At the end of the fall, I asked for volunteers in field testing the Shock Doctor Gravity Mouthguard. I discussed the Gravity Mouthguard as a potential best candidate in the blog post Shock Doctor VP on Mouthguards for Umpires based on better audibility and tight fit as well.We were able to get them in each of the the volunteers hands (or mouths, I guess) well before the start of this season and already we are getting feedback. What I have so far:
"...The mouth piece fit well in my mouth and did not hinder me when making a call from behind the dish. I actually took a shot in the mask when the catcher missed the ball and will tell you, I was not phased continuing like nothing happened. I have taken shots before and without the mouth piece I was dazed. I appreciate you allowing me to try the mouth piece out and yes I would recommend for umpires and players as well."
- Derrick Dion
"I found that forming the mouth guard to be simple per the instructions... I did use the mouth guard during 3 games that I worked as Plate Umpire. I found the mouth guard to be comfortable during the game and noticed it had a very minimum effect on my ability to talk and make calls while wearing it..."
-Louis Santoni
"...Having never really played football...I was not accustomed to wearing a mouth guard. By the end of my first game I got used to it and since I have had no issues. So far, I have taken one direct shot to the cage with the mouth guard in. It was a foul straight back and I did not feel the rattling in the jaw that you typically get on a shot like that. At this point, I plan to continue to wear it. So far I have probably called 5-6 games with it in. I really do not even notice it. I take it out between innings and put it in my shirt pocket, but besides that it stays in. It is very easy to communicate and does not cause me to generate excess spit in my mouth... Not sure why, but I really like the peace of mind that it gives me having it in...The fitting process was easy. I did it twice to get a better fit."I'm a little reluctant to start selling the mouthguard until more feedback is received, but I don't want to preclude anyone from getting one who wants one either. So what I've decided is that if you want one, for now, you can have it at our cost, which is going to come out around $11 instead of the suggested retail price of $17.99.
-Stephen O' Neal
I will ask, though, that if you do purchase one, to please send us your feedback as well. I will share all feedback in their complete entirety, good or bad, once enough feedback has been received.
I also plan to order some storage cases for the mouthguards, something suggested by several of the volunteers, to keep them sanitary between games. I believe we have maybe 5 Gravity's at the moment. We should have stock of both cases and more mouthguards by mid next week.
A very special thanks to Louis, Stephen, Derrick and the rest of you who are willing to try the mouthguard and share your feedback. If anyone else, has any other thoughts in the meantime, feel free to share.
3 comments:
--Copied from my post at Umpire-Empire --
I also have tried this mouth guard I bought directly from Shock Doctor immediately after discussing mouth guards with Jim when we met in Charlotte last fall. I was intrigued by the claim of protection, ease to communication, and that it was less visible. The Gravity mouth guard by Shock Doctor is different because it forms over your lower teeth.
I never took it out on the field. I could not get it to fit correctly or even just to the point where it wouldn't be a hindrance to me on the field. I followed the instructions for forming it, but could not get it to fit to where it would stay put when I could speak. And while in the words of Forrest Gump, "I may not be a smart man..." I have plenty of experience with "boil and bite" mouth guards having wrestled and played football all the way through HS. I even followed the instructions to remold the mouth guard to no avail. Believe me I wanted this to work, but no such luck for me. Oh well $18.00 + $6.00 S&H down the drain for me.
Don't get me wrong if it works for you, great! I am very much in favor of doing what you need to do to protect yourself. And I am an absolute proponent of wearing mouth guards. As amateur umpires we have the mixed blessing of having to get up and go to our regular job the next day. Even a mild or moderate concussion could have us out of work for a day or two or even just reduce our effectiveness.
More of my post and other discussion at Umpire-Empire.
Warren
Umpire-Empire
Since taking a substantial hit at the end of last season - my Doctor suggested that I consider using a Mouthguard while on the Plate. Our Dentist suggested that I try one that would fit to my bottom teeth. While initially reluctant - we went ahead & for $25 the Dentist fitted me with a mouthguard for the bottom. AMAZING......it has no effect on my speech; it's clear & therefore almost invisible & because it's not designed to protect my front teeth - the Dentist formed it up with a substantial amount at the back - (she said to absorb most of the "mandibular shock" from a hit to the mask.) I'm extremely pleased.
Allan G #20- Fergus, ON Canada
Jim,
If you are still looking for testers for this I am more than interested. I have taken at least four shots to the mask this year that have seriously jarred my jaw. Especially the left side of my lower jaw.
If I can help I am always interested.
Arik
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