Wilson Shock FX 2.0 Titanium Umpire Helmet (#A5590)

Front View

Front Worn

Back View

Wilson Shock 2.0 Umpire Helmet Features and Benefits

If you're committed to having only the best in head protection, you only have to read the reviews of satisfied Shock FX Helmet owners to know this helmet with its superb engineering and features is a worthy investment.

• Quad-Axial Impact Design™ Shock Diffusion Technology
  Diffuses energy of impact in four key zones
• Floating Mask™
  Reduces vibration
• 4 Piston Design and Energy Elastomers
  Allows mask to float separately from helmet itself - absorbing impact before the head and helmet
• Maximum Ventilation
  Strategically designed venting maximizes airflow and reduces weight
• Coolmax® Helmet Liner
  Wicks away moisture and keeps head cushioned and cool
• Panoramic Cage Design™
  Cage design allows for maximum peripheral vision
• Titanium Mask
  Adds strength and durability to face mask while decreasing weight - helmet weighs 2.3 lbs
• Premium Look
  Two color design for high-end look and feel
• Aegis Microbe Shield
  Controls odor, staining and deterioration
• Fits most cap/head sizes: 7" - 7 5/8"
• Weight: 2lbs 9oz (1 kg)
• Comes with storage bag
• Wilson is the Official Umpire Gear of Major League Baseball® and Minor League Baseball®.

Reviews

"Concerning the Wilson Shock FX Titanium Umpire Helmet, I am very satisfied with this piece of equipment. I have used this helmet for one complete season now (consisting of middle school baseball/softball, high school baseball, little league baseball regular and post season, little league fall ball, and adult amateur baseball) and estimate that I have called 150 - 200 games in this helmet.This helmet is adjustable, light, durable, and affords an excellent view of the strike zone and playing field. I have taken balls in just about every part of the helmet and strongly endorse the protective value of this piece of equipment. The shock absorbers work as designed and make a noticeable difference in the amount of impact on balls that strike the cage. The light weight of the helmet makes it comfortable to wear even on the longest days and the moisture evaporating liner keeps it dry and easy to maintain. Most throat protectors attach easily to this helmet (I use a Wilson 4-inch protector) which affords additional protection. Wilson just released a new throat protector (in 4 and 6 inch models) designed specifically for this helmet which should make the helmet even more safe and better looking than it already is."

"I have always been a traditional mask user, and never seriously considered using a hockey style mask. During a summer tournament, I had the opportunity to try on a Wilson Shock prior to a game. I was surprised at how light it is, and how the field of vision really opens up. The most recent mask I have used was the Wilson Dynalite A3009 WV. I always liked the 3009's light weight and comfort.

During the 2008 MLB season, there were a few umpires who were seriously injured while working the plate. Most, if not all of them, used a traditional mask. Near the end of the 2008 summer season, and after extensive research, I decided to purchase the Shock FX from www.ump-attire.com.

I've used the Shock FX in five or six games of fall ball, and I have been very pleased with it. It is incredibly light, but the big selling point for me was the visibility that it offers over the traditional mask. A few reviewers of the Shock FX have said that it is "loud". During my US Navy service, I have had some hearing loss, and so I was somewhat concerned about the reviews that said it was tough to hear while wearing this helmet. However, I have not experienced anything like that; in fact, I have been able to quite easily hear coaches and players speaking to me.

Overall, the Shock FX is a great piece of equipment, and I expect to get much more use of it in the upcoming spring season (I work the high school level). The Shock FX offers a great deal more security from foul balls and broken bats, and it offers far better visibility than the traditional mask. In my opinion, this is a great combination to have when working the plate. I recommend the Wilson Shock FX to anyone who is looking into obtaining a hockey style mask.

I would also like to add that I purchased the Wilson Shock from www.ump-attire.com because of the great service and assistance provided by the staff at Ump-Attire."

(summarized) "... When I first took it out of the box, my first thought was, 'Wow, the cage sure sticks out quite a bit.' Then when I put it next to my helmet, I could see that it really is a different design – the cage on my HSM sits back flat against the helmet, whereas the FX cage sits out away from the shell and angles out even farther...

While I know there are other niceties of the Shock FX, I feel there are two big innovative features that will separate this HSM from the competition."
Read the Full 4 Page Review (pdf)

Staff Notes

2.27.08
As a hockey style mask owner, Robert Rachlow agreed to provide us with an in-depth objective review (see above) of this helmet for us. We set aside 1 helmet for demo purposes and provided him a small time frame to use it.

Learn More from the 'Officially Un-Official' Blog

• This Product Makes 2010 Top 10 What's Hot for Umpires List
  1.29.09
• Ump-Attire (and Shock FX) Receive Best Equipment Awards
  11.19.09
• Wilson Engineer Discusses Shock FX Improvements and Umpire Head Protection
• MLB Umpire Suffers Concussion Wearing Shock FX Umpire Helmet
• Recent MLB Umpire Head Injuries Prompt Discussion
• New Shock FX Throat Guards
  New 2008 products exclusive to Shock FX
• C- Grade to Safety Study on Traditional vs. Hockey Style Mask
• MLB Umpires Getting Creative with Their Umpire Masks
  See Gary Cederstrom in #2.
• MLB Umpire Injured by Broken Maple Bat
  Shock FX would likely have helped.
• Wilson's New Shock FX Helmet is Top-of-the-Line
  From 11.28.07