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.

Review of Champro Pro Plus Armor Umpire Chest Protector

This is the third in the series of hard shell chest protector reviews. This series will conclude with the Midwest Ump selection for the Midwest Ump 2010 Umpire Merchandise Product of the Year award winner (UMPY Award) in the Chest Protector category.

Appearance
The Champro Pro Plus Armor Umpire Chest Protector has taken an evolutionary course in its development. When I first saw the Pro Plus last summer it was very bulky. The redesigned Pro Plus is less bulky, but still thicker than the Wilson Platinum, Gold, or Schutt AiR Flex.

The Champro is all black with no metal to shine through your shirt. One small logo is painted in white on the chest. This CP is designed with "quick release plastic clips" (see photo, right) that rest on the outer plastic plates and beg to be crushed by a foul ball.

Comfort
While Champro has reduced its padding for the Pro Plus Armor Umpire Chest Protector, the padding is still very substantial. How substantial? My trusty caliper says the padding and PE armor plates measures 1.25". This is certainly not a low-profile CP and it feels and looks bulky and cumbersome.

I did not have difficulty putting my shirt over this CP and had no snagging issues while wearing it. There are no sharp edges and the surface is very smooth. and finished The armor plates are attached to the CP and the padding cannot be removed from the plates for cleaning. There was very little slippage from the Pro Plus Armor Chest Protector. I had good mobility while wearing it and did not feel constrained.

The Pro Plus is constructed with TRI-DRI foam and Dri-Gear moisture wicking netting. Finally, the padding is treated with BioFresh® anti-microbial for a dry and comfortable fit.

Protection
The Champro Pro Plus Armor Umpire Chest Protector uses molded 3mm PE armor that is contoured to the umpire's body. The armor plates are divided and strategically placed. There is significant gaping between the plates. The edges of the plates are beveled and angled in, toward the protector. Champro advertises that the "corrugated edges. . . maximize strength and reduce shirt friction."

The armor plates are held in place by nylon straps that are sewn into the CP. This creates a fair amount of give to the plates. While this may help the plates conform to the umpire's body, the "floating" individual plates will not disperse the energy of a foul ball like a larger plate will.

I can report that I took a couple shots to the chest in lower-level games (15 years old), and did not experience any discomfort whatsoever. For impacts directly to the armor, the combination of plastic plates and thick foam padding protects as well as any other CP - perhaps even better. However, the gaping in this CP is very worrisome. As you can see from the picture at left, the quite a bit of the shoulder area is not protected by plastic plates. The almost naked lack of protection around the shoulder and the edges pointed at the umpire caused concern that a ball impact in those areas during upper level games will be damaging.

Pricing
The Champro Pro Plus Armor Umpire Chest Protector was available from Epic Sports for $77.91. Recently that item has been discontinued.

Fair or Foul? Champro makes some excellent umpire products. For instance, the Champro magnesium mask is amazingly light and is my personal mask of choice. Also, the Champro Pro Plus leg guards are top-notch. However, the Champro Pro Plus Armor Umpire Chest Protector has not fully developed in its evolution. I suggest larger (not beveled) plates; less padding for a closer, low-profile fit, larger plating around the collar; metal latching mechanism; and increased shoulder protection. Champro is making some smart choices with their umpire equipment. I suspect that Champro will produce a top-of-the-line chest protector in the near future that will compete with the best hard shell protectors.

***UPDATE***
The Champro weighs 2.13 lbs.

Long Term Test Results

The summer season is winding down and school is starting soon. . . so now is a good time to do a long-term evaluation of gear. Today’s post reviews gear from last year’s U.M.P.Y Award winners.

Champro PRO-PLUS Gold Super-Xtreme Lightweight Face Mask

I began using the Champro magnesium face mask in May, 2009 and fell in love immediately. It is incredibly light (less than a pound!!!) and very comfortable after switching out the standard pads.

The Champro is also surprisingly durable. I have taken several shots to this mask from different angles and it did not shown a scratch, until. . .one particularly vicious foul ball during a college game hit the Champro mask and caused the upper eye bar to bend. I contacted Champro regarding its warranty. Champro is a solid company that is committed to customer service. I learned that Champro has a one year warranty from the date of purchase that covers product defects. However, foul balls are part of the game and bending from a serious force is expected. Given enough force any mask will bend (but hopefully not break).


Wilson Shock FX 2.0 Titanium Umpire Helmet (Product of the Year)

The Shock FX 2.0 was introduced in late 2009. It contains many safety features and is comfortable. However, I do not wear a helmet while working the plate, so I can’t speak first-hand regarding safety or durability.

