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 Diamond DCP-iX3 CXTU Chest Protector

Here in "Missoura," the high school baseball season is in the spring and the softball season is in the fall. My umpiring season starts in late February with college baseball, then high school baseball begins, summer baseball, and finally fall college baseball and high school softball. My season ends in late October.

I have used the same chest protector for both sports, although I readily acknowledge that my baseball protector is overkill for softball. I have looked on and off over the years for a CP that I could use for softball. Enter Diamond’s new DCP-iX3 CXTU chest protector.

The Diamond DCP-iX3 CXTU is the second soft shell chest protector Midwest Ump has reviewed. What exactly is the difference between a soft shell and a hard shell chest protector?

The typical design of a hard shell chest protector is a combination of large plastic plates over foam and wrapped in a cloth material (usually polyester). The plastic plates deflect the energy of a ball impact, while the foam padding is mainly used for comfort.

A soft shell chest protectors come in two types: with or without plastic plates. Those with plates wrap smaller plastic plates and absorbing foam in a fabric (usually polyester). Since the foam material is used for energy absorption in a soft shell configuration, it is usually thicker than the foam in a hard shell. However, soft shell protectors are usually lighter and cooler than hard shells.

The difference in protection when comparing soft and hard shell protectors usually comes down to size and placement of the plastic plates, which are used to deflect a ball’s energy.

Appearance

The Diamond DCP-iX3 CXTU has a very unique appearance. The collar plates are very large, while the breast plate area is smaller than average. To look at this chest protector, you would think that it is very bulky, but that’s not the case. It is actually very low profile and fits close to the body.

The CXTU measures 1-1/8" thick at the collar and breast plate. That is very average for a hard shell chest protector, and sleek for a soft shell. Diamond places two removable pads at the deltoids. These pads measure 3/8” and are apparently intended as gap coverage.

The CXTU is 18.5" wide at the shoulders without the shoulder caps. To give you a frame of reference, the Schutt AiR Flex CP is 23" across. The shoulder caps add an additional 10.5", making it a whopping 29" wide. I remove the shoulder caps when wearing this CP as they are too wide for me (and I wear a 48R jacket!). In fact, there are several removable parts to the CXTU: an extension at the bottom of the CP; shoulder caps; deltoid pads; and lats pads ( Latissimus Dorsi). Below is a movie of the amazing shrinking Diamond DCP-iX3 CXTU!

  

Comfort

With all padding and extensions attached, the CXTU is a very light two pounds, seven ounces – lighter than any hard shell protector tested, and one ounce heavier than the Honig’s K1. Stripped down without extension and should caps, the CXTU weighs less than two pounds (1 pound, 9 ounces)! 

The CXTU is shaped to conform to your shoulder and neck area. The material is also very breathable. It is a very comfortable chest protector.

Protection

The neck area is very roomy and has gaps that a foul ball could penetrate. This is troublesome for a baseball umpire, but the gaps are not wide enough for a softball. The neck opening is protected by an adjustable cloth and padding only. Again, problematic for baseball, but fine for softball.

Diamond advertises a 10” body (measured from the neck opening to the bottom of the protector). That is being generous, as my measurement was 9.5”.  I am 5’10”, with a longer torso, and the 9.5” covers my rib cage. I measured the overall length with the extension at 13.5". There are no plastic plates in the extension.

What's the problem? I'm agile - like a cat!

Everyone is different, but here are my thoughts on abdominal protection. First, none of my chest protectors completely cover my tummy. No, not because my stomach is soooo big (like the dude at right), but CPs are all around 13-15" long, so there is always some gap. Second, while most foul balls will hurt my stomach, there are no bones to break. Third, covering my stomach creates greater insulation, which is not a good thing when it's hot out. Finally, I only get hit in the stomach on very rare occasions, and, for me, the additional protection does not generally offset the comfort benefits. The one time I want the added abdominal protection is when the pitching will be over 90 mph.

