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New Umpire Face Mask?

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.

1 Answer

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  • 6 years ago

    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-li...

    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-Mas...

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