Ump-Attire Ultimate Umpire Shirt

Jim Kirk sent me a navy blue Ump-Attire Ultimate Umpire Shirt to test and I have used it for two high school seasons. After several hundred washes it looks good as new and I intend to use it again next spring. As I expected during my initial testing, the Ultimate breathes well and is well constructed. I highly recommend this shirt.

Honig’s Poly Wool Umpire Pants

I wore the same Honig’s Poly Wool umpire plate pants and base pants to every college and high school game I officiated this year. These pants have seen 30 degree ice and 100+ degree sun. The Poly Wool pants do not seem to suffer from the same fading problems of previous Honig’s models.

Despite the label directions, I wash my Poly Wools in cold water after every wear. They are also dried on a permanent press cycle. I have been careful not to over-dry these pants, and there has been no sign of shrinking or unraveling.


Nutty Buddy

The Nutty Buddy is an essential piece of equipment.

Umpires are fond of telling the “took one to the jewels” stories. Hey, I think these stories are funny like the next guy, but you know what? I don’t have a story because I wear the Nutty Buddy. When I do get hit (it happens to us all), it is not serious – heck, it isn’t even uncomfortable! I hope Mark Littell makes a billion dollars from the Nutty Buddy because it is truly incredible.

I have worn the Nutty Buddy for two seasons. It has retained its shape and has not cracked or dented. It is not hot to wear and is comfortable even under extreme conditions. I put it on and forget about it.


Ump-Attire Ultimate Ball Bag

The Ump-Attire Ultimate Pro Style Umpire Ball Bag was introduced in 2009 and has been a big hit with umpires. Jim Kirk at Ump-Attire sent me one to review in March, 2009, and I purchased a second bag a little later to replace the Dry-Lo Ball Bag sold by Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring.

I have been very impressed with the Ultimate Ball Bag which boasts double stitching and a nylon interior. I have washed these bags a number of times in cold water and low heat dry cycle. There is no fading, no unraveling or fraying, and the Ultimate Ball Bag looks as good as new a year and a half later.


Wilson DaviShins Leg Guards / Diamond DLG-LITE Featherweight Shin Guards

I stopped using the Wilson DaviShins after testing the Diamond Featherweight Shin Guards. The Diamonds guards weigh a mere 13.5 ounces! While these guards are light and comfortable, I have experienced two issues with these guards worth noting. First, during an 18U summer “prospects” tournament I took a foul ball directly on the knee cap. The impact hurt, but was not disabling. My opinion is that the result of this impact was a little more serious than I have experienced with other shin guards. This is likely a result of the loose-fit design around the knee.

The second issue also involves the loose-fit design at the knee. I typically wear long compression shorts that cover my knee cap. However, whenever I do not wear a covering on my knee, the shin guard rubs at my knee and is irritating in the 90+ degree heat.


Wilson West Vest Platinum Chest Protector

I have worn my Wilson Platinum chest protector for three years. This protector scored best in my “amateur scientist” drop test and I can attest to its protective qualities. It is built like a tank.

After three years and hundreds of games, the buckles are starting to rust. I spray my Platinum CP with Lysol after every use and it does not seem to retain odor.


Reebok Field Magistrate Plate Shoes

I get more questions about my Reebok plate shoes than any other equipment. I was a big fan of the New Balance MU450MK plate shoes until I tried the Reebok. This shoe is very comfortable and has proven very durable. It has not separated in any area from use. I have not experienced an impact that is noteworthy. Unlike the Reebok, a few years ago I took a foul ball off the toe of my New Balance MU450MK plate shoes and it hurt!

I use Scrubbing Bubbles and Armour All leather wipes before every game and my shoes look good. I have been wearing these shoes for over a year for every plate assignment and they are still going strong!


Bottom Line

All of the choices for last year’s U.M.P.Y Awards have proven very durable. There were a few noteworthy observations, but overall I have been very impressed with these products.

Umpire Chest Protector Comparison

On February 2, 2009, Midwest Ump posted its first umpire equipment review, an evaluation of the Nutty Buddy protective cup. Since that time I have been fortunate enough to review many protective items. However, the most important aspect of protective equipment is its protective qualities and, up to now, I have been unable to conduct any testing to measure these protective qualities.