Pricing

Home Run Monkey - $89.99 + $6.99 ground shipping

Baseball Plus Store - $84.99 [free shipping on orders over $99]

Fair or Foul?

This chest protector should be renamed the CXTU-V, for “versatile.” I highly recommend this protector for softball, and my call is Fair! for softball use. It offers much more protection than the Honig’s K2 softball protector. It is also feather lite and breathable. I have been very, very happy with the Diamond DCP-iX3 CXTU chest protector during the softball season.

The CXTU is also fantastic for the smaller umpire, because it is so adjustable and customizable. A short umpire can remove the extension and have adequate rib cage protection. A slim umpire can remove the shoulder caps and have sufficient protection. I strip this CP down completely for softball use and I LOVE IT!

Because of the gap opening and inadequate protection around the neck, I cannot recommend this protector for baseball use. My call is Foul! for baseball use. My recommendation to Diamond is to reduce the size of the neck opening and insert a plastic plate into the neck pad. I understand the attraction of the adjustable neck opening, but the protection around the neck and clavicle in this current configuration is not sufficient for any level of baseball officiating. In the meantime, the CXTU is terrific for softball.

Review of Honig’s Pro Elite Chest Protector K1

I recently had the opportunity to purchase a 2010 model Honig’s K1 Pro Elite Chest Protector at a discount price, so I jumped on the chance to review it. I purchased a regular 12” K1. An XL 14" model is also available. Honig’s suggests the XL for umpires with a size 48" or larger chest.

Appearance
The Honig’s K1 is the thickest CP tested to date. It measures 1.25” thick at the chest plate, which is the same measurement as the Champro Pro Plus Armor Umpire Chest Protector (review here). Optional padding is attached by Velcro to the quilted interior padding. Two abdominal pads measure 5/8” thick, which causes the Honig’s K1 CP to protrude to more than 2 inches thick! That is full inch more than the thickest part of the Douglas or Schutt AiR Flex Umpire Chest Protector. Three additional pads are attached at the chest and clavicle area which are ½” thick.

Honig’s boasts on their website that the K1 has “5 removable Velcro pads for extra protection while at the same time creating a 1/4'' space between the protector and your torso for improved air flow and comfort.” The cost for this airflow benefit is a chest protector that is substantially thicker and bulkier than any other chest protector.

A mesh harness replaces the strap harnesses found on many CPs. The harness is adjustable by two straps and connectors which protrude awkwardly. In all the appearance of the Honig’s K1 Pro Elite Chest Protector is bulky and swollen. The various parts protrude in irregular and unsightly ways under the umpire jersey.

Comfort
The K1 chest protector is very light! The regular K1 weighs 2 pounds and 5 ounces, making it the lightest CP tested to date (although this is the first softshell protector reviewed on Midwest Ump). I was impressed by the weight and comfort of the K1. The mesh harness was also very comfortable and is adjustable.

I wore the K1 with the optional interior pads, so there was a small space between the CP and my undershirt. This space will increase airflow and allow sweat collected from your moisture wicking undershirt to evaporate on hot days.

The K1 measures 11.5" from the neck opening to the bottom of the protector. The foam filled clavicle pad is attached with Velcro and fully adjustable and adds up to 2 inches in protection.

Protection
The common knock on the Honig’s K1 protector is that the umpire feels the impact at higher levels of play. A CP protects by either deflecting the ball, absorbing the impact, or a combination of deflection and absorption. The K1’s HD115 foam does little to deflect and protects the wearer by absorbing a ball impact. HD115 is a high density polyethylene foam that is very hard and rigid. It doesn't bend easily. The greater the impact, the more the HD115 foam “gives” until the force of the ball penetrates the foam cushion and reaches the umpire.

Will it protect you? Yes.
Will you feel the impact? Yes.
Will it hurt? Probably not, but that depends on the force of the impact.
Does this type of protection give me confidence on the field? No, at least not at upper levels of play.

