Getting back into it, but the products have changed so much

[sjd215]

Hi, all, 

After a three-year hiatus, I've decided to again hit the field. I'm stoked! Unfortunately, I let go of most of my gear, and there's so much product out there nowadays, that I'm not sure where to start (besides the mask and plate shoes I'm after). The gear/attire has changed much in the last few years, so any recs would be appreciated. If this is duplicative of other threads, please flag for deletion. 

• Pants: It seems like there have been multiple evolutions on this alone. I even saw that Mizuno has both plate and base pants out. Ideally, the type I'd get would last long, even if the price tags of these are a little higher. Before hanging it all up, I was wearing Honig's polywools for the most part, and I'd occasionally wear GD's poly-spandex. Any recs ?
• CPs: Speaking of GD, I saw that they rolled out two new ones: the DX Mk2 and the D Enduro. They're both very Power-adjacent, and so, they're catching my eye. I used to have the Cobalt nd Douglas and thought these were okay. Should I go back to one of these or try one of the new rigs? 
• Shins: I was a Douglas-shins loyalist. Sure, they might have been a bit squeaky, but they got the job done. Has anything recent supplanted the Douglas? 

P.S. I used to fly under Sd181612, but I lost access to that account a few years back. So I profusely apologize if I never reached your message in my inbox. 

 

Thank you, all, 

SJD. 

[Jonump]

3rd year here and when starting tried a bunch of different stuff and stocked up on the various new gear you talked about. So my beginning covers your gap. Don't have the context of the older stuff for the most part but maybe the "starting from scratch" perspective is helpful. I hope so. I had the budget to choose among the gear, so leaving that out as a factor. Varsity/mens leagues on down in ages.

1)pants GD feel a little heavier than the Smitty Polypro V2 (?) but both wear pretty light. Slight edge on smitty for the heat, slight edge to GD for the non-wrinkle capacity. Like em both, good sales often.

2) Went from the Wilson WV which seemed to be the standard mass market high end one for 2 seasons to the GD enduro. Much better fit, comfort breathability and I don't feel like I've lost any protection. Love it.

3) Again went with Wilson after using diamond and found them the most protective. Then went to Force 3 for sooo much lighter, lower profile and more comfortable feel with the same level of bullet proof protection. I've forgotten they are on sometimes. They seem to be the most well liked among the various options among a broad spectrum of umpires

Feels like in general its a true statement that light tech (foam, magnesium, kevlar etc) has been able to supplant bulk in the last bunch of years.

[DerekGDS]

15 hours ago, Jonump said:

pants GD feel a little heavier than the Smitty Polypro V2 (?) but both wear pretty light. Slight edge on smitty for the heat, slight edge to GD for the non-wrinkle capacity. Like em both, good sales often.

We actually have three different pant series now. The 94X is what most people reference as it is our oldest line and does use a heavier fabric. Our two newer lines, are both lighter. 

The Core Lightweight will probably overtake the 94X in popularity next year and is about 30% lighter then the 94X and slightly lighter then the Smitty Poly/Spandex line. This line doesn't use Spandex in the primary fabric like the rest of our line, but does have a Lycra crotch gusset for good flex in the right spots.

The BFX Pro has been discussed here before and that is the most expensive pant in our line up, again newer models have the Lycra crotch gusset, its weight is between the 94X and Core Lightweight and has the best colorfastness to UV exposure.

The 94X and BFX Pro are both getting refreshes in terms of cuts, features, etc. for 2027 as well.

[Marcus6]

1 hour ago, DerekGDS said:

The 94X and BFX Pro are both getting refreshes in terms of cuts, features, etc. for 2027 as well.

Really really like the BFX Pro (have the base pants) in terms of material, stretch, and color but think they are cut too thin and skinny. Just my $.02.

[DerekGDS]

20 hours ago, Marcus6 said:

Really really like the BFX Pro (have the base pants) in terms of material, stretch, and color but think they are cut too thin and skinny.

It’s pretty love or hate fit. Not for everyone, but a regular fit is coming.

[Marcus6]

2 hours ago, DerekGDS said:

It’s pretty love or hate fit. Not for everyone, but a regular fit is coming.

[cgroom]

On 7/2/2026 at 12:59 PM, sjd215 said:

Shins: I was a Douglas-shins loyalist

The Force 3 shin guards seem to be the default that I see in my crews. I've had them for the last two seasons and they're pretty solid. It does feel like this is the next area to see some innovation if a new product can maintain the protection, reduce the profile and likelihood that your pants will catch above the knee. I'm betting on the market will figure that out before I need to purchase my next set.

On 7/2/2026 at 12:59 PM, sjd215 said:

Speaking of GD, I saw that they rolled out two new ones

Run, don't walk.  You won't regret it.

On 7/2/2026 at 12:59 PM, sjd215 said:

Pants: It seems like there have been multiple evolutions on this alone

This is the only area where I wish I had a brick and mortar store to shop in. I'm confused by all of the available options. The Smitty pants are being bought by most folks and its not because they're the best.