All New Helmets Includes Exclusive Pro Nine

After getting in stock a new Pro Nine helmet, I realized that our complete selection of hockey style umpire helmets was new for this year. I admit there was no diabolical plan for that, so that kind of sneaked up on me.

We've already been talking about how Wilson changed up its Shock FX helmets in both titanium and steel for 2010. Now with Pro Nine allowing us to be the sole retailer of their standard style helmet in a silver frame, instead of black, the trifecta is complete.

I feel we now have a decent mix of hockey style helmets to fit any budget where you can go with either:

• A rather nice entry-level option in the Pro Nine for around $80 - similar in styling to several much higher priced All Star ones
• The Ultimate Helmet in the Shock FX 2.0 Titanium for around $230 or
• Something in between with the Shock FX 2.0 in the steel version.

Note that we do not carry the Diamond DCH-Edge helmet any longer. Despite Diamond doing a great job with all their other umpire gear items, the helmet received a higher share of complaints than we were comfortable with regarding wear to the foam that lined the head. The Pro Nine helmet is very similar with the exception of having a more durable, higher density foam.

Lastly, we finally have some pics of both of the Shock FX 2.0s worn - something you'll only see here. Most important of those is the steel Shock FX 2.0, as everyone who sells it, including us, were using an outdated pic until now.