Honig’s uses HD115 foam as the large chest and smaller abdominal foam plates. A soft quilted lining filled with polyurethane foam is added for comfort. Large hard shell plates 2mm thick protect the shoulder area.

Pricing
$99.95 exclusively from Honig’s. Honig’s offers many organizations discounts (usually 10%). A 10% discount is provided to ABUA members.

Fair or Foul?
Sadly, the Honig’s K1 has become a relic from another age. What was once the standard for amateur umpires now represents an antiquated design and backwards thinking. The K1 in its current configuration simply does not protect as well as a hard shell protector. In the future a hard outer shell may be replaced by a super absorbing or deflecting foam material. Presently advanced materials are being used in other sports protection applications such as Zoombang (Rawlings), D3o (All-Star), and Zorbium (Team Wendy). However, the current Honig’s K1 does not make use of these advanced materials and does not protect as well as hard shell protectors.

Comparing Weights of Hard Shell Chest Protectors

It occurred to me the other day that I had never weighed any chest protector during my reviews. That seemed a little strange and a gross oversight. Until I actually weighed the protectors, then it became obvious. Here is what I found:

Douglas 2lbs 9oz
Wilson Platinum 3lbs 3oz
Champro 2lbs 13oz
Schutt 2lbs 13oz
Wilson Gold 3lbs 2oz
Champion 2lbs 13oz

Three of the protectors (Schutt, Champro, and Champion) weigh exactly the same! The lightest is the Douglas. Surprising was the weight of the Wilson protectors. The difference between the Douglas and the Wilson Platinum is 10 ounces! Although I must say that I wore the Wilson Platinum as my primary protector for three years and never had a complaint about the weight.

Review of Douglas Umpire Chest Protector

We all have regrets. For me, a major regret was passing up a chance to see the Grateful Dead in concert during the summer of 1995. “There will be other opportunities,” I told myself. Later that summer Jerry Garcia died along with my chance for experiencing The Summer of Pete .

Douglas Sports has announced that it has discontinued manufacturing umpire chest protectors and its Douglas Chest Protector is now retired. Earlier this year amateur umpires discovered that Douglas still had a limited supply of “parts” to make the Douglas CP. I watched the remaining inventory slowly deplete throughout the summer, telling myself that “There will be other opportunities.”

Well, I may be dumb for not learning my lesson, but at least I’m lucky. When Ump-Attire announced that the Douglas CP was available for a limited time, I pulled the trigger and purchased one.

Appearance
The Douglas CP is sleek and low profile. The CP uses black pads, black, plates, and black straps. Twenty silver rivets (only a Touch of Grey) and three Douglas logos distract from the Utilitarian appearance and will bleed through an open hole shirt. Paint over these distractions and you, sir, are Batman.

Comfort
The low profile design of the Douglas Chest Protector is very comfortable. I purchased a 13” Douglas, which covers just below my ribs. The Douglas has been offered in 14” and 15” sizes (measured from neck opening to bottom of CP).

I am not impressed that Douglas uses plastic connectors to secure the straps to the padding. I have had a plastic connector break from a foul ball impact, so I am wary of using plastic connectors. Once broken, it is a major operation to replace the connector.

The Douglas is stiff and a little uncomfortable out of the box, much like the Wilson Platinum. I trust that like the Platinum the Douglas will conform to my body over time (which has been confirmed by other umpires). This CP is supposed to fit close to the body, so it eliminates the bulky chest appearance and reduces that linebacker look we all hate. Mobility is also really amazing in this CP.

Protection
The Douglas Chest Protector is the definition of simplicity. Six large plastic plates 5mm thick protect the umpire. The 5mm plates are thicker than any other hard shell CP I have tested. The plates are attached to the padding with Velcro (which allows for cleaning behind the plates). The padding is a mere .75" thick and the result is a very low profile at 1 inch thick, the same thickness as the Schutt AiR Flex Umpire Chest Protector.

