Review of All Star System Seven Leg Guards (LGU2000)

Leg guards are as under-appreciated as your wallet. I don’t mean “wallet” as an euphemism for cash. I mean it as in the statement, “George Costanza has a fat wallet” - not as in the ZZ Top lyrics to Sharp Dressed Man (Top coat, Top hat, I don't worry cause my wallet’s fat).

Nobody thinks about his wallet. No umpire thinks about his leg guards. Some umpires will go a decade (or longer!) with the same leg guards. There is no problem. . . until there’s a problem.

So the question is: do you want leg guards that you only think about when there's a problem, or do you want leg guards that never have a problem?

If you want protection, with a large serving of comfort, the All Star System Seven Leg Guards (LGU2000) are the way to go. The LGU2000 leg guards are not light. At 32 ounces each, they are as heavy as the Wilson Charcoal Leg Guards (A3417). That's 17.5 ounces heavier than the Diamond DLG-LITE Featherweight Shin Guards.

Like the Wilson A3417 leg guards, the All Star has a double knee design and wrap around protection. A toe cap is removable, and is held on by Velcro. The All Star comes in 17" and 18" lengths.

Unlike the Wilson guards, the All Star fits like a glove! All Star places two pads inside the leg guard: one at the shin, and one at the knee. The pads are very comfortable and adjustable for a custom fit. The knee pad is called the "Patella Plus," and is designed to absorb impact and hold the knee in place. These pads are removable for washing, and are treated with the Aeigis Microbe Sheild to kill bacterial growth.

Unlike the Wilson A3417 guards, the padding on the All Star is riveted to the plastic plates. The knee does not "float" like the Wilson charcoal. But the All Star features air vents built into the plates. The All Star comes with a DeltaFlex harness, a huge advancement in comfort! The All Star System Seven Leg Guards are also available in two styles, single knee (LGU1000) and double knee (LGU2000, reviewed herein).

I am a big fan of low profile gear. I believe heavy equipment makes an umpire look like Robo-Cop. At 22" circumference at the knee, and 21" circumference at the middle of the shin, the All Star System Seven Leg Guards are not low profile.

But all of this pretty talk means nothing if they don't protect. Remember, nobody sees your wallet, and nobody sees your leg guards. The All Star guards have no gaping between the plates, use plenty of padding to absorb nasty impacts (especially around the knee), and provide adequate side impact coverage. Like the Wilson A3417, the All Star guards are protect like a tank.

The All Star System Seven Leg Guards are available from the following on-line retailers:

Baseball Plus Store - $119.95 and free shipping

Lester's Upstate Sports - $135

Better Baseball - $129.95

Ump-Attire - $134.99 (remember to apply your Umpire-Empire membership discount!)

That is roughly $40-$50 more expensive than the Wilson A3417.

Fair or Foul?

The All Star System Seven Leg Guards are very, very comfortable! They are just as protective as the Wilson A3417, but they are very, very comfortable! (Did I mention that?)

If the All Star System Seven Leg Guards had been around in the '80's, ZZ Top would have sung about them. You know, something like, "Women go crazy 'bout these leg guards, man!" Well, maybe not, but I think they are fantastic. My call is FAIR!

Postscript: This review would not have been possible without the generous cooperation of Jim Kirk at Ump-Attire. Jim sent me the All Star System Seven Chest Protector and Leg Guards so that I could review these products for you on Midwest Ump. Thanks, Jim!!!

Review of All-Star System Seven Umpire Chest Protector (CPU4000)

Wilson Sporting Goods has dominated the umpire equipment market for years. The chief reason for this is their hard shell chest protector, patented by MLB Umpire Joe West. The West Vest design is basically hard plastic plates over soft foam padding. The plates deflect the baseball’s impact energy, while the foam lining is mostly for comfort. This design has been tweaked over the years to provide excellent comfort and protection.

Wilson and Joe West have been able to maintain “king of the hill” status by challenging similarly designed chest protectors as infringing upon the West Vest patent. A few companies have been forced to quit manufacturing their chest protectors due to close similarity with the Wilson products, most notably Douglas and Champion.

The All Star System Seven Umpire Chest Protector is the first legitimate challenge in years to the Wilson line-up of professional chest protectors. All-Star has been aggressively pursuing the amateur umpire dollars through product testing and development. All Star used a team of amateur umpires across the country to provide input during the development of the CPU 4000.

