At Face Value (Magnesium Masks & Other Things)

[concertman1971]

See below for my review of actual usage of the Mirage. Pitch was in and the batter was fast enough to get his hands through and make a full swing. 

1. Yes, I am ok. Mild concussion (self diagnosed) but the symptoms did not show up until later that night/next morning. If I am in the same spot again, I will come out of the game. Not worth it for me. Happened Friday night, and this morning, while the headache has diminished, I still have a sore neck.

2. The Mirage Mask and All-Star Pads did their job. Straps were (what I feel) to be properly adjusted, and the mask did a disappearing act from my face! I will most likely be upgrading to the hard shell helmet for the 2026 season. The only damage to the Mirage was the small scratches on the frame from where it hit the ground. 

 

 

[Velho]

2 minutes ago, concertman1971 said:

See below for my review of actual usage of the Mirage.

Oh crap, that was you?!?

Glad you are (relatively) ok.

Glad you have a plan. Coincidentally, my Cobalt helmet just got delivered yesterday. Wearing it this weekend.

[834k3r]

23 hours ago, DerekGDS said:

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.

[TheLovejoy]

On 7/16/2025 at 11:00 AM, 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. 

I'm refreshing the GD Mask and Pads page incessantly like a kid waiting for the Midnight Release of Halo 2 at Gamestop.
ifkyk

[The Man in Blue]

Can’t stop, won’t stop … 

[DerekGDS]

They will be released next week (at some point) to customers who have purchased the frame and then publicly about a week after that. As previous mentioned, here is what we're initially launching:

• 3 pad core options
  • Tango2 Pad Core (01) - $34.99
  • D3O® Cloud4 Pad Core (02) - $49.99
  • D3O® Shear3 Pad Core (03) - $69.99
• 4 pad socks (covers)
  • Black/Black Mesh - $24.99
  • Black/Black Microfiber Suede - $34.99
  • Charcoal/Black Mesh - $29.99
  • Charcoal/Black Microfiber Suede - $39.99

*Pricing: This is standalone MSRP pricing. I do not know how pricing looks when combined with the frame, combined as a set, or when multiple cores/socks are purchased yet. Pricing for whomever has purchased the frame will be discounted and sent via email.

The concept for all the pad cores is similar they but the complexity and the materials are different. Most modern traditional padding, with the very notable exception of Team Wendy, is a two-layer system. Typically a medium density EVA and a softer open cell for comfort. EVA is doing the vast majority of impact protection, with the other half of the pad primarily for comfort and contributes minimal resistance. 

I need to say that these pads have not been tested in a laboratory and none of my claims are scientific or absolute but here is what we used in theory to develop these cores.

• Multi-Layer Energy Absorption: Instead of one or two thick layers doing all the work until it is hits maximum compression, we have multiple thinner layers each operating in a more optimal range, progressively managing the impact without any single point of failure or sudden escalation of force. More layers working in sequence means the impact takes longer to transmit through the entire system. Even an extra 2-3 milliseconds of deceleration time makes a significant difference in peak force. Graduated densities ensure smooth force transmission rather than abrupt transitions between each layer.
• Density Grading: Impedance is how much a material resists the transmission of shock waves. It's determined by density and how fast waves travel through the material. Dense materials have high impedance, soft materials have low impedance. With densities stepping down (outside to inside), each transition has a smaller impedance mismatch. More of the shock wave continues traveling through each boundary rather than reflecting backward. When energy reflects at impedance boundaries, it stays in the stiffer outer materials or frame, potentially causing higher peak forces and vibration. Graduated impedance allows energy to distribute through the entire padding thickness for better overall energy absorption.
• Load Distribution: The front of the pad socks are made from EVA molded to specifically fit the Mirage 12 (they also fit some other traditional wire frame designs) creating a strong form fit with the frame and offering a solid backing for the hdpe plate. As the plate bends under a frame bar, it creates a curved depression. This curve naturally spreads the force. The foam isn't just compressed directly under the bar, but also in the surrounding area where the flexed plate pushes into it. Instead of narrow 5-6mm pressure lines directly under each bar, the flexing plate creates a much broader compression zone.

