About Professional Chest Protectors

I am in a very confused situation .... I can not decided between the West Vest or the new armor by +POS .... I have heard good and bad things about both .... I am getting ready to go to Brinkman's Umpire School in Jan 98, but I want to be comfortable with my new protector .... could you please e-mail me what you thought of your +POS .... and additional info about the West Vest.

thanks .... Brad (Cocoa Beach, Florida)

> I plan on buying a new chest protector, and plan on buying either the
> +POS BB2000 or the West Vest. Does anyone have any recommendation
> on which one to buy?

I personally would say the West Vest. I have heard from a lot of the guys from Umpire School this year some bought BB2000 others stayed with the Vest. Almost everyone seems to lean toward the Vest. I own a vest, the WV Shins, and am planning to buy the mask as well. Although I sound like a Douglas Salesman, I just think that you will not find a better protector.

-=Bill=-

I agree.

I used the West Vest chest protector and shin guards at Wendelstedt's and was very impressed with both.

I hesitated buying the WV when the new +POS Body Armor came out, but after I saw the +POS in person and talked with a fellow in our > association who sent it back, I will go with the WV, the only downside > being that it is hotter. On the other hand, the collar bone protection is greater.

My observation of the +POS is that it appears cooler, possibly lighter, and gives a slightly larger area of chest/rib cage protection, at the expense of neck/collar bone protection. The bigger concern was the small vinyl plates are much thinner (maybe 1/16") and appear to be less sturdy, and they are secured by thin (ca. 1/32" x 1/4") vinyl straps behind each plate that don't *appear* to be sturdy. Break one of those strands and you MAY have a problem.

Having tried one on, it just didn't feel as comfortable as the WV, the only gripe about which I have is that both lateral and longitudinal rib cage protection is less for taller people. The max length available is 15", which comes to just beneath the sternum for me. I also ordered the optional side rib protectors, but I understand they are of marginal value.

As good as the WV chest protector feels, the shin guards -- pricey at $129 -- are far superior, the best I have ever worn. They are available in longer lengths, and the articulating joints, above the knee protection, and ankle area wrap-around protection are just outstanding. They are, unfortunately, bigger than the Riddells that I now use (but constantly have to re-adjust and fiddle with). These shin guards just feel great behind the plate and on the move.

At Wendelstedt's they had a ton of this stuff -- four or five sets for each of the three drill fields -- and Harry extensively modified the fasteners for both the chest protectors and shin guards by removing the metal clips and substituting Velcro hook and loop material, which was done to facilitate quick change, but is just perfect for micro-adjustments to get the right fit and chinch. I plan to do the same when my stuff arrives.

That leads to the issue of availability. Douglas has changed the way it sells this equipment. If you call the 800 number in Referee, you reach an order taker in Minnesota who forwards the order to Major League Umpires in Florida. This is an operation run by National League umpire Jerry Layne and possibly others. Jerry is a very charming fellow and one of the principal instructors at Wendelstedt's school. A couple of days ago I received a call from Jerry's wife saying they are back-ordered (possibly by as much as 100 units) on the vest, and are awaiting shipment from Douglas. Also, the price was bumped up $20 this year. Last year, one of the fellows in our association was able to get these from Douglas directly and pass them on at a slight discount to our members, but Douglas terminated that arrangement this spring.

Just to put in a plug for +POS, I am very happy with the super light resin face mask which I have used for two seasons now. The slightly wider bars are the only price for much greater comfort and handling. The only caution is to not store it in direct sunlight, say on the back shelf of the car. Apparently, the UV or heat has some effect on the flexibility/strength of the material. This was an issue when the unit was first produced and had to be re-called for a reformulation of the resin. Having much less mass, a hot foul sounds a lot different - a sudden thwack versus a dull thunk.

PS. I also like the +POS indicator, which I carry all the time, except you know where.

I bought the BB2000. I tried a West Vest a couple of years ago and sent it back because I was having some trouble fitting it. I phoned Douglas to get some help and just got the run-around. They said I could send it back to them to get it custom fitted sorry boys it just cost me $250.00 Cdn plus duty, plus tax and they wanted me to pay the cost of shipping again, and the cost of customs etc as far as I'm concerned +POS seems to be the better company by far

I also have the ultra-light mask, but an All-Star one it is supposed to be lighter than the +POS one.

The BB2000 takes a little getting used to because it fits a little different that the old style, but I stood in the batting cage and have them fire balls at me up to 65mph and never felt a thing. Now it's a little slower than real ball but I think that it's going to be great. An other thing I didn't like about the WV was the velcro. What happens when it wears out ?? or gets a lot of " Fluffy " stuff stuck in it ?? The +POS packs a lot easier also.

Regards ... Dwayne