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 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.

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.

Review of Diamond Deluxe Pro Umpire Equipment Gear Bag

There are many ways amateur umpires transport gear. To the chagrin of our wives or girlfriends, most of us keep our equipment in the car trunk and hang our uniforms in the window. Changing in the parking lot is commonplace, but sometimes there is the luxury of a changing room. For those times a rolling bag can be very useful to move gear.

In early April I received the Diamond Deluxe Pro Umpire Equipment Gear Bag (WHL DLX UMP 36 BAG) from the folks at Diamond to test and review. I have used the Diamond as my everyday equipment bag since April. After the college season it has mostly stayed in the back of my small SUV where its 36" length fits nicely into my 38" wide truck space. It has organized all of my gear in the back of my SUV and provided easy access. After packing the equipment bag, there is still tons of space. This is what is in my Diamond equipment bag:

Champro Pro Plus Magnesium Mask
Wilson Platinum Chest protector
Diamond Featherweight Umpire Shin Guards
Thorlo Combat Boot Socks
Nike Compression Pants
Under Armour Jock Strap
Nutty Buddy Cup
Two Black Belts
Two Ultimate Ball Bags from Ump-Attire
Two plate brushes
Three indicators
Three pens
Lineup Card Holder
CCA Manual
NFHS rulebook
NCAA rulebook
Extra shoe laces
Leatherman tool
Emergency sewing kit
Small shoe shine kit
Electrical tape
Small laundry bag for damp clothing
Cold weather mask, gloves
Under Armour Cold Gear L/S Undershirt
Bolle Sunglasses
Various Hats
Sports Stopwatch

After four months of use and well over 100 games, I am happy to report that I am very impressed with the thoughtful design of the Diamond Deluxe Pro Umpire Equipment Gear Bag. It is rugged and durable. The zippers are more substantial than my family's Samsonite and Travelpro luggage and glide smoothly. Each panel is well made and tightly constructed. During the college season this Diamond equipment bag was taken to many dressing rooms, bounced up and down stairs, and wheeled across hot pavement and gravel. The wheels still glide smoothly and silently. The 850 Denier polyester fabric has not ripped or stressed.

The Diamond Deluxe Pro Umpire Equipment Gear Bag has a main compartment for hats, ball bags, and clothing items. Diamond includes two velcro strips in the main compartment and three adjustable dividers to customize your storage. There are also eight interior pouches built into the top flap for storing indicators, brushes, pens, etc. The Diamond has a large 36" x 15" x 8" drop bottom for storing gear. The upper compartment bottom zips open to make one large compartment for extra room if needed. There is a large vented shoe compartment and a smaller compartment for winter gloves or travel information. Finally, an exterior side compartment is just the right size for the NCAA and NFHS rulebooks and CCA Manual.

The negatives: the Diamond Deluxe Pro Umpire Equipment Gear Bag will not stand up on its own. This drawback has been a continuing minor annoyance. The Diamond WHLDLX measures 36" x 15" x 16" and weighs 14 pounds. Most airlines limit checked baggage to 62 inches (length + width + height) and a maximum weight of 50 pounds, so this bag is a poor choice for airline travel at 67 linear inches. Southwest, for example, charges $50 for oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80. Diamond offers another bag that is more suited for airline travel. That bag measures 30" x 15" x 16" and includes a telescopic handle.

The Diamond Deluxe Pro Umpire Equipment Gear Bag is offered by several online retailers including:

Ump-Attire: $142.99

Anaconda Sports: $99.95

Baseball Rampage:$149.99 with free shipping

Epic Sports: $121.69

THE BOTTOM LINE is the Diamond Deluxe Pro Umpire Equipment Gear Bag is a top quality bag. Personally, since I prefer to hang my uniforms and transport them in a garment bag, this 36" bag is much more than I need. The 30" bag is the same width as the 36" model and will accommodate the wide Wilson Platinum CP without taking up extra space. If you need the extra room, the 36" model is fantastic. Otherwise, opt for the 30". Congratulations to Diamond Sports on producing an excellent umpire bag!

Comparison of “Performance” Undershirts

I have been a fan of Under Armor undershirts for years. Last fall I was at a discount clothing store waiting for my wife and teen-aged daughter to finish their shopping (we’ve all been there. If not, just give it time), and I discovered a Nike undershirt on sale. It was considerably cheaper than the Under Armor shirts I purchase, so it got me thinking: just what is the difference?

During the off-season I purchased eight different t-shirts at various locations. I was able to get most of the shirts at a sale price for hot weather clothing during the winter months, so you may be able to beat the on-line prices during the off-season.

I have been personally wearing these shirts during the spring college and HS season. I really didn't know what to expect when testing these shirts, but after three months of umpiring I have formed some opinions.