Our pads cores are roughly between 20-30% thinner then most pads on the market but each mm is active protection. This additional functional cushioning translates to meaningfully longer impact duration and lower peak forces transmitted. 

Nothing here is revolutionary, just more thoughtful design and better materials. 

Tango2 Pad Core
This is a dual-foam pad with a semi-flexible 1mm HDPE plate on both the top and the bottom pads.

• Bottom pad core 35mm, Top pad core 30mm
• The outer most foam towards the frame is EVA. It is a medium density and common to other pads on the market but it helps keep down the weight and offers solid protection at a more economical price point.
• Our medium density viscoelastic foam makes up close to 70% of the pad. When impacted it stays compressed, maintaining its deformed state well through the impact duration helping with distributing the load over time rather than creating a sharp force spike. Instead of storing energy elastically and returning it back toward the frame, this foam converts most impact energy into heat and internal friction.

It's the most economical pad and in theory should perform above levels of most pads currently available on the market especially with the distribution plate. Like all pads using viscoelastic foams, these pads get more comfortable the warmer the ambient temperature is.

D3O® Cloud4 Pad Core
This is a quad-layer pad with a semi-flexible 1mm HDPE plate on both the top and the bottom pads.

• Bottom pad core 35mm, Top pad core 30mm
• Uses a combination of D3O, various density EVA and a medium density PU foam. (The top pad substitutes D3O with Covalta - our proprietary chemically cross-linked foam)
• The two first foams in the laminate do the bulk of the energy absorption passing the remaining energy through the medium density foam which is then backed by a soft EVA for comfort and to provide better moisture resistance.

This is the softest pad available and is better suited to lower ambient temperatures and individuals who prefer a softer more predictable feel on the face.

D3O® Shear3 Pad Core
This is a tri-layer pad with a semi-flexible 1mm HDPE plate on both the top and the bottom pads.

• Bottom pad core 34mm, Top pad core 30mm
• Uses a combination of D3O, a medium-high density viscoelastic foam and the medium viscoelastic foam used in the Tango2 pad core.

This pad does not include any comfort enhancements and is best suited in ambient temperatures above 65 degrees where the pads become softer. On paper these are the most protective pad cores and offer the lowest resilience and highest levels of energy dissipation.  

 

[TheLovejoy]

My thought was probably going to be the D3O® Cloud4 Pad Core (02), (then get both mesh, and microfiber suede socks to figure out which one of those I like better. 

But your professional termage, "On paper these are the most protective pad cores and offer the lowest resilience and highest levels of energy dissipation." means: 'if you're calling those homies who throw 95+, this is the one to get. eh?
However, for spring ball, when it's 50*, is this going to feel like a rock? No doubt the energy dispersion will still be better than the others, but if it's significantly below that general 65*, would you think that the Cloud4 would be the way to go?

aka....I wasn't expecting you to give us so many good options. I thought I'd just go, 'click to buy now', and be done. 🤦‍♂️

[BLWizzRanger]

Thanks @DerekGDS!  Your mind meld persuasion made me pull the trigger even though my fall ball season is winding down and I won't be able to use until the spring.  IDK, maybe I will just hang it on my wall and stare at it while working my desk job. Who am I kidding?  I will probably wear it while looking over my three screens to test the sight lines in it.  I've got to do something with it, you know?

[834k3r]

14 hours ago, DerekGDS said:

They will be released next week (at some point) to customers who have purchased the frame and then publicly about a week after that. As previous mentioned, here is what we're initially launching:

• 3 pad core options
  • Tango2 Pad Core (01) - $34.99
  • D3O® Cloud4 Pad Core (02) - $49.99
  • D3O® Shear3 Pad Core (03) - $69.99
• 4 pad socks (covers)
  • Black/Black Mesh - $24.99
  • Black/Black Microfiber Suede - $34.99
  • Charcoal/Black Mesh - $29.99
  • Charcoal/Black Microfiber Suede - $39.99

*Pricing: This is standalone MSRP pricing. I do not know how pricing looks when combined with the frame, combined as a set, or when multiple cores/socks are purchased yet. Pricing for whomever has purchased the frame will be discounted and sent via email.

