Bought this chest protector and returned it. It is very good quality and would definitely provide great protection, but it is very bulky and cumbersome. When you have it on with or without the bicep guards, it is difficult to maneuver your arms around to adjust the straps and to get your shirt on. The bicep guards hang on the side of your arms and not on your biceps because of the placement of the buckle that connects the guards to the chest protector. I'm 6'0" with long arms, and the bicep guards went all the way down to my elbows. If you don't have a loose shirt, they will stick out of the bottom of your sleeves. The reviews on this chest protector were very intriguing, which prompted me to buy it, but I'm returning it for the reasons above. I'd suggest you find one to try on and test out before you buy it.
Matt B.
Marietta, GA
May 3, 2023
Almost 3 years into wearing this chest protector, and I still love it. It provides all the protection I want without feeling too bulky. Over the years, I have taken several foul balls to the chest and not felt a thing. I have also taken a bat to the arm, but the bicep pad did the job. It is worth the investment for this chest protector.
Ron R.
WINCHESTER , CA
March 29, 2023
Absolutely love this Diamond Pro Chest Protector, It has great protection even at the varsity level. I’m kind of a big guy and it has plenty of coverage, it is lightweight, especially on the arms and biceps. A great deal and value for the money.
Blake
Burlingame, CA
July 28, 2022
I love this umpire chest protector! I chose this one over others such as Wilson models and other brands due to the length and protection it provides. It is the first protector I have seen where the add on extensions are actually hard plastic like the rest of the protector. 1/2 star off because of the straps. They have to be readjusted frequently as they tend to loosen up. Also wish it was adjustable with a down strap.
Joseph M.
Kent, WA
June 2, 2022
Wrong size and getting an exchange is worse than going to the dentist.
Evan M.
Puyallup, WA
May 19, 2022
I recently upgraded to this umpire chest protector, and while I ended up not needing the bicep protection, it has been a massive improvement. Protection wise, I do not think there is much better out there (at least that I saw), and after some adjustment it fits great. I have taken several direct and indirect hits now and beyond feeling the impact, there is nothing else. It has helped me improve my slot position as well. It does this due to the rigidity of the rigid plastic it forces me to have a better posture behind the plate. I do not feel overheated or restricted in my movement, granted it took some getting used to, but now I do not feel the weight (not much anyway). Overall, a great piece of equipment.
Curtis M.
El Paso, TX
May 3, 2022
Awesome umpire chest protector. It's the best one I've ever used in my 22 years of umpiring. You won't be disappointed. Only one downside is the back strap gets loose and I have to tighten it...but I've used athletic tape to secure the straps to avoid this.
4.5 stars!!!
Jason G.
Clearwater, FL
March 21, 2022
Excellent umpire chest protector. Fits my long torso perfectly and provides exceptional protection. I've taken two direct shots to the chest and felt nothing. I also like the bicep pads as I took a rogue bat on follow-through and it protected nicely.
Brandon D.
Lafayette, LA
February 13, 2022
I sent two chest protectors back before finally settling on the Diamond Pro Umpire Chest Protector. I just went through a second weekend of clinics and here's the verdict as of 2/13/22: The chest protector provides protection extending low to my beltline. I'm 5'11 but have a long torso and I really wanted to avoid getting smoked by a fastball in my dad belly. This feature was a must and one that I had no luck achieving with the first two chest protectors I purchased and returned. The comfort and look of the Diamond Pro Umpire Chest is great. There is ample protection over the caps of my shoulders and it sits high over my collar bones. I appreciate the added protection the bicep pads provide as well and they are removable for lower level games. This chest protector fit well straight out of the box.
Clayton B.
Stephenville, TX
July 14, 2021
This umpire chest protector is light and very comfortable for a hard shell protector. This protector fits well and is not bulky at all. Have taken a few hard shots to the chest and this chest protector did its job, didn't feel a thing. I feel confident using this protector for higher levels of softball and baseball.
Daniel S.
Winter Garden, FL
March 31, 2021
Highly recommend. Have taken a few off the shoulder with zero feel.
Sherman N.
Mt. Airy, NC
March 17, 2021
This umpire chest protector is awesome. With my chest and shoulders being pretty broad, it fits great. Took a foul-tip ball from from a kid throwing in the upper 70's didn't feel anything. Great product.
Romeo G.
Weslaco, TX
November 22, 2020
This umpire chest Protector fits me like a glove. I’m 5’ 6”. It’s very light and I feel comfortable wearing it. Not bulky.
Michael H.