Appearance

The first thing All Star did right was make this CP all black.  Light colors can bleed through an open hole umpire shirt and be an unsightly distraction. All Star places one simple white logo on the front of the CPU4000. It is strategically placed to be constantly visible while wearing a plate coat.

The design is atypical for a hard shell CP. 4mm plastic plates are used, but what makes this CP unusual are the two layers of foam pads under the plates. The total thickness at the base of the chest protector is 1-1/16”, very average for a hard shell CP, and creates a low-profile appearance under the umpire’s shirt. The padding is tapered so that less padding is used at the shoulder area. The All Star plates and padding measures only ¾ inch at the neck opening.

There are 42 shiny stainless steel rivets that that are described as “rust proof.” Well, “rust proof” just means “rust resistant” and will rust over time. I recommend sealing these rivets with clear, silver, or black fingernail polish. The fingernail polish will also reduce the shine and will make the rivets less noticeable under your umpire shirt.

The CP4000 uses plastic buckles to connect the harness to the chest protector. The buckles are permanently attached with stitching and a rivet, making replacement very difficult. The buckle is one foul ball away from making the CP4000 worthless. A metal t-hook attachment, like used in Wilson CPs, is vastly superior. 

Comfort

The All Star System Seven Umpire Chest Protector hangs from the shoulders due to its pre-curved shoulder plate design. This is a prominent design feature of the Douglas CP, and provides a move comfortable and custom fit. It also is effective at preventing chest protector sag. An umpire pushing up his CP during a ball game is as uncomely as a woman adjusting her bra.

At three pounds, eleven ounces, this CP is by far the heaviest Midwest Ump has tested. However, the curved shoulders distribute the weight much better than many other chest protectors, so the All Star does not seem as heavy.

All Star uses its specially designed DeltaFlex harness on the CPU4000. The DeltaFlex has four adjustable points. A soft neoprene center triangle connects the harness straps and evenly distributes the weight and pressure.

As stated earlier, two layers of padding are used for comfort. The first pad is riveted directly to the plates. This is likely to avoid patent infringement with the Wilson design, which is the direction Champion had to proceed. The permanently attached padding means that it cannot be separated for cleaning.

The second layer of padding is attached to the first layer by Velcro. It is fully adjustable and washable. The second layer foam feels like Brock Beads, a foam that is used in the Schutt AiR Flex CP. I am unable to confirm the foam product used, and was unable to inspect because this CP is a loaner from Jim Kirk at Ump-Attire (thanks, Jim! Without your assistance, this review would not have been possible). The padding is treated with Aegis Microbe Shield, so it doesn’t funk up on you.

The second layer of padding is separated by a wide (3”, but adjustable) center channel that runs the length of the protector. This channel is approximately ¾” deep and is meant to increase air circulation and keep you cooler. What an innovative design!

The neck opening on the All Star System Seven Umpire Chest Protector is narrow. Add to this the close placement of the plastic plates, and this is a recipe for irritation. Some umpires have reported that the neck opening rubs during wear. The neck opening can be adjusted somewhat, but this is a common complaint with the All Star System Seven Umpire Chest Protector.

The shoulder pad placement is restrictive and cannot be adjusted. This makes throwing the ball back to the pitcher a nuisance.

Protection

The efficacy of a hard shell protector depends on the placement and size of its plates. The All Star System Seven Umpire Chest Protector gets it right. The All Star uses large 4mm plates that are attached together to work in tandem and distribute the impact of a baseball. The shoulder plates overlap a large center plate which runs down the center of the chest protector. This center plate overlaps two smaller (but still large) plates that protect the mid-section.  Small oblique plates are not attached to the larger plates. The end result of this design is a chest protector that offers outstanding protection.

As discussed above, the neck opening is narrow. The plastic plates are pushed up around the umpire’s neck to provide superior sternum and clavicle protection. The shoulder area is also bullet-proof with two shoulder caps. Unlike other shoulder cap designs, these two caps are not bulky.

The CPU4000 is available in two lengths: 12 Inch and 15 Inch. Midwest Ump tested the small 12 inch length. I have a longer torso, and the 12 inch length covered my ribs. The advertising is that the 12” model will cover your rib cage like a 13”, and I can confirm this.

Pricing

The All Star System Seven Umpire Chest Protector (CPU4000) has been recently released, and is currently offered by the following on-line retailers:

Lester’s Upstate Sports - $155.00

Baseball Plus - $124.95 plus free shipping (back ordered until mid-January)

Ump-Attire - $154.99

Better Baseball - $149.95

Fair or Foul?

