Sorry, but this product just doesn't work. The waste band is terrible. It rolls and slides down on my butt cheeks every time I bend over. Probably should be wider than 1 inch. The kevlar thigh protection is a good idea, but the pockets aren't correctly positioned, in my opinion. Yes, the pads protect the inner thigh, but too much. They should cover a little better on the top of the thigh.
Louie M.
Playa Vista, CA
September 2, 2022
I've been wearing these for a couple of years. I bought them after I took a shot that left me with a bruise for 6 months! They have protected me more than once, and they have held up nicely. I just wish the pads covered area further up the inner thigh.
Eladio V.
Clifton, NJ
August 12, 2022
I love these compression pants with the protection that comes with them. After taking several shots in that area, I never work the plate without it.
Darrell T.
Auxvasse, MO
June 29, 2022
I purchased these after taking a hard shot to my upper thigh last week which was very painful and I still have a very large and nasty bruise. Unfortunately these would have done nothing for me since the pads do not cover a large portion of the upper and frontal thigh including where I got hit. I will probably use these because they do provide some minimal protection but would like to see a larger area protected. Hopefully Force 3 will come out with a V3.
Ryan P.
Kansas City, MO
June 27, 2022
I am very happy that I bought this product. They are definitely worth the purchase.
Adam B.
Richmond, VA
May 7, 2022
Unfortunately I bought these and I can't use them. The pads are flimsy and will not take a decent hit. The waistband is to tight even though I bought a size bigger and the cup placement is off to the point that if I wear them like they are meant to be I will not be protected. I would not buy these again that's for sure.
Craig S.
Brook Park, OH
April 24, 2022
This is the saddest review I've ever written. I loved the original Force3 undergarment, it has its shortcomings, but not as many as the second iteration. The waistband is too small and the cup location too close to the waistband and needs to be worn below my hips to put the cup in the right place. This is a domino effect that renders all of the pluses for the new garment meaningless. If you have the original, don't buy this one, you'll be disappointed.
Stephen M.
Cabot, AR
April 3, 2022
These work like they should for compression tights, but the sizing is a little off. If I order again I will get a size up.
Matthew M.
Indian Trail, NC
March 31, 2022
I really wanted these to work and be part of my plate gear. However, these are very hot and the sizing is off. I have many compression tights (mostly Under Armour) and they fit great and are comfortable even in 100 degree weather). These Force 3 tights sit fine in the front but as soon as you get in your stance they drop in the back. I've never had this issue with other compression shorts or tights. The worst part is that I'll never wear these but yet I'm stuck with them due to the personal use policy. I'll have to pass them on to another umpire. In my opinion, unless you have a pair of these to try from a friend, avoid buying this item.
Brandon
Lafayette, LA
February 13, 2022
I wanted to get some use out of these products prior to offering up reviews. I just went through a second weekend of clinics and here's the verdict as of 2/13/22: Major complaint about the Force3 V2 Compression Umpire tights: the cup moves entirely too much and can easily become a distraction. The cup turns completely sideways due to the elastic anchor band at the bottom of the pocket being far too loose. I will now have to purchase a conventional jock strap with a cup insert in order to secure the cup tightly as I wish this product would have. On a positive note about the tights: The tights are long and protect my legs well from any possible discomfort from the shin guards. The inner thigh pockets hold the thigh pads well and this feature was well adapted.
Isaac M.
Eastern Oregon
October 24, 2021
These fit a lot better then the first model, but now my issue lies in the cup holder being just too small to fit the Nutshellz cup.
Leno B.
Green Valley, AZ
July 18, 2021
The fit is excellent I'll give it 4 stars. The cup holder on the other hand I'll give it a 2. The bottom part is attached with a small piece of material (the size of yarn) could be attached a better way. So over all I'll give them a 3.
Larry J.
Napa, CA
June 13, 2021
Nice comfortable fit. Haven’t been hit in inner thigh yet. I feel more protected if I do.
Joe R.
Burlington, NJ
June 6, 2021
I bought these a few years ago and wore them 3 times. I found them extremely hot, even more so with the pads. To me, the heat and the lack of ventilation made them a bit uncomfortable.
James P.
Collierville, TN
March 26, 2021
36 inch waist ordered a Large and had a difficult time getting them past my thighs. Tights are very thin material. Pads are a good thickness. Never wore them, but I would just be careful on the size. Still wish they came in shorts.
John M.
Elbert, CO
February 7, 2021
I haven't used these in a game yet, so I will update the review later. But they seem to be made with high quality and look to be durable. I can't wait to take a shot off the pads and think, "I'm glad I bought these."
Tony P.
Holbrook, AZ
October 19, 2020
Love it.
Dennis B.
Sauk Centre, MN
October 19, 2020
Better than the previous one. Can use bigger and more flexible pads.
Timothy H.
Detroit, MI
September 15, 2020
This is a great first step towards more protection! Even without the extra pads, this is still a great buy for base to plate days. The added cup insert allows me to quickly transition from a plate job without having to do too much and still keep my tights on for future games. The kevlar pads are good but not great. They work for sure but the coverage area is just a bit small. Hoping this trend of more protection continues though!
Yes, these have what Force3 calls a floating cup pocket. It is intergrated with the tights and as a bonus, it stretches where it is attached so that it moves with you.
– Ty Unthank Marketing Specialist, HS & College Umpire
Q:
Can replacement Kevlar pads be ordered? – Brian Cannon
– Brandon Lawson Support Specialist, Pro Umpire School Graduate and Umpire, Football Official & Basketball Referee
Q:
What size did Ty actually wear in his 2 minute review? I’m wanting to buy a pair but I’m hearing I may need to size up. I wear 37 waist and like wearing things looser rather than tight. With me not being able to return these items- what size do you recommend? – Kerry Hunt
A:
We would recommend the XL. The waistline measures 38 - 40. These have more compression than the previous version. If a 37 with a loose fit is your desire, the XL will be sufficient. I was wearing a L.
– Ty Unthank Marketing Specialist, HS & College Umpire
Q:
What is the recommendation for sizing? Should we size down or up due to compression? – Josh Snider
A:
Please reference the manufacturers' suggestion when selecting a size from the "Choose Size" drop-down box. They run true to size.
– Brandon Lawson Support Specialist, Pro Umpire School Graduate and Umpire, Football Official & Basketball Referee
Q:
Are the Kevlar pads included? – Michael Marso
A:
Yes, 2 Kelvar pads are included with each pair of tights.
– Josh Mann Pro School Umpire Graduate
Q:
Do they have a drawstring waistband? – Dwayne Oldfield
A:
These tights do not have a drawstring waistband. It is elastic.
– Ty Unthank Marketing Specialist, HS & College Umpire
Trends for all-sports of officiating include COVID-19 Wear & Essentials, Product Storage & Care and Shoes; for umpires, supplemental protection and cup systems.
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.