While I have not tested it on the field, my visual inspection found few issues with the coverage of the Douglas CP. Gap in the shoulder area is a slight concern, however the padding and shape of the plates makes it unlikely that a foul ball impact will have any substantial result. The large plates are outstanding and the large shoulder epaulets are shaped to conform to the wearer. The clavicle coverage appears excellent.

Pricing
A limited supply of 15” Douglas Umpire Chest Protectors are presently offered by Ump-Attire for $199.99. Limit two chest protectors per order.

Fair or Foul?
I place the Douglas Umpire Chest Protector among the very best chest protectors and is a true American Beauty. The large, thick plates are ideal for deflection of any foul ball, while the padding is used more for comfort than for impact absorption. I especially like the low-profile, black appearance of the Douglas.

If you can find a Douglas Chest Protector, my advice is to get Truckin' and buy it before they are gone forever.

***UPDATE***
The Douglas weighs 2.09 lbs. Lighter than any CP tested as of January 2011

A Beginner’s Guide to Properly Fitted Umpire Gear

Protecting yourself as an umpire boils down to three things:

(1) using proper mechanics,
(2) selecting proper equipment, and
(3) wearing that equipment correctly.

Properly fitted gear can mean the difference between being protected and being hurt. As the old saying goes, "if you are not protected, the ball will find you!" Today’s article discusses three important umpire protective items, and how to wear these items correctly.

Mask
There are many “veteran” opinions on the best way to wear a traditional mask. Since this article is directed at the beginner umpire, advice directly from the manufacturer is a good place to start. Jacquie Rooney, a Product Manager at Wilson Sporting Goods, gives some great insight:

The forehead and jaw area of your face should make snug contact with the upper and lower pads, respectively, in order for the pads to properly cushion upon impact. The pads attached the mask should be also firm enough so that they do not “bottom out” with a hard hit. Proper contact is achieved by adjusting the top and two side straps on the mask harness. Ideally, the harness should wrap around the head in the same position as a comfortably fitting baseball cap. Some umpires also desire throat protection that extends beyond the frame of the mask. The throat guard should be attached so that it hangs below the mask and does not contact the body when the umpire is in the slot.

Many veteran umpires advocate wearing your traditional mask very loose. As a practical matter, a mask that is too loose may move and obstruct your vision. The mask may also move if you flinch at a pitch which could result in an otherwise avoidable injury. On the other hand, a mask that is too tight can transfer more of the foul ball’s energy directly to your head, which may cause a concussion. A properly adjusted mask will move or even spin when hit by a foul ball. This will help dissipate the energy of the ball impact. Your mask is too tight if you cannot take it off easily with one hand.

Throat protection is not only desirable, it is just plain smart. Baseball thrown at 95mph generates around 2400psi of force, more than enough to crush your windpipe, larynx, or trachea. That sounds like a bad day to me.

Chest Protector
A good chest protector provides collar bone protection. Collar bone (clavicle) injuries are an umpire’s nemesis. Not only do they hurt like heck, a broken clavicle can be a very serious injury. Good protection means both padding to absorb the impact and plastic plates to deflect the impact. Do not compromise your protection in this area!

Dave Pherin, Promotions Manager at Diamond Sports, provided information about how to select a properly sized chest protector. Chest protectors are sized by measuring the top of the protector’s throat guard area to the bottom of the protector’s padding. Chest protectors are sized by the inch and range from 11” to 20.” The chest protector must extend to protect your rib cage, so measuring yourself is easy. Take a measuring tape, hold it at your collar bone and measure to your last rib. Extend the tape if you want or require additional protection. Keep in mind that at some point the length of your CP will restrict your movement. Additionally, a longer CP will add weight and prevent heat from escaping.