The All Star System Seven Umpire Chest Protector is absolutely FAIR! But is it a home run? Some umpires say yes, some say no, but we all agree that the All-Star System Seven Umpire Chest Protector (CPU4000) is definitely a “ball to the wall,” and every umpires should “go out on” this product to make the call.

The All Star CPU4000 is very comfortable, breathable, offers superior protection, and incorporates innovative design features. All Star has made a wining umpire chest protector!

Review of Manufacturer Warranties

The old saying goes: "A warranty is only as good as the company behind it." Today we're going to look at a few manufacturers of umpire equipment, and their stated warranties. I have also included contact information, in case you need it.

WILSON SPORTING GOODS
http://www.wilson.com/en-us/customer-service/
(800) 333-8326
Wilson has a (reportedly) very liberal policy on replacing defective umpire gear. All protective gear has a limited 1 year warranty from date of purchase. If you need to return a defective product that is covered within the warranty period, send the product to the following address:

Wilson Sporting Goods
ATTN: Consumer Returns
2440 Couchville Pike
Nashville, TN 37217

Include a copy of your proof of purchase, a brief description of the defect and your return address inside the carton. Send the package through either Fed Ex or UPS so it can be traced if needed. Wilson reserves the right to determine the status of the defect and will replace the product at Wilsons discretion.

DIAMOND SPORTS
http://www.diamond-sports.com/Webpages/WarrantyInfo.html
(562) 598-9717
Protective equipment has a one (1) year warranty on metal, plastic, padding, and straps. Defective products should be returned to the Authorized Diamond Dealer where purchased with original sales receipt.

ALL STAR SPORTING GOODS
(800) 777-3810

Warranty information was not found on the website, however All-Star states:
"If you have questions about our products, warranties, or other requests please e-mail us at the customer service address below.
customerservice@all-starsports.com"

CHAMPRO SPORTS

Warranty information was not found on the website, however I have been told by a company representative that Champro offers a 1 year warranty on manufacturer defects.

RAWLINGS SPORTING GOODS
http://www.rawlings.com/pdfs/RawlingsWarrantyInfo.pdf
1-800-RAWLINGS
Rawlings has a 1 year warranty on the metal and plastic parts and on the padding and straps of all protective equipment.

Equipment Worn By Some MLB Umpires

Today I'm going to try my hand at identifying a few masks and helmets used by Major League umpires.

That's Ed Hickox sporting the stylish new All-Star MVP4000UMPTI with titanium cage All-Star MVP4000 helmet with a MVP2500 steel cage during a Yankees / Blue Jays game on 9/24/10. I understand that Hickox has reinforced this helmet with additional padding. Brad Jurga from All-Star tells me that Hickox likes the idea that the steel cage bends to absorb energy rather than a less flexible titanium which must transfer energy from a ball impact.


Hickox wears a hat under his helmet as seen in this photo:

Gotta look good when you're gonna be on SportsCenter.



Here's Jim Joyce mugging for the camera during a 2010 game. Joyce is wearing a Wilson WTA3007T titanium mask. This mask is a standard view, not low-profile design. Notice Joyce is calling without a throat guard.





Laz Diaz helps the Cubs' Alphonso Soriano find his way on April 26, 2009. Diaz looks like an "Angel of Mercy" in his All-Star FM25TI titanium mask. Again, no throat guard. (Diaz and Joyce should read this article. In the 1970's a Peurto Rican catcher was struck in the throat by a foul ball and died).



Gary Cederstrom is profiling a Wilson WTA5590 Shock FX 2.0 umpire helmet with a titanium cage.

Cederstrom is demonstrating that once you have a MLB contract, you can wear your helmet on your head in a colorful manner. He is obviously applying the wisdom given to us by Crash Davis:

Joe West owns several umpire equipment patents. West is actively involved with research and development of umpire gear. So what does Mr. West trust to protect his West Vest gray matter? Surprise, that's not a titanium! Its a Wilson West Vest A3009 hollow core steel mask with soft amara suede pads.


Kinda makes you stop and think for a minute, huh?

Review of All-Star FM2000UMP Umpire Mask

All-Star has recently introduced their System Seven FM2000UMP umpire mask and Midwest Ump is fortunate enough to receive a sample for review. All-Star's advertising literature says that the FM2000UMP is specifically designed for umpires. The top bar of the cage is curved to allow more padding to come into contact with the umpire's forehead, increasing protection, comfort, and fit. This design also makes it impossible for the top bar of the cage to come into contact with the umpire during ball impacts.

