Wilson MLB West Vest Platinum Umpire Chest Protector

I've been an umpire for 10 years and settled on the Wilson West Vest Platinum because the plates are flat with minimal distance between each one. I had problems with my collar bones getting hit a lot, this chest protector fixed that. It is a little short and you'll take it in the gut on occasion but overall a very good chest protector--so much so I just bought one for my son who just started calling this year.

Nice upgrade over my old DaviShield. I'm 6' 2" and it's not quite long enough to protect my bottom rib. Some day that may hurt me.

I bought the Platinum West Vest to replace and old Champro that was too long and all foam. I call HS, college, and college summer baseball and needed something cooler with better protection. After wearing only once, I knew I had made the right purchase. Cooler and shorter, this vest protected me when I took a foul ball off the left shoulder. I felt nothing but impact and the game wasn't delayed. Invest in your protection by considering a Wilson vest and your mind will remain on the game and not where you'll be hit next. Shipping was very fast and earlier than promised!

Absolutely love this thing, with two minor nits. First, it's almost impossible to put on my Smitty long-sleeve pullover when wearing this, even unbuckled, without coming close to separating a shoulder. Second, it's big, which is in the eye of the beholder. As a former catcher, I wanted something that gave me great collarbone and neck protection, and the Wilson Platinum seemed to be the best option of the choices I looked at. The Platinum provides excellent upper body protection, but the fact that it's only available in one length does mean that you might catch one in the belly with a lazy catcher. The shoulder protection is stellar, but your biceps are definitely exposed compared to other options. I choose not to wear any additional bicep protection, so I'm comfortable with the risks of getting hit a few times a year. I've also just picked up the Force3, as the Platinum is quite warm during the summer. But, for spring ball here in Northern Illinois, the Platinum will likely remain my go-to.

So glad I made the switch. Took a foul ball off the shoulder and I didn't feel it. Great fit and I feel well protected when I have it on.

Excellent umpire chest protector...I've only been hit a couple times over the past couple years wearing it but haven't felt a thing either of those times. As others have said, replace the harness right away with the All-Star or Wilson version. They make such a big difference in fit.

Great Umpire Chest Protector but suggest immediately replacing stock harness - otherwise it would be a 5 star review!

Used the original West Vest many years ago and was impressed. Used the new version earlier this year. Bought one immediately!!! Coverage and comfort around the collarbone is unmatched. The light weight makes even the hottest days very manageable. I highly recommend!

Purchased mine 4 Seasons ago, and love the protection, breath ability, and comfort, retrofitted with the All-Star Delta Flex Umpire Replacement Harness, and the fit hugs my body like a second skin. Taken multiple hits on the chest, startled but not hurt.

This is the best chest protector I have ever owned. Fits great and does not slide down or rub against my neck.

Great chest protector, loud on impact but can't feel a thing.

I had the Champion style body armor chest protector for about 12 years and finally made the switch. I used my West Vest the first time this weekend. I felt really bulky with it, only because I wasn't used to the size of it. With that being said this is a solid chest protector and does what it is supposed to. In combination with my mask and throat guard, I took a foul ball straight back and it hit the throat guard and the extra padding on the vest kept the throat guard in place. This is a great piece of equipment.

This is a great chest protector. This will protect against that direct shot to the collar bone. I love it. I bought this one as a back up to my older one.

I am a UIC and I purchased this for one of my LL volunteer umpires. I asked him how he liked it. He said he loved it. Took one off the chest and didn't feel a thing. Highly recommend.

I have a very large neck. This harness had the biggest neck opening of all the harnesses I tried, that being said it sits nicely around my throat and shoulders giving me great protection. It does, however, bottom out right at my solar plexus. I'm 5'8" and took a nasty shot right under the bottom of the protector, so I ended up attaching an extension (I know, sacrilege!) But, now it is breaking in nicely and I have had some big shots that I hardly felt. I love the protector but wish it could be longer and had a better harness. I replaced it with a flex style.

Fits perfect, solid, took two shots wearing it and did not feel it at all.

This Platinum chest protector is the best on the market. I have been wearing this for over 3 years and have never been hit with a foul ball that bothered me even a little. The chest protector is light weight and allows freedom of movement. I would recommend this for anyone.

By far the best chest protector I've ever owned. Great protection and great fit.

This umpire chest protector offers great protection. This is a step up from my Pro Nine soft/hard shell chest protector. Once you get the fit right, it's great. You will have to wear it once or twice to see where there is movement and then tighten it up to prevent the movement. I've worn it about 4 times now and it works great. Taken a couple of balls off the shoulder and chest and you don't feel anything. Yes, it is a little on the short side, but it does cover my rib cage pretty good. I'm about 5'10" and once I squat, I'm pretty protected (although, if it went a little further down, I wouldn't complain). Due to the tight fit and the shoulder protection, it is a little tough to hold up your arms to show Balls and Strikes, but not too big of a deal. After taking a couple of balls to the chest, I do feel a little more confident in the slot.

This umpire chest protector gives wonderful protection. The trade off is less mobility. It is very difficult to get a shirt over it, there is so much protection in the shoulders it is difficult to raise your arms over your head.

Took an 85 mph fastball, accelerated by being slightly deflected by an aluminum bat, directly in the middle of the chest. One of the base coaches said it sounded like a shotgun. Virtually did not feel it. This protector is bullet-proof, low-profile, light, and comfortable. Best worn with straps crossed over in front for body-tight fit, if you are thin or standard build.

The Platinum is an excellent protector. I wore one for 3 seasons and it did its job well. My complaints with it were that it was a bit too short for me at 6'2 (didn't cover my bottom rib), and it had a tendency to drop down thus needing to be hiked up often no matter how tightly I adjusted the straps. Otherwise it did a great job as far as protection.