Adjusting your CP is easy. All CPs have adjustable straps. The chest protector should be snug against your body to minimize sag. Once the CP sags, your collar bone is exposed. Some hard shell chest protectors are stiff and ill-fitting when initially purchased. But don't worry! After a few games the CP will conform to your body.

Leg Guards
Sizing leg guards are often a great mystery for umpires. Measuring is actually very easy. Jacquie Rooney from Wilson says,

Leg guards should move as little as possible while worn, and this is achieved by both the length of the guards as well as the straps in back. Measuring from the middle of the knee cap to the top of the foot will give a good indication of the right leg guard size, and the adjustment features on Wilson’s leg guards should do the rest of the job. Once the right length of leg guard is chosen, you can further adjust the positioning on the kneecap of the West Vest and Pro Platinum leg guards to ensure that the circular shaped pad rests directly on the kneecap. This, combined with the extra rib of padding that rests on the shin, will provide protection at the most vulnerable areas of the leg. Some umpires like to cross the leg straps in the back, and some like to position them straight across, but the key is to tighten them as snugly as possible, positioning the calf straps underneath the calf muscle for leverage. Some also choose to remove the knee straps altogether, because their pants provide sufficient bracing and the straps behind the knee can irritate over time. In fact, our Gerry Davis “Davishins” leg guards omit the knee strap for that very reason.

Notice how Jacquie snuck in some product plugs? Well, Wilson makes some excellent leg guards, so all is forgiven. Jacquie is also spot-on. Leg guards need to stay snug. When you are busting up the line to follow a runner to first, or covering a play at third, your leg guards need to stay in place.

Ankle coverage is also important. Remember the warning: "if you are not protected, the ball will find you!" Ankle flaps protect the ankle bone and do not hinder your mobility.

My many thanks to Jacquie Rooney of Wilson Sporting Goods and to Dave Pherrin of Diamond Sports for contributing to this article. Reviews of umpire products made by Wilson and Diamond can be found throughout the Midwest Ump site.

Review of Wilson West Vest Platinum Umpire Chest Protector (WTA3215)

This is the fourth 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.

The Wilson West Vest Platinum Umpire Chest Protector was the 2009 Umpire Merchandise Products of the Year winner in the chest protector category. The Platinum is one of two umpire chest protectors endorsed by Major League Baseball (along with its brother the Wilson Gold). The Platinum along with the Gold are the standards for umpire chest protectors at higher levels.


Appearance
A thinner padding gives the Platinum a more stream-lined appearance. The shoulders are not exceptionally raised and the overall appearance is very average. The Platinum is a charcoal gray and the rivets are a subdued silver (it is recommended that you paint the rivets every year with nail polish to prevent rusting).

Comfort
The Platinum comes in 13.5" and 10.75" sizes. The plastic plates are held in place by velcro straps and remove for easy cleaning. The padding is is a svelt .75" and is machine washable. I have never machine washed my padding. I clean it with soap and water from time to time and spray it with Lysol.

The plates of the Platinum are flat and it takes a while for the Platinum to conform to your frame. In fact, my first thought about this CP when I took it out of the box was that it reminded me of Clint Eastwood's iron plate used as a bullet proof vest at the end of Fistful of Dollars. It is very flat.

While the Platinum is conforming to your frame, there will be slippage. The longer you wear the Platinum, the less slippage you will experience. My Platinum still slips a little even after three years of wearing it.

Protection
The Wilson Platinum uses 3mm plastic plates as its first line of defense. Three separate large plates are joined by rivets to protect the chest and collar bone. Unlike its competitors, the Platinum uses a large molded plate that is tightly fastened to the chest plate, essentially creating a single plate to protect the chest and collar areas. The larger the plate, the greater the deflection of impact.

Wilson places extra padding at the sternum. There is very little gaping around the Platinum and minimal exposure.

MLB umpire Joe West developed the Platinum to protect umpires during extreme conditions. In the video below West is hit with a 95 mph fastball in the chest while wearing the Platinum.



