In order to shake away from any of the concerns of a professional look, we went all out to correct the concerns of the original - that we discontinued (but still have some who still want the old style). We elected to go with a sharp compact design at 10 1/2 inches wide so there would be no issues of bunching around belt loops.
We also chose a pouch that fit snug at the opening so it didn't hang loose and/or sloppy. Again,the goal was for it to look as professional as any ball bag around.
In addition, I had in my sights a desire for a bag with waterproofing characteristics after seeing an older +POS model years ago. So this was an opportunity to do this and also add more luster to the "Ultimate" name by adding a waterproof interior lining with the intent to stop moisture from seeping through sweat off pants.
The response was great - great sales and excellent reviews of a pro style bag!
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| Professional look of the U2P Ultimate Umpire Ball Bag |
- Some such as Bryan Henryk felt the opening was too tight for their hand to easily fit in.
- Several customers such as Kory Green loved wanted one bigger and/or more able to hold more baseballs.
- And a few including College World Series umpire Tony Maners, wanted even more waterproofing so that perspiration would not saturate and eventually seep in through the other side or even the top in the most extreme cases.
I met with Beulah Hester, designer of the original and subsequent versions of the Ultimate Ball Bag to discuss an alternative choice last fall. Beulah's specialty is most definitely working with a combination of design, fabrics and construction to give our customers what they want.
The big question was "Would new add new features to the current Ultimate bag or would we offer an alternative?" Due to the overwhelming success and likability by many of the current one, we felt an alternative was the way to go.
What she proposed was:
- A tapered design that would by design make the opening bigger and at the same time would be tapered at a greater angle at the belt loops so that bunching not be an issue.
- Add a complete, continuous layer of nylon waterproofing throughout the interior part of the bag and inside the belt loops for extra measure.
- And of course a larger bag large enough for 3 baseballs to lay side by side at the bottom of the bag
Other things: We elected to go with colors of navy and black only. Grey is tricky on the issue of matching pant color of one brand or another. Besides, the ones asking for the changes wore black and navy. Hey, if you want gray we have other options at least for now.
Despite wavering, we also elected to go with the same back, zippered compartment that has always been a part of the Ultimate Ball Bag. It's a no-brainer really. Having a layer of waterproofing makes two layers of fabric. Cutting and sewing in a zipper is as easy and practical an option as adding a storage space under your stairs for those of you who want to take something with you on the field or is unobtrusive if you don't.
Both colors arrived recently of the new XL Ultimate Umpire Ball Bag, the largest and driest ball bag on the market today.
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| The XL Ultimate Umpire Ball Bag |
FEATURES: Ultimate / XL Ultimate
SIZE: 12 3/4" tall x 10 1/2" wide / 13" tall x 12" wide at bottom
SHAPE: Standard / Tapered
WATERPROOFING: Interior lined / Fully lined
COLORS: Black, Navy and Grey / Black and Navy
INTERIOR POCKETS: Yes / Yes
ZIPPERED COMPARTMENT: Yes / Yes
HEAVY DUTY CONSTRUCTION AND FABRIC: Yes / Yes
The first official review is in from Kory Green:
"I would suggest the XL Ultimate Umpire ball bag to anyone. They wear great. I worked a game this past weekend and it rained off and on and the bag liner did its job in keeping me dry. Not a big fan of the zipper on the back side but it works if you are umpiring and want to take you car keys with you."
What do you think about the XL bag? Like the new features? Have a suggestion for more improvements?
4 comments:
Darn, where was this in February when I placed my order. Would have gotten two, if not four, of the new bags. Glad to see a company that listens to its customers and will take chances and the fully lined bags will be nice up here in the Pacific NW during spring ball.
As it turns out, I am getting UA gift certificate for my birthday as well as getting the ok for an extra $50 to spend as I please (and I am pleased to spend it on these :-)). You guys shall be hearing from me soon...
Your Ultimate ball bag is by far the best I have ever used.I will order the new one. I buy from different suppliers for some other umpire things just out of preference, but using any other ball bag would be a big mistake.I also love the zipper on back because coaches seem to want to pay you between the forth and sixth innings.My check will stay dry.Banks like it when they can read the check.
Bob Williams, Yates City,Il
Glad you like the ball bag and thanks for your comments Bob. Hope the checks keep coming your way.
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