If money was no object…

[SH0102]

If money was irrelevant and you could simply buy without stress or budgetary concerns, what would you buy and where would you buy/get it from?

thinking primarily equipment as opposed to apparel, but anything is fair game.

Masks, chest protectors, shin guards, shoes, belts, indicators , all fair game.

 

[wolfe_man]

I'll bite.  I'll try to keep to one set of gear for simplicity.

1. CP: Davis DX (doesn't matter which one, I like them all honestly) but UL flex harness has to be included on it
2. Masks: Davis Mirage and a Nike Ti (just because I still love it's appearance, but the Mirage would be my gamer), I really like the Davis blacked-out mask harnesses too, even more than my UL flex
3. Shins: Force3 for lightweight and safety, but still wish they were lower profile like my AS Cobalts to show less under my pants, stock harness is fine here for me too
4. Shoes: Reebok Magistrates for plate and not picky on the bases, there are a lot of good options now
5. Belts: Boston patent leather and Core Energy
6. Indicators: 3 dial oversize, can be plastic I'm not picky, just an oversized 3 dial please
7. Personal: Diamond MMA jock & cup (best I've ever worn, doesn't move)

[cgroom]

In my opinion, the price of the very best equipment is incrementally more or the same as their nearest competitor. There really isn't the Ferrari/Lamborghini equivalent that is a "if money was no object" purchase.

• Chest protector: Davis DX Enduro D30 ($299.99) - basically the same price as the Force3 V3
• Mask: Davis Mirage 12 ($299.99) - incrementally more expensive than the All-Star FM4000 Magnesium
• Shin guards: Force3 Ultimate ($129.99) - cheaper than the West Vest and RIPE for some next generation innovation
• Plate shoes: New Balance 460 for wide feet, Mizuno Pro Wave for the thin boys (~$150)

There's certainly an opportunity to splurge on pants as the higher end versions are 2x the Smitty pants. I don't quite have my mind wrapped around the different offerings so I can't provide any advice there.

Where you can go crazy...if you're on turf a lot, there are several nice Jordans on the market that make for fancy pants base shoes. I think its fun and there's an opportunity to break out of the basic New Balance default that most folks have.

 

[834k3r]

2 hours ago, wolfe_man said:

I'll bite.  I'll try to keep to one set of gear for simplicity.

1. CP: Davis DX (doesn't matter which one, I like them all honestly) but UL flex harness has to be included on it
2. Masks: Davis Mirage and a Nike Ti (just because I still love it's appearance, but the Mirage would be my gamer), I really like the Davis blacked-out mask harnesses too, even more than my UL flex
3. Shins: Force3 for lightweight and safety, but still wish they were lower profile like my AS Cobalts to show less under my pants, stock harness is fine here for me too
4. Shoes: Reebok Magistrates for plate and not picky on the bases, there are a lot of good options now
5. Belts: Boston patent leather and Core Energy
6. Indicators: 3 dial oversize, can be plastic I'm not picky, just an oversized 3 dial please
7. Personal: Diamond MMA jock & cup (best I've ever worn, doesn't move)

 

2 hours ago, cgroom said:

In my opinion, the price of the very best equipment is incrementally more or the same as their nearest competitor. There really isn't the Ferrari/Lamborghini equivalent that is a "if money was no object" purchase.

• Chest protector: Davis DX Enduro D30 ($299.99) - basically the same price as the Force3 V3
• Mask: Davis Mirage 12 ($299.99) - incrementally more expensive than the All-Star FM4000 Magnesium
• Shin guards: Force3 Ultimate ($129.99) - cheaper than the West Vest and RIPE for some next generation innovation
• Plate shoes: New Balance 460 for wide feet, Mizuno Pro Wave for the thin boys (~$150)

There's certainly an opportunity to splurge on pants as the higher end versions are 2x the Smitty pants. I don't quite have my mind wrapped around the different offerings so I can't provide any advice there.

Where you can go crazy...if you're on turf a lot, there are several nice Jordans on the market that make for fancy pants base shoes. I think its fun and there's an opportunity to break out of the basic New Balance default that most folks have.

 

These two gentlemen have solid opinions, and I tend to agree with them. I do diverge slightly on the accoutrements.

• Plate shoes - Mizunos. The Japanese model if you don't mind hitting up eBay. I actually find the standard width NB toebox too narrow, and the Mizunos are a huge improvement (YMMV).
• Indicator - AS 4-dial cast metal. It's a bit heavier, but it's bulletproof, and with the notches I don't need to look at my indicator during a game. Ever.
• Plate Brush - Japanese style. Once you've tried it, you won't go back.
• Base shoes - I've tried lots of options, but my NB are my favorite dry field shoe (though I'm going to get the Mizuno shoes that come out this fall). The adidas shoes are for wet fields, but the toe box is too narrow for every game use.
• Shirts and Pants - I won't go back to Smitty after wearing GD.
• Personal - OG Thighpro with a Nutty Buddy in the pouch.

