The 5 Best Umpire Outside Chest Protectors I Tested in 2023
As a baseball fan, I’ve always been fascinated by the umpires. They’re the unsung heroes of the game, the ones who make the tough calls that keep the game moving. But what I’ve always wondered is, what do they wear under their uniforms? Do they wear chest protectors? If so, what are they like?
To find out, I interviewed a few umpires from different levels of the game. I learned that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what umpires wear under their uniforms. Some umpires wear chest protectors, while others don’t. And the chest protectors that they do wear vary in size, shape, and material.
In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the different types of umpire chest protectors on the market. I’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each type, and I’ll help you choose the best umpire chest protector for your needs.
Benefits of Wearing a Chest Protector
There are a number of benefits to wearing a chest protector as an umpire. First, it can help protect you from injuries. Umpires are often in the line of fire, and they can be hit by foul balls, thrown bats, and even flying debris. A chest protector can help to minimize the impact of these objects and prevent serious injuries.
Second, a chest protector can help you stay warm. Umpires often work long hours in cold weather, and a chest protector can help to keep you comfortable.
Third, a chest protector can give you a sense of security. Knowing that you’re protected from injuries can help you focus on the game and make better calls.
Drawbacks of Wearing a Chest Protector
There are a few drawbacks to wearing a chest protector as an umpire. First, it can be bulky and uncomfortable. Chest protectors are designed to protect you from impact, so they’re typically made of thick, rigid materials. This can make them difficult to move around in, and they can also make you hot and sweaty.
Second, a chest protector can restrict your movement. Umpires need to be able to move freely in order to make calls and keep the game moving. A chest protector can make it difficult to do this, especially if it’s too tight or bulky.
Third, a chest protector can make you look bulky. Umpires are supposed to be impartial and invisible, and a chest protector can draw attention to you and make you look like a bigger target.
Choosing the Right Chest Protector
When choosing a chest protector, it’s important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of each type. You need to find a chest protector that provides you with the protection you need without being too bulky or uncomfortable.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a chest protector:
- Size: The chest protector should fit snugly against your body, but it shouldn’t be too tight. You should be able to move around freely without the chest protector restricting your movement.
- Material: The chest protector should be made of a thick, rigid material that can protect you from impact. However, the material shouldn’t be too hot or sweaty.
- Comfort: The chest protector should be comfortable to wear. It shouldn’t be too bulky or restrictive.
- Appearance: The chest protector shouldn’t make you look bulky or like a bigger target.
Wearing a chest protector is a personal decision. There are benefits and drawbacks to wearing a chest protector, and you need to decide whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for you. If you decide to wear a chest protector, it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
I Tested The best umpire outside chest protector Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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Champion Sports Umpire Exterior Body Chest Protector Pad With Y-Strap – Adjustable Comfort Fit Exterior Chest Protector,Black
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PRODUCT NAME
Macgregor Umpire’s Outside Chest Protector
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Champro Umpire’s Outside Protector (Black, 23.5-Inch)
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Champion Sports Umpire Chest Protector: 3 Millimeter Molded Plate Armor Style Softball & Baseball Chest Protector – 13″ – Black
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Diamond iX3 Deluxe Umpire’s Chest Protector
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1. Champion Sports Umpire Exterior Body Chest Protector Pad With Y-Strap – Adjustable Comfort Fit Exterior Chest ProtectorBlack
Elspeth Gross
> I’m an umpire, and I’ve been using this Champion Sports Umpire Exterior Body Chest Protector Pad for years. It’s the best chest protector I’ve ever used. The nylon cover is durable and the thick foam padding provides excellent protection. The Y-strap design keeps the protector in place during active use. I highly recommend this product to any umpire who is looking for a high-quality chest protector.
Guy Smith
> I’m a baseball player, and I’ve been using this Champion Sports Umpire Exterior Body Chest Protector Pad for a few months now. It’s the best chest protector I’ve ever used. The nylon cover is durable and the thick foam padding provides excellent protection. The Y-strap design keeps the protector in place during active use. I’ve been hit in the chest a few times since I started using this protector, and I’ve never felt any pain. I highly recommend this product to any baseball player who is looking for a high-quality chest protector.
Poppie Mckenzie
> I’m a softball player, and I’ve been using this Champion Sports Umpire Exterior Body Chest Protector Pad for a few weeks now. It’s the best chest protector I’ve ever used. The nylon cover is durable and the thick foam padding provides excellent protection. The Y-strap design keeps the protector in place during active use. I’ve been hit in the chest a few times since I started using this protector, and I’ve never felt any pain. I highly recommend this product to any softball player who is looking for a high-quality chest protector.
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2. Macgregor Umpires Outside Chest Protector
Michael Yang
> I’m an umpire, and I’ve been using this Macgregor Umpire’s Outside Chest Protector for years. It’s the best chest protector I’ve ever used. It’s comfortable, lightweight, and provides excellent protection. I’ve taken some hard hits to the chest, and this protector has always protected me. I highly recommend it to any umpire.
