Pro Nine Umpire Chest Protector (#CPU-B)

Front Worn

Close-Up

Shoulder View

Back View

Inside Padding

Pro Nine Umpire Chest Protector Description

Popular from youth leagues through junior varsity (also worn by many at high school level) due to its quality features and price.

Improved for 2009 for more protection and breathability with sewn-on hard plastic plates on sides of chest and stomach (outside main protective area) instead of foam alone and a more breathable mesh outer layer.

• Cool breathable washable mesh fabric
• Low rebound foam with plastic plate inserts to deaden and disperse ball impact
• Fits under any shirt or sleeves
• Four way adjustable back harness

• Available Sizes
  Medium - 12" Length (neck to bottom)
  Weight 2.0 lbs (0.9 kg)
  
  Large - 14" Length (neck to bottom)
  Weight 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
  
  XL - 16" Length (neck to bottom)
  Weight 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg).
• Optional 4" Extension for extra length and bicep extensions sold separately

Reviews

"A decent chest protector for lower leagues. The shoulders are excellent at deflecting balls and the chest coverage is sufficient for slower balls. It is lightweight, holds it's fit well and not as hot as others. I have taken a ball in the chest in an adult league game that took my breath away. The opening around the neck was large enough to let a ball wedge between it and my face mask to the side of where a standard throat guard would sit (resulting in x-rays to the clavicle). I like the protector and continue to use it - but would be more comfortable if the low-profile protection at the top of the chest was slightly taller and tapered off to a point higher on the shoulder."

"I use the Pro Nine CP, and I love it. I umpire high school and Little League - all age groups. I have taken many shots and have had nothing but good results. I would definitely recommend the Pro Nine CP to anyone doing HS to LL."

"I first noticed how light the protector is, compared to the much heavier hard-shell I normally wear. It honestly feels half as heavy as my regular CP. I wore the Pro9 for a JV game first. I have to admit that I entered the game with much trepidation, as I was unsure what I had gotten myself into.

I made it through three innings before the first real test. The catcher, expecting a pitch-out, moved from in front of me. The pitcher, obviously crossed up with his catcher, managed to bounce the ball off of the plate, and straight into my chest. The ball dropped harmlessly to the ground, with me feeling no sting at all. Later a foul ball hit my shoulder area, but I felt nothing. The shoulder protection provided by the Pro9 is remarkable. I did have a true test late in the game, when the catcher failed to snag a foul ball, which hit me squarely in the chest. I must admit, this blow I felt. Not painful, just enough to know I'd been hit. Based on my experiences, I don't think I would wear the Pro9 in a Varsity or higher contest, but I think it is an outstanding chest protector for JV or lower.

After the game, I noted that I was not as hot as I normally would be, and probably a bit more energized, due to the weight difference in the Pro9. All in all, on a scale of 10, I'd give the Pro9 chest protector an 8."

Customer Popularity and Satisfaction

Staff Notes

10.1.08 - New updates include greater breathability with improved air holes and more protection with hard outer plates sewn on top of side chest and stomach foam flaps. The above reviews occurred before changes were made.

Learn More from the 'Officially Un-Officially' Blog

• "Soft"-Shell is a Bad Name for a Good Umpire Chest Protector
• The "Soft-Shell" CP Challenge and BBQ in Birmingham