I decided to order this umpire chest protector as my old one was not covering my shoulders enough and I took a hard foul ball on my right shoulder over the summer. When I first got it, it was hard to work with the bicep protectors, so I decided to take them off to use for umping fall ball. In my 2nd game wearing the chest protector, I took a hard foul ball off the same spot on my right shoulder. While it stung for an instant, my should was fine. The only other thing is, the outside right shoulder guard came off when I took the bicep protectors off. I don't know if it wasn't glued on the greatest, but it won't stay in place now. It keeps falling off even with the velcro. I've had to attach some duct tape to make it stay in place. I may inquire about getting a replacement guard.
David A.
North Carolina
August 17, 2020
Hands down the best umpire chest protector out there. Stay cool on hot days and lightweight.
Mark G.
Mayville, MI
August 5, 2020
Easy to size, feel so protected wearing this chest protector. Took a couple of games to break in, specifically to feel comfortable giving counts and throwing the ball back to the pitcher. Definitely glad I purchased this hard shell chest protector.
Paul B.
Zanesville, OH
May 4, 2020
Do to Covid-19 haven't had the chance to use too much and it is my first chest protector. With that being said, it is very comfortable even with the extra padding. I am about 6 foot but also pretty heavy and it is comfortable to wear.
Michael A.
Westville, IN
April 19, 2020
This is a replacement for my 15-year-old West Vest. The Schutt is lighter, has a lower profile, is cooler for those hot days, provides excellent protection and is easier on the budget.
Joseph Y.
Camarillo, CA
March 17, 2020
Lightweight and durable. A good product for the price.
Michael R.
Harrisonville, MO
March 9, 2020
I was looking for a hardshell umpire chest protector. I've had several of the Wilson models, but I've felt them to be too bulky for my stature. I took a chance on the SCHUTT XV HDX and I have not been disappointed. It's lightweight and provides the needed support and protection I need.
John C.
Sarasota, FL
July 29, 2019
I love this chest protector thus far. Lightweight, breathable and comfortable. I have yet to take a shot, though I don't really take many shots. Will be umpiring LL Southeast Regional next week and will wearing it there. Expect it to do a great job.
Dean K.
Des Moines, IA
July 10, 2019
I have used this chest protector all summer and as other reviews state, it breathes very well. I think it is a must in 90*F + weather. It is low profile, which eliminates bulkiness. Has extra removable, custom placement padding. Has an "H" style back strap which is very comfortable.
The back strap is missing some strap sliders to help lock the adjustments in place. The low profile does make this thinner and some hard shots are felt, but not to the point of injury.
Anyone that works in hot weather would do well to pick up this chest protector.
Michael T.
St. Charles , IL
July 4, 2019
Best protector I've owned. Really like the gut protector and extra arm protectors. Takes seconds to take off or put back on. Breathes great with holes built into chest. On a windy hot day, it really does cool you down.
Jon E.
Ankeny, IA
June 15, 2019
Well...I was getting used to this protector and starting to really liked it. Purchased it to start wearing this season. Unfortunately the plastic clip snapped after getting hit by a pitch last night. It's the receptive part of the clip that's sewn into the front, so I doubt it's replaceable. It was a High School varsity game, but it was even a really high velo pitch. Very disappointing it couldn't hold up to one shot. My old protector will go back into action...it has metal clips. Pretty sure I'll make sure my next one does as well. Otherwise, this protector functions great.
Kurt J.
Merriam, KS
May 23, 2019
Great protection and breathes nicely. Great umpire chest protector for the money.
Andy L.
Ellicott City, MD
April 22, 2019
I have taken a few shots and have not hardly felt them. It takes a few adjustments to get the right fit. Its light weight but will protect you.
Richard T.
Chaffee, MO
April 17, 2019
This umpire chest protector is very lightweight and breathes very well. I have obviously not spent enough time adjusting it as I can barely raise my hands above my head, lol! I'm sure this is an operator error and I need to spend the extra time properly adjusting the straps. I guess I was just too excited to try it out.
Brian C.
Alabama
April 16, 2019
I have worn this umpire chest protector in various levels of baseball. I took a shot and never felt it. It took a bit to get it adjusted, but I think it's a keeper.
John B.
Tampa, FL
February 15, 2019
I've worn it for a few games now and I'm quite happy with the weight and fit. The low profile is nice and I like that it breathes. Going to be great this summer. Took a good foul ball off the upper chest and didn't even feel it. Very pleased. I haven't had any issues with the harness either.
Duncan M.
Palm Bay, FL
February 14, 2019
This is a fantastic umpire chest protector. It is very thin, and at first you might be worried that it is too thin. But after you take your first shot off the protector and feel practically nothing, those worries go away. It takes a long time to get it adjusted to fit perfectly, and I probably spent 1 hour in the mirror getting the shoulder cap placement right. It was a bit difficult to reposition the shoulder caps due to the velcro strap for the shoulder pad attaching between the plastic shell and the padding. This is the only reason I took off half a star. Otherwise, this chest protector is light, breathable, highly customizable, and highly protective. I am a tall umpire (6'4") and I feel completely protected. When the one I bought wears out in the distant future, I will probably order this again if it is still being made.
Jason P.
Belle Plaine, MN
January 7, 2019
Received as a Christmas present, looks like a good Chest Protector and I cannot wait to wear it this year.
Ronnie B.
Mesa , AZ
July 28, 2018
Very happy with this umpire chest protector. Full protection, lightweight and cool even in the hottest temperature. I rate this a 10 living in Arizona and working in the 115 degree temperature, it has proven to be comfortable and cool. Reasonably priced, I will be purchasing a second one.
Austin A.
Hartsville, SC
July 23, 2018
Best umpire chest protector I have owned. Scary light - like to the point that I was concerned about it. Took 85 untouched to the collar bone. This thing is loud when hit but I hardly felt a thing. Ventilation is amazing. Recommending to everyone who asks.
Ryan C. O.
Albion, IN
March 26, 2018
This is a good quality, low profile chest protector that offers great protection. It is light weight & comfortable. It comes complete with removable abdomen extension & bicep guards. Easy to clean, also. The only thing that kept it from a 5 star rating was the harness. The heavy duty plastic snap buckles are great, but the harness itself is a little "flimsy". That is easily replaced, though. This is a very reasonable price for the quality of this CP.
Yes, the pads are removable. They are attached to the outer shell by Velcro. We recommend hand washing the pads with mild soap and water, then allow to hang dry.
– Ty Unthank Communication & Service Specialist, Pro Umpire School Graduate and Umpire
Q:
Will the Umplife straps work on this one? – Donald Biehle
A:
Yes, the straps of the UMPLIFE Flex Harness will work with this umpire chest protector.
– Brandon Lawson Support Specialist, Pro Umpire School Graduate and Umpire, Football Official & Basketball Referee
Q:
I have adjusted the straps of the protector for a snug fit. During the course of the game, the straps slide through the plastic slides because they are too smooth and I lose the snugness. How do I keep the straps from sliding once I adjust them to my liking? I have tried athletic tape but that was unsuccessful. – Mark Zeka
A:
To prevent sliding of the harness straps, once you have put the strap through the sliding buckle and found a comfortable position, feed the excess strap back through the front side of the sliding buckle so that the strap tightens back on sliding buckle. This will double the amount of strap going through the sliding buckle and will prevent sliding.
– Ty Unthank Communication & Service Specialist, Pro Umpire School Graduate and 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.
