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Some Background

Let me describe what you are up against: I am 6' tall and weigh more than I should. My chest size is 52 inches, I take a 37 inch sleeve length and a size 8 hat! When I look for equipment I must carefully consider the fit and so often have to look at the professional or top-of-the-line from a company to get the larger / tall sizes.

General Information

Sizing

This leads to my first two recommendations:

Accessories and Replacement Parts

Umpire Masks

Diamond DFM-43

This was one of my catching masks. It served well behind the plate and with a new harness looks practically like it was coming off the shelf. This particular model is the company's lightweight version. The normal vinyl pads were replaced with natural colored doe-skin. The price/value was exceptional. As a catcher I enjoyed this mask which is available in a multitude of colors and colored pad combinations. As an umpire the mask provided one serious limitation: it used a rounded throat protector, meaning that a tiny area on each side of my collarbone was exposed. Behind the plate I found I lacked confidence in the safety of the mask, not because it did not protect me from the direct hits but because once, only once, a ball came through the area that a squared off mask would have been protecting. Fortunately no damage was done physically but mentally .... I still use this mask when I am catching but do not go behind the plate to umpire with it anymore.

Rawlings LWMX

A significant improvement from the PWMX heavyweights, this mask served me well both as a catcher and as an umpire. It is currently my backup mask, the one that sits in the car should I need it. A lightweight hollow-tubed mask of exceptional strength this workhorse has seem some pretty tough hits. The mask has a "wide" feeling and the squared off throat extension provides some protection of the collarbone / throat area. The stock padding is vinyl on the outside and leather on the inside. A nice, comfortable compromise. I used this mask without complaint for two complete seasons without it showing any major signs of wear or damage.

+POS Super Lightweight SUL200

In February of 1996 I added this mask to my growing collection. The mask is made in the new "resin-compound" material which is advertised as being tougher that any steel mask available. This mask weighs almost nothing and comes with deerskin pads and a storage bag to protect it when not in use. As you pick it up you will be literally amazed at the lack of weight. From the first moment I put this mask on I liked it. Why? It passed test #1; I could take it off and my hat was still in place! The harness was excellent. Is it strong? Early last season I took one tipped bunt full in the mask from a pitcher throwing in the high 80's. The blow was the hardest I can remember getting. What I felt was the entire mask compressing into my face then an explosion as the mask literally sprung off upwards landing on the infield. A spectator described the mask as moving four feet up in the air. I was shaken, finished the game, had a headache and tender jaw, but the mask was undamaged. I credit the mask with preventing what I know would have been a serious injury. Needless to say, this is my main mask, the one that I use on a daily basis. Several companies have similar composite masks available including All-Star and Honigs.

Umpire Leg Guards

Catcher's Equipment

I had a pair of Rawlings 5DCW's sitting in my baseball kit so I started out with them. They were a tight fit to put under the pants because they were considerably wider at the knee than an umpiring pad would have been. The newer models have a contour shape that narrows them down considerably. There were two distinct advantages to those pads: first, they offered superior protection with a hinged cap above the knee and an extended instep plate. The wings were wide, covering the ankle and complete sides of my legs. Second, they were very comfortable. All the straps were in the right places. They had one tender spot however, right below the knee plate. These pads were not the "triple" or "added-knee" cap variety. Several hits off this area produced some serious bruises and sore legs. One thing a catcher turned umpire learns is that without that glove to protect you every weakness in the equipment is quickly revealed.

Diamond DLG-UXD

After experimenting with several different leg guards my first pair of actual ump made pads was made by Diamond. Again, the quality and price I found in my mask was reflected in the quality I found in these pads. The pads are long, by a fitting measurement from the top of the knee to the top of the foot at least 19", but through careful construction they fit a wide range of leg sizes. The floating additional knee plate and plate above the knee were important considerations in my purchase. I had only two problems with these pads: first, it was very difficult to get comfort from the elastics and metal joining clips. I had to place mole skin on the back of three of the slips to stop them from digging into my legs. Even through my +POS-tec-ALLs there remained a small element of discomfort. In fairness, other umpires using the same model of pad did not experience this problem. The second was cleaning the pads. It took considerable time after each game to remove the dirt and grim away. It seems like the fabric surrounding the plates and the elastics were a magnet for every particle of dirt. These pads offered superior protection at a minimal price.

