Comparing the Top End A Tale Of Two Masks by Brent McLaren

If you use a +POS SUL200, often recognized as the resin mask, someone is bound to come up an tell you horror stories about how they can breakdown in strong sunlight, how the early models failed, on and on. These design problems were corrected long before the mask was in regular distribution.

If you use one of the West Vest masks you will hear the stories of how the side pieces bend easily, or how the quality was inconsistent, or the padding was soft etc. etc.. Again, these design problems have been addressed, most noticeably by the addition of a bar to reinforce the ear wings.

It is this simple: If you select any of these two masks you will be delighted with them and you should be. Owning the top end of professional equipment means you have the taken the time, and put out the extra few dollars, to select what is in use at the top of your avocation. Even though owning professional equipment places you a long way from being a professional umpire it reflects a personal care.

So here are the facts on two great masks:

	West Vest	+POS SUL200
Supplier	Lester's Upstate Sports	+POS Lester's Upstate Sports
Retail Price	$65.00 (US)	$110.00 (US)
Pictures
Weight w/harness	805 grams 1.77 lbs	540 grams 1.19 lbs
Overall Height	31 cm 12 1/4 in	30 cm 12 in
Overall Width	28.5 cm 11 1/4 in	30 cm 12 in
Eye Opening Height	4.6 cm 1 13/16 in	4.2 cm 1 5/8 in
Eye Opening Width	17.7 cm 7 in	18.5 cm 7 1/4 in
Padding	The standard WV mask comes with a black amara leather padding. This padding has a soft texture feeling more like a soft cloth then leather. It is comfortable to wear for long periods. Properly adjusted, you are aware of the padding but not significantly. The padding does absorb perspiration and can get quite damp during a game. The padding shows the effects of perspiration and wear.	The standard SUL padding is a very soft leather stretched over a foam base. It is very comfortable to wear for long periods and owing to the light weight of the mask there are few pressure points where the umpire is aware they are wearing a mask. The padding absorbs perspiration but since it is not pressing on the skin very little seems to be retained in the pads. The padding dries quickly following a game and has showed little sign of wear over several seasons.
The Harness	The West Vest mask came with a quality harness. It was designed in the modern nylon fastener mode giving infinite adjustment. The harness had two side pockets for the extra pieces of the harness to tuck into. The harness extensions were very long and the elastic of a very solid calibre. Due to its design, the side pockets, and reinforced stitching there is limited stretch in the harness.	The +POS Ultralight harness can be made much lighter since it is supporting far less weight. As a result you have a very stretchable elastic that facilitates getting the mask on and off without any effort.
Greatest Strength	I personally like the fit of this mask in the jaw area. It took some getting use to, but the feeling that the mask is away from the very front of my face is quite enjoyable.	The extreme lightness of this mask means you are unaware that you are even wearing one. That is the one feeling you really have to adjust to: that you are wearing nothing, You can see the mask, but you can just barely feel it.
Plus	The overall quality of the workmanship makes this mask makes it a definite consideration. Everything, right down to the labeling is top notch. The built in neck extension is longer than other masks.	+POS has built their reputation of customer service and satisfaction. Every part you might need is available for immediate shipment. Their sales people are among the most knowledgable in the business and they will answer every question. The neck extension is wider and squarer than any other available mask. The mask came shipped with a labeled bag to hold the mask in between games.
Minus	The side ear protectors curve in to the mask. Wearing my plate hat the ear protectors are just at the base of my ear lobe. Since I am most likely to be hit by a bouncing ball coming up and over my shoulder my ear is partially exposed.	This is often referred to as a "dark mask" since the width of the composite resin bars do not let in much light or ventilation. Some umpires prefer this, others do not. Since the sides of the mask are solid, this is where this is noticed most of all.
Greatest Weakness	I have been unable to locate suppliers who can sell me the padding or a spare harness. This is a major concern for any umpire who wants to ensure their equipment is maintained in top shape or who carries back up spare parts. I am also concerned over the number of different masks that are look-alikes except for the label, some selling at $20 or $30 less. Did I pay a premium for a name or has a manufacturer simply released a cheaper knock-off version? Apparently the money is saved using vinyl pads, or 50/50 pads. The amara pad is the only choice and worth paying for. It is one reason you need to purchase your mask through a reputable supplier.	This mask must be stored carefully. It cannot be left in the sun, or left to cook in the trunk of the car. Composite materials will breakdown if exposed to extreme heat. Since I trust my safety to the success of this mask I must exercise equal care in its treatment and storage. The mask comes with a storage bag and it should be kept in the bag when not in use. (I also keep an athletic shoe type deodorizing ball in the bag to absorb the moisture quickly.)
In The Left Hand	This mask is comfortable to hold. Since it is so open it can be easily grabbed on the lower left side and removed. The weight of the mask means can be a significant factor to remember as you pump a ball up the right base line fair.	Taking this mask off requires some care since you will want to grab it high up the side to accommodate the wide bars. I have come close several times to putting my fingers deep in the eye opening, coming close to my left eye in the process.

The straight truth is: No mask will protect you 100% of the time. If you fail to look after any mask you will never be certain if today will be the day that the strap breaks, or the pads no longer cushion the blow.

A Recommendation: If this is to be your first professional mask then purchase a black mask with black padding. Both masks are available in color schemes, with tan padding, but be conservative. No assigner or reviewer is going to fault your selection of a black/black mask, but they may have strong feelings about other colors.

There are many reasons to select either of these masks. What is clear however is, choosing one of these masks means you have committed yourself to a quality product. Quality deserves respect and care. Your appearance is about to go up one notch as you walk to your next plate game and the expectations of you as an umpire are about to make a similar leap upwards. Selecting a professional quality mask means the shoes are going to have to be a little shiner, the pants cleaner, the hat fitted, the mechanics a touch sharper.

Using a professional mask is just not as simple as owning one.

Balls and Strikes.

... written March 5, 2000