Nike “Icon” Ti Measurements, Pre-2019 Batches

[MadMax]

Fellow umpires and gear-nuts – I’ve been researching the history of masks, and I noticed that the venerable, iconic Nike Titanium (hence the nickname “Icon”) which first hit the field in 2005/6 via Jorge Posada, is on the verge of turning 20! 
However, it has evolved during that time. The first batch had three different gauges of titanium wire, since reduced to two gauges. There have been slight variations during that time, too, as there have been variations as to which contracted manufacturer in Asia was producing a particular batch. 

Well, those first batches, at least until ca. 2016, had an elongated Extended Chin Guard (XCG) so as to function as an in-line throat guard. Sometime between 2016 & 2019, they got (a bit, but noticeably) shorter, likely based on feedback from pro & collegiate catchers who were conditioned to drop their chin to their chest when blocking pitches in the dirt. 

Pre-2016 Nike Ti masks

See how slightly longer the XCG is, distinguished by that elegant necking in of the main wireframe? 

This one is a 2022 Nike Ti. 

And this is MLB-Authenticated JT Realmuto -used Nike Ti. Besides how flattened it is (geez, take a few off that pretty face of yours, JT?), do you see how noticeably shorter the XCG is? 

So, what I’ve been researching, and need to know, what is the measurement (length) of that pre-2016 XCG, the longer one? If you’ve got (access to, maybe a colleague owns) a Nike “Icon” Ti, could you please measure that XCG? Either PM or post here, please. Metric or Freedom Fractions works! 

Thanks, guys! 

[The Ripper]

3 hours ago, MadMax said:

Fellow umpires and gear-nuts – I’ve been researching the history of masks, and I noticed that the venerable, iconic Nike Titanium (hence the nickname “Icon”) which first hit the field in 2005/6 via Jorge Posada, is on the verge of turning 20! 
However, it has evolved during that time. The first batch had three different gauges of titanium wire, since reduced to two gauges. There have been slight variations during that time, too, as there have been variations as to which contracted manufacturer in Asia was producing a particular batch. 

Well, those first batches, at least until ca. 2016, had an elongated Extended Chin Guard (XCG) so as to function as an in-line throat guard. Sometime between 2016 & 2019, they got (a bit, but noticeably) shorter, likely based on feedback from pro & collegiate catchers who were conditioned to drop their chin to their chest when blocking pitches in the dirt. 

Pre-2016 Nike Ti masks

See how slightly longer the XCG is, distinguished by that elegant necking in of the main wireframe? 

This one is a 2022 Nike Ti. 

And this is MLB-Authenticated JT Realmuto -used Nike Ti. Besides how flattened it is (geez, take a few off that pretty face of yours, JT?), do you see how noticeably shorter the XCG is? 

So, what I’ve been researching, and need to know, what is the measurement (length) of that pre-2016 XCG, the longer one? If you’ve got (access to, maybe a colleague owns) a Nike “Icon” Ti, could you please measure that XCG? Either PM or post here, please. Metric or Freedom Fractions works! 

Thanks, guys! 

Wow, very fascinating!!! Wish I had it, so I could send you those measurements. Real cool stuff, I have a Nike, I guess, from the 2016 to 2019 timeframe. I definitely saw a difference in my Nike and others.

I wrote this topic on a similar topic:

(Definitely less detailed)

Also if anyone has a “Pre 2016” Nike, that they want to sell, I “may” pay a pretty penny for it. Thanks.

[wolfe_man]

13 hours ago, MadMax said:

Fellow umpires and gear-nuts – I’ve been researching the history of masks, and I noticed that the venerable, iconic Nike Titanium (hence the nickname “Icon”) which first hit the field in 2005/6 via Jorge Posada, is on the verge of turning 20! 
However, it has evolved during that time. The first batch had three different gauges of titanium wire, since reduced to two gauges. There have been slight variations during that time, too, as there have been variations as to which contracted manufacturer in Asia was producing a particular batch. 

Well, those first batches, at least until ca. 2016, had an elongated Extended Chin Guard (XCG) so as to function as an in-line throat guard. Sometime between 2016 & 2019, they got (a bit, but noticeably) shorter, likely based on feedback from pro & collegiate catchers who were conditioned to drop their chin to their chest when blocking pitches in the dirt. 

Pre-2016 Nike Ti masks

See how slightly longer the XCG is, distinguished by that elegant necking in of the main wireframe? 

This one is a 2022 Nike Ti. 

And this is MLB-Authenticated JT Realmuto -used Nike Ti. Besides how flattened it is (geez, take a few off that pretty face of yours, JT?), do you see how noticeably shorter the XCG is? 

So, what I’ve been researching, and need to know, what is the measurement (length) of that pre-2016 XCG, the longer one? If you’ve got (access to, maybe a colleague owns) a Nike “Icon” Ti, could you please measure that XCG? Either PM or post here, please. Metric or Freedom Fractions works! 

Thanks, guys! 

The extended throat guard on my Nike Ti is about 2 1/4” from the bottom bar of the frame to the bottom bar of the XTG.

Mine is used , so I’m not sure of the year it was made.

FWIW, my Adidas has the exact same XTG at 2 1/4”  I'm pretty confident that all of the Adidas are pre-2016 also.  At least, let me say that I've never seen one with a date after 2016 on an Adidas.

 

[johnnyg08]

Mine is almost for sure pre 2016. I'll have to check my measurements. 

[The Ripper]

1 hour ago, johnnyg08 said:

Mine is almost for sure pre 2016. I'll have to check my measurements. 

Let me know!

[Razzer]

On 6/30/2024 at 5:10 PM, MadMax said:

Fellow umpires and gear-nuts – I’ve been researching the history of masks, and I noticed that the venerable, iconic Nike Titanium (hence the nickname “Icon”) which first hit the field in 2005/6 via Jorge Posada, is on the verge of turning 20! 
However, it has evolved during that time. The first batch had three different gauges of titanium wire, since reduced to two gauges. There have been slight variations during that time, too, as there have been variations as to which contracted manufacturer in Asia was producing a particular batch. 

Well, those first batches, at least until ca. 2016, had an elongated Extended Chin Guard (XCG) so as to function as an in-line throat guard. Sometime between 2016 & 2019, they got (a bit, but noticeably) shorter, likely based on feedback from pro & collegiate catchers who were conditioned to drop their chin to their chest when blocking pitches in the dirt. 

Pre-2016 Nike Ti masks

See how slightly longer the XCG is, distinguished by that elegant necking in of the main wireframe? 

This one is a 2022 Nike Ti. 

And this is MLB-Authenticated JT Realmuto -used Nike Ti. Besides how flattened it is (geez, take a few off that pretty face of yours, JT?), do you see how noticeably shorter the XCG is? 

So, what I’ve been researching, and need to know, what is the measurement (length) of that pre-2016 XCG, the longer one? If you’ve got (access to, maybe a colleague owns) a Nike “Icon” Ti, could you please measure that XCG? Either PM or post here, please. Metric or Freedom Fractions works! 

Thanks, guys! 

Max

I have three of them and my oldest is 2.5" L AND THE OTHER 2 ARE 2.25 L