+POS BB316

Christmas arrived and with it a brand new pair of proper plate shoes. Problem, the metatarsal plate on my plate shoes pushed the ankle and instep protector on my leg guards up making the combination very uncomfortable to wear and awkward to move around in. The solution would be in a new pair of leg guards ordered to my correct size. After looking at all the options I selected the model that had been endorsed by Al Clark AL-#24. My choice was fueled by the ability to take the entire guard apart for cleaning and replacement/repair of the parts or straps. Again, the additional knee plate was there but instead of the additional plate above the knee the padding had been extended up into that area. These pads are comfortable in every way. The straps fit me without any binding, digging in or pull. I particularly appreciate the security and comfort of the extended knee pad. No straps are required to secure it in place: perfect! The marriage between my plate shoe and new pads meant increased mobility and absolutely no fussing over the feel of the equipment. Cleaning these pads is as simple as taking apart the sections you wish to clean, a painless operation. Yes, you pay more, but considering this is a long term investment I believe it was well worth the few dollars more it cost.

Umpire Chest Protectors

The Outside Protector aka "The Balloon" or "The Raft"

I never used one but many umpires in our league do. It would be improper for me to comment on using one here but I would appreciate the comments of an umpire who has worked or is working with this pad system. I do know that you have to work over high and over the center of the plate when using one. Outside protectors and working the slot rarely mix.

Catcher's Equipment

I started in my early games using my Rawlings PRO-S chest protector underneath my shirt. I liked having my hands free and the protector was comfortable and long. It provided good general protection but in hindsight lacked extra protection in the throat and shoulder areas. If a ball passed through you felt it, just like you did when you were catching and one got away. No big deal right? Wrong! The catcher moves to protect himself, the umpire stands there and "thud" takes it. That "thud" can easily spell injury.

Diamond DCP-UX

For Father's Day my family bought me a proper umpire's "deluxe model" chest protector. This model provided full protection and measured over 15" in length from the padded neck protector to the end of the protector. The ribbed bars had plastic bars reinforcing the padding. Each arm was protected by adjustable (shoe-laced) shoulder and biceps pads held with 1" velcro elastic. I would be thankful for the plates on top of each shoulder in many games. The throat area featured extra padding and the vest extended well up and over my clavicle forming a solid protected area. The vest also had designed "double break" hinge points so that it conformed to the body. I wore this protector for 3 seasons, in cold and heat, in rain and sun, and have no complaints. The twill backing kept me warm or wicked of the sweat as required. No part of the protector is showing signs of wear or need for repair. I have spoken to several other umpires who also wear this vest, or the same vest under another company's label, and they too all speak positively.

+POS B204 Chest Protector (pictured above)

This is my son's protector. The quality of the product and care and concern for protection is clearly found in items not on my protector: an additional 1/2" pad over the heart, heavier polyethelene bars, increased collarbone padding and a greatly improved harness system. This lightweight protector has proven to be fully adjustable and durable. (He did replace the factory shoulder strings with a heavier shoelace type, no major concern, just personal preference.)

The "West Vest"

Lucito Munoz from Alaska wrote "About chest protectors. Have you ever tried a West Vest? I bought one last year, and I have to say it was the best investment I ever made. It takes a while to get used to, but it is well worth it! I take balls to the chest and the only reason I know that they hit me is that I hear a thud, I don't even feel it. I highly recommend the West Vest to any umpire regardless of his experience level!" The West Vest manufactured and distributed by Major League Umpires LLC is original hard plated chest protectors. Several companies are following along these lines this year.

Steve Johnson, who has worn the West Vest for two seasons added : "I like the West Vest for three reasons. Comfort is the first consideration. I can umpire a triple-header (7 innings per) and not feel constricted around the chest and shoulders. Safety is the second consideration. I have been hit twice on the shoulder joint and experienced no discomfort at all. On two occasions last spring catchers made no attempt to catch or even knock down pitches coming over the inside corner. In my scissors stance I was quite vulnerable and took the shots head on, but the blow was so well dissipated over the entire vest that I hardly knew I had been hit. Peace of mind is the third consideration. Working from the scissors I have no compunction about hanging right in there to get a good look because I know I am well protected. I, too, use the +POS SUL100 SuperLightweight Mask and in my opinion the combination of the two provides unparalleled protection.

+POS BB2000

This is the "umpire armor" protector I am taking into all my games starting this season (1997). I have been very satisfied with the fit, particularly in the collarbone and shoulder area, and quality of materials and workmanship. As with all +POS protectors the harness is well made: I do modify it by actually ligthly sewing the bands at the size I want them to stay. The vest feels light and does not restrict or change any of my motion. When wearing it you are aware of the protector's size, extra padding and plating however the BB2000 does not feel bulky or heavy, having more of a form fitted feel. The first few hits that bounded off the protector were literally a nothing sensation. Susbequently I have taken some full uncaught shots directly into the collarbone and upper shoulder area feeling little more than a mild sensation. Packing any of the modern protctors can be a concern; you can't simply roll it into the bottom of your equipment bag. The BB2000's flexability is not as limiting as other protectors. The largest size made fits neatly at the top of my usual equipment bag. More discussion about this protector can be found in the "About Professional Chest Protectors" article.