That's a pretty powerful endorsement!

Pricing
The Wilson West Vest Platinum Chest Protector is sold by the following online retailers:

HQ4Sports for $139.95 with free shipping

CAT Sports, $139.95

Ump Attire, $124.99 limited time

Honig's, $149.95

Lesters Upstate Sports, $145.00

Between the Lines, $159.90

Joe West, $139.00

Jim Evans, $149.95 (plus 10% discount for ABUA members)

Fair or Foul?
The Wilson Platinum is fair, fair, fair. It is one of a very few chest protectors that can be used while calling major league pitching and resides at the top of the food chain. I have personally worn the Platinum for three years and can attest to its protection. It is fantastic! As I've said previously, baseballs bounce off me like bullets off Superman. The Platinum is light, cool and comfortable.

***UPDATE***
The Wilson Platinum weighs 3.03 lbs. Heavier than any CP tested as of January 2011

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.

Review of Wilson Gold Umpire Chest Protector

This is the second 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 Wilson West Vest Gold Umpire Chest Protector (A3210) is one of two top-of-the-line hard shell chest protectors designed by MLB Umpire Joe West and made by Wilson. The Gold is available in three sizes: Small (for sizes under 38”); Medium to Large (for sizes 38-44); and Large to Extra Large (for sizes 46-54). While it is available in different widths corresponding to your jacket size, it is only available in one length, 12” measured from the neck opening to the bottom of the protector.

The Wilson Gold is black with black painted rivets. Unlike other silver chest protectors, there is little chance of your black Wilson Gold bleeding through your shirt (unless perhaps you wear an open hole cream shirt).

Comfort
The padding for the Wilson Gold is more substantial (thicker) than the Wilson Platinum. My caliper measures 1.125" for the padding and plate. Oddly, the Gold fits tighter to your body than the Platinum, but not nearly as well as the Schutt AiR Flex Umpire Chest Protector (review here). The Gold fits closer to the body than the Platinum, but sits higher and tighter to the neck than other hard shell chest protectors. I wasn’t entirely happy with the fit of the Wilson Gold. I felt that it was necessary to adjust this CP to sit high near the clavicle to obtain adequate protection. That pushed the CP near my mask which made it more challenging to look straight down while wearing the mask.

Mobility was very good with this CP. I did not feel constrained (other than around the neck) and there was only minimal slippage.

Protection
The Wilson Gold is protected by 3mm hard plastic plates. The chest plate is large and measures 12" x 6". The clavicle protection is adequate, although there is no extra padding in that area. The Wilson Gold Umpire Chest Protector features removable plates for cleaning. The Gold and the Schutt AiR Flex share a similar design and use separate plates. There is no significant gapping around the plates.

After my experience with the Schutt AiR Flex, I was bewildered to see that the Wilson Gold uses the same basic design around the shoulders. However, on closer inspection, I see one significant difference. The plates in the Schutt are molded to achieve a closer, custom fit. As a result a ball impact can force the plate’s edge into your body (since it is already curved in that direction). The Wilson Gold shoulder plates are flatter and are less likely to be forced by a ball impact into your shoulder. The same can be said about the Wilson Gold plates protecting the clavicle area.

Pricing
The Wilson Gold Umpire Chest Protector is available from the following on-line retailers:

Epic Sports $133.99

Ump-Attire $157.99

Lester’s Upstate Sports $155.00

Major League Umpires $154.99

Fair or Foul?
The Wilson West Vest Gold Chest Protector provides superior protection. It has been tested under fire by professional umpires. I like its more conforming design, but do not care for the higher fit around the neck to protect the clavicle. This CP is absolutely “Fair” and recommended for all levels of baseball.

***UPDATE***
The Wilson Gold weighs 3.02 lbs.

Review of Schutt AiR Flex Umpire Chest Protector

This is the first article in a series of chest protector reviews that will seek to crown the “King of Chest Protectors.” This series of reviews will culminate with an article comparing the protectors and announcing a winner which will be named the Midwest Ump 2010 Umpire Merchandise Product of the Year award winner (UMPY Award) in the Chest Protector category.

