Review of Smitty Apparel Expander Waist Umpire Pants (BBS-376)

Most baseball umpire associations around the country are now choosing charcoal as the pants color of choice. [“Pants?” “Pant?” Well, pants is the 19^th century shortened version of pantaloons. It seems that even then there was disagreement on whether the correct version should be “pant” or “pants:”  The thing named ‘pants’ in certain documents, A word not made for gentlemen, but ‘gents’. –American jurist/poet Oliver Wendell Holmes, Rhymed Lesson, 1846. With all due deference to Justice Holmes, I will stick with "pants" for purposes of this article. – ed.] Actually, this shift may have more to do with shirt color, since many groups now choose polo blue, black and cream colored shirts, which look best with charcoal pants, rather than navy or powder blue shirts. Softball umpires prefer to stay with the heather gray pants because it looks good with powder blue and red shirts.

In response to this shift, Smitty Apparel has introduced charcoal umpire pants with an expander waist system. These pants are 100% polyester (not a polyester-wool blend) and are machine washable for easy care. They also feature a Smitty Comfort Grip Waistband to keep your shirt tucked in, wide belt loops, a button tab and tuxedo clasp closure, a button loop on the left back pocket, and a heavy duty zipper.

I tested the Smitty Apparel BBS-376 charcoal umpire plate pants. Thanks to Dawn at Smitty Apparel for sending me a pair.

Like all plate pants, the BBS-376 uses saddle stitching to reinforce the seat. The legs are also cut wide to accommodate your leg guards. I reviewed Smitty Apparel pants previously, and found that the cut is slim through the hip area. I did not notice this while wearing the Smitty BBS-376 during my review. I had a full, unrestricted range, even with my healthy posterior. However, my measurements show that these pants are cut slightly slimmer. The rise is 11.5”, measured from the bottom of waistband to center point of crotch between legs, and the hips measurement (around the fullest part of the seat) is 52”. In comparison, the Honig’s poly-wools are cut “fuller” with a 12” rise and 54” around the hips. The Smitty pants are also slightly lighter weight than the Honig's poly-wools.

I had my doubts whether the expander waistband would be effective. I wondered if the expander would create a loose feeling fit while on the dish. Happily this was not the case. I wear two ball bags while working the plate, and I did not experience any “sag” from these pants. The expander waist seemed to work flawlessly - which could be a godsend for those early season games when I’m not yet at my fighting weight!

While the material is not the same as the Honig’s poly-wool pants, the material appearance is surprisingly similar between the two pants, especially from a distance. Unfortunately, there is a color difference that is noticeable.

On the left is a pair of Gerry Davis pants, in the center is the Honig's poly-wools, and on the right is the Smitty Apparel BBS-376. 

The Smitty Apparel Expander Waist Umpire Pants (BBS-376) can be purchased from Purchase Officials for $39.99. They are available in the expander waistband for base, plate or combo in heather or charcoal colors. These pants are also sold at Ump-Attire.com for $44.95.

Fair or Foul?

This call is like a screaming line drive down the right field line with no one on. The first base umpire must be avoid the ball and sometimes make an impossibly close call. First, the positives: (1) the expander waistband is terrific; (2) a polyester fabric means that you are not a slave to dry cleaning; (3) the fit is good; (4) the price is very, very good. 

Now the negatives: (1) the color does not match the two most popular charcoal pant worn by amateur umpires. Naturally, if you and your partner match, I have no reservations calling this product fair. For instance, the Collegiate Baseball Umpires Assigning Organization requires members to wear CBUAO embroidered Smitty charcoal pants. Finally, (2) the polyester material used in the Smitty Apparel Expander Waist Umpire Pants is not quite as good as the Honig's poly-wool blend pants.

So I need to get help from my partner on this call. Do umpires in your area wear Smitty Apparel charcoal pants? Then your call is "Fair." If your area does not wear Smitty Apparel charcoal pants, then the call is "Foul."

