At Face Value (Magnesium Masks & Other Things)

[834k3r]

11 hours ago, DerekGDS said:

A sneak peek since I feel like we're getting down the home stretch here. The pads are a two part system.

• Covers/socks (outer)
• Cores/padding (inner)

Initially, the cover will only be offered in black/black. The front is a fabric covered molded EVA foam and towards the face is a synthetic suede. Eventually, these will be offered in a multitude of color options and fabrics choices. The concept being simply remove the core, and swap it into a different cover based on your preference/style that day. Have a bunch of covers and a couple of cores depending on how much you like to switch it up. The front strap has loop so you can stick on your favorite Wilson yellow 'W' patch.

There are plans right now for 3 cores. Only one will be released initially which will be vaguely labeled as #2 for now. All of this is still subject to change a bit.

• #1 - This core will most closely resemble the Wilson Memory Foam pads but are not made purely of a memory foam. It has a 1mm HDPE plate and then is comprised of a 3 layer laminate including two types of EVA foam and memory foam towards the face. 
• #2 - This core is a compromise on performance and weight using multiple materials include D3O, our cross-linked foam and EVA. Like #1 it also includes 1mm HDPE plates and is die cut to reduce weight.
• #3 - This core is the most dense and like #2 will be die cut to reduce weight as much as possible. It again is a laminate that includes D3O, different density memory foams. For TW folks who like placing bricks on their face, this might be the go to.

[834k3r]

Just now, 834k3r said:

The front strap has loop so you can stick on your favorite Wilson yellow 'W' patch.

This is clearly a feature @MadMax wanted. 🤣

[AtlUmp]

  

4 minutes ago, DerekGDS said:

Yes, it will but this specific design will should fit a lot of different frames. Dyna-Lite, Nike Ti, Adidas, Davis Trace, +POS ZRO-G, etc. We're working on verifying the fitment for various frames. 

The same concept will be brought to a universal design that should fit most traditional wire frame designs it's just a few months down the road.

Awesome, that means that even if this specific version doesn't fit my Mizunos the universal design will.

[MadMax]

8 hours ago, DerekGDS said:

Yes, it will but this specific design will should fit a lot of different frames. Dyna-Lite, Nike Ti, Adidas, Davis Trace, +POS ZRO-G, etc. We're working on verifying the fitment for various frames. 

It certainly won’t be an “oddball” fit, like other frame-specific pads, such as Force3’s, or LUC-Mags (with that center split), or either of the WindPacts: for UnderArmour or for EvoShield. The studs won’t be a precise fit, but they sure will be close enough. 

11 hours ago, BLWizzRanger said:

I think we can all guess who had this great idea! 

Actually, that was @DerekGDS’s inclusion. Branding is influential, but sometimes, a lack of branding is more desirable than the “wrong” or misleading branding. Why dismiss or waste a perfectly good set of pads simply because it has an… “undesired” branding logo on it? 

I’ll fess up – my contribution to the design is the cores-&-socks/skins assembly. I’ll explain more soon, but the basis is – why change a perfectly intact and functional core when the outer casing is actually what needs to be laundered or replaced? 

We have to rethink how we regard mask pads. 

[Marcus6]

4 hours ago, MadMax said:

It certainly won’t be an “oddball” fit, like other frame-specific pads, such as Force3’s, or LUC-Mags (with that center split), or either of the WindPacts: for UnderArmour or for EvoShield. The studs won’t be a precise fit, but they sure will be close enough. 

Actually, that was @DerekGDS’s inclusion. Branding is influential, but sometimes, a lack of branding is more desirable than the “wrong” or misleading branding. Why dismiss or waste a perfectly good set of pads simply because it has an… “undesired” branding logo on it? 

I’ll fess up – my contribution to the design is the cores-&-socks/skins assembly. I’ll explain more soon, but the basis is – why change a perfectly intact and functional core when the outer casing is actually what needs to be laundered or replaced? 

We have to rethink how we regard mask pads. 

Somewhat off topic but just picked up a pair of the Davis BFX NCAA color match base pants - was happy to see no logos on it.  

[Marcus6]

Looks like Davis cut the price on the Mirage frame to $199.  A tad disappointed I picked it up for $229 but oh well.  Still a great frame.

https://gerrydavis.com/products/davis-mirage-12-xcg-mask-frame

 

[UAME]

12 hours ago, FranklinT said:

Looks like Davis cut the price on the Mirage frame to $199.  A tad disappointed I picked it up for $229 but oh well.  Still a great frame.

https://gerrydavis.com/products/davis-mirage-12-xcg-mask-frame

 

I noticed that also.  My speculation is that Davis is aligning the cost of the bare frame with the market, knowing that a fully padded/strapped version will need to be priced as competitively as possible.  There is still opportunity for Davis to take care of us early Mirage adopters, as @DerekGDS has already indicated we'll get first dibs on pads when they are available.  I doubt you'll have pi$$ed those $30 into the wind, when all is said & done.