The concept for all the pad cores is similar they but the complexity and the materials are different. Most modern traditional padding, with the very notable exception of Team Wendy, is a two-layer system. Typically a medium density EVA and a softer open cell for comfort. EVA is doing the vast majority of impact protection, with the other half of the pad primarily for comfort and contributes minimal resistance. 

I need to say that these pads have not been tested in a laboratory and none of my claims are scientific or absolute but here is what we used in theory to develop these cores.

• Multi-Layer Energy Absorption: Instead of one or two thick layers doing all the work until it is hits maximum compression, we have multiple thinner layers each operating in a more optimal range, progressively managing the impact without any single point of failure or sudden escalation of force. More layers working in sequence means the impact takes longer to transmit through the entire system. Even an extra 2-3 milliseconds of deceleration time makes a significant difference in peak force. Graduated densities ensure smooth force transmission rather than abrupt transitions between each layer.
• Density Grading: Impedance is how much a material resists the transmission of shock waves. It's determined by density and how fast waves travel through the material. Dense materials have high impedance, soft materials have low impedance. With densities stepping down (outside to inside), each transition has a smaller impedance mismatch. More of the shock wave continues traveling through each boundary rather than reflecting backward. When energy reflects at impedance boundaries, it stays in the stiffer outer materials or frame, potentially causing higher peak forces and vibration. Graduated impedance allows energy to distribute through the entire padding thickness for better overall energy absorption.
• Load Distribution: The front of the pad socks are made from EVA molded to specifically fit the Mirage 12 (they also fit some other traditional wire frame designs) creating a strong form fit with the frame and offering a solid backing for the hdpe plate. As the plate bends under a frame bar, it creates a curved depression. This curve naturally spreads the force. The foam isn't just compressed directly under the bar, but also in the surrounding area where the flexed plate pushes into it. Instead of narrow 5-6mm pressure lines directly under each bar, the flexing plate creates a much broader compression zone.

Our pads cores are roughly between 20-30% thinner then most pads on the market but each mm is active protection. This additional functional cushioning translates to meaningfully longer impact duration and lower peak forces transmitted. 

Nothing here is revolutionary, just more thoughtful design and better materials. 

Tango2 Pad Core
This is a dual-foam pad with a semi-flexible 1mm HDPE plate on both the top and the bottom pads.

• Bottom pad core 35mm, Top pad core 30mm
• The outer most foam towards the frame is EVA. It is a medium density and common to other pads on the market but it helps keep down the weight and offers solid protection at a more economical price point.
• Our medium density viscoelastic foam makes up close to 70% of the pad. When impacted it stays compressed, maintaining its deformed state well through the impact duration helping with distributing the load over time rather than creating a sharp force spike. Instead of storing energy elastically and returning it back toward the frame, this foam converts most impact energy into heat and internal friction.

It's the most economical pad and in theory should perform above levels of most pads currently available on the market especially with the distribution plate. Like all pads using viscoelastic foams, these pads get more comfortable the warmer the ambient temperature is.

D3O® Cloud4 Pad Core
This is a quad-layer pad with a semi-flexible 1mm HDPE plate on both the top and the bottom pads.

• Bottom pad core 35mm, Top pad core 30mm
• Uses a combination of D3O, various density EVA and a medium density PU foam. (The top pad substitutes D3O with Covalta - our proprietary chemically cross-linked foam)
• The two first foams in the laminate do the bulk of the energy absorption passing the remaining energy through the medium density foam which is then backed by a soft EVA for comfort and to provide better moisture resistance.

