Reccomendations for Beginner?

[mjr_2013]

I'm buying equipment for the first time this year.... There is a lot of stuff out there and I was just wondering what would be best for a 16 year old beginner.

Traditional or Hockey Style? What brand?

What brand chest protector? Shin guards?

Should I go with a package or individual?

Thank you!!!

[yawetag]

Enough people are going to say it: buy the best you can afford. If you're serious about umpiring, you're going to need it in a few years, even if it seems overkill for your Little League games.

Mask: Whatever suits you best. I can't stand hockey-style, but others love it. If you can, find a sports store with both and see what you like.

Chest Protector: West Vest Diamond or Gold, personally. One of the best in the market.

Shin Guards: I use an older-style model, but most decently-priced ones will suit you fine.

It's going to be tough to find a package that offers protection you want as you move up. When you decide on the gear you want, call your choice of provider and ask what kind of deal you can get for ordering through them. Believe me, if you're getting a mask, CP, and SGs (at a minimum), they're going to give you some sort of discount.

[JaxRolo]

I think yawetag meant Wilson platinum or gold.

+1 on get the best you can afford. At least buy a hard shell cp. The champion cp runs about $60 and should suffice if you can't afford the Wilson.

Call he folks at Ump-attire.com they are the best. They may work a package for you. Ask for Anessa.

If you become a premium member of this site you will get 10% discount.

[yawetag]

I think yawetag meant Wilson platinum or gold.

Of course I did. I was testing you, Jax.

[JaxRolo]

I think yawetag meant Wilson platinum or gold.

Of course I did. I was testing you, Jax.

I thought maybe they came out with a new model! lol

[mjr_2013]

Thanks guys! I actually ordered my pants from ump-attire.com before I even knew about this site, and their service was very good. I was already considering ordering from them again.

[Thunderheads]

YOH .....

Welcome!! Great to see a younger guy getting serious now! I commend you!

Go to the equipment forum and do a 'search' ....search for whatever you'd like to read about, and read away!! You'll have DAYS of information to pour through! TONS!

So, ...go, have fun,...read and research, and then,.....THEN.....start asking questions if you have any.

That said though, ...IF YOU ARE SERIOUS, ...don't skimp if you can avoid it. Go hard-shell for a CP, ....go with comfort on anything else and for God's sake, ...have fun!!

:GL:

[boyinr]

Ump Attire has a place on their site that give you suggestions for whatever level you are planning to work. Take it from someone who has been there and done that and spent a decent sum of money on getting the right gear. I am lucky this is a hobby that generates mostly disposable income for me.

Buy the best gear you can afford. You can always work LL minors with a WV Gold but, you shouldn't work HS with an inexpensive foam ribbed CP. If you decide to sell your gear you can get most of your money back on pro gear. Lesser gear is mostly sold on ebay for a small fraction of the purchase price.

Good luck.

[semperfiguy]

Eight years ago, I became state certified as an umpire andalso had the daunting task of selecting both uniforms as well as protective gear. A close friend recomended Plus-POS to me. At the time they were a very reputable company that actually had the MILB Contract. I spent close to $1000.00 between gear and uniforms. Best advice I ever got. Most of my gear is still very serviceable. I too have upgraded like many on this website, to include Platinum CP and shins. Also as you move up in skill, you will be afforded the opportunity to expand your uniform shirt colors as well. Good luck and have fun. Dont go spend a grand, but dont skrimp on protective gear. You will thank yourself for it. Balls and strikes baby!!!!

[semper_fi_72]

Thanks guys! I actually ordered my pants from ump-attire.com before I even knew about this site, and their service was very good. I was already considering ordering from them again.

I wouldn't consider ordering any where else.

Ump-Attire :notworthy:

[mtnump]

I know most of us have used Ump-Attire and had great luck and service. I have had similar experience with Honig's. Check their website for deals. They recently have had internet specials that included plate shoes, pants, shins, jackets, etc.

[mjr_2013]

I think I'm probably will end up getting....

All Star System 7 Umpire Hockey Style Mask - http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=MVP2500&Category_Code=HOCKEY-UMPIRE-HELMET&Product_Count=3

Champro Pro-PlusUmpire Chest Protector - http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CP135&Category_Code=CHEST-PROTECTOR&Product_Count=5

Diamond Featherweight Umpire Shin Guards - http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=DLG-LITE&Category_Code=SHIN-GUARDS&Product_Count=4

I know they won't last me for too much up the ladder, but I was wondering if anyone knows anything about them or has any reviews... Thanks!

[yawetag]

The All-Star mask and Diamond guards should last you however far you want to go.

However, think twice about the Champro. For $100 more, you can get the Platinum, which will last you forever. Better to spend it now, than $50 now and $150 later (maybe getting $30 for your Champro in the process).

I do understand if money is an issue, though.

[mjr_2013]

The All-Star mask and Diamond guards should last you however far you want to go.

However, think twice about the Champro. For $100 more, you can get the Platinum, which will last you forever. Better to spend it now, than $50 now and $150 later (maybe getting $30 for your Champro in the process).

I do understand if money is an issue, though.

I was actually going to get the Platinum, but me and my parents are splitting the cost (cuz I am 16 and they are nice like that ), and they didn't want to spend the extra $50, and I only had $100 total to spend (total cost of the All Star, Diamond, and Champro was $200).... I will probably sell the Champro and buy the Platinum before I start the MHSAA Legacy Program.

[p1timeblue]

Midwest Ump has a nice blog full of product reviews and comparisons.

I own the Diamond Leg Guards, and I love them. They are lightweight and slim, but they don't protect the sides as well as others, and you have to wear them very tight.

[mjr_2013]

Midwest Ump has a nice blog full of product reviews and comparisons.

I own the Diamond Leg Guards, and I love them. They are lightweight and slim, but they don't protect the sides as well as others, and you have to wear them very tight.

Thanks!

[th3]

you can find the wilson charcol hard shell cp for around $85 .i use it up through high school and love it

[boyinr]

YOH:

I sent you a PM.

[JaxRolo]

Please do not buy that soft shell cp. Get a hard shell.

Chamion makes a Hard Shell for about $50

[Umpire in Chief]

you can find the wilson charcol hard shell cp for around $85 .i use it up through high school and love it

This is actually not a bad CP.

[mmiller32]

the charcoal CP is a good all around CP.. I've got two soft shells and one hard shell, but this is my tenth year doing this. like the lighter weight soft shells for sub HS games in the oppressive summertime heat down here, but you have to know when to play the soft shell card.. I started when I was eighteen and worked all throughout college to now. A part time job / hobby where you can earn disposable income and make your own hours, you'll love it if you have a passion for the game..

[amarillo]

Has anyone tried the champro hard shell it is only 70 so for 15 more bucks!!!

[Thunderheads]

Has anyone tried the champro hard shell it is only 70 so for 15 more bucks!!!

Take a look .... HUGE gaps on it ........

Have you looked at the Champion P200/210/220 ??

[amarillo]

I have the 210 and like it alot although I am really waiting with baited breath for the new All Star

[th3]

"This is actually not a bad CP."

I wouldn't have recommended a bad CP warren!