All-Star Cobalt Umpire Chest Protector

Just received the Cobalt chest protector. I have enjoyed trying different configurations. I am still looking for the perfect fit. I have a long torso so the extension looks promising. I saw some hacks about moving the buckle to the extension. I will try adding a second buckle and let you know. It looks to be a quality product. Lightweight. Should be great for those hot Louisiana summers. I am able to modify the shoulders to fit my wide frame.

I think the Cobalt combines the best features of the Gold, Platinum, System 7, and even the Holy Grail of the Power. Then adds padding that they actually put a lot of thought and testing into. Add to that the adjustability of it, and you have a giant leap forward in our protection.

I have used just many different chest protectors over the years. Original Douglass WV, Gold, Platinum, Honig's K1, F3, Diamond hardshell, All-Star System 7, and even my current favorite Champion P215. All very good chest protectors in their own right. I have followed and anticipated this All-Star Cobalt for some time now. After watching the webcast a month or so ago, and understanding the R&D that went into this chest protector, I had to give it a try. I was not disappointed. The low profile look, the ability to customize to my liking as well as the quality, have me looking forward to the first game I can use it; I live in California currently. I have played around with different adjustments and I do have this rig now dialed in to fit like a comfortable glove. Thanks Ump-Attire.com for the solid service as well as taking the time to provide the webcast with All-Star. It really did help me make up my mind.

Wanted to give this 5 Stars, but can’t. The lower abdomen extension has these unremovable protruding (and unnecessary) Love Handle wings that stick out, look weird, and catch my forearms. The center part of the lower abdominal extension is perfect, as is the rest of the chest protector. It’s light on the body, facilitates movement, breathes well, is easy to adjust, fits snuggly, is low profile for a hard shell, is comfortable, is easy to put on, and gives “Didn’t even feel it!” protection for hard shots to the body. If they fixed those annoying love handle wings, I’d give this 6 stars if I could, the rest of this protector is that good.

This All-Star Cobalt chest protector is the one. I have used their products and my boys have for over 20 years and they keep getting better. The All-Star Series 7 chest protector was one of the best-designed ones, that they made when they first came out. I had one of the first ones because Jim Kirk and his staff at Ump-Attire.com care for their officials. This new Cobalt chest protector is even better. With insights from professional and amateur umpires and Jim Kirk and his staff, All-Star added comfort, protection, ventilation channels, and reduced weight, which are keys in the hot sun or long days umpiring. I love the design and how snugly it fits and yet allows great movement. Can't wait to get nailed by high-velocity pitches and up and coming pitchers.