Shirts

I ended up with nine shirts from eight manufacturers for this comparison. Seven of these shirts are loose fit and two are compression shirts:

Reebok Play Dry Tech
Under Armour Heat Gear (loose fit)
Under Armour Heat Gear (compression)
Champion C9 Duo Dry
Fila Sport Sprinter
Diamond Hotsport
Nike FitDry Legend
Starter Dri-Star (compression)
Russell Dri-Power


Testing Methodology
Since all of these shirts are advertised as performance, moisture wicking shirts, one problem I faced was how to measure the wicking effect. So here’s what I did: first, I weighed each shirt while dry. Then I ran all the shirts through a wash cycle and measured each shirt again. My reasoning is simple: an effective moisture wicking shirt transfers the moisture, it should not absorb the moisture. That’s why a cotton t-shirt weighs a ton after a July doubleheader while a moisture wicking t-shirt stays light. The cotton shirt absorbs while the polyester shirt transfers. My test simply measures how much water the shirt absorbs and should tell us something about its transference properties.


#9: Starter Dri-Star Compression
Remember when the Starter brand was AWESOME? I do. Back in the day my favorite clothing item was a Starter MLB jacket, the same one my favorite player wore. I purchased this Starter Dri-Star t-shirt right off the rack at my local Wal-Mart for around $8.00. They are available through the Wal-Mart website for $7.50.

This shirt is a compression style and the quality control seems very, er, “relaxed.” The seams on this shirt are unraveling and the label is only partially attached. The label states that the fabric is 81% Cationic Polyester and 19% Elastane. Its weight dry is a mere 4 ounces, the lightest in this comparison. The Starter weighs 5 ounces wet.

I wore this shirt once and was miserable. It was too short and too tight. It seemed to moisture wick just fine, but the fit was aweful for my frame. These tight fitting shirts are just not suitable for the over-forty-carrying-extra-pounds umpire. At least that’s my opinion. I’m sure it would work great for a thin umpire. As a side note, regardless of the compression "style" of this shirt, the Starter is last on my list because of the poor quality of construction.


#8: Under Armour Heat Gear Compression
I purchased this Under Armour Heat Gear Compression t-shirt at a big box sporting goods store for $20.00. Also available on line at Amazon for $19.99.

The Under Armour Compression shirt appears better constructed than the Starter. Made of 80% Polyester and 20% Elastane, the feel of this shirt is identical to the Starter. It is a little heavier than the Starter. Its weight is 5 ounces dry and 5.5 ounces wet (indicating a better moisture transfer than the Starter).

As with the Starter shirt, I am not a fan of the compression shirt. The advantage to a compression undershirt is that it takes full effect of the material's moisture transfer qualities. The compression shirt acts as a second skin to wick perspiration away from your skin. Although I have been a fan of the Under Armour Heat Gear loose t-shirts, I can’t tell a significant difference in feel between the Starter and the Under Armour.


#7: Fila Sport Sprinter Performance Tee
I purchased two Fila Sport t-shirts from Kohl’s during a sale (which is like saying “during business hours” ‘cause there’s always a sale at Kohl’s). The Fila shirt is available on-line at Kohl's for $14.99.

The Fila is the heaviest undershirt in the comparison at 7 ounces dry and 9.5 ounces wet. Made of 100% polyester. This is a well constructed shirt, but it is more of an outer wear shirt than a performance undershirt. That said, I have worn this shirt regularly while on the bases during the spring and it has kept me warm, dry and comfortable.


#6: Russell Dri-Powder
The fact that I can't remember where or why I bought the Russell Dri-Powder shirt should tell you something. It is a very un-remarkable shirt. Available on-line from Sports Authority for $17.99.

The Russell is made of 100% Polyester and weighs 6 ounces dry, 8 ounces wet. It is made with a mesh weave. I personally don't like it as much as the Fila which performed worse in the moisture testing.



#5: Under Armour Heat Gear Loose
I have worn Under Armour Heat Gear undershirts exclusively for the past few years. I buy my Under Armour from my local sporting goods store, but it is generally available on-line and can be purchased through Under Armour for $19.99.

The Under Armour shirt weighs 6 ounces dry and 8 ounces wet. It was a surprise at how poorly the Under Armour shirt performed in the moisture wicking test. Under Armour shirt have kept me cool and dry during brutal summer baseball, and I considered it an essential piece of equipment.

The Under Armour Heat Gear can retain odor even after washing. I can attest to this trait, although I cannot state definitively that other shirts in this comparison do not retain odor. What I can say is that during the limited testing during this review, the Under Armour is the only shirt that held an odor after washing.


#4: Reebok Play Dry Tech
I purchased the Reebok Play Dry at another discount store. The shirt is available through Amazon for $22.50.

