Standard Profile Titanium Mask AvailableThe new Wilson titanium mask is now available here in a standard profile. Thanks to everyone who e-mailed, called or posted comments with their input and stated their desire for us to carry this mask.
The mask is more curved and thus more likely to overcome the concerns that some college, MiLB and MLB umpires have with lower profile umpire masks. If you read my post about my mixed feelings about the Wilson titanium umpire mask in a low profile that arrived in July, you'll see why I now feel better having the standard profile umpire mask as an option. My guess is that we'll outsell at least 2-1 the standard profile over the low profile just based on sales in general. I'll let you know how it goes.
The mask is actually listed in Wilson's catalog as a catcher's mask, but it's identical to the one listed as an umpire mask except for the shape of the frame. So it has the same sandblasted thin but solid lightweight titanium frame, single-bar design, two-tone wrap-around padding and embroidered Wilson logo as the low profile titanium mask and the same shape as our 3 or 4 other standard profile Wilson West Vest Dyna-Lite umpire masks with the exception that the bars are thinner offering better vision and that the throat guard extends 5/8ths of inch less in the titanium
New Categories
Regarding categories, we added 2 new ones to accommodate two-tone umpire masks, now that we have 3, and for titanium (or silver) masks of which we will have 3 after adding a Diamond umpire mask with a silver frame/metal alloy for '09.
Shock FX Throat Guards
We also have added the Shock FX 4 inch and 6 inch throat guards, of which many of you have asked about, to the face mask accessories category. These are engineered nicely especially in how they attach to the Shock FX umpire helmet (and they will attach to the Shock FX helmet only and not other umpire helmets). When attached, it looks more a part of the helmet than as an add-on.They are more expensive at $18.95 but the price is a reflection of Wilson's cost to us. My hunch is the culprits are both new design costs and running a small batch as opposed to a large run you'd see of standard throat guards.
But from a safety standpoint, the additional protection offered to the throat is highly recommended.
Price Changes
We've been playing around with prices on the following big ticket items. For now, we have settled on new prices below:
- Wilson Shock FX Umpire Helmet - From $249.95 to $219.95
- Wilson Titanium Umpire Masks - From $224.95 to $198.95
2 comments:
Jim,
I think you're doing a great service to umpires when you provide the product details we're all looking for. I'm still using the +POS hollowcore light weight mask with their air management pads, which bounces the mask off your face when hit. I like it. Until recently it was the lightest non-carbon mask I've held, but a recent partner had the Wilson "New View" titanium mask, which is even lighter. Your comment and find of the traditional view titanium makes me believe that will be my next mask. Thanks for the effort to provide a substantial equipment review.
Bruce,
Thanks so much for your kind words. All of this takes a great deal of time and effort on our part and glad to see it's paying off.
Let me know what you think of the Wilson titanium after you've had a chance to use it, and we'll post for others to see.
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