Measurements
The FM2000UMP I received weighs 1 pound, 3 ounces (19 ounces) with the manufacturer’s pads and harness. The cage weighs 15 ounces, which is a little heavier than competitor's cages: the Diamond DFM-UMP in silver (12 ounces) and the ultra light Champro (10 ounces).

The All-Star FM2000UMP measures 8.5” in width, which is a little more narrow than most traditional face masks (9 inches), and an average 10” top to bottom (not including the throat guard). The eye opening is a standard 2”, but the depth of the mask is a quarter inch shallower than the Champro. The bars of the FM2000UMP are flattened on the edges, which increases the umpire’s vision.

Pads
The standard pads are “Lightweight UltraCool” (LUC) pads. These pads are machine washable and treated with AEGIS Microbe Shield. The AEGIS Microbe Shield is an antimicrobial and is odorless, colorless, non-leaching, long-lasting and effective against fungi, bacteria and algae. It does not dissipate and retains its full antimicrobial strength for the life of the surface to which it is applied. The UltraCool fabric is a perforated breathable mesh which covers All-Star's exclusive vented energy absorbing foam. This foam was originally developed for the All-Star titanium mask to absorb ball impact forces.

Cage Design
The design of the FM2000UMP cage is different. First, the placements of the support bars are designed to reinforce the eye opening. Second, the shape is more rounded than many cages (see comparison, right). Third, the angles were designed after careful consideration of the likely angle of a foul ball and deflect the energy of the ball. The forehead area is curved and allows more padding to remain in contact with the forehead, thereby dispersing a ball impact. Brad Jurga from All-Star tells me that the curved forehead makes it very unlikely that the top bar of the cage will come in contact with the forehead during ball impacts.

In wearing the FM2000UMP, the top pad is shaped flatter and does fit snugly against the forehead. This also makes the mask more stable since it is supported by the brim of the cap, and allows that harness to be adjusted looser without the mask flopping around.

The result of the cage design is a single bar traditional mask that is light and strong,. The FM2000UMP has already made an impact on YouTube:

The All-Star FM2000UMP umpire mask can be purchased from the following on-line retailer:

Baseball Plus Store, $44.95

Fair or Foul?

This mask is FAIR. The FM2000UMP umpire mask is just one more example that the All-Star company gets it. An excellent piece of umpire gear meets four criteria: first, the equipment must offer superior protection; second, the equipment should be comfortable; and third, the equipment should look good; and fourth, the equipment should be affordable.

The redesigned cage makes the FM2000UMP the best hollow-core steel mask on the market today. Hollow-core steel is time-tested, but traditionally has been reinforced with two bars. The single-bar design is difficult to reinforce, but All-Star's redesigned support bars create a single-bar cage that is as strong as a traditional double bar cage. The mask is also light and comfortable, looks good, and is surprisingly cheap - listing under $50!

The only reservation I have with this mask is with the pads. I am not sold on creating more contact between the pads and the forehead. This seems to promote and enhance the impact energy from the the ball to the cage to the pad to the forehead. Additionally, this placement seems to offer resistance to the mask spinning and moving during ball impacts, thereby decreasing the efficacy of dispersing the impact energy through the spinning mask. I will investigate this configuration further, but for now I need to withhold judgment.

Low Profile Leg Guard Comparison

Last summer I attended the Mid-American Umpire Clinic in Springfield, Missouri. During the clinic I received an evaluation of my plate work and the first thing out of the instructor's mouth was, “Get some real plate pants!”

Well, the criticism was spot-on. I was wearing a pair of Gerry Davis combo pants during a college scrimmage and my Honig’s shin guards were clearly visible when I was in my plate stance. Later, I noticed how my large Honig’s shin guards were also visible while wearing my Honig’s poly-wool plate pants. So I set out to find a low-profile shin guard that would not be as bulky and visible as my Honig’s.

Several different manufacturers advertise "low-profile" shin guards. I chose five different shin guards to compare:

1. Diamond Featherweight Shin Guards
2. Champro Pro-Plus Leg Guards
3. CCM Referee Shin Guards
4. Gerry Davis DaviShins Shin Guards
5. All-Star LGU313

My review criteria are: (1) comfort; (2) protection; (3) dimensions; and (4) weight. The goal is to find the lowest profile design while still offering adequate protection. Before I start, I want to thank Brad Jurga from All-Star, Ryan Hunt from Champro, and Jim Kirk from Ump-Attire who all donated gear for this review.