Lake Elsinore, CA
September 15, 2019
I purchased this chest protector after owning the Wilson West Vest Gold and a couple others. Wore it this last season doing upper division little league games (50/70, juniors and seniors). Took several shots from uncaught pitches and I did not feel a thing. I am a fan of the bicep protection. I was struck in the arm by a bat thrown back by a batter in a seniors division game and it made contact directly on the center of the bicep protection on my right arm. Again, I didn't feel a thing (the bat hit the bicep protector so hard and loud it scared the catcher). A terrific fit and stays in place during multiple games.
William R.
Chula Vista, CA
July 22, 2019
Great chest protector! Feel more safe in this with the hard plastic shell and extra areas that are covered, more than other more standard protectors. Fits great.
Graham M.
Cocoa, FL
May 12, 2019
Had a chance to try this. As a bigger guy, this Chest Protector does not cover enough area to have all my ribs covered. It's a good looking profile and the stomach extension is nice to have but the surface area it covered was lacking compared to my West Vest Gold. Padding is very similar thickness to a WV so if this fits you, you'll like it.
Austin H.
Stuttgart, AR
April 13, 2019
Have used this product for over 20 high school games. Much less bulky than my previous protector. Love the bottom extension. Only good things so far!
Troy W.
Ignacio, CO
March 25, 2019
I like it. Comfortable and worked well. I am 6'2" and this fits great with the extension. Really like the bicep protectors.
David L.
McKinney, TX
March 15, 2019
Very light, very sturdy, very comfortable. Love the design and fit, especially the lower extension.
Brady B.
MN
February 25, 2019
More range of motion than the West Vest Platinum Chest Protector. It isn't as light as the WVP, but I also liked the coverage better with the extension to cover bottom of rib area that the WVP didn't cover, which was my final decision maker.
Nolan N.
Bradenton, Florida
December 6, 2018
Very comfortable and light weight. Not as bulky as some and easy to move in. Very well built.
Donald D.
Gresham, OR
November 30, 2018
Needed a umpire chest protector that was more tapered or fitted. After talking with a sales rep and getting some links and doing some research, I decided on the Diamond Pro Ultimate. After some harness adjustments, this CP will be my main protection. It's light and has great coverage and plenty of protection. It looks good under my uniform jerseys.
Raymond K.
Naples, FL
November 27, 2018
So far, so good. Only wore it for a few games thus far. Only slightly heavier than my Cobra from Plus Pos - which fell apart as the rivets rusted.......lighter than the old Champion I had a few years ago. Very comfortable. Haven't taken any shots yet but confident it will take them. I will update after a few higher level games. Like the front buckles better than the side plastic ones on some others.
What is the best chest protector for collar bones? I took a 85 mph'er in the collar bone & chest protector upper edge area & holy crap. – Brian Bradley
I purchased the Diamond Pro Chest Protector last month. I just tried it on today for the first time. I'm only 5'7, but chunky, and noticed that when I put my shirt on over the protector, you can see the imprint of the plates through the shirt. Anyway around that aside from buying larger shirts? I'm already wearing 2XL shirts over the protector. Thanks – Mark Caley
A:
We have seen umpires wear under apparel shirts over their chest protectors to cover logos - it could reduce the protective plate protrusion. However, with a shirt taking the shape of the object it is placed over, we find it difficult to avoid this imprint reaction.
– Brandon Lawson Support Specialist, Pro Umpire School Graduate and Umpire, Football Official & Basketball Referee
Q:
Looking at this for high school varsity and college exposure tournaments. Does this offer the same level of protection as the Wilson West Vest or Wilson Platinum Chest Protectors? – Kenneth Derrick
A:
Yes! This Diamond Pro is essentially the same thickness with more padding around the neck space and removable upper oblique and abdominal pads.
– Ty Unthank Marketing Specialist, HS & College Umpire
Q:
Are the pads removable for washing? – Bart Parker
A:
The pads are not removable for washing. The padding is riveted to the durable hard shell.
– Brandon Lawson Support Specialist, Pro Umpire School Graduate and Umpire, Football Official & Basketball Referee
Q:
How would you compare this umpire chest protector to the West Vest Gold in terms of protection and thickness of the padding? Is this more low profile? – Willie Traynor
A:
The Diamond Pro Umpire Chest Protector is relatively the same thickness and provides similar protection with a similar profile to the Wilson MLB West Vest Gold. The Diamond Pro however has more strategic breaks allowing more flexibility and a contoured fit.
– Josh Mann Pro School Umpire Graduate
Q:
Do you sell just the abdomen extension that is on the Diamond Pro Umpire Chest Protector? – James Hinojosa
A:
James, the abdomen extension that comes with this Diamond chest protector is not sold separately. If you are looking for a stomach extenstion for your umpire chest protector, check this one out.
– 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. California state law and Diamond Sports require disclosure of Prop 65 information.
