Force3 Silver Defender Umpire Mask with Black

Like other reviewers, the mask is heavier than most, owing to the dual frame structure necessitated by the spring suspension system. After a particularly hard straight-on shot to the mask, I decided my brain is worth the expense and added weight, which I got used to after two games of use. The forehead pad takes some fiddling with your cap and harness setting, as it presses down more on the bill. High quality construction; happy with my purchase. Other's observations about the F3 harness are true...get the MLB-logo harness unless you like having the harness over your ears. :-)

After 30 years of being away I wanted the best available equipment, and after thorough research, this mask is the absolute best! First game behind the plate and I took one off the mask, and being that I wear glasses, the mask took the hit and my glasses never moved! Too bad more catchers and umpires don’t use the Force3. Whether it’s this or the hockey style, there is NOTHING better!

The mask itself is comfortable to wear however the padding behind the spring mechanism needs to be reinforced. As a catcher's mask this works very well. As an umpire's mask however, you need to wear a hard shell underneath. I took a shot off the mask right at the spot where the springs are located and the impact drove the mechanism into my head causing an injury. The actual blow from the baseball didn't injure me, the mask did. If you're getting this mask, be sure to get a hard shell cap to wear with it. Since using the hard shell, I enjoy this mask much more.

I made this upgrade prior to the season and used it for the first time last night. It is a bit heavier than my old Diamond mask but still very comfortable. The top pad will cause you to put more bend in your cap, but nothing to worry about compared to the added protection you receive. Another great purchase from Ump-Attire!!!

I love this Force3 mask. I took two foul ball shots in the mask barely felt the impact. Also, the downside is that this mask made my neck hurt a lot when I umpire USA Softball tournaments to High School Softball Freshmen and JV games.

I have used the Force 3 Umpire Mask since 2017. I highly recommend it. Although it's a bit heavier than most masks, the weight is distributed well. The protection is second to none. I do not plan to go back to a conventional mask.

Good umpire mask. Comfortable and very safe. Took some good shots without any trouble. A little heavy, so keep it tight.

Great umpire mask! My only recommendation is to extend the protection at the very top of the mask, just like the Diamond iX3 - to add just a bit more protection.

Love this umpire mask. It is very reassuring knowing you have on a great mask. I took a foul to the side and didn't feel anything.

It took a little getting used to in terms of view, but no issues. It feels like it sits higher than I am used to but may need some adjustment or a different hat. I did two games this weekend with my new mask and it was great. I didn't try out the springs, thankfully. Comfortable and slight additional weight wasn't noticeable. This will be my go-to for upper-level games for sure.

Very comfortable! After having issues with other umpire masks, this one has been great! Looks great feels good!

Love this umpire mask. It is a huge upgrade from my last mask. I have not taken a big hit to it yet, but I know it is coming.

This is a little heavier than my titanium umpire mask that I wore before. The extra weight takes some getting used to for removing it quickly. The pads also take a little bit to adjust to feel right on your face but once you find the right adjustment, they are very comfortable.

The weight of this mask really isn't much different than my Wilsons I have worn before. I changed out the original harness as I thought it was way too big without a helmet to go around. The one thing that I wish it came with is microfiber type of pads vs the leather. Great mask so far through its first 2 games and I am a major ball magnet on inside foul balls.

Love this umpire mask, light weight, comfortable and provides the protection that I am looking for.

Love this umpire mask. But not to impressed with the harness.

The weight of this umpire mask takes some getting used to. I always wore Titanium masks prior to the Force3 and I'm also getting used to having to wear this mask much tighter than my old masks. I'm going to keep wearing it for at least half of this season and then make my final judgement.

This was my first full season using this umpire mask and I will never go back to the "traditional" style again. Yes, this mask weighs a little more, but the first time that you take a direct shot wearing it, you will appreciate the mask enough that the extra weight won't bother you again. Baseballs just seemed to find their way to me this season and I took probably six direct hits that, with my previous masks, would have taken me out of games and likely been concussions. With the Force3, I stayed in games and had only very minimal side effects. I've recommended the Force3 to dozens of umpires this season and will continue to do so.

Feels heavier in the hand but don't really notice the difference when on my head. I really like this umpire mask.

I can tell it is a little heavier than my previous umpire mask but after wearing it I really could not tell there is extra weight.

My wife (Sherri Albert) got this for me for Christmas. I love it!! Fits great, adjustable. Very well made.

Replaced a mask that I have used for 20 years. Love the Force3 lightweight, very comfortable. Line of sight is also very good. Have taken a hit to the face and barely felt the impact. Well worth the money, I would recommend this umpire mask with no hesitation.

Took a straight back foul tip from an 18-U softball travel pitcher that hits 70. Didn't feel a thing. When asked by all concerned, I just said: "I feel great and am ordering this mask for my kids." True Story.

After taking a shot to the forehead while in my Diamond titanium mask and suffering a mild concussion, I knew it was time to examine my protection. This mask is definitely an adjustment to wear but you quickly adapt. The only negative is the weight. Easy for a single game but rough on those multiple game days. Haven't been hit yet but I'm confident this mask will do the job.

This umpire mask is a life saver. The weight is a negative but overall an amazing mask. Add the sun visor and you have a mask that you won't regret.

Spring Training game, inexperienced catcher with a pitcher throwing 80+ mph in his warm-up. You can see where I'm going with this. First day breaking in this Force3 V2 Defender Umpire mask and I am saved from a direct hit from this guy's fastball. Even on a cold day, I felt literally nothing, righted the mask on my face and continued with no delay. A day later as I write this, zero residual effect. As for the mask, there's a small mark on the bottom of the top "U" bar (literally he hit me dead-centre) but no bend. I'm very confident with this mask, and I won't wear anything else now.

Can't say enough about this Force3 Defender Mask - I absolutely love it! Have taken a few fouls and one uncaught pitch directly to it - result was absolutely nothing - Force 3 has a winner here! Weighs about 7 oz more than my now backup mask but the protection is well worth it!

Based on my research on the Defender Umpire Mask as far as protection it is a great product. However, a fellow umpire let me try his out during an evaluation game and the thing is pretty darn heavy. I have a Diamond mask with Team Wendy pads that I would imagine provides a similar level of protection. I keep waiting for them to come out with the 2nd generation of this product that is lighter. Overall, if you can adjust to the added weight and you are playing higher level games you should definitely consider this.

I like this mask. I've had the chance to wear it for about a dozen games. The weight is decent and the sight lines are very good. I wasn't overly fond of the harness that came with it as I found it quite difficult to adjust to my liking so I swapped it for a Diamond harness I have and it fits great. I've only taken 1 minor shot with this mask and didn't feel anything significant but have yet to take a serious shot. Nevertheless, I'm happy with this mask thus far. Thanks again to Jim and crew for the great service and quick shipping.

I am an NCAA Division I college fast pitch softball umpire and recently purchased the Force 3 Defender mask. During a recent game, I took a foul tip directly from the bat to the face and barely felt it. With other masks, I would have felt my head rock back and my brain collide with the back of my skull, usually resulting in a concussion. The mask absorbed the impact just as advertised. I felt only a slight impact from the pads against my face, but the shock of the collision was absorbed by the mask. Nice job!! Thank you for making such a great contribution to the safety of Umpires everywhere.