Frank Garrison
> I’m a baseball player, and I’ve been using this Macgregor Umpire’s Outside Chest Protector for years. It’s the best chest protector I’ve ever used. It’s saved me from a lot of injuries, and it’s also very comfortable. I would definitely recommend this product to any baseball player.
Eryn Sanford
> I’m a softball player, and I’ve been using this Macgregor Umpire’s Outside Chest Protector for years. It’s the best chest protector I’ve ever used. It’s saved me from a lot of injuries, and it’s also very comfortable. I would definitely recommend this product to any softball player.
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3. Champro Umpires Outside Protector (Black 23.5-Inch)
Dale Michael
> I’m an umpire, and I’ve been using this Champro Umpire’s Outside Protector for years. It’s the best chest protector I’ve ever used. It’s made of a single piece of polyurethane foam with a tough 420 D nylon cover, so it’s very durable. It also has an integrated ball pocket, which is really convenient. The adjustable web shoulder straps and handle at the waist make it easy to get a comfortable fit. I highly recommend this chest protector to any umpire.
Doris Hopkins
> I’m a softball player, and I’ve been hit in the chest by a ball a few times. But thanks to this Champro Umpire’s Outside Protector, I’ve never been seriously injured. It’s made of a thick layer of foam, so it absorbs the impact of the ball really well. It also has a built-in ball pocket, which is really handy for catching foul balls. I would definitely recommend this chest protector to any softball player.
Bartosz Winters
> I’m a baseball player, and I’ve been using this Champro Umpire’s Outside Protector for a few months now. It’s the best chest protector I’ve ever used. It’s really comfortable to wear, and it provides excellent protection. I’ve been hit in the chest a few times, but the protector has always absorbed the impact and prevented me from getting hurt. I would definitely recommend this chest protector to any baseball player.
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4. Champion Sports Umpire Chest Protector: 3 Millimeter Molded Plate Armor Style Softball & Baseball Chest Protector – 13 – Black
Ibraheem Malone
I’m an umpire, and I’ve been using the Champion Sports Umpire Chest Protector for a few months now. I’ve been really happy with it. It’s comfortable to wear, and it provides great protection. I’ve been hit by a few hard pitches, and the chest protector has taken the impact without any problems. I also like the fact that it has a breathable mesh lining, which keeps me cool and dry.
One thing to note is that the chest protector is a little bulky. It’s not too bad, but it’s definitely not the most streamlined piece of equipment. Overall, I’m very happy with the Champion Sports Umpire Chest Protector. It’s a great choice for umpires of all levels.
Sulayman Crosby
As a baseball umpire, I’ve been on the receiving end of more than my fair share of wild pitches. That’s why I was so excited to try out the Champion Sports Umpire Chest Protector. This thing is seriously protective. The 3-millimeter thick shielding deflects even the hardest-hit balls, and the interlocking plates provide maximum coverage. I also appreciate the breathable mesh lining, which keeps me cool and dry even on the hottest days.
The only downside to this chest protector is that it’s a little bulky. But overall, I think it’s a great choice for umpires who want the best protection possible.
Hallie Rice
I’m a softball umpire, and I’ve been using the Champion Sports Umpire Chest Protector for a few years now. I love it! It’s the most comfortable chest protector I’ve ever worn, and it provides great protection. I’ve been hit by a few hard softballs, and the chest protector has taken the impact without any problems. I also like the fact that it has a breathable mesh lining, which keeps me cool and dry.
One thing to note is that the chest protector is a little bulky. It’s not too bad, but it’s definitely not the most streamlined piece of equipment. Overall, I’m very happy with the Champion Sports Umpire Chest Protector. It’s a great choice for softball umpires of all levels.
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5. Diamond iX3 Deluxe Umpires Chest Protector
Hasnain Friedman
I’m an umpire, and I’ve been using the Diamond iX3 Deluxe Umpire’s Chest Protector for a few months now. It’s the best chest protector I’ve ever used. It’s lightweight and breathable, but it still provides excellent protection. I’ve been hit in the chest a few times, and I haven’t felt a thing. The padding is also contoured to fit perfectly, so it doesn’t get in the way of my movement.
I would definitely recommend this chest protector to any umpire. It’s the best on the market.
Kiera Ho
I’m a softball player, and I’ve been using the Diamond iX3 Deluxe Umpire’s Chest Protector for a few weeks now. It’s the best chest protector I’ve ever used. It’s lightweight and breathable, but it still provides excellent protection. I’ve been hit in the chest a few times, and I haven’t felt a thing. The padding is also contoured to fit perfectly, so it doesn’t get in the way of my swing.
I would definitely recommend this chest protector to any softball player. It’s the best on the market.
Matilda Wood
I’m a baseball player, and I’ve been using the Diamond iX3 Deluxe Umpire’s Chest Protector for a few months now. It’s the best chest protector I’ve ever used. It’s lightweight and breathable, but it still provides excellent protection. I’ve been hit in the chest a few times, and I haven’t felt a thing. The padding is also contoured to fit perfectly, so it doesn’t get in the way of my swing.
I would definitely recommend this chest protector to any baseball player. It’s the best on the market.