[DerekGDS]

Internally, MSRP is still showing $230. So there is no official change. With that being said it is likely a sale price or price testing.

Yes, early adopters will still get first dibs, discounts (equal to what the price would have been if it was sold with the mask) and free shipping on the pads when they are available.

[Marcus6]

11 hours ago, DerekGDS said:

Internally, MSRP is still showing $230. So there is no official change. With that being said it is likely a sale price or price testing.

Yes, early adopters will still get first dibs, discounts (equal to what the price would have been if it was sold with the mask) and free shipping on the pads when they are available.

Still showing $199. 

[TheLovejoy]

F.... Yes. I had to snag one for $199, and it justifies the purchase of the pads when they come out. I currently have 2 AS Mag masks 🤦‍♂️

[DerekGDS]

Just a quick update for those patiently waiting. First sets of pads and socks are expected sometime in late August-early September. Just in time for most of you to not need them for several months. 

The first socks (covers) will be offered in either a black/charcoal front with black microfiber suede or mesh back.

Three different cores will be offered:

• 01: This has comparable characteristics and feel to Wilson Memory Foam pads.
• 02: This is the softest pad available and uses a multi-layer foam stack including D3O, EVA and Open Cell Foam (with a thin layer of EVA backing to improve moisture absorption resistance)
• 03: This has comparable feel to Team Wendy pads and how it feels is subject to ambient temperatures. It is a dual layer foam stack with D3O up front and a memory foam towards the face. 

[834k3r]

21 hours ago, DerekGDS said:

Just a quick update for those patiently waiting. First sets of pads and socks are expected sometime in late August-early September. Just in time for most of you to not need them for several months. 

The first socks (covers) will be offered in either a black/charcoal front with black microfiber suede or mesh back.

Three different cores will be offered:

• 01: This has comparable characteristics and feel to Wilson Memory Foam pads.
• 02: This is the softest pad available and uses a multi-layer foam stack including D3O, EVA and Open Cell Foam (with a thin layer of EVA backing to improve moisture absorption resistance)
• 03: This has comparable feel to Team Wendy pads and how it feels is subject to ambient temperatures. It is a dual layer foam stack with D3O up front and a memory foam towards the face. 

[umpstu]

23 hours ago, DerekGDS said:

Just a quick update for those patiently waiting. First sets of pads and socks are expected sometime in late August-early September. Just in time for most of you to not need them for several months. 

The first socks (covers) will be offered in either a black/charcoal front with black microfiber suede or mesh back.

Three different cores will be offered:

• 01: This has comparable characteristics and feel to Wilson Memory Foam pads.
• 02: This is the softest pad available and uses a multi-layer foam stack including D3O, EVA and Open Cell Foam (with a thin layer of EVA backing to improve moisture absorption resistance)
• 03: This has comparable feel to Team Wendy pads and how it feels is subject to ambient temperatures. It is a dual layer foam stack with D3O up front and a memory foam towards the face. 

So will the O3 pads be hard as rocks in the fall like I've found the Team Wendy's to be? It's the reason I stopped using them.

[DerekGDS]

23 minutes ago, umpstu said:

So will the O3 pads be hard as rocks in the fall like I've found the Team Wendy's to be? It's the reason I stopped using them.

I would not recommend them in lower temperatures, like TW they will be significantly stiffer. 

[Rock Bottom]

Between 01 and 02, which will be the most shock absorbing? 02?

[DerekGDS]

On paper 02 but as @MadMax has covered in significant detail nothing we (or anyone) make can guarantee to prevent concussions or injury. 

The 02 pads are designed to do the bulk of the work in the front half of the pads and towards the face a much softer feel then the 03 in all ambient conditions but especially in cold-moderate conditions. 

[Velho]

53 minutes ago, DerekGDS said:

On paper 02 but as @MadMax has covered in significant detail nothing we (or anyone) make can guarantee to prevent concussions or injury. 

Pshaw. More suppressed technology from the 70s! Just like the car that runs on water.

 

[Rock Bottom]

I took 3 big shots tonight (estimated about 80-83 mph) and the Mirage (paired with All Star mag pads and AS Cobalt skull cap) came through with flying colors! (Yes, I was in the slot - confirmed with my partners - players were swinging at really inside fastballs.)

I'm looking forward to the new GD pads though.

[TheLovejoy]

Something of note, for me at least, and anybody that wears the hard shell/skully: The GD Mirage is shaped a fair bit differently than the All Star Mag, and the Rawlings skully can be worn under it without any problem. The All Star Mag is too flat, so the bill gets very close to the frame, and the Cobalt skully is the only hard shell you can wear with it. The GD Mirage has much more room in the shape of the frame to allow the Rawlings skully.