Love this chest protector, the protection around the clavicle area is second to none.

Worst chest protector I have ever owned. Spent way too much time trying to mold it to my frame. It slit the sides of my neck every game. If I could get a refund!!!

I've heard great things about this chest protector, but IMHO this was just too bulky for my liking. I'm a smaller guy and getting a shirt over this chest protector was no easy task. I ended up sending this back. I stuck with the lighter chest protector that I currently own. I don't recommend this chest protector unless you already have "plate" shirts that are 1 size bigger than what you normally wear, etc.

Replaced my Diamond Featherweight Protector with the Platinum. It is LEGIT!!! I used to have the +POS Armour Protector and it has the same protection but lighter and less bulky! Very pleased!

Being one of the youngest umpires in my area,16, and doing high school JV and Varsity games. I love this thing. Way better than my catcher's chest protector. I barely feel it when I get hit. It takes some time to get used to, but is not heavy at all. Like I said, thumbs up for this chest protector. Great price also. Five stars all the way. Thanks Ump-attire.com!

I've had the West Vest Platinum for a few years now and would not trade it for anything. Tried on the Gold but it felt to bulky. I have taken 90+ mph pitches and fouls but no pain yet.

I have had my Champion protector now for 3 seasons,(about ready to start it's 4th) and find it protects me VERY WELL. I have taken 85+ mph fastballs and 60+mph softballs (H.S. pitchers) off of it and didn't flinch. It's a very good chest protector for the money! I will tell you that it does get a little warmer in the summer months than others, but it holds up great!

Bought this item before pro school. Have used it now for 2 months. Very light weight and comfortable. Makes you feel like you could take a bullet. Takes a few uses to break it in. The first few days it was ridged but now its great. Worth the $. Also I'm 6'5 so don't worry about the size. It won't cover your belly but I've never been hit there anyway. If you want a great product this is it.

Jim's point about the shorter length of the protector is valid. It's a great product but I took four bouncing balls to the stomach underneath the vest this season and at 51, that "protector" is not as hard as it used to be.

Love it! I have to keep it tight to stay up to my throat but you are virtually "bullet proof" with this one. The double pad on the shoulder is the greatest AND they are up higher than many other vests so it's on top of your shoulder, not in front of it. I do 100+ plate games per year of adult baseball and have never gotten hurt in the 6 years I've had this vest.

I umped thirty-five games behind home plate last season (High School and Babe Ruth). My previous chest protector a light weight Rawlings better suited for Little League level of protection. With the Wilson A3215 I was looking for improved/additional protection, good fit, light weight,and comfort. The Wilson A3215 provides great protection. I cannot recall a foul tip, wild pitch, etc that resulted in a "painful" experience after hitting the chest protector. I found the protector to be cool and flexible when worn. It did not hinder movement, and moved nicely with the body. The only problem I encountered with the Wilson A3215 was it did not fit snugly around my neck.I would often pull/push the protector up during games, which becomes a distraction.No matter how I adjusted the protector straps, it always seemed to be an 1 inch - 2 inch below my neck.Towards the end of the season, I believe I became accustomed to the protector sitting below the neckline and the protector became less of a problem, as long as the straps were tight (normal build/ no belly) to the body.I would have liked the protector to be several inches longer (towards the waist line), however I quickly overcame this concern early in the season.

I really have enjoyed the protection that the Wilson West Vest Platinum Umpire Chest Protector (#A3215) has given me during the season and I am very happy that I purchased it. Just used it last night for a High School Fall ball championship game with a pitcher throwing 89 mph and thankfully the catcher was experienced enough that I didn't take one off the chest. During the American Legion State Tournament, I took a hit from a foul tip and I can say the "noise" was worse than the hit to the shoulder. As a matter-of-fact, I felt absolutely nothing. Thanks for the recommendation and I certainly will recommend the Wilson West Vest Platinum Umpire Chest Protector (#A3215) to others as well.

The vest worked very well. It took a little time to get it to loosen up, it was rather stiff out of the box, but it was still light weight and took blows really well. I worked the Babe Ruth Pacific Southwest Regional for the 13 year olds and it was wonderful. Thanks for the vest and am looking forward to getting more things in the near future.

The best..worked everything from Little League to college games on some of the hottest days of the year...very comfortable and took the best shots any pitcher had to offer.

The vest is awesome. I have one and got one for my son Ben, who is 20. He loves it too. He is 6'3 and I'm 5'11 and one issue for both that could use improvement is maybe a velcro pad that can attach and cover the belly area. The vest is a little short there. I have taken a couple in the gut and they (high 80 foul tips) knocked my wind out. The other possibility would be attachments for the upper arm, but for me, a little protection in the stomach area would help. Otherwise I've taken some hard hits in the vest that I barely felt at all and I Love the vest as does my son!

Thank you for the follow up inquiry. Your company and staff are first rate. You take the extra steps to make sure the customer is completely satisfied. I can't believe that it took me so long to make up my mind to get the Platinum vest. If I got it at the beginning of the season, I would have saved myself some bumps and bruises. It truly is the best on the market, well worth every penny.

The west vest platinum is great at any level. It is light enough to wear in the middle of July but tough enough to withstand 90 mph (found that out first hand). Have already recommended to friends. By the way, I love your company shipping is fast and your prices are the most competitive. Your warehouse is awesome along with the people there. While I was in Crestwood and looking, I stopped in to make sure of the fit and your staff was so helpful. Thanks for helping us officials out.

I've been using this chest protector for over 7 years and love it. When fitted properly even the hardest of foul tips are no problem. The chest protector itself is a breeze to clean. After a couple hundred games, I have no real problems with this chest protector. My only problem I have ever had with it is it tends to ride up a little bit at times during games. Other then that I would recommend this protector to any umpire that wants superior protection.