Review of Manufacturer Warranties

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

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

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

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

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

ALL STAR SPORTING GOODS
(800) 777-3810

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

CHAMPRO SPORTS

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

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

Review of Wilson Charcoal Leg Guards (A3417)

Today Midwest Ump reviews the Wilson Charcoal Leg Guards (A3417). Special thanks to Jacquie Rooney at Wilson for providing a set of the Wilson Charcoal guards to test. The Wilson Charcoal guards are pro-quality leg guards and endorsed by Major League Baseball. Wilson Sporting Goods is the official umpire gear of Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball. 

The first and most important priority for a leg guard is to protect the wearer. Much like the Wilson Platinum or Gold chest protectors, the Wilson Charcoal Leg Guards protect like a tank. 3mm plates cover from top to bottom. The Charcoal features a double knee design; a contoured shin plate; thick comfortable padding; side ankle plates; and a permanently attached instep plate. Jacquie tells me that professional umpires are split evenly between the Charcoal and the Wilson West Vest Pro Leg Guards with a triple knee design. She says that some prefer the added protection of the WV Pro and others prefer the increased mobility gained from the Charcoal. As for consumer purchases, the Wilson DaviShins are the most popular Wilson leg guard, followed by the Charcoal and WV Pro.

The Wilson Charcoal is available in 18.5” or 17” lengths. The Charcoal is also available in a 15.5” length sold exclusively by Ump-Attire.com. Leg guards are measured from top of foot to middle of knee. My measurement is 16”, and the 17” guards I tested fit fine.

Although the Charcoal guards look very bulky, the measurements were surprising:

20-3/4" circumference at knee

19-1/2" circumference at middle of shin

These measurements were very average when compared with “low profile” leg guards! What was not average was the weight of the Charcoal leg guards. Each guard weighs a heavy 32 ounces.

The padding is thick and comfortable, and is the same nylon/foam construction used in the Wilson Platinum and Wilson Gold chest protectors (Ensolite foam with Coolmax lining to wick away perspiration). The padding wraps around the leg past the metal J hooks, to protect the wearer. The padding is attached to the plates with Velcro, so the padding can be detached and cleaned. Wilson recommends hand washing these pads. The top knee plate is attached with Velcro, however it is not securely fastened.

The floating middle knee keeps the knee cap secure against the guard and provides a great deal of flexibility. Inexplicably, the instep plate is permanently attached with rivets, not screws like the Champro Pro Plus Leg Guards. Since umpires wear plate shoes, nearly all do not need or want the instep protector which protrudes over the shoe. To remove this instep protector requires either cutting the straps or drilling out the rivets.

The Wilson Charcoal Leg Guards are worn using two straps on the shin, one strap at the knee, and one strap on the lower leg. Many manufacturers (including Wilson with its DaviShin leg guards) have changed strap placement to avoid a strap behind the knee for added comfort.

The Wilson Charcoal Leg Guards (A3417) are available from the following retailers:

BaseballSavings.com for $79.95

Ump-Attire.com for $79.99

Lester's Upstate Sports for $80.00

Fair or Foul?

I can’t help but compare the Wilson Charcoal Leg Guards to a 1970 Cadillac De Ville - you know, the car Boss Hogg drove in The Dukes of Hazzard. The Charcoal, like Boss Hogg’s Caddy, is classic, has great lines, is comfortable, and is built like a tank. So what do you want? A leg guard that you have absolute confidence will protect you, or a lighter leg guard that will “probably” do the job?

The Wilson Charcoal Leg Guards are FAIR because of its unquestioned protection and ease of cleaning. If Wilson would eliminate the strap behind the knee, reduce the weight, and install a removable instep protector, the Charcoal would be a home run.

Video Review: Wilson Titanium Face Mask

My first video review now on YouTube!!!

Yes, it is amateurish. Yes the video/audio is sub-par. However, the information is good and the video is adequate to give you a good look at the Wilson titanium (wta3009blti). A more complete review of the Wilson titanium can be found here.

Look for more video reviews in the future!

Review of the Wilson Titanium Umpire Mask

A few weeks ago I stumbled upon a Wilson WTA3009BLTI Titanium Umpire Mask offered for a ridiculously low price (O.K., I have to brag: $49.95!!!). I had previously inspected this titanium mask, but I have never owned one. So, thanks to Grandpa Visa I bought myself an early Christmas present and now I can share this off-season product review with you.


Measurements
This Wilson Titanium Mask is a "standard view" mask and not a "low-profile" design. That said, the distance from the frame eye-opening to the bottom of the frame is only 3.75", which is less than most traditional design masks. The distance across the frame is 8.5", which is an average width (8.5"-9" is considered average).

The frame bars measure 5mm, which is 1mm thinner than popular masks by Champro, All-Star, and other Wilson frames. The frame bars are the same width as the Diamond DFM-iX3 UMP, which flattens its bars for improved visibility.

The Wilson Titanium weighs 23 ounces with pads and harness (no throat guard). That is 6.5 ounces heavier than the Champro Magnesium with WTA3009x pads and harness (CM58 was the 2009 UMPY award winner for best traditional mask and is the lightest mask on the market), and 3.5 ounces heavier than a Diamond DFM-iX3 UMP with WTA3009x pads and harness (the DFM-iX3 was the 2010 UMPY award winner for best traditional mask). 23 ounces is a very average weight for a titanium mask.


