Official Review: Wilson MLB Pro Gold 2 Umpire Chest Protectors (Memory Foam & Air Management)
Discover the upgrades & options of the new Wilson MLB Pro Gold 2 Umpire Chest Protectors. See the differences between the new Memory Foam & the Air Management padding. We're locked in with premium neoprene harness and FIDLOCK magnetic buckles.
After wearing this for one game I immediately sold my older Wilson West Vest. They basically address the 2 main complaints everyone had from the old WV: Make the padding thinner and let us remove the “Pec Pads.” Mission Accomplished! Somehow this one breathes a little better too, so it is noticeably cooler in the summer heat. I like the new magnetic clips for the harness too, never knew I needed it, but it makes it easier to “strap on” the protector in my opinion. My primary rig is an All-Star Cobalt because near perfectly fits my body, but the new Wilson West Vest is a close second and I wear it when I feel I need a little more coverage based on the level of pitching and catching I expect to see.
Mark D.
Camden, DE
July 27, 2022
Have tried almost every chest protector on the market and primarily wore the older WV Gold and the All-Star Cobalt. I had been searching for the elusive Gold Team Wendy Retrofit and then Wilson came out with this one. The memory foam is awesome and I love the new buckles as the week before I had a Majestic shirt torn after getting hit in the T-Hook on my older WV Gold by a 59’ curve that the catcher failed to block. The new harness is nice but I still fitted it with the UmpLife harness. This is now my primary chest protector. Two thumbs up!
Dwayne O.
Grand Prairie, TX
July 26, 2022
Protects like a West Vest but is very light, comfortable and breaths. Great for the Texas summer!
Jim M.
Holt, MI
July 18, 2022
Finally!! After many years of a couple of different chest protectors I went the the Wilson West Vest Pro Gold 2 Memory Foam chest protector. I’m so glad I did. Very comfortable fit. Looks good under my umpire shirt. The magnetic buckles are a plus. This definitely passed any expectations that I had. I’m definitely going to recommend this to anyone that asks.
Bud T.
Manteca, CA
July 13, 2022
The West Vest Gold was the first and only chest protector I'd ever purchased. I've used it for well over a dozen years and loved the comfort and protection it afforded. When the West Vest was introduced and I saw that it was a lower profile with memory foam, magnetic clips and detachable under arm protection - I didn't hesitate - I ordered it as soon as it came into stock. It was everything I'd hoped it would be. Incredible comfort with the same great protection. It was a great upgrade to a great product.
Sean O.
Tulsa, OK
July 10, 2022
I bought this almost as soon as I saw it. The reputation of West Vest protection with the upgrade to the low profile memory foam sold me on it. The magnetic locks were the icing on the cake. Feels great and looks great as expected.
Erich K.
Gaston, OR
July 8, 2022
This is a fantastic umpire chest protector. It is VERY light and low profile (even coming from a soft-shell!), and takes a hit very well. It also has a really good amount of ventilation, which I didn't expect. Definitely worth purchasing.
Tom M.
Mount Sinai, NY
July 8, 2022
This is a great product. From the magnetic clasps now positioned on the side, to the low profile and better body contour, this performs better while making you look better.
Joseph A.
St. Louis, MO
July 6, 2022
Very slim and low profile. I’ve taken a couple foul balls off the shoulder and chest already and I can barely feel it. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to feel protected behind the plate. One of the best on the market.
Rick C.
Villa Park, IL
July 5, 2022
Been using it 2 weeks now and love it. The fit very comfortable. Great buy.
John S.
Owosso, MI
July 4, 2022
I really like the low profile. I have already taken one good shot off the chest and barely felt it. The curved lower middle plate took a little bit of getting used to. But overall, I am really satisfied with this new model Wilson has come out with and the upgrades Wilson has made. I do recommend this product for umpires at all levels.
Scott D.
Birmingham, AL
July 2, 2022
I've worn a West Vest for years and am very pleased with this new design. I like the lower profile and the new buckles. I had upgraded my old protector to the premium harness and am glad it is now included. This West Vest feels much lighter than my old one without giving up any of the protection.
Timothy N.
Richland, WA
June 24, 2022
Quality control is TERRIBLE! I received my CP and the plastic plates all had sharp edges. I spent an hour with sandpaper smoothing the edges so I wouldn’t cut my shirts. There were two plates installed BACKWARDS - the bottom two plates by the buckles were wrong side out and bent “outwards” instead of curved towards the padding. All of that not withstanding, I am excited to put it to good use. Buyer beware, you might have to do some work on this (besides fitting) before you can use it.
Ump-Attire.com Response
Timothy: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We have checked our remaining inventory and have found no other instances of either sharp edges or incorrectly installed plates. We are sorry you experienced this issue.
Matthew M.
Indian Trail, NC
June 18, 2022
I really like the lower profile and adjustable wing flaps on this umpire chest protector. It's also nice to be rid of the t-hooks in the front. I never liked the stock harness so I'm glad they've included the premium harness. The Fidlock buckles are a nice new addition. I worked 4 straight plate games for a tournament this weekend and can attest that it was much lighter weight and not as hot as the original west vest gold (which I also own)...very noticeable difference.
– Hunter Fry Buyer, Customer Service Specialist, Former Basketball Referee
Q:
I know that the first memory foam mattresses had an issue with being hot. Is there a temperature retention difference in the memory foam padding versus the open cell foam on my current WV Gold? (Ie: will the new low profile with memory foam be hotter to wear?) – Bill Ward
A:
This Wilson Memory Foam chest protector is lighter weight than your current WV Gold, lending itself to naturally hold less heat. However, Wilson did not add any ventilation aspects to the Pro Gold 2 line.
– Ty Unthank Marketing Specialist, HS & College Umpire
Q:
Is the memory foam version really about a full pound lighter than the air management foam version? – Bob Frank
– Brandon Lawson Support Specialist, Pro Umpire School Graduate and Umpire, Football Official & Basketball Referee
Q:
What is the best procedure for cleaning the inside protector? I have a West Vest Gold. – Ivan Jezic
A:
Remove the padding by unstrapping the Velcro tab from the hard shell plates. Use mild soap and water to scrub padding. Rinse and let hang dry in a well ventilated area.
– Ben Kirk Social Media Specialist
Q:
Can you do a 2-min review for the new Wilson chest protector and shin guards? – Matthew Mann
A:
Check out this Facebook Live Ump-Attire.com President Jim Kirk and I did on the whole Pro Gold 2 line!
– Ty Unthank Marketing Specialist, HS & College Umpire
WARNING: Participants in any sports activity assume risk of injury. This equipment may be used to help aid in preventing or reducing the extent of injury. No equipment can guarantee umpire or player safety from injury during participation, and use of this equipment carries no such guarantee. Do not use any umpire equipment that is damaged in any way.