Needless to say...I have a new plate setup with the GD Enduro. (And some SSK Plate shoes. I like them more than I thought I would. I'm scared the velcro with stop sticking or something, but I love the idea)

[834k3r]

9 hours ago, TheLovejoy said:

Something of note, for me at least, and anybody that wears the hard shell/skully: The GD Mirage is shaped a fair bit differently than the All Star Mag, and the Rawlings skully can be worn under it without any problem. The All Star Mag is too flat, so the bill gets very close to the frame, and the Cobalt skully is the only hard shell you can wear with it. The GD Mirage has much more room in the shape of the frame to allow the Rawlings skully.

One of the reasons I got my Cobalt skully was because my soft hats (standard, 8-stitch bills because I personally don't like the look of shorter bills) would actually ride under and out of the cage at times. Never took a hit--thankfully--but I constantly had to adjust my mask when I wore my AS Mag.

[MadMax]

9 hours ago, TheLovejoy said:

The All Star Mag is too flat, so the bill gets very close to the frame, and the Cobalt skully is the only hard shell you can wear with it. The GD Mirage has much more room in the shape of the frame to allow the Rawlings skully.

I'm not correcting you, merely clarifying. The All-Star FM4K Mag isn't flat, it's ramped. This was to present an angular surface to an impacting ball so that it would deflect at an angle. Furthermore, while the lower (jaw) pad received an internal distributor plate, the upper (fore) pad did not, and is actually of smaller volume than other typical forehead pads. Why? Because the FM4K was designed for catchers, who wear a skullcap backwards... not for umpires!!! This isn't to slander or shame All-Star; quite the contrary, they are predominantly a catcher's company, with little incentive to support us (umpires). However, there is supposedly this biiiiiiig company that has "Exclusive Supplier "Rights"" for Umpires... and what have they done (for us) in nearly 30 years??!

10 hours ago, TheLovejoy said:

And some SSK Plate shoes. I like them more than I thought I would. I'm scared the velcro with stop sticking or something, but I love the idea

I have a way to rectify this, if/when it ever comes to it. Involves magnets. 🧲 

 

[wolfe_man]

...

[TheLovejoy]

5 hours ago, MadMax said:

I'm not correcting you, merely clarifying. The All-Star FM4K Mag isn't flat, it's ramped. This was to present an angular surface to an impacting ball so that it would deflect at an angle. Furthermore, while the lower (jaw) pad received an internal distributor plate, the upper (fore) pad did not, and is actually of smaller volume than other typical forehead pads. Why? Because the FM4K was designed for catchers, who wear a skullcap backwards... not for umpires!!! This isn't to slander or shame All-Star; quite the contrary, they are predominantly a catcher's company, with little incentive to support us (umpires). However, there is supposedly this biiiiiiig company that has "Exclusive Supplier "Rights"" for Umpires... and what have they done (for us) in nearly 30 years??!

I have a way to rectify this, if/when it ever comes to it. Involves magnets. 🧲 

 

Yes yes, 100%. It's not that it's too flat. The ramp gets too close to where the bill sits. Good clarification. I did notice the angles, and feel it did it's job in deflection. 

I also thought I read that the All Star Visor would fit, so I took it off of my spare FM4K....and it would not fit, (it was the FM400 specific visor. I didn't even realize that All Star had a traditional visor before that, which I'm sure would fit.)  So i swapped to the Diamond, (scratched the logo off), and it fills the space nicely. 

Magnets? To both sided of the velcro? Or you jury-rig it inside the shoe somewhere?

[TheLovejoy]

On 8/7/2025 at 9:51 AM, MadMax said:

I'm not correcting you, merely clarifying. The All-Star FM4K Mag isn't flat, it's ramped. This was to present an angular surface to an impacting ball so that it would deflect at an angle. Furthermore, while the lower (jaw) pad received an internal distributor plate, the upper (fore) pad did not, and is actually of smaller volume than other typical forehead pads. Why? Because the FM4K was designed for catchers, who wear a skullcap backwards... not for umpires!!! This isn't to slander or shame All-Star; quite the contrary, they are predominantly a catcher's company, with little incentive to support us (umpires). However, there is supposedly this biiiiiiig company that has "Exclusive Supplier "Rights"" for Umpires... and what have they done (for us) in nearly 30 years??!

I have a way to rectify this, if/when it ever comes to it. Involves magnets. 🧲 

 

After a few more games under my belt with this mask, I do like the 'smaller' head pad of the FM4K fore pad for use with the hard skully. It doesn't push the mask out in front of the face as much as thicker mask pads that I've used in the past. 
I do intend fully to buy into the GD mask pads once they become available, absolutely. But I wonder if I'll like the GD pads more on a standard hat setup vs the Skully.

Also, tell me more about these magnets...for real. 

[DerekGDS]

Just a quick update for folks waiting patiently. I expect the first set of pads to be released by the end of the month at the latest. I will follow up with technical specifics for those interested but here are some shots of the final product. 

Pads will also be available in black and there is a pad skin/cover that is microfiber suede instead of mesh.