This is the softest pad available and is better suited to lower ambient temperatures and individuals who prefer a softer more predictable feel on the face.

D3O® Shear3 Pad Core
This is a tri-layer pad with a semi-flexible 1mm HDPE plate on both the top and the bottom pads.

• Bottom pad core 34mm, Top pad core 30mm
• Uses a combination of D3O, a medium-high density viscoelastic foam and the medium viscoelastic foam used in the Tango2 pad core.

This pad does not include any comfort enhancements and is best suited in ambient temperatures above 65 degrees where the pads become softer. On paper these are the most protective pad cores and offer the lowest resilience and highest levels of energy dissipation.  

 

[The Man in Blue]

“They must be watching the Phoebe Cates scene in Fast Times at Ridgemont High again.”

”No, must be the car wash scene in Wild Things.”

Nope, @derekgds just announced a new product drop.

[DerekGDS]

12 hours ago, TheLovejoy said:

My thought was probably going to be the D3O® Cloud4 Pad Core (02), (then get both mesh, and microfiber suede socks to figure out which one of those I like better. 

My advice on the socks is:

Go with mesh if:

• You want an extra little cushion feel to the face. It is a thicker spacing mesh to provide a softer feel.
• You work in temperatures almost exclusively above 70 degrees

Consider microfiber suede if:

• You work in lower temperatures and actually want to trap some additional heat for a higher ambient temperature in the pads.
• You like the feeling of microfiber suede (obviously)
• You're OK with these degrading faster then the mesh socks. (short/stubble facial hair will degrade these much faster then mesh. We did test these against ASTM D3884 test parameters for abrasion resistance and it passed 800+ cycles and it has excellent resistance to sweat staining but wet + rubbing means limited colorfastness overall)

12 hours ago, TheLovejoy said:

However, for spring ball, when it's 50*, is this going to feel like a rock? No doubt the energy dispersion will still be better than the others, but if it's significantly below that general 65*, would you think that the Cloud4 would be the way to go?

I wouldn't put the Tango2 or Shear3 on my own personal face in temperatures below 65 degrees. Thats with me assuming my skin/breath brings the ambient temperatures of the pads up to at least 70 degrees. On the other hand, there are people who use pads like TW in lower ambient temperatures so it really all about what you're comfortable with. The viscoelastic foams approach their glass transition, becoming increasingly rigid and uncomfortable at about 59 degrees in which I absolutely recommend to not wear them in those conditions. 

The Cloud4 is meant to fill that gap and be an alternative to individuals who just do not want a medium-firm to firm pad.

[BLWizzRanger]

46 minutes ago, DerekGDS said:

• You're OK with these degrading faster then the mesh socks. (short/stubble facial hair will degrade these much faster then mesh. We did test these against ASTM D3884 test parameters for abrasion resistance and it passed 800+ cycles and it has excellent resistance to sweat staining but wet + rubbing means limited colorfastness overall)

 

I could try and find it but how does a test cycle relate to the motion an umpire would take to put on or take off a mask?  I suspect one cycle to be the one time motion of putting on the mask and it rubbing against the chin(?), But, I wouldn't think that they would only last 16-20 games (if guesstimating one would cycle their mask on and off 40-50 times a 9 inning game).

Is there a UV test as well and if so, how did they hold up with UV testing? What would be the nominal life expectancy of these pads be (understanding YMMV and climate could affect these).

[DerekGDS]

The best way I can describe the test using plain english is imagine the material having 200-ish grit sand paper plus roughly 2.2 lbs of force rotating on it 800 times. So much more force and much more abrasive then facial hair. 

The microfiber suede wont bleed color from sweat alone, but when wearing you basically get both factors. Perspiration and rubbing. It meets the baseline standards of the testing but there might be slight color transfer/loss in instances of extreme moisture and extended wear. 

The fabric that faces the frame right now is lycra. We need the stretch to bond it with the molded EVA so this color fastness would only impact microfiber suede against your face.