The Reebok is made from 100% polyester. It weight dry is 6 ounces and 7.5 ounces wet. The Reebok Play Dry Tech is the second best performing loose fitting shirt in the moisture wicking test which is why it is ranked so high in this comparison.

The bottom line is that the Reebok Play Dry Tech is a solid shirt that is comfortable and durable. The material is thin and suited for an undershirt.


#3: Nike FitDry Legend
The Nike FitDry Legend was the impetus for this undershirt comparison. I found this shirt at a discount store (Marshall's) for $7.00. It is red and I have only used it a couple times with my navy blue shirt during non-Fed games (my state requires a navy undershirt for NFHS games). It is available through many on-line retailers including REI for $20.

The Nike FiDry Legend weighs a very average 6 ounces dry and 8.5 ounces wet. It is made of 100% polyester, like many of the other shirts in this comparison. So why is it rated so high?

The Nike FitDry Legend screams quality. It is actually a disappointment that it performed so poorly in the moisture wicking test because it is a good looking and feeling undershirt. It has a much more substantial feel and look than the Under Armour shirt.


#2: Champion C9 Duo Dry
I purchased the Champion C9 Duo Dry Tech Tee at Target for $9.99. Also available on-line from Target for $9.99. The Champion C9 Duo Dry is available in several colors and my local Target has these consistently in-stock.

The Champion C9 is odorless and weighs 5.5 ounces dry, 7.5 ounces wet. That is remarkable performance considering its low price and availability at a big box store.

If you haven't tried the Champion C9 Duo Dry, you are missing out on a terrific value. This shirt is a outstanding combination of quality and price. I purchased the Champion C9 in black, and I found myself grabbing my black Champion undershirt without thinking during the spring college season as my plate undershirt. It has held up very well and shows very little sign of wear from my chest protector straps. It is a Midwest Ump "Best Buy."

#1: Diamond Hotsport
Just before the season I purchased a navy blue Diamond Hotsport from Ump-Attire for $18.99. This purchase was really an after-thought and was the last undershirt I bought for the comparison. My wife asked, "Do you really need another t-shirt?" I had never seen a Diamond undershirt, but I have learned to trust the retail judgment of Jim Kirk at Ump-Attire and I think very highly of the Diamond protective equipment I have tested.

The Diamond Hotsport is made of 100% polyester and weighs 6.5 ounces dry. Here's the crazy part: it weighs 6.5 ounces wet! That is the best result of any shirt in the moisture wicking test. This comparison has really opened my eyes to the transfer properties of different polyester materials. Apparently all polyester is not the same!

The Diamond has been my favorite undershirt since I purchased it. I knew the Diamond was keeping me dry and cool and it is light-weight. It also feels similar to the Under Armour loose fit shirts I have been wearing for years. You want the best? The Diamond Hotsport is the best undershirt in this comparison.

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.

Umpire “Starter” Package

Most all equipment retailers offer a new umpire equipment package. Since its raining here, and I’m ignoring my day job for a few minutes, I’ve created a hypothetical new umpire “starter” package, and listed some internet links. Of course, you may be able to beat these prices or you may decide to substitute items depending on the level of competition. Finally, consider this list a suggested starting point and shop around!

Mask
I can’t see how a new umpire on a budget can go wrong with a Diamond DFM-UMP mask. Weighing right at one pound with pads and harness, this featherweight mask is strong and the company offers a great warranty. Available in black or silver. The quick-dry pads are an issue, however, and if you shave regularly you may want to consider changing to leather padding. Ump-Attire currently sells this mask for $69.99.

The Wilson Chrome Moliben is an alternate choice, comes with leather pads, and weighs 23 ounces with pads and harness. It is a low-profile design which offers greater visibility, but many have suggested that the flatter low-profile design may increase your chances of suffering a concussion. Joe West sells this mask for $58.99.

Chest Protector

Don't mess around, buy a hard shell protector. The best protectors are made by Wilson (the West Vest Gold and the Platinum). However, for our new umpire on a budget, the Champion Hard Shell Chest Protector is cheap and offers decent protection. The Champion is available in three different sizes: 13" (P220), 15" (P210) , 17" (P200). Sport About Equipment offers the Champion at prices ranging from $38.95 to $44.95.

Shin Guards

CCM Referee SG100 Shin Guards. Comfortable, cool and low profile under your umpire pants. $39.99 from Hockey Giant in 14", 15" or 16" sizes.

The above items can be had for less than $155.00 plus shipping. Of course, shipping costs may vary greatly, so consider that cost in your purchase decision. A weekend of umpiring can pay for the equipment on this list. Not bad for getting you on the field in gear that is actually comfortable and useful.

And remember, this is just one umpire's opinion!