First the objective criteria: weight, length and circumference. My leg measures 17" at the calf and 17" at the knee. All measurements were taken at those points. My Honig's Poly Wool plate pants measure 25" in circumference at the knee.

Click on any picture to enlarge for a better look. Special thanks to my loving wife who took the photographs (and complained about it the whole time!)

All Star LGU313

One of the best things about umpire shin guards is that they are worn under the pants and not seen. I know many umpires who have worn their shin guards for years (and years and years). Some look old and crusty, but the aesthetics really don’t matter. If we were judging a beauty contest, the All Star LGU313 would come in dead last because they look like guards a little league catcher would wear. I must admit, when I took them out of the box, I was disappointed in the amateurish look.

However, this test is about functionality, not appearance. It turns out that the All Star has some nice features. First, it is the second lightest shin guards in the test, weighing in at barely over a pound. They are also the lowest-profile shin guards in this group and measure 18” in circumference at the shin and 19” in circumference at the knee.

The All Star has ankle protection, but no metatarsal protection. Most umpires wear plate shoes and do not require or want foot protection from a shin guard. A separate cap just under the knee adds protection where it is needed the most. The All Star uses four straps with metal buckles. One strap is placed behind the knee and there is no wrap-around padding. I suggest wearing tights with this shin guard to protect against strap irritation.

The LGU313 features an Ultra Cool ventilation system and Aegis Microbe Shield. Say what? Translation: the LGU313 padding is treated to reduce odor and has small ventilation holes to keep your legs cooler.

The All Star LGU313 is available only in light gray and size 17” length. I measure a size 16” shin guard, and wear a mid-cut plate shoe, but these 17” guards fit me fine.

The All Star LGU313 Low Profile Shin guards can be found at many retailers including:
Lesters Upstate Sports for $65.
Anaconda’ s UmpStore for $49.90
Hit Run Score for $49.99

Epic Sports for $59.29

Bottom line: the All Star LGU313 is a solid shin guard. It is not flashy or impressive in appearance. I trust this shin guard because of its traditional design and extra protection just below the knee. The guards stay in place and do not turn thanks to the extended side ankle protection. I do not like the light gray color that tends to show at the ankle while in my plate stance.


CCM SG100 Referee Shin Guards

There are two things that really intrigue me about hockey referee shin guards: first, the wrap around style: and second, the proven protection. Let’s face it, if hockey referees wear this guard to stop a hockey puck, it will protect an umpire from a baseball just fine.

The CCM SG100 Referee Shin Guards are the third lightest shin guard at 18 ounces. The circumferences are the largest tested at 22” in circumference at the shin and 21.5” at the knee. This is due to the added wrap-around protection.

The SG100 are really, really comfortable. The knee cap is moved forward, away from the knee and is separated by a layer of padding. At the shin there are two smaller pads that separate the shin from the main padding. There is one bottom strap and plastic connector that clips on the side. The design and wrap-around padding prevents the guard from rotating. While the bottom strap is not noticeable at all, there is an awkward elastic band that velcros around your lower thigh just above the knee. This strap is potentially irritating, so I recommend wearing tights. The SG100 is available in 14”, 15”, or 16” lengths. I tested a 16” and it fit comfortably.

The SG100 sits high on the ankle and offers no side ankle protection. I wear midcut plate shoes, so the lack of protection around the ankle bone does not worry me. However, I tried these guards with my low cut base shoes and felt exposed around the ankle because of the gap in protection.

The CCM SG100 sells for $39.99 at several retailers including:
Hockey Giant
Hockey Monkey
Epuck

Bottom line: These are the lowest priced shin guards and are terrific as a beginning set. They offer great side protection around the calf and have proven stopping power, but lack adequate ankle protection, especially when wearing a low cut plate shoe. The CCM SG100 are also the largest shin guards of the group.


Diamond DLG-LITE Featherweight Shin Guards

The Diamond DLG-LITE Featherweight Shin Guards are new this year and are the lightest guards tested at 13.5 ounces (14.5 ounces while wearing a small Velcro-attached metatarsal protector). Since these shin guards are very light, I expected them to be the smallest circumference measurements. Not so. The measurement at the shin is 18” in circumference and the 20” at the knee.