The first review in this series is the Schutt AiR Flex Umpire Chest Protector. I received this protector almost two months ago and have been field testing it since that time.

Appearance
The Schutt AiR Flex Chest Protector is very cool looking. It is 17” wide and 13” measured from the neck opening to the bottom of the CP. The plates are the same design and appearance as those used by Schutt in its football pads. The color is lighter and the silver rivets are bright and not subdued. The shiny rivets and possibly the color of the Schutt CP itself could bleed through an open hole mesh shirt.

While the chest plates hug your body in a very sleek and low-profile design (the padding and plates measure a mere 1" in thickness), the shoulder caps are taller than any other hard shell chest protector I have tested. This gives you a more pronounced “line backer” look while behind the dish. Maybe that appearance is a good thing when dealing with rat coaches?

Comfort
This is the most comfortable hard shell chest protector I have tried. It is worth mentioning that I have not tried the Douglas, which I understand is very comfortable. It’s weight is well distributed and hangs from your shoulders, so it feels lighter than it is. The plates have more curve than most hard shell CPs and the quilted padding conforms to your body and “gives” when you move. There are no slippage issues outside of a rare adjustment. The harness is comfortable and keeps this CP in place. For more information on the harness, see slo8140’s review on Umpire-Empire.

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 10 mm ventilation holes on the plastic plates and covered the Brock Foam with a polyester mesh. The 10 mm holes are an increase from the earlier Schutt AiR Flex design using 5 mm holes.

The AiR Flex kept me comfortable during late August games in the Midwest heat and humidity. It is hard to measure such things without a thermometer, but I believe I am cooler in the AiR Flex than while wearing other hard shell chest protectors.

Protection
The plates for the Schutt AiR Flex Chest protector are different than those used on the Schutt CP I tested earlier in the year. Schutt explained that the plates on the CP I previously tested were photography grade, which I thought was a bunch of hooey, but these redesigned plates are considerably more substantial and made from a more rigid plastic. The hard plastic plates measure 3mm, and the large chest plate is 12.25" long and 6.5" wide. There is also less padding around the shoulders for a more comfortable and closer fit. The plates have been re-positioned. The chest plate has been moved up closer to the neck, reducing clavicle exposure. A shoulder cap has been added to prevent gap exposure. Lateral plates have been moved closer to the chest plate.

I would like to report that the AiR Flex has superior protection. The Brock Bead technology is very impressive. The football-type plates are time tested. However, while testing this protector at a high school baseball game, I took a foul ball to the right shoulder. The pitcher was throwing no more than 75 mph. The impact was not painfully sharp, but created discomfort and was more painful than similar impacts I have experienced with the Wilson West Vest Platinum. The day after the impact, my shoulder is sore. I am not interested in being a human guinea pig to test this CP against college pitchers throwing 90+.

One design issue that may have contributed to this impact is the shoulder plate and the chest plate are two separate pieces. This is actually surprising as Schutt football shoulder pads use a one piece shoulder and chest plate. The impact of the ball on this shoulder plate jammed the plate into the padding and caused the discomfort. This also calls into question ball impacts on this plate around in the clavicle.

Pricing
The Schutt AiR Flex Chest Protector is available from the following on-line retailers:

Hit Run Score for $128

Onlinesports.com for 121.95

Fair or Foul?
The AiR Flex Chest Protector has a lot of promise on paper. However, plate placement for a umpire chest protector is extremely important and is the difference between feeling like Superman or merely Clark Kent. The AiR Flex plates appear sufficient; however the shoulder configuration must be redesigned.

In its current design, I can only recommend this protector for use in games where the pitching velocity is no more than 70 mph.

***UPDATE***
The Schutt 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.