Wilson's New Shock FX Helmet is Top-of-the-Line

Wilson has a new umpire helmet. It's really quite nice.... would require an investment as it's a little pricey compared to other helmets but you'll understand when you hear the features.

• Shock absorbers where the cage connects to the shell... mentioned by a competitor but not verified by us to absorb 50% more energy
  
• A titanium cage that makes the overall mask only 2.3 lbs... that's 0.3 pounds less than Diamond's DCH-EDGE and only a little more than a half-a-pound more than standard masks
  
• Lined with Coolmax for all those wicking properties to keep you cool and dry
• Aegis microbe shield for odor
• and more

For more features, benefits and 4 product views, visit the Shock FX's product page.

Wilson has been a little behind competitors on helmets. They've had one, but I don't think anyone has been that crazy about it. We chose not to resell it. All-Star, carried elsewhere from $320 and up, has a titanium helmet that MLB and top umpires have preferred, and it appears this is Wilson's attempt to claim more of that top market where its traditional masks have dominated. I certainly think they've done a good job with the Shock FX helmet.

Are Competitor Claims Putting Umpires at Risk?

I just noticed a competitor is selling a McDavid undershirt that has padding built-in for extra protection (similar to pic at right). I always think the more-protection-the-merry, but this competitor has made a crazy claim: that this item is to be used "in rare cases to replace your chest protector" and asks the question in the product description to entice buyers "...working fast pitch softball without a chest protector?" I think this is dangerous territory.

I'd never go there, that is to the place where you take a product and extend what is to be used for when safety is at stake. Ok, maybe there are some umpires out there who do a lower age softball where fast pitch is more like slow. But let the umpires decide individually... don't make the suggestion.

I just think this is right up there with competitors who sell soccer shin guards (without knee protection) as umpire shin guards (I've seen 2 who do). One of those competitors discusses it as "for umpires on a budget". I hate to think that umpires on a budget have to settle for less than adequate. But if you're an umpire who thinks the soccer shin works for you, then that's your business.

I've also seen Wilson wrap around mask pads being mentioned as "anti-concussion". Nowhere have I seen literature from Wilson or comments from our connections there using these words. Yes, they absorb more energy mainly because they have more padding so perhaps one is less likely to have a concussion but I can't assure you that a concussion will never take place by a dead center Billy Wagner (or Jenny Finch in softball) fastball or an errant flying bat.

I just think selling an item as something it is not intended may put umpires at risk for injury and umpire businesses at risk for lawsuits.

5 New Images: Ultimate Patent Leather Shoes

We recently received in the Ultimate Patent Leather Referee Shoes we ordered from Official Footwear and have just posted 5 new zoomed images including side, front, back and sole that better reflect the high-quality this shoe truly is.

View Images and Product Description >

Customer Service Calls: Our Way and This Experience

We're working on a new phone system. Don't worry. It won't be automated. You'll continue to get a real person when you call unless you get the answering machine if everyone is tied up - which does happen every once in a while.

We want to stay away from the experience I just had. I needed new personal checks from my bank. I usually re-order by mentioning this to the teller after making a deposit, but I forgot last time. So I ordered through their automated phone system.

74 key presses later I was able to successfully order. 74! Unbelievable. Next time I'll remember to tell the teller.

Help Wanted: We're Hiring in Louisville

Are you a local official and looking for part or full-time work? We have opportunities in order filling, inventory management and customer service. No experience necessary, but attention to detail in the warehouse and people skills in the office a must.

What's the work environment like? In a nutshell, I would say it's both serious but fun, busy but laid-back. We also understand that there is life outside of work and are very flexible with scheduling.

What's the pay? It would be based on experience and job duties plus equipment/clothing at large discounts.

When would I start? We need at least 1 part-time person right now and then additional staff in Jan/Feb '08. We're open to all scenarios (i.e. seasonal or very part time such as 1 day of the week is not out of the question).

More questions or if interested, e-mail me at jim@ump-attire.com with background info, interest areas and work days/times desired.