Umpire Mask Buying Guide
 With
umpire masks, you pay more for lighter masks, greater protection, better padding and increased vision.
Want the lightest mask?
You'll find that everyone claims to have a dyna-lite,
super-light or featherweight mask, but what's true is that most
mask frames now
are made of lightweight material. Our traditional style masks are 1.0 to 1.6 lbs (without harness - harnesses typically weigh around 0.3 lbs). Our lightest mask is the Diamond Feather Weight Umpire Mask at 1 lb (at left). A few ounces may not sound like much but your neck might appreciate a lighter mask over several hours of plate work.
 Want the Most Protection?
No doubt, hockey style masks or helmets offer the most protection through coverage for the entire head. Although it's made of lightweight materials, the helmet will weigh more than a traditional style umpire mask. However, umpires tell us weight is better distributed (rather than at the front) making the helmet feel less heavy.
Of the traditional styles, most umpire masks come with extended frames
forgood ear and throat protection. The Diamond Featherweight and Pro Nine  mask also have a "U-bar" at the top to help provide more protection from foul balls.
If you want more protection for your neck,
consider a 4
inch or 6
inch throat protector that will attach to the bottom of your
umpire mask.
 Want the best padding?
Umpire masks with leather (Chrome Moliben at right),
soft amara suede or Quick-Dry (Diamond Featherweight) padding are more comfortable and
better absorb perspiration. As a result, they won't slide around your
face as you perspire.
For the most safety with padding in a traditional style mask, the Wilson masks with their wrap-around style provides extra protection by allowing the frame to never press against your face.
Want better vision?
Some umpire masks are now made with lower profiles which mean the frame sits closer to your face. This results in around a 15% increase in your field of vision through the main bars. Our two low profile masks are the Wilson Chrome Moliben and Diamond Featherweight mask. A hockey style mask also sits closer and, therefore, offers better vision than traditional style non-low profile masks.
 Want value?
An umpire mask
with synthetic padding (see Diamond mask at left) is the least expensive option and best
to consider if you are just starting. But expect the mask to slide
around and rub at the chin the more you perspire.
For a little additional cost, you can get better padding and lighter weight with the Pro Nine mask or even better padding with the Wilson Dyna-Lite.
Harnesses and Replacement Padding
 All masks come with adjustable harnesses and Wilson umpire masks
come with the MLB logo. And all come with Velcro straps that allow
you to adjust or easily replace your padding. With any umpire mask, you
have the ability to replace or upgrade your padding after you use it for a
while.
Hats and Other Accessories
All of our masks except the low profile masks will allow for caps of 2 inch (plate
caps) to 6 inches bills (combo). For those, 2 inch
or 4 inch (combo) will do.
Some like adding a sun
visor or shield at the top of frame. It will fit most umpire
mask styles. Three styles it does not fit are the chrome
moliben,
Pro
Nine and Diamond Featherweight masks.
*Size is from the top of the top padding to the bottom of the bottom padding as measured from the inside of the mask.
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