[Velho]

On 9/10/2025 at 10:48 AM, Velho said:

Coincidentally, my Cobalt helmet just got delivered yesterday. Wearing it this weekend.

Side thread: I love the Cobalt. I was between sizes so sized down. Glad I did. It fits a little snug but is comfortable and have only had a few mask off hang up (not many more than hat though).

I had avoided it previously because I worried about trapping heat. It's been great though. Ventilation is actual better than a hat (and no sweat stains to get out of the hat).

[Marcus6]

Leaning mesh and Cloud 4 although I never minded the Team Wendy pads getting firm in cold weather (seems to be a drawback for the Shear3)

[834k3r]

1 hour ago, FranklinT said:

Leaning mesh and Cloud 4 although I never minded the Team Wendy pads getting firm in cold weather (seems to be a drawback for the Shear3)

I may end up getting one mesh and one suede and see which I prefer. Like you, I've never been concerned about my TW in cold weather--but @DerekGDS's recommendations weigh heavily for me, so I'll probably opt for the Cloud as well.

[BLWizzRanger]

For those that have bought the GD mask, I did receive the email for the discounted pads today. I gotta figure out which ones compliment my TW ones since I only skimmed the descriptions earlier.

WTBS, is there anyone thinking of adding a throat guard on their mask? Comparing mine, the GD mask extends roughly an inch lower than my Wilson one and it is at a better angle reducing more exposure. But, I am not sure I feel most protected with the way I stand. Probably going to jinx myself over thinking about it.

Sent from my SM-F721U1 using Tapatalk

[Metz]

Just placed my order for the mesh and suede socks and the Cloud 4 pads. 

[Go Navy Beat Army]

3 hours ago, Metz said:

Just placed my order for the mesh and suede socks and the Cloud 4 pads. 

Same. Looking forward to their arrival.

[Marcus6]

The black and gray socks seem sharp - going mesh based on @DerekGDSrecommendations.  Haven’t decided on pads might get the cloud and the shear - why not?

Question for @DerekGDS it looks like the photos above only have the charcoal gray on the bottom pads but some earlier photos you shared show the charcoal gray on the top and bottom pads. Might just be bad eyes or the stock photos above are older. Can you clarify before I place an order?

[TheLovejoy]

15 hours ago, FranklinT said:

The black and gray socks seem sharp - going mesh based on @DerekGDSrecommendations.  Haven’t decided on pads might get the cloud and the shear - why not?

Question for @DerekGDS it looks like the photos above only have the charcoal gray on the bottom pads but some earlier photos you shared show the charcoal gray on the top and bottom pads. Might just be bad eyes or the stock photos above are older. Can you clarify before I place an order?

There is gray on the top. I see what you're saying, it's semi-hard to see when looking at just one pictures. But look from an all black one, to the gray one, and you'll see it is indeed different.

[Marcus6]

1 hour ago, TheLovejoy said:

There is gray on the top. I see what you're saying, it's semi-hard to see when looking at just one pictures. But look from an all black one, to the gray one, and you'll see it is indeed different.

Agreed and I saw that just wanted to confirm before ordering.  Derek posted some photos that he took himself I believe recently showing the gray “exterior” on both the top and bottom socks. These stock photos almost seem to have a shadow effect on the top pad - you can kinda make out it’s not totally black.  Thanks for the reply!

[Marcus6]

Looks like the Cloud4 is sold out - can us early adopters get the chance to backorder @DerekGDS?

[Rock Bottom]

On 9/29/2025 at 9:18 PM, DerekGDS said:

My advice on the socks is:

Go with mesh if:

• You want an extra little cushion feel to the face. It is a thicker spacing mesh to provide a softer feel.
• You work in temperatures almost exclusively above 70 degrees

 

So, are you saying the mesh isn't good under 70? 

[DerekGDS]

@FranklinT - We have reserved inventory to cover warranty requests. I can spare one just shoot me a PM and I'll get you squared away on Monday. I don't see an ETA for more Cloud4's though so can't do a backorder on them.