Gary Considine, president Garri Productions and noted television executive producer, writer, and director, has generously donated a Herman Trainer & Sensor Set to Midwest Ump for testing umpire equipment. The Herman Trainer is essentially an affordable accelerometer ($99.95), which measures G force impacts. The Herman Trainer is widely used in martial arts training and boxing, but is also useful for measuring forces in baseball and softball, football, golf, soccer, and tennis. This device is very versatile and useful to any athlete (or curious umpire) that needs to measure impact forces. My many thanks to Mr. Considine for his generous contribution to the pursuit of umpire safety!

For the first test of the Herman Trainer and Sensor, I conducted a drop test of hard shell umpire chest protectors. The test subjects were: Wilson Platinum, Champion P210, Schutt AiR Flex, and the Champro Pro Plus Gold. The test was conducted by dropping a 10 pound weight from a height of seven feet and the sensor was duct taped to the back of the chest protector which was laid on bare ground. For you science guys, this experiment attempts to recreate the same kinetic energy of a 81 mph fastball. The impacts were made at the center of the chest plate.

The measurements of the impact forces (displayed as twice the G force on the Herman Trainer) were the following:

Schutt - 40
Champro - 41
Champion - 42
Wilson - 45

After inspecting the CPs, the impact of the dropped ten pound weight was clearly visible. A dent was left on the Champion and Champro. The Wilson was scratched, but not dented. Only the Schutt plate actually cracked. In fairness, the Schutt Company has expressed that it is still developing the AiR Flex for public distribution*. Hopefully the final version can withstand such impacts.

* I found two retailers on-line offering the Schutt AiR Flex CP for sale.

Of course, measuring the G forces is only part of the story. Below is a brief overview and review of each chest protector.


Schutt AiR Flex Umpire Chest Protector
The Schutt AiR Flex is the most comfortable protector and the most breathable of the chest protectors included in this testing. The AiR Flex is based on Schutt's popular AiR Flex Shoulder Pads introduced to football in 2008, and uses a cushion technology called Brock Beads in its AiR Flex padding. Brock Beads are polyurethane foam beads that were first used in the medical field for wheel chair cushions and mattresses. When the Brock Foam is impacted, each bead moves the adjacent beads laterally and diffuses the impact again and again and again over the beads. Brock Bead technology is also used in hockey and lacrosse pads.

The Brock Foam is permeable so airflow actively circulates around the beads accelerating evaporation and keeping the body cooler. In order to enhance air circulation and aid in moisture evaporation, Schutt has placed 5 mm ventilation holes on the plastic plates and covered the Brock Foam with a polyester mesh.

Large hard plastic plates act as the protector's first line of defense and diffuse ball impacts. The epaulet style shoulder caps are connected with Velcro and are adjustable for a more custom fit. The AiR Flex is available in M/L and XL/XXL sizes. The M/L fits 38” – 44” chest sizes and the XL/XXL fits 46” to 52” chest sizes.

Schutt sent me a M/L AiR Flex to test. My chest measures 46", so the M/L was a little snug, comfortable. The adjustable shoulder caps enhanced the fit. The AiR Flex is advertised as 14.5” long for the XL/XXL, and 13.5" for the M/L. My measurement from the collar to the bottom of the protector was 12.5”.

The front plates are very substantial and measure 11.5" long. The two large plates are attached with Velcro for cleaning. The padding and plate measure about 1 inch, although the plates are raised at points.

While I have a mild concern for the exposure outisde the plates at the ribs where the only protection is the Brock Foam, I have serious concerns for the protection around the clavicle. I put on a traditional mask and used a baseball to check its clavicle protection. I believe a ball could get past the plates and I doubt the Brock Foam's ability to protect the collar bone from a foul baseball. A softball, however, should not get past the plates to the collar bone.

The Schutt AiR Flex Umpire Chest Protector is advertised as available for purchase from the following retailers:

Online Sports for $121.95

Hit Run Score for $128.99

BOTTOM LINE: There are many things to like about the Schutt AiR Flex Umpire Chest Protector. It is light, highly breathable, available in different sizes, and is adjustable for a custom fit. However, the lack of clavicle protection really bothers me and, of course, the AiR Flex cracked during the drop test (although it scored highest in the G force measurement). Schutt is on the right track, but they need to finish the race.

Wilson Platinum
The Wilson Platinum scored worst in the drop test which is not surprising considering the tight, low-profile design and 1.25 inch thickness of padding and plastic plate. The Platinum has several plastic plates connected by rivets. I have been using this protector for two seasons and the drop test barely produced a scratch on the plastic plates.

The Wilson Platinum has the best clavicle protection. I don't understand why other chest protectors don't move their plates closer to the clavicle. It is not uncomfortable. The Wilson Platinum also sports additional breast plate protection.

