenario. Although both pants have a similar fabric weight, the BFX is woven in a way that makes it feel a little heavier, more durable and gives it more texture. We’ve been prototyping a pant specifically designed for extremely hot and humid environments. I wore it recently in Thailand, and it performed well in temperatures over 100 degrees. However, it challenges the traditional look of umpire pants, resembling more of a technical pant than a uniform pant. I can’t share much more since it’s still an R&D project, but apparel designed for high heat and humid environments is definitely an are of emphasis for us right now. I have a few dozen pairs of pants that we never produced for retail due to various reasons, such as a cut that doesn’t suit everyone and concerns about durability. However, they are extremely lightweight. These pants are slim-cut, made from a very lightweight fabric, and have a fitted waistband. If anyone is interested in helping clear some warehouse space, you can get them for the low low price of $0.00—just cover the shipping costs. If you’re interested, please PM me, and I’ll check if your size is available. Keep in mind that these pants are best suited for thin and athletic frames. What about a 34 inch waist? Not thin but not too round, yet! lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekGDS Posted May 23 Report Share Posted May 23 13 minutes ago, amb1995 said: What about a 34 inch waist? I think anything under a 38 waistband (40 true waist) they're fine if you like them slimmer, less baggage. It really comes down to personal preference and style. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amb1995 Posted May 23 Report Share Posted May 23 7 minutes ago, DerekGDS said: I think anything under a 38 waistband (40 true waist) they're fine if you like them slimmer, less baggage. It really comes down to personal preference and style. Well if you happen to find some 34s, count me in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLWizzRanger Posted May 23 Report Share Posted May 23 If you happen to find a 36 or 38.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekGDS Posted June 17 Report Share Posted June 17 @GoAn42 The BFX Pro is starting to roll in. We currently have flat front base fit available but still waiting on photography unfortunately. Being told early next week on the photos. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekGDS Posted June 25 Report Share Posted June 25 BFX Pro Flat Front Base Cut I apologize, the photography on this isn't great due to the turnaround time and will be re shot at some point. The flat fronts do have permanent creases that were smoothed over/toned down in post processing. You can see below trying to squeeze into a size too small. 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
834k3r Posted June 26 Report Share Posted June 26 On 6/25/2024 at 8:46 AM, DerekGDS said: BFX Pro Flat Front Base Cut I apologize, the photography on this isn't great due to the turnaround time and will be re shot at some point. The flat fronts do have permanent creases that were smoothed over/toned down in post processing. You can see below trying to squeeze into a size too small. Slightly OT, but will the website have a wish list function at some point? It would be handy to "bookmark" these pants and other GD offerings on the website for future purchase/reference. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekGDS Posted June 26 Report Share Posted June 26 3 hours ago, 834k3r said: Slightly OT, but will the website have a wish list function at some point? It would be handy to "bookmark" these pants and other GD offerings on the website for future purchase/reference. Not on a timeline I see but I put in the request! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadMax Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 On 5/22/2024 at 12:58 PM, DerekGDS said: resembling more of a technical pant than a uniform pant What does that really matter? Remember when the NFL finally relented on the “knickerbocker” pants, and finally adopted a more athletic pant? They modernized the stripes, and made the shirts much more athletic? In short order, the NCAA followed suit. Guess who was the most resistant? NFHS. Listen, when it comes to uniforms, or style, or whatever other trivial point of contention, we gotta stop the forced conformity, we gotta stop with the traditionalism, and we gotta stop with the stubborn, snide, holier-than-thou attitude, resistant to change because it is change, there’s a fear of change, and it’s masked by claiming “it’s not a good look”. Seriously. It ain’t a good look on you. Do you squawk and gripe and resist this much when rules updates are released, let alone suggested?? Derek, all it’s going to take to get interest in these is one series, on TV or streamcast somewhere, at a prominent level. Unfortunately, it can’t be any of the Big leagues. Ya might find an inde-pro league willing to try it, or a single college conference somewhere… but a river has to start with a drop 💧 somewhere. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Man in Blue Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 1 hour ago, MadMax said: \Seriously. It ain’t a good look on you. Do you squawk and gripe and resist this much when rules updates are released, let alone suggested?? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekGDS Posted June 27 Report Share Posted June 27 1 hour ago, MadMax said: What does that really matter? From my perspective, it doesn’t really matter. People will wear what they like, and those who cling to tradition can stick with it. We’ll keep offering classic styles while also daring to push boundaries within reason. As Neil Peart wrote, “I will choose a path that’s clear, I will choose free will.” So, hopefully, everyone will make the choice that makes a difference to them. 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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