Pads
The standard pads have a soft doeskin interior and a tough, man-made pu leather exterior. The pads feature the MLB logo (not an attractive feature to most amateur umpires). Wilson also places an MLB logo on the harness. These pads are softer than the WTA3009x pads, and a darker shade of tan.


Cage Design
The cage of the Wilson WTA3009 is made of titanium, a metal known for its high strength to weight ratio (typically better than magnesium, aluminum, and steel). Titanium is also corrosion-resistant.

The Titanium does not have a cap guard to protect your head from a foul ball. Sure, if you are executing perfect plate mechanics a cap guard is superfluous. You will never need it. However, even the best umpires can get hit through improper mechanics or a flinch:

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=4363819


Where to Buy
Unfortunately the ridiculous price I paid is no longer available. Most on-line retailers offer the Wilson WTA3009BLTI Titanium Umpire Mask for sale at a price above $200. However, there are a few that price it cheaper:

Ump-Attire sells the Wilson Titanium Umpire Mask with Black Padding (#A3009T-BK) for $198.99 or with dual tone pads for the same $198.99

Epic Sports offers it for $182.69

CAT Sports offers the Wilson WTA3009BLTI for $189.95


Fair or Foul?
The Wilson WTA3009BLTI Titanium Umpire Mask is a good mask - good like when your incredibly hot girlfriend serves you soup from a can, and then asks how you like it. "It's good" is the appropriate response. Not great, not bad, just "good." The Wilson Titanium's heavier weight, flatter design, lack of cap guard, and expensive price tag would be justified if the mask was indestructible. The truth is that it's not. This mask will dent with a hard blow, just like any other mask (see the several posts on the umpire forums, including this poster claiming to have dented two titanium masks). While I am unwilling to rate this mask "foul," it is not a resounding "fair" either.

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

Equipment Worn By Some MLB Umpires

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

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


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

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



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





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



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

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

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


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

Review of 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.

Quality Umpire Gear For Cheap

You want the best umpire gear? Well, the best costs. Many wannabe umpires are overwhelmed by the initial cost of new gear. However, somewhere between the best umpire gear and gear that is sub-par (or potentially dangerous) is a category of gear that is both affordable and acceptable.

Mask
Wilson not only makes some of the best umpire equipment available, it also makes a terrific low price mask with deer skin pads for around $50. The Wilson Dyna-Lite Umpire Mask is a 10” mask made of hollow core steel. Its weight with leather pads is 1.5 pounds. This mask comes with comfortable doe skin padding on the inside and tough vinyl on the outside. The Dyna Lite is tough, good-looking, and comfortable. It is available through CAT Sports for $54.95.

Chest Protector
The Champion Hard Shell Chest Protector is another under $50 bargain. The Champion compares favorably to the top of the line Wilson Platinum and Gold chest protectors that sell for three times the price. It is comfortable and is suitable for lower level games through high school. Amazon offers the Champion Hard Shell Chest Protector in 13”, 15”, and 17” lengths starting at $48.99 with free shipping. Midwest Ump review of the Champion CP is here.


Leg Guards
While many of my umpire brothers prefer larger leg guards, I prefer the look of a low profile leg guard like the Diamond DLG-UMP. I recommend and fully endorse the 15” version of this leg guard, but cannot recommend the 17” model as there is a gap below the knee. The Diamond 15” DLG UMP 150 leg guards are sold by Baseball Rampage for $29.99. Midwest Ump review of the Diamond DLG-UMP leg guards is here.

Shoes
I wore New Balance MU450MK plate shoes for two years and loved them. They are comfortable and supportive. Better than the Reebok Field Magistrate II? Well, no, but then you can’t buy the Field Magistrates for this outstanding price: New Balance MU450MK for $79.56 after applying a 20% discount code (“SCHOOL”) from ShoeBuy.com and receive free shipping!


Shirt/Pants/Hat Combo Pack
I am not a big fan of combo packs, but Gerry Davis offers a discount combination package that makes sense. The Gerry Davis Combo Pack #6 includes a Signature Series Shirt, Davis Umpire Pants, and a Richardson Wool Fitted Hat for $71.90. A new umpire who purchases the charcoal combo pants and 6 stitch hat will have a good-looking uniform suitable for lower-level base and plate work. Midwest Ump reviews of the pants and shirt can be found here and here.

Long Term Test Results

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

Champro PRO-PLUS Gold Super-Xtreme Lightweight Face Mask

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

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


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

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

Ump-Attire Ultimate Umpire Shirt

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

Honig’s Poly Wool Umpire Pants

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

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


Nutty Buddy

The Nutty Buddy is an essential piece of equipment.

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

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


Ump-Attire Ultimate Ball Bag

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

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


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

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

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


Wilson West Vest Platinum Chest Protector

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

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


Reebok Field Magistrate Plate Shoes

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

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


Bottom Line

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

Umpire Chest Protector Comparison

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Online Sports for $121.95

Hit Run Score for $128.99

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

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

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

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

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

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

HQ4Sports for $139.95 with free shipping.

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


Champro Pro Plus Gold Chest Protector

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

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

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

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

Pro-Ref for $109.00

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


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

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

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

The Champion P Series Chest Protectors are available from:

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

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

Low Profile Leg Guard Comparison

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All Star LGU313

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

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

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

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

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

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

Epic Sports for $59.29

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


CCM SG100 Referee Shin Guards

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

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

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

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

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

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


Diamond DLG-LITE Featherweight Shin Guards

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

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

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

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

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


Champro Pro-Plus Leg Guards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Wilson DaviShins Shin Guards

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

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










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

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

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

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

The Winner

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

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

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