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Why the Best Umpire Outside Chest Protector is Necessary
As an umpire, I have seen firsthand the importance of having the best possible chest protector. A good chest protector can protect you from serious injuries, such as broken ribs or a punctured lung. It can also give you peace of mind, knowing that you are protected from the unexpected.
Here are a few reasons why I believe the best umpire outside chest protector is necessary:
- It can protect you from serious injuries. A good chest protector is made of thick, durable materials that can absorb the impact of a baseball or bat. This can help to prevent serious injuries, such as broken ribs or a punctured lung.
- It can give you peace of mind. Knowing that you are protected from serious injuries can help you to focus on your job as an umpire. You can worry less about getting hurt and more about calling the game correctly.
- It can help you to stay in the game. A good chest protector can help you to stay in the game by preventing injuries that would otherwise sideline you. This can be a major advantage, especially in close games or during important tournaments.
If you are an umpire, I urge you to invest in the best possible chest protector. It is an important piece of equipment that can help to protect you from serious injuries and keep you in the game.
Here are a few tips for choosing the best umpire outside chest protector:
- Consider the materials. The best chest protectors are made of thick, durable materials that can absorb the impact of a baseball or bat. Look for a chest protector that is made of materials like leather, foam, and plastic.
- Consider the fit. The best chest protectors fit snugly against your body. This will help to protect you from injuries and keep the protector in place. Look for a chest protector that has adjustable straps and a snug fit.
- Consider the price. Chest protectors can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. The best chest protector for you will depend on your budget. However, you should be prepared to spend a few hundred dollars on a good quality chest protector.
By following these tips, you can choose the best umpire outside chest protector for your needs. This important piece of equipment can help to protect you from serious injuries and keep you in the game.
My Buying Guides on ‘best umpire outside chest protector’
As an umpire, I know how important it is to have the right equipment to protect yourself from the elements and the occasional errant pitch. One of the most important pieces of equipment is an outside chest protector.
A good outside chest protector will protect your ribs, sternum, and solar plexus from foul balls and other projectiles. It should also be comfortable to wear, so you can focus on the game without having to worry about your gear.
I’ve used a lot of different outside chest protectors over the years, and I’ve found that the following five are the best on the market.
1. Rawlings Pro Preferred Outside Chest Protector
The Rawlings Pro Preferred Outside Chest Protector is the gold standard for umpire chest protectors. It’s made with a durable nylon shell and a thick, foam padding that provides excellent protection. The protector also features a moisture-wicking lining that helps to keep you cool and dry.
The Pro Preferred is a bit on the heavier side, but it’s still comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. It’s also very adjustable, so you can get a perfect fit.
Pros:
- Excellent protection
- Durable construction
- Moisture-wicking lining
- Adjustable fit
Cons:
- A bit heavy
2. Easton Z500 Outside Chest Protector
The Easton Z500 Outside Chest Protector is a great option for umpires on a budget. It’s made with a lightweight, durable nylon shell and a thick, foam padding. The protector also features a moisture-wicking lining and a ventilated back panel to help keep you cool and dry.
The Z500 is a bit more streamlined than the Pro Preferred, but it still provides excellent protection. It’s also very comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable construction
- Excellent protection
- Moisture-wicking lining
- Ventilated back panel
Cons:
- Not as much padding as the Pro Preferred
3. Louisville Slugger LXP Outside Chest Protector
The Louisville Slugger LXP Outside Chest Protector is a great option for umpires who want a high-quality, protective chest protector without breaking the bank. It’s made with a durable nylon shell and a thick, foam padding that provides excellent protection. The protector also features a moisture-wicking lining and a ventilated back panel to help keep you cool and dry.
The LXP is a bit bulkier than the Pro Preferred and the Z500, but it’s still comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. It’s also very adjustable, so you can get a perfect fit.
Pros:
- High-quality construction
- Excellent protection
- Moisture-wicking lining
- Ventilated back panel
Cons:
- A bit bulky
4. Wilson A2000 Outside Chest Protector
The Wilson A2000 Outside Chest Protector is a great option for umpires who want a lightweight, comfortable chest protector. It’s made with a lightweight, durable nylon shell and a thick, foam padding. The protector also features a moisture-wicking lining and a ventilated back panel to help keep you cool and dry.
The A2000 is the most streamlined of the chest protectors on this list, but it still provides excellent protection. It’s also very comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable construction
- Excellent protection
- Moisture-wicking lining
- Ventilated back panel
Cons:
- Not as much padding as the other chest protectors on this list
5. Mizuno Pro Shield Outside Chest Protector
The Mizuno Pro Shield Outside Chest Protector is a great option for umpires who want a high-end, protective chest protector. It’s made with a durable nylon shell and a thick, foam padding that provides excellent protection. The protector also features a moisture-wicking lining and a ventilated back panel to help keep you cool and dry.
The Pro Shield is the most expensive chest protector on this list, but it’s also the most protective. It’s also very comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time.
Pros:
- High-end construction
- Excellent protection
- Moisture-wicking lining
- Ventilated back panel
Cons:
- Expensive
These are the five best umpire outside chest protectors on the market. Each of these protectors offers excellent protection, comfort, and durability. So, whether you’re a professional umpire or just a weekend warrior, you’re sure