The DLG-LITE shin guards use two straps around the calf secured by plastic buckles. That’s it! No strap anywhere near your knee which means no strap irritation if you only wear tall socks.

The knee cap is deep and recessed, so your knee fits comfortably in the space. There is a small gap between the guard and your knee while in a typical box stance. The Diamond features small air holes in the “grid tech foam” for ventilation.

Diamond's are available at 15” or 17” from Ump-Attire for $49.99, Epic Sports for $32.09 and $34.59, and Baseball Rampage for $29.99.

Bottom line: the Diamond DLG-LITE Featherweight Shin Guards are light and small. They lack side protection, but that is generally not an issue for a plate umpire. The small size also looks good under the plate pants.


Champro Pro-Plus Leg Guards

I am a big fan of the Champro FM-58 PRO-PLUS Gold Super-Xtreme Lightweight Face Mask made of magnesium alloy. The new Champro Pro-Plus Leg Guards are also very impressive. It is very apparent that Champro spent considerable time in the design of these umpire shin guards.

First, these guards are triple knee, so there is protection up the thigh. Champro has secured the guards with two straps around the shin and two straps at the thigh, so there is no strap behind the knee.

However, this added protection increases the weight of the guard, and are the heaviest guards tested. The circumference size is an impressive 18” in circumference at the shin and 21” at the knee. The Pro-Plus Leg Guards have extended padding on the sides for protection and comfort. The guards also feature a deep-cut ankle bone protection with plastic plates. Two metal screws hold a detachable metatarsal plate in place.

The Champro Pro-Plus Leg Guards are constructed with a Dri-Gear moisture wick lining and ventilation slits cut into both the padding and plastic plate. This ventilation design has been used in catcher’s gear for a number of years and is effective at keeping your legs cooler.

Champro chose metal J-hooks to secure the straps. I personally preferred the plastic buckles, as featured on my old Honig’s shin guards, until a foul ball in a high school game shattered the buckle. I was unable to replace the buckle without a major operation to the shin guard. Now I prefer the tried-and-true metal J-hook.

The pro-Plus Leg guards are available in three sizes: 15.5", 17" and 18.5", and are offered by the following retailers:
The Official’s Supply for $47.50
Epic Sports for $41.89

Bottom line: The Champro Pro-Plus Leg Guards are a superior combination of protection, comfort, price, and features. While the triple knee design prevents them from being considered the best low-profile guards, I can't help but wonder if the outcome would be different if I cut off two of the upper plates!


Wilson DaviShins Shin Guards

The Wilson DaviShins Shin guard is the winner of the 2009 Umpire Merchandise Product of the Year in the shin guard category. This shin guard is a tank. Sleek, shiny and smooth, these guards look like like something a Star Wars storm trooper would wear!

The weight of the DaviShins is on the heavy side for this test at 23 ounces, and the circumference at the shin is 20.5” and at the knee 21.5”. Keep in mind that these guards are not advertised as "low-profile." These guards are worn by Major League umpires wearing tailored umpire pants.










There are two plastic connectors that clip the DaviShin straps in place. There are no metal buckles, and nothing for a foul ball to break. There are only two straps around the calf and knee bone protector plates that prevents any rotation of the guard. The DaviShins also feature superior side protection with plastic plates to stop errant foul balls.

Wilson DaviShins are available in 15" and 17.5" and are the most expensive leg guards tested:

Home Run Monkey for $84.99
Lester’s Upstate Sports for $79.00
Gerry Davis for $79.90

The bottom line: the Wilson DaviShins are terrific protection, especially from the side, but that protection comes with a price. The cost of the DaviSihins is twice as much as other guards included in this test. The weight is also heavier than other guards. Finally, the bulk of the DaviShins is noticeable under the plate pants.

The Winner

This test was all about finding the best low-profile shin guards. Two of the tested guards were obviously too big to fit a "low profile" description: the CCM SG100 Referee Shin Guards and the Wilson DaviShins. While both offering excellent features and protection, both guards looked bulky under the plate pants.

The Champro are terrific shin guards, but the triple knee was also very visible under the plate pants.

The Diamond DLG-LITE Featherweight Shin Guards and All Star LGU313 are the clear favorites. These guards are both the "lowest profile" and the lightest guards. Although the All Star LGU313 looks better under the plate pants, the Diamond is more comfortable and lacks a strap behind the knee. My choice is the Diamond DLG-LITE Featherweight Shin Guards for best low profile shin guards.