The only criticism of the Platinum is that it tends to "droop" at times. While an adjustment in the straps will largely correct this issue, it doesn't fully solve the problem.

My Wilson Platinum measures 12.5" from the collar to bottom of the protector.

The Wilson Platinum Umpire Chest Protector is available from many retailers, including:

HQ4Sports for $139.95 with free shipping.

BOTTOM LINE: As Tina sang it, "You're simply the best. Better than all the rest. . ." I bet it annoys the other manufacturers to chase the Wilson Platinum year after year. It remains the best on the market, although the technology is getting a little dated. Note that it also performed worst in the drop test.


Champro Pro Plus Gold Chest Protector

The good folks at Champro sent me the Pro Plus Gold Chest Protector last summer to test and provide feedback. I now see that it is being offered to the public, so I included it in my current testing.

The Pro Plus Gold is the thickest protector in the test at 1.75 inches (padding and plate). As a result of the thick padding, it is quite bulky and not very breathable. On the other hand, I tested this CP in August heat in Missouri and I didn't find it any hotter than my Wilson Platinum.

The Pro Plus Gold has a stiff foam padding around the clavicle. It also features plastic buckles that beg to be broken by ball impacts. At 15" long it covers the ribs sufficiently and offers good protection around the abdomen.

The Champro Pro Plus Gold Umpire Chest Protector is available at:

Pro-Ref for $109.00

BOTTOM LINE: The Champro Pro Plus Gold Chest Protector is bulky and should be redesigned for less padding. The plastic plates held up and the protector performed well during the drop test. I have found the Champro to be a very savvy company with a keen eye for detail. While I think very highly of several of Champro's products, I think it has missed the mark with this hard shell chest protector.


Champion P210 Chest Protector
I REALLY LIKE the Champion P210 Chest Protector! Champion offers this CP in three lengths: the P200 at 17"; the P210 at 15"; and the P220 at 13". My Champion P210 measures an accurate 15".

The thickness of the Champion is 1.4". It is not bulky, however it retains a very substantial feel. It performed well during the drop test and withstood the impact.

The clavicle protection could be better. The plates are unnecessarily a little far from the collar bone, and could be relocated closer. That is the only criticism I have of this fantastic chest protector.

The Champion P Series Chest Protectors are available from:

Sport About Equipment for $40.95 (where I bought mine)

THE BOTTOM LINE: I highly recommend this CP for beginner and advanced umpires. It is serviceable at upper levels and I know of one umpire who wears it during D-I college games. The price is just unbeatable and the protection is very good.

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.

Champro Indicator Pleases Baseball Gods

Recently Champro sent me a plastic indicator to review. The Champro Baseball 4-Dial Umpire Indicator (A048) has a "new configuration" with balls on the left and strikes on the right (backwards from most umpire indicators). My initial impression is that this configuration makes sense, but will require some reconditioning. Umpires are generally well rooted in tradition and habit, and the indicator becomes a part of the umpire. Balls and strikes are recorded with very little thought while the umpire views a steal attempt, past ball, or buxom blonde in the third row.

But then I got to thinking, “Why are strikes on the left side of the indicator and balls on the right?” How did this tradition develop? My question led to some research on the internet. What I discovered is that there is a controversy regarding the origins of the umpire hand signals to indicate balls and strikes. I have found three different versions:

The first version is that the coaches of legendary 19th century outfielder William “Dummy” Hoy (who was deaf) would indicate the umpire's call for Hoy by raising a right arm for a strike and a left for a ball. The story goes that the umpires liked the practice and started copying it.

The second origin is a 1901 game in Chicago when the plate umpire wore a red sleeve on his right arm to indicate a strike and a white sleeve on his left arm for a ball. The umpires in this game raised the appropriate arm for the call.

A third account involves an military umpire at a prison camp during the Spanish-American War that would pick up a pebble in his right hand for a strike and one his left for a ball to keep track of the count. That umpire also indicated the count with his raised fingers in noisy situations.

Hall of Fame umpire Bill Klem is also credited with introducing hand signals to the big leagues, as is National League umpire Cy Rigler, who reportedly started using them in the minor leagues.

But what about the reason the modern umpire indicator places strikes on the left, and balls on the right?

Indicators from the 19th century list balls first, then strikes (L to R). Later metal indicators (beginning in the 1940s?) listed strikes on top, balls in the middle, and outs at the bottom of the indicator. While I have not yet found an answer, I will continue to research this issue and perhaps one day write a report with a final answer (I have also written the Baseball Hall of Fame for information).

