Honig’s Fastpitch Elite Softball Umpire Chest Protector
Designed for umpires who want essential upper-body protection without the bulk of a full-coverage protector, the Honig’s Elite Fastpitch Softball Umpire Chest Protector is purpose-built for fastpitch softball. Weighing only 18 ounces, this lightweight protector focuses its protection across the areas most important for the fastpitch umpire: the sternum, collarbone and shoulders.
The Elite uses HD-115 protective plates through the sternum, collarbone and shoulder areas, with additional plastic coverage over the shoulder caps and collarbones. Its compact design provides protection where it is needed while leaving the umpire with greater freedom of movement behind the plate.
This is an excellent choice for the fastpitch softball umpire who prefers a lightweight, streamlined chest protector rather than a larger baseball-style model. It is also suited for umpires who specifically want shoulder and collarbone protection while maintaining a low-profile feel during the game.
Lightweight Protection Designed for Fastpitch
At just 18 ounces, the Honig’s Elite is considerably lighter than many traditional umpire chest protectors. The reduced weight can be especially valuable during long tournaments, multiple-game days and warm-weather fastpitch games when minimizing unnecessary equipment bulk matters.
Instead of extending protection across the entire torso, the Elite concentrates its protective structure through the sternum, collarbone and shoulder areas. That focused design makes it particularly appealing to umpires who prioritize mobility and a less cumbersome fit behind the plate.
HD-115 Plate Protection
The protector incorporates HD-115 plates through the sternum, collarbone and shoulder areas. Additional plastic coverings reinforce the shoulder caps and collarbones for added coverage in those impact-prone areas.
The result is a compact protective system designed around the specific needs of an umpire working behind the plate rather than the broader coverage typically associated with catcher’s equipment.
Regular and XL Sizing
The Elite Fastpitch Chest Protector is available in Regular and XL. The Regular measures approximately 27 inches from shoulder pad to shoulder pad and 13 inches across the chest. The XL measures approximately 28.5 inches from shoulder pad to shoulder pad and 14 inches across the chest.
Because chest-protector sizing can vary by body shape and how an umpire prefers the protector to sit, use the listed measurements as a starting point when selecting your size.
Key Features
- Designed specifically for fastpitch softball umpires
- Also suitable for umpires seeking focused shoulder and collarbone protection
- Only 18 ounces
- HD-115 protective plates
- Protection through the sternum, collarbone and shoulders
- Additional plastic protection over the shoulder caps and collarbones
- Lightweight, streamlined design
- Available in Black
- Regular and XL sizing
- Honig’s K2 model designation
Product Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Honig’s |
| Model | Elite Fastpitch |
| Product Type | Softball Umpire Chest Protector |
| SKU | K2 R |
| Color | Black |
| Weight | 18 oz. |
| Protection | HD-115 Plates |
| Protected Areas | Sternum, Collarbone & Shoulders |
| Additional Coverage | Plastic shoulder-cap and collarbone coverings |
| Intended Use | Fastpitch Softball Umpire |
| Regular Size | 27" shoulder pad to shoulder pad; 13" across chest |
| XL Size | 28.5" shoulder pad to shoulder pad; 14" across chest |
| Sizes | Regular, XL |
Specifications and sizing are based on the current Honig’s product listing.
Honig’s Elite Fastpitch Chest Protector FAQ
Who is the Honig’s Elite Chest Protector designed for?
It was specifically designed by Dick Honig for fastpitch softball umpires and for umpires who want focused shoulder and collarbone protection without a larger full-body protector.
How much does the Honig’s Elite Fastpitch Chest Protector weigh?
The protector weighs approximately 18 ounces, making it a lightweight option for behind-the-plate officiating.
What areas does it protect?
HD-115 plates provide protection through the sternum, collarbone and shoulder areas, with additional plastic coverings over the shoulder caps and collarbones.
What sizes are available?
The Elite is available in Regular and XL.
What are the Regular dimensions?
Regular measures approximately 27 inches from shoulder pad to shoulder pad and 13 inches across the chest.
What are the XL dimensions?
XL measures approximately 28.5 inches from shoulder pad to shoulder pad and 14 inches across the chest.
Is this a catcher’s chest protector?
No. This is an umpire chest protector specifically designed for fastpitch softball, with a streamlined protective design focused on the areas needed by the umpire behind the plate.
Is the Honig’s Elite a good choice for tournament umpires?
Its 18-ounce weight and focused protection make it particularly attractive for umpires working multiple fastpitch games or tournaments where lightweight equipment can be advantageous.
Size Regular = 27" Shoulder Pad to Shoulder Pad | Across the chest measures 13"
Size XL = 28.5" Shoulder Pad to Shoulder Pad | Across the chest measures 14"