Honig's Pants Stand the Test of Time

On the left is a brand new pair of Honig's poly wool base pants. On the right is a pair of Honig's poly wool base pants purchased in October, 2009 and washed and dried 100+ times. I wash these pants in cold water on gentle cycle. I use regular detergent. They are dried on permanent press for 20 minutes (they dry quickly). Usually the poly wools are thrown into the washer and dryer with my umpire shirt, socks, compression shorts, etc.

These pants are outstanding and well-deserving of the 2010 U.M.P.Y. award for best pants and also the 2010 Midwest Ump Product of the Year award.

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 Honig's Poly-Wool Pants

Honig's seems to have the umpire pants market cornered at the upper levels in baseball. There is good reason for this:

Honig's Poly-Wool is the Cadillac of pants.

The best thing about the Poly-Wools is the quality appearance. These pants look like Sunday dress pants, but are designed for the umpire. The Poly-Wools are constructed from a heavyweight polyester and wool blend. A double clasp keeps the barn door shut and the "Snug-fit" waistband keeps your shirt tucked. They have a pleated front with extra wide belt loops.

The Poly-Wool plate pants feature a reinforced knee (two layers of material) and saddle stitching. Presently the Poly-Wools are only offered in charcoal grey, and are not available in heather grey.

I wondered how these pants actually "measure up" to other pants I have in my closet, so I pulled out my tape measurer. All of my umpiring pants are 38" waist (I know, I know, light beers are good too. . .). I measured the rise (from bottom of waistband to center point of crotch between legs); the hips (around the fullest part of the seat); and the knee. I was surprised by the results.

It is interesting to me that the Gerry Davis Combos have a similar cut to the Honig's Poly-Wool plate pants. Also note that the GD combos are 20" at the leg opening (at the cuff) and Poly-Wool plate pants are 24", which is consistent with a combo pant's trimmer cut. This also confirms my previous post reviewing Smitty's combos in which I complained that Smitty's are cut a little slimmer. In this case the data shows a full 4 inches slimmer!

The pants I have in my umpire closet are all different shades. Below is a group photo, top to bottom: Dalco heather grey, Smitty heather grey, Honig's heather grey, Honig's charcoal grey, and Gerry Davis charcoal grey.
As you can see, the difference in color is considerable!

The Poly-Wools are comfortable, very well-constructed, and look fantastic. These umpire pants are the cream of the crop. The only negatives for these pants is the color difference (somewhere between heather and charcoal), and that Honig's recommends dry cleaning only. With that said, I have a friend that is a minor league umpire who regularly washes his Poly-Wools (with Woolite on delicate cycle). I have also washed mine and I have not seen negative effects.

Honig's are the best umpire pants available, but they also come with a higher price tag. At the time of this writing Honig's sells its Poly-Wool base pants for $73.95, and its Poly-Wool plate pants for $79.95. In comparison, Gerry Davis sells its charcoal pants for $48.90 for plate, base or combo.

Gerry Davis Charcoal Gray Combo Pants

Continuing in the series of pants reviews, today I examine a pair of Gerry Davis Charcoal Gray Combo Pants. Special thanks to Mary at Gerry Davis for her assistance. Charcoal gray pants are optional this year for NFHS baseball umpires. Another HS umpire owns GD charcoal pants in my area, so I have been able to field test these pants during high school games.

Right out of the gate let me say that the folks at Gerry Davis have good taste. I was extremely impressed by the Gerry Davis Signature Shirt (made by Cliff Keen) which placed third in the overall rankings, but placed best in cooler weather. The Signature Shirt is a great looking shirt that has a quality feel to it. Therefore it is no surprise that the Gerry Davis Charcoal Gray Combo Pants have a similar quality feel and uses superior material.

Like many of you, maintaining a professional appearance matters a great deal to me. Combo pants tend to be a little baggy. However, the Gerry Davis combo pants, while roomy, are not overly baggy. I suffered no embarrassment wearing these pants on the field during high school contests. In fact, in one of the photos on this page I am wearing the very substantial Diamond iX3 shin guards. Can you tell which? Answer below.*

The fit (at least for my frame) for a pair of combo pants is fantastic! The seat and thigh area (where I am thick) is roomy and comfortable. The expansion waistband works great and expands to an extra 1.5". The pants feature a gripping waistband to keep your shirt tucked. The belt loops are large and positioned for ball bags.

