Such an important piece of safety equipment, chest protectors are one of the first pieces of umpiring equipment a budding umpire will buy. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which chest protector is the best one for you.
To help you select the best chest protector for you, we’ve rounded up the top-rated chest protectors for umpires.
Read on to learn more about our favorite umpire chest protectors.
Our Editor’s Best Umpire Chest Protectors Reviews
- Outside plastic shield to protect chest from impact
- Lightweight soft foam padding with a closed cell mesh cover to allow for flexibility and agility
- Makes the inside padding breathable and keeps moisture away from the body
- Extra wide side coverage and raised shoulder caps for increased protection
- Professional model
- Outside plastic shield to protect chest from impact
- Lightweight soft foam padding with a closed cell mesh cover to allow for flexibility and agility
- Makes the inside padding breathable and keeps moisture away from the body
- Extra wide side coverage and raised shoulder caps for increased protection
- Professional model
- DURABLE DESIGN: The Pro-Plus Chest Protector’s construction provides protection while maximizing ventilation. The shoulder pads provide full shoulder coverage.
- ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT: The Pro-Plus Chest Protector weighs under 3 lbs, making movements quick and easy and saving umpires’ energy throughout the game.
- COMFORTABLE: Ergonomically designed, the chest protector contours to the body to allow an excellent range of motion and eliminate bunching while in a crouched position, so umps can make calls while unrestricted by their gear.
- MOISTURE-WICKING: DRI-GEAR moisture-wicking mesh covers the cushioned liner to keep umpires dry and comfortable during games in hot weather.
- LASTING FRESHNESS: A Bio-Fresh treatment provides an extra level of freshness preservation.
- Constructed with 11 individual multi-layer Dupont Kevlar sections. Engineered for maximum PROTECTION, MOBILITY and COMFORT
- Multi-layer Dupont Kevlar sections, memory foam, and EVA. All work together for MAXIMUM FORCE DISPERSION
- 3mm thick “No Feel” blast shield has an additional layer of hard-shell plastic beneath the neoprene cover
- Remarkable protection at only ½” thick, the Ultimate Umpire Chest Protector is VIRTUALLY INVISIBLE under a uniform
- 100% customizable – All components can be CUSTOM FIT for protection and mobility, no matter your size
- DURABLE DESIGN: The Pro-Plus Chest Protector’s construction provides protection while maximizing ventilation. The shoulder pads provide full shoulder coverage.
- ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT: The Pro-Plus Chest Protector weighs under 3 lbs, making movements quick and easy and saving umpires’ energy throughout the game.
- COMFORTABLE: Ergonomically designed, the chest protector contours to the body to allow an excellent range of motion and eliminate bunching while in a crouched position, so umps can make calls while unrestricted by their gear.
- MOISTURE-WICKING: DRI-GEAR moisture-wicking mesh covers the cushioned liner to keep umpires dry and comfortable during games in hot weather.
- LASTING FRESHNESS: A Bio-Fresh treatment provides an extra level of freshness preservation.
- UMPIRE CHEST PROTECTOR: This chest protector is designed specifically for umpires and comes equipped with Air Management Technology, which evenly distributes impact force for optimal protection.
- EXTENSIVE PADDING: The extensive padding of this chest protector includes full shoulder coverage and adjustable pectoral pads.
- ARMOR PLATING: The pads are coated with a contour-molded 3mm polyethylene armor exterior to take the edge off of impacts.
- SECURE FIT: A 5-way adjustable harness with durable T-Hook clips ensures a comfortable but secure fit.
- SIZE OPTIONS: Available in Medium (13” length), Large (14”), and X-Large (16”) to fit umpires of every age and size.
