Hey guys. I'm 17, and I ump Little League and Travel ball. That being said, I plan to start umping high school soon but will probably never go higher than that. It has come time to purchase a chest protector, and I'm trying to decide between a few different Wilson brands. The price is irrelavent since the league will be paying it for me, and I probably won't have to pay a penny. I was hoping some other umps could give me their input as to which they think is best AND what the differences are between the three. Here are the choices:

Wilson Gold
Wilson Platinum
Wilson Major League Hard Shell

Thanks!

The chest protectors you ask about are the Joe West design are thought by some to be among the best out there. These are excellent protectors and may be overkill for your level of ball, but here you go......

Here they are in comparison.. (from Joe West's site)

WestVest Platinum Chest Protector

It’s the top of the line developed by Major League umpire Joe West, manufactured for maximum protection! It’s simple: The Platinum fits better! It conforms at your shoulders, and enhanced side pads add comfort and protection. Reinforced sternum protection. The West Vest Platinum was a custom built protector for Joe West and was built for the larger umpire. It does have the most armor and is the hottest selling protector for both the Minor League umpires and the collegiate ranks.

West Vest Gold Chest Protector

The West Vest Gold was introduced in the 1992 World Series as the first hard shell protector ever used in a World Series event and to this day it's design is worn by more Major League Umpires than any other protector...It comes in two sizes "Medium- Large" and "Large-Extra Large."..The M-L fits coat sizes 38 to 46. 46 and above should order the Large-Extra Large. .Worn by more Major League Umpires than any other chest protector.

Wilson Wilson Hard Shell Chest Protector

13" fitted Chest Protector by West Vest. Available in Charcoal. Designed by Major League Umpire Joe West for use in amateur baseball. Not suggested for anything higher than High School level play. Similar features as the A3209 chest protector.

That being said, I do not own any of these.....I currently wear the HONIGS K1 and at times the +POS BB2000. I have worn the platinum this summer and found it to be very good for higher level ball....

The one feature not mentioned in most CP ads is heat retention. I belive the K1 is by far the lightest and coolest to wear...If I was not going to do high varsity HS or higher baseball, I would buy a K1 or the PRO NINE clone......less money, good protection and cooler to wear........

I may purchase a platinum for College and adult league play where I feel the K1 is a bit lacking... I do prefer a hard shell...... I love the protection of my BB2000 but the heat retention is hard to over look.

Hope this helps.....

Just a follow up.....CP's are always subject to personal preference and brand loyalty...

I see that you posted this question on a number of Umpire only websites, so you are apt to get many varied reviews and opinions....but I urge you to make sure you are protected.....and the number one method to accomplish that is to make sure the protector you choose fits you....

A great protector incorrectly fitted can well be worse than a lower level protector that fits properly......

The protectors you list and one of the ones I use regularly will be a bit bulky (we call this the "robo ump" look)....but resist the urge to go with minimal appearance and err on the side of safety....

I thought the best chest protector was agood catcher!!!

Catcher09

YOU UNDERSTAND!!!
Great answer.

Thanks a lot for your help! I'll keep that all in mind. The problem is I can't really try the protectors on to see if they fit cause I don't have many stores around me that sell them. I live in Deerfield, Illinois, by the way.

i find that the ball rarely hits me in the pads anyways