[concertman1971]

Here is my takes on what @834k3r had to say. Differences in Orange.

• Plate shoes - Reebok Magistrates. Heaviest of any out there now, but comfort and feel is 10000% the best IMO
• Indicator - AS 4-dial cast metal. It's a bit heavier, but it's bulletproof, and with the notches I don't need to look at my indicator during a game. Ever. 100% agree
• Plate Brush - Japanese style. Once you've tried it, you won't go back. Took a bit to get used to, but I love mine.
• Base shoes - I converted to Nike Golf shoes a few years ago. Available in WIDE sizes, and many of them offer waterproof guarantees. The ones that do not are lightweight and breathable 
• Shirts and Pants - I won't go back to Smitty after wearing GD. There is no substitute for  GD shirts/pants.
• Personal - OG Thighpro with a Diamond MMA in the pouch. I am partial to the ThighPro, but always appreciate the recommendations!

[Marcus6]

16 hours ago, SH0102 said:

If money was irrelevant and you could simply buy without stress or budgetary concerns, what would you buy and where would you buy/get it from?

thinking primarily equipment as opposed to apparel, but anything is fair game.

Masks, chest protectors, shin guards, shoes, belts, indicators , all fair game.

 

Fun post. I feel like I’m a gear junkie and operate this way anyways 😂

CP - very happy with the 13 inch Douglas. If I was starting from scratch, prob the Davis D30 Enduro or the limited edition orange one. If I could go back in time, I’d have a Carlucci made for me and buy 5 Riddell Powers 

Mask - Probably would have tried to grab a Nike Titanium somehow when they were hot 15 or so years ago on TV. I’m happy with the All Star FM4000 and the Davis Mirage.

Shin Guards - Probably would have had a Carlucci set made but right now would be the gray Douglas shins which I have and like. I’m curious what Davis comes out with in the future.

Belts - Not a big patent leather guy although I do have the typical Boston Leather belts in patent and regular leather. I’ve looked at the custom Nokona belts but haven’t pulled the trigger yet.

Plate Shoes - I am still partial to the first generation NB plate shoes with the steel toe - I loved those. I don’t care about a few ounces. Happy with the US Mizunos maybe I’d get a pair from Japan if I could try. Brooks Glycerin or Ghosts work good for my knees on the bases. Who remembers Tim C’s Nike plate shoe prototypes?

Shirts and Pants - Love the Davis stuff, waiting for a looser fit in their BFX pro pants coming next year. I would have stocked up on the Majestic stuff (black jacket with polo blue trim, black jacket with white trim, and the Majestic zip off sleeve windbreaker). Not a Smitty fan. Would have gotten a Hardwick made Honig’s black plate coat years ago. If I wanted a black one today, I’d go with the Fechheimer at Purchase Officials. Would also like to try SSK pants.

Ball Bags - Although I have sets, I’m not a huge fan of the Ump Life bags. I would have gone back to try and pick up some of the ball bags made by the original owner of Ump Attire before Jim Kirk bought them.

Misc - The discontinued McDavid short sleeve mocks and tights. I did stock up on these about 20 years ago when Davis was having a close out sale and they are still in the rotation. 

[umpstu]

16 hours ago, wolfe_man said:

I'll bite.  I'll try to keep to one set of gear for simplicity.

1. CP: Davis DX (doesn't matter which one, I like them all honestly) but UL flex harness has to be included on it
2. Masks: Davis Mirage and a Nike Ti (just because I still love it's appearance, but the Mirage would be my gamer), I really like the Davis blacked-out mask harnesses too, even more than my UL flex
3. Shins: Force3 for lightweight and safety, but still wish they were lower profile like my AS Cobalts to show less under my pants, stock harness is fine here for me too
4. Shoes: Reebok Magistrates for plate and not picky on the bases, there are a lot of good options now
5. Belts: Boston patent leather and Core Energy
6. Indicators: 3 dial oversize, can be plastic I'm not picky, just an oversized 3 dial please
7. Personal: Diamond MMA jock & cup (best I've ever worn, doesn't move)

1.Agree

2.Agree

3.Agree

4.Those were the best plate shoes ever

5.Really like the Japanese style belts that are out now.

6.I also use an oversized indicator, 3 dials with only 3 balls, 2 strikes and 2 outs. And I mean OVERSIZED.

[umpstu]

13 hours ago, 834k3r said:

 

These two gentlemen have solid opinions, and I tend to agree with them. I do diverge slightly on the accoutrements.

• Plate shoes - Mizunos. The Japanese model if you don't mind hitting up eBay. I actually find the standard width NB toebox too narrow, and the Mizunos are a huge improvement (YMMV).
• Indicator - AS 4-dial cast metal. It's a bit heavier, but it's bulletproof, and with the notches I don't need to look at my indicator during a game. Ever.
• Plate Brush - Japanese style. Once you've tried it, you won't go back.
• Base shoes - I've tried lots of options, but my NB are my favorite dry field shoe (though I'm going to get the Mizuno shoes that come out this fall). The adidas shoes are for wet fields, but the toe box is too narrow for every game use.
• Shirts and Pants - I won't go back to Smitty after wearing GD.
• Personal - OG Thighpro with a Nutty Buddy in the pouch.