- I chest protector
- DCP-iX3 UMP Umpire's Deluxe Chest Protector, features Diamond's new lightweight iX3 breathable technology
- The perfect combination of plastic and 3 layer breathable foam padding for unsurpassed protection and comfort
- Designed with contoured padding/plastic for the perfect fit
- Diamond Sports products are guaranteed against defects in workmanship and materials for 1 year
- Outside plastic shield to protect chest from impact
- Lightweight soft foam padding with a closed cell mesh cover to allow for flexibility and agility
- Makes the inside padding breathable and keeps moisture away from the body
- Extra wide side protection and raised shoulder protection with double shoulder caps
- Professional model
- Wilson Pro Gold 2 Chest Protector - Memory Foam, Black/Charcoal, Large/X-Large
- Low profile memory foam is 3/4 inch thick padding for a fit that will contour to your body seamlessly each time you take the plate.; Premium neoprene harness with adjustable elastic straps
- FIDLOCK Buckles: Quick release buckle fastener with strong magnets in a lateral slide release design for super easy on and off; Removable or adjustable pec wing padding for increased customization
- Grey Color: Black hard shell plates with dark gray padding
- Lightweight at 2 lbs, 3 oz.; L/XL (46-54) - 13", neck to bottom.
- Wilson Pro Gold 2 Chest Protector - Air Management, Black, Large/X-Large
- Low profile air managemetn system that is 3/4 inch thick padding for a fit that will contour to your body seamlessly each time you take the plate.; Premium neoprene harness with adjustable elastic straps
- FIDLOCK Buckles: Quick release buckle fastener with strong magnets in a lateral slide release design for super easy on and off; Removable or adjustable pec wing padding for increased customization
- Grey Color: Black hard shell plates with dark gray padding
- Lightweight at 2 lbs, 3 oz.; L/XL (46-54) - 13", neck to bottom.
Best Umpire Chest Protectors Buying Guide
Before choosing the best umpire chest protector you should consider following options:
1. Fit: Before you buy a chest protector, you should make sure it fits you properly. All chest protectors come in different sizes. Make sure you choose a size that fits you well, so that it doesn’t move around when you are in the field.
2. Materials: Most chest protectors are made from polyethylene plastic. Look for a chest protector that is made from high-density polyethylene. This plastic is much stronger than the polyethylene plastic and will last longer.
3. Strap System: Look for a chest protector that has a strap system that is easy to adjust. You want a chest protector that will keep the chest guard in place while you are in the field and one that is easy to adjust so that you can take deep breaths.
4. Pocket System: Look for a chest protector with a pocket system that is easy to access. A chest protector with a pocket system will be handy for storing your personal belongings while you are on the field.
5. Durability: You want a chest protector that will last you for a long time. Look for a chest protector that is made of high-density polyethylene plastic. Also make sure the straps are strong and well-made.
6. Cost: You get what you pay for when it comes to chest protectors. The price of the chest protector will usually reflect its quality.
7. Warranty: Look for a chest protector with a good warranty so that you can replace it if it breaks. Most chest protectors come with a warranty period of 1-2 years.
What else you should know about umpire chest protectors
1. What is the best chest protector for an umpire?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preferences. Some umpires prefer chest protectors that are lightweight and allow for a full range of motion, while others prefer heavier protectors that offer more protection from hard-hit balls. Ultimately, it is up to the umpire to decide what type of chest protector best suits his or her needs.
2. How do I properly fit a chest protector for an umpire?
There is no definitive answer, as each chest protector will be different and each person will be different. However, here are some general tips:
– Make sure the chest protector is the right size for you. It should not be too loose or too tight.
– The chest protector should cover your entire chest, including your stomach.
– The straps should be adjusted so that the chest protector is snug against your body, but not so tight that it is uncomfortable.
– The straps should be crossed in the back to help keep the chest protector in place.
3. How does an umpire chest protector work?
An umpire chest protector is a piece of equipment that is worn by umpires in the sport of baseball. It is designed to protect the umpire’s chest and stomach area from being hit by a baseball. The chest protector is made up of a series of pads that are connected together by straps. The pads are made of a variety of materials, including foam, plastic, and metal.
4. What are the benefits of wearing an umpire chest protector?
Umpire chest protectors offer a high level of protection from foul balls and other impacts from the game. They can help prevent injuries to the chest, ribs, and back, and can also help reduce bruising and pain from impacts.
5. Are there any drawbacks to wearing an umpire chest protector?
There are a few drawbacks to wearing an umpire chest protector. First, it can be uncomfortable to wear, especially in hot weather. Second, it can limit your mobility and range of motion. Third, it can be difficult to find a good fit. Finally, it can be expensive.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best umpire chest protectors. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best umpire chest protectors will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.