In the meantime, take a look at the new Champro indicator with balls on the left and strikes on the right (the way the baseball gods intended). The dial action is smooth and precise and the optic yellow wheel is easy to read.

The Champro Baseball 4-Dial Umpire Indicator (A048) is available for $24.96 at Epic Sports (pack of 12)

Magnesium Umpire's Mask from the Official Call - FREE SHIPPING

Today I have the extreme pleasure of testing the new FM-58 PRO-PLUS Gold Super-Xtreme Lightweight Face Mask from the Official Call. This mask is newly introduced and advertised as “[m]ade of super-lite, super-strong magnesium - 13.45 ozs!!!”

Magnesium? What?

It turns out that magnesium alloy is a good material choice for a light-weight umpire mask as it has a strength-to-weight ratio that is better than aluminum or steel. Titanium typically has a better strength-to-weight ratio than magnesium, but titanium alloys are more difficult to process and the end product is more expensive than magnesium. Magnesium and titanium alloys are used in the construction of space satellites where strength to weight ratios are critical.

My first impression of the FM-58 is that it really is “feather light.” I passed the mask around at a recent tournament and every umpire was impressed by the light weight. According to my handy-dandy postage scale the FM-58 weighs 15.5 ounces with harness and without a throat guard (less than a pound – WOW!). In comparison, my Diamond DFM-UMP mask, which is made from hollow core steel, weighs in at 20.5 ounces with harness and without a throat guard.

The FM-58 arrived with Dri-Gear moisture wicking pads which are not my personal favorite, however leather pads are offered for the same price. My advice is opt for the leather pads. The Dri-Gear and other moisture wicking pads tend to grab at your stubble and can irritate your face unlike leather.

The mask is roughly the same size as my Diamond DFM-UMP. The FM-58 harness sits higher on my head and is easier to remove than my Diamond mask. I wear a six stitch fitted cap and occasionally my cap will come off with the Diamond mask (a slight embarrassment to this umpire). I have no similar trouble with the FM-58 mask and harness.

Visibility is very good and it has a 2" x 7" inch opening, the same as the Diamond DFM-UMP (click the picture at right for a side view, Diamond DFM-UMP on the left, FM-58 on the right). The FM-58 has a rounded design unlike a flatter, lower profile mask. A low profile mask (one that sits closer to your face) tends to offer better visibility, however recently questions have been raised whether this design transfers more energy to your skull during a foul ball impact. Additionally, the more angles and curves in a mask, the greater the likelihood for deflections thereby lessening the impact force to your head. It also has an added protection bar at the top to deflect balls (a safety feature many masks omit - perhaps to reduce total weight?).

Terry Ringer, owner of The Official Call, tells me that this mask has undergone NOCSAE-type testing including firing baseballs at the mask to test its structural integrity. He reports that the FM-58 exceeded the NOCSAE standards during every test. The mask has also been field tested and has surpassed expectations for durability and denting from foul balls. ***NOTE: manufacturer claims should be received with common sense. No mask is indestructible and will eventually bend and break if the force is great enough. The idea is not to bend or break under usual circumstances. A 98-mph Zack Greinke fastball that dents the mask is acceptable and is reasonably expected if the mask weighs less than a pound. If that same fastball breaks the mask and puts an eye out, that’s unexpected and unacceptable. The manufacturer’s balance is in finding an acceptable bending/breaking point, an acceptable strength-to-weight ratio, and an acceptable price point.

The Official Call offers a one year "no hassle" warranty. Mr. Ringer tells me:

"Of the over 1000 [masks sold by The Official Call], we have yet to replace a single frame. Let me state that again - zero returns. The same manufacturer is making this new PRO-PLUS Gold frame for us. We are very confident in their ability to manufacturer the frame, and I am very confident in its' ability to protect an umpire at any level. Quite frankly as stated, we will guarantee them, but I don't see any coming back."

This mask has become my favorite because of the incredible light weight, the superior fit, and the rounded design for foul ball deflection. I will update this review later in the year after more field testing, but for now I have high praise for the FM-58.

The price as-tested for the FM-58 is $125.00 and is available from The Official Call. That is a far cry cheaper than the Wilson MLB Titanium Umpire Mask which retails at around $200.00 and is advertised as heavier than the FM-58. The Official Call is also offering free ground shipping of the FM-58 if you mention this review when ordering.

***UPDATE***
I have been using the FM-58 exclusively for baseball and softball for the last several weeks and find it very comfortable. I have also taken a few hard shots to the mask and can attest to its durability. Honestly, I like this mask, its light weight, and its fit. I highly recommend it.