The Gerry Davis combo pants feature saddle stitching to reinforce the seat area and prevent splitting. The pants are 100% polyester and feel a little "stretchy". I have washed and dried them a number of times and the pants look good as new with no signs of wear. Caring for these pants is a breeze: just wash in cold, tumble on low, then hang dry - no dry cleaning!

The polyester fabric does tend to snag on my shin guards. Additionally, the opening at the cuff is 21", but the knee is a roomy 26". Consequently I have difficulty getting the tapered pant legs over my (rather large) shin guards. However, once "geared up" I have no complaints whatsoever.

The bottom line (no pun intended) is the Gerry Davis Charcoal Gray Combo Pants are roomy, comfortable, and look great. A smaller shin guard is recommended for an easier time gearing up.

The Gerry Davis Charcoal Gray Combo Pants sell for $48.90 from Gerry Davis and are available in plate, combo, and base styles and even sizes 32 to 50. Are you hard to fit? Well, Gerry Davis also offers these pants in special order sizes for $84.90.

*The answer is: top picture without guards, bottom picture wearing guards.

Review of Smitty Combo Pants

Several weeks ago I set out to conduct another product review - this time the subject is umpire pants. I contacted several manufacturers and received mixed responses. Some manufacturers did not respond at all to my invitations. Others sent pants for review. What I have for review are the following:

1. Honig's heather gray B1 base pants;
2. Honig's heather gray B2 plate pants;
3. Dalco heather gray combo pants;
4. Smitty Apparel heather gray combo pants; and
5. Gerry Davis dark gray combo pants.

Heather gray vs. charcoal vs. base pants vs. plate pants vs. combo pants. That's a lot of variations! An article comparing the above pants would be unfair to the manufacturers and would not produce much practical information. Instead I have decided to do a series of independent reviews. First up are the Smitty Apparel combo pants.

Smitty Apparel has been very open and receptive to my review of their products. Dawn at Smitty's has been very supportive and generous. I suppose it is easy to be that way when you have quality products and (despite some issues in the past) Smitty Apparel certainly produces quality products. I know, I know, some of you that can't get past the name. Well, that's too bad 'cause you're missing out on some great gear at great prices.

These Smitty heather gray combo pants are meant to be worn both in the field or behind the plate. Combo pants are especially useful for officials working younger age groups who may need to change from plate to bases quickly.

The pants come unhemmed and are available in odd and even sizes. The pants are made with a pleated front, which I don't personally care for, but is a popular style. They are made with 100% easy-to-care-for polyester and feature slash pockets, a button hook back pocket, double clasp front, and a Snug-Tex waist band to keep your shirt tucked. The material is attractive and substantial and the pants are made with a quality construction. After a few washings they look new and show no signs of wear.

The pant legs are a roomy 24" to accommodate shin guards. As you can see from the photo, my Diamond iX3 shin guards are plainly visible while standing. The fit in the leg, while a little "snug" with my large guards, is adequate and the fabric does not catch.

The saddle seat stitching provides added protection for plate work. I have an ample posterior (or as my five year old says, "junk in the trunk," see picture) and the fit is also snug. I did feel a little constrained by the fit, but was reassured by the saddle seat. The Sansabelt waist band worked great for me and provided a good fit around the waist (plus or minus that drive-in cheeseburger on the way to the park).

Ump-Attire sells Smitty combo pants for $42.95 with free shipping on orders over $300.

The Official's Call sells Smitty combo pants for $42.00 with free shipping on orders over $150.

Purchase Officials Supplies sells Smitty combo pants for $43.99.

My overall impression of these pants is very favorable. I recommend a smaller shin guard and a smaller tush for a great fit. For the umpire that can meet that criteria, the Smitty Apparel heather gray combo pants is a perfect pair(ing).

Note: As of this writing Purchase Officials Supplies is offering a deal on Smitty ComforTech shirts. Buy the first one for $23.00 and the second is $16.00. That's a very good deal for a very good shirt. See review.