The UMP Protector

Tony Matz of West Lawn PA wrote, "I would certainly look into the UMP protector which is sold by BodyGuard Products from Emmaus, PA. For years I purchased every new chest protector that (another company) offered, always looking for the maximum protection outside of wearing a balloon. Two years ago I purchased the UMP and am very happy. The reasons I would recommend this product are few and basic. (1) Maximum protection - no more numbing shots to the chest. (2) Light weight and comfortable. (3) Durable. Its only disadvantage that I can think of is that it doesn't pack well in a bag. Hence I carry it on a hanger with my plate coat and pants.."

The Carlucci Vest

Alejandro Barinaga (barinaga@mindspring.com) wrote me to note : "I am constantly looking for new ideas on your web page. Yesterday, I stumbled on the section on equipment, and found one peice of equipment missing. I like yourself have gone through many chest protectors, and just until this last season, I was satisfied with the West Vest. It provided the protection and comfort I wanted. However, thier was one problem, the fit. I am a very skinny umpire, and all the protestors I have ever owned, have never had enough harness on the back to adjust to my height. So after many months of saving money, I purchased a Carlucci Protector. It being custom made to my specifications, I didn't even have to adjust the strap length right out of the box. It is the best protector money can buy, and well worth the cost. They provide superior protection custom made to your needs." The Carlucci Chest Protector was featured in the March 1997 issue of Referee magazine.

Bob Lyman added these comments "I just had the most wonderful experience - I went to Cece Carlucci and got fitted for his gear. It is the most incredible stuff-it fits like a glove. It is more expensive but truly worth it. The shinguards even have protection in the flaps around the ankle. Cece will fit the gear to the individual not matter how small or how large. His mask has padding all the way into the throat extension. If you break a strap or have problems with it, he takes care of it. The pads on the protector fully protect the clavicle and there is a pad right under the neck. With his mask, you can't drop your head. While I was there, Cece was fiting a young girl for softball gear. It actually fit her. While his gear is more expensive, it lasts for a long time. One of my fellow umpires has had Carlucci gear for ten years and it still looks brand new. This is the best and most comfortable gear I have worn. The best part of the experience was talking baseball with the man. He talked about the PCL and the managers like Mel Ott, Durocher, etc. My sixteen year old son was totally fascinated and can not wait for our next trip out to talk baseball with Cece. He does the Hollywood Stars game at Dodger Stadium and is regularly called for rule interpertations. He will quiz you about calls and make you explain the reason you would make the call-it is like having your own baseball encyclopedia. Please tell visitors to the Amateur Baseball Umpire Site about this amazing man and his gear."

This season (1999) I personally joined the ranks of Carlucci Vest owners. For more information on this protector read my review.

Plate Shoes

My Catcher's Cleats

At least they were black and in pretty good shape. If I worked hard you could bring a respectable shine to them. The one night the 11 year old pitcher dropped a fastball on my left foot and broke two toes. Goodbye cleats, hello ....

Safety Toed Shoes

The local worker supply store had a wall of steel toed shoes available for my selection. I carefully fitted my badly bruised toes up into the pairs that looked like umpire shoes. With steel toed shoes you have to purchase the size properly from day one. These shoes will not expand or conform to your foot as they break in. With my $60.00 purchase in hand I went out the door ready for tonight's game.

My umpiring pads had the metatarsal plate built into them so other than a small portion between the steel toe and the plate I was well protected. The shoes were easy to keep clean, comfortable and wore well. They were light and easy to run in.

+POS Plate Shoes

Maybe you read that these were a surprise Christmas present before last season.('96) These shoes are all-leather with the exception of the Goodyear rubber cleated sole. The sole also features a raised cleated heel with a ripple toe and heel back. The double and triple stitched upper and sole are complimented by the steel shank and metatarsal plate protector. In addition, other features include a padded collar, reinforced heel, heel tab, tongue lace tab and replaceable insoles. For an umpire moving up to a proper ($130 US) plate shoe is a significant and important step up, mentally as well as equipment-wise. The shoes provide a solid foundation on even the worst sand pits encountered. They look good, shine to a high gloss, and assist significantly in my mobility at the plate and into the infield.