Agree on the plate brush

[umpstu]

43 minutes ago, Marcus6 said:

Fun post. I feel like I’m a gear junkie and operate this way anyways 😂

CP - very happy with the 13 inch Douglas. If I was starting from scratch, prob the Davis D30 Enduro or the limited edition orange one. If I could go back in time, I’d have a Carlucci made for me and buy 5 Riddell Powers 

Mask - Probably would have tried to grab a Nike Titanium somehow when they were hot 15 or so years ago on TV. I’m happy with the All Star FM4000 and the Davis Mirage.

Shin Guards - Probably would have had a Carlucci set made but right now would be the gray Douglas shins which I have and like. I’m curious what Davis comes out with in the future.

Belts - Not a big patent leather guy although I do have the typical Boston Leather belts in patent and regular leather. I’ve looked at the custom Nokona belts but haven’t pulled the trigger yet.

Plate Shoes - I am still partial to the first generation NB plate shoes with the steel toe - I loved those. I don’t care about a few ounces. Happy with the US Mizunos maybe I’d get a pair from Japan if I could try. Brooks Glycerin or Ghosts work good for my knees on the bases. Who remembers Tim C’s Nike plate shoe prototypes?

Shirts and Pants - Love the Davis stuff, waiting for a looser fit in their BFX pro pants coming next year. I would have stocked up on the Majestic stuff (black jacket with polo blue trim, black jacket with white trim, and the Majestic zip off sleeve windbreaker). Not a Smitty fan. Would have gotten a Hardwick made Honig’s black plate coat years ago. If I wanted a black one today, I’d go with the Fechheimer at Purchase Officials. Would also like to try SSK pants.

Ball Bags - Although I have sets, I’m not a huge fan of the Ump Life bags. I would have gone back to try and pick up some of the ball bags made by the original owner of Ump Attire before Jim Kirk bought them.

Misc - The discontinued McDavid short sleeve mocks and tights. I did stock up on these about 20 years ago when Davis was having a close out sale and they are still in the rotation. 

SSK pants are outstanding. Also really like their ball bags.

I loved the McDavid tights, especially the floating cup holder. Always held the boys in place.

 

 

[Marcus6]

21 minutes ago, umpstu said:

SSK pants are outstanding. Also really like their ball bags.

I loved the McDavid tights, especially the floating cup holder. Always held the boys in place.

 

 

How does one go about getting the SSK pants?

[MadMax]

11 hours ago, umpstu said:

6.I also use an oversized indicator, 3 dials with only 3 balls, 2 strikes and 2 outs. And I mean OVERSIZED.

 

On 7/22/2026 at 6:28 AM, SH0102 said:

If money was irrelevant

If money was truly irrelevant, then why are we thinking so small, friends? An “oversized” indicator? Psshawh, I got your oversized indicator right here… 

Every field would have a working scoreboard, and an attentive scorekeeper or, absent that, a remote that I (as PU) or my partner can control during the game. Heck yeah, make the BU pay attention to the game! 

Every college field would have a clock, too, with again, at least a remote that the BU can manipulate. Heck (again!), these should be on HS fields too! 

If money was truly irrelevant, every Varsity -rated and college-used ballfield would have lights, too. 

[The Man in Blue]

30 minutes ago, MadMax said:

 Every college field would have a clock, too, with again, at least a remote that the BU can manipulate. Heck (again!), these should be on HS fields too! 

If money was truly irrelevant, every Varsity -rated and college-used ballfield would have lights, too. 

 

It is amazing that basketball shot clocks and massive football jumbotrons that only get used 5-6 times a season seem to be no problem for schools . . . just saying and venting.

As for the gear list . . . I think y'all nailed it.  There seems to be a pretty solid consensus on the to one or two items in each category.  I'm also tickled a how much of that list I have pieced together over the years.

 

Follow up question . . . If money were not a barrier, what piece of equipment would you design or improve upon?

[umpstu]

11 hours ago, Marcus6 said:

How does one go about getting the SSK pants?

I Google Amazon Japanese web site and order from that

[Velho]

31 minutes ago, The Man in Blue said:

Follow up question . . . If money were not a barrier, what piece of equipment would you design or improve upon?

I feel like shins could get lighter and less bulky if money were no object - but I expect it'd be like $1,000+ and they wouldn't last too long.

[834k3r]

35 minutes ago, The Man in Blue said:

Follow up question . . . If money were not a barrier, what piece of equipment would you design or improve upon?

My skull cap. I use the AS Skully--and it is by and large sufficient for the task--but I think it could be improved in a few ways (looks, padding location).