I am getting back to umpiring more seriously now and am in the market for a new mask. I need something lightweight but also solid to make sure it can stand up to high school and some lower level college game play. Suggestions would be great.
dawgdays
Relating suggestions that I've seen from other umpires.
- Helmet - Wilson Shock FX 2.0, All-Star System 7 MVP4000
- Traditional - Wilson MLB Titanium, Wilson Dyna-Lite, Diamond IX3, Force3
For the traditional masks, get Team Wendy replacement pads. The Wilson Shock FX and the Force3 have springs, supposedly to help absorb the shock of a hit.
Here's a link to an article (a few years old, unfortunately) about the masks/helmets that MLB umpires used then - http://umpire-empire.com/index.php?/topic/35189-list-of-face-masks-worn-by-active-mlb-umpires-as-of-6212012/
If you're looking to order online, you might try ump-attire.com. honigs.com is good, but their website isn't working quite right.
Unfortunately, I can't offer first-hand recommendations of any of these. I had to quit working the plate a few years ago, and I never got around to replacing my old Rawlings LMWX mask. I was leaning toward the Shock FX 2.0 or the IX3, but don't take that as a strong recommendation.
By the way, Ump Attire has a mask/helmet buyer's guide you may find useful. https://www.ump-attire.com/Buyers-Guide/Umpire-Mask-Buying-Guide