Head Injury Reduction/Prevention

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May 19, 2016
55
8
Eric - Sorry this happened to Maddie again, great to hear that she's cleared.

I'm sure you've explored all the possibilities, but if you want the FX technology would you consider Wilson's baseball version? I think I've seen some of those still available. As for the softball version, I think Dicks may still have an adult size left in green - at least they said they did when I inquired not too long ago. Could always repaint it.

Based on what I read here on DFP I bought my DD a Shock 2.0 FX when she first expressed interest in catching. My heart stops every time she accidentally drops it. She knows to treat it like the Crown Jewels. I still kick myself for not buying a backup when they were available in youth size.

Santa just brought me a Force 3 Defender (Defender Mask – V2! – Force3 Pro Gear) mask (It may have been the inspiration for the Wilson FX). I’m surprised how stiff the springs are - thought it would have a little more give. Will be trying it out in FL in two weeks - product review to follow.

I'd be very interested to read your review. If DD's FX breaks I plan on buying her a Force 3.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
My DD tried the larger FX. It was too big. That was our first step after she said she couldn't wear the small one any more (the cheek pads were the issue for her). At the moment, we are going to continue the pursuit of improving her Easton.
 
Jun 21, 2015
201
0
My daughter has a shock 2.0 FX. She has not outgrown it, but has worn it for 3 years now. I just ordered a Schutt and I am waiting on it to be delivered. I thought I heard once helmets should be replaced every two years because of wear? That’s the only reason I ordered a new helmet. I’ll have to take a close look at the padding and check and see how wore down it looks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Jan 22, 2011
1,610
113
Glad to hear she is ok, Eric. DD is on a team this spring with only one catcher ATM, so she likely is going to be doing some catching this year, after only catching 1 inning all of last year.

Keep us updated on the helmet.
 
May 19, 2016
55
8
My daughter has a shock 2.0 FX. She has not outgrown it, but has worn it for 3 years now. I just ordered a Schutt and I am waiting on it to be delivered. I thought I heard once helmets should be replaced every two years because of wear? That’s the only reason I ordered a new helmet. I’ll have to take a close look at the padding and check and see how wore down it looks

I don't mean to stray to far from the topic, but that's a good reminder. There was a thread on this subject a few years ago titled "Question on replacing catcher gear." Sticker on DD's Shock 2.0 says they recommend to replace after two years. DD's has had it for two years. Still appears to be in excellent shape, shell, padding etc. She was 10U and not a lot of wear and tear in her case. I'm inclined to keep it since I like to believe the design helps reduce the chance for a concussion. Whether that's actually true, who knows.

One of the posters on the earlier thread stated that the manufacturers' two-year replacement recommendation are "due to the possibility that the foam/gel material will start to breakdown, either from use or the naturally. The statement is there just in case something happens you can't go back and sue them. The same thing applies to motorcycle helmets. The frame and shell should not have any issues."

An option, as was mentioned in that thread, is to have a helmet inspected and reconditioned by a "licensed NAERA reconditioner." If DD wore a different brand I'd probably just buy a new one, but since it's a Shock and not replaceable, I guess I'll give some thought to having it reconditioned before moving on to another brand.
 
Oct 1, 2014
2,219
113
USA
Eric - thank you for an excellent post and an extremely important topic. Several good points have been brought up here that everyone would be wise to heed. TBI's are not something to be messed with (I just lost a good friend that my Foundation helped out 9 yrs ago after he crashed racing dirtbikes. He was in a coma for about a month and it was touch and go for him then. He recovered and went on to work with/for brain injury awareness and education across the country. He was 26 yrs old when he slipped and fell this past Christmas Eve and died several hours later from a brain bleed. Concussions add up...do whatever you can to avoid and/or minimize them.

My DD has been using a Wilson FX 2.0 for the past 2 years and I am extremely disappointed that there isn't a good option available off the shelf for our kids. I need to buy a replacement soon and it appears that we'll be on our own to make some safety modifications as Eric is doing. New technology used in some of the shock absorption foams and liners has come a long way and would seem to be the easiest mod. Cage mounting and impact dispersion is a bit trickier. Gone are the days when it used to be funny or even a badge of honor to "get your bell rung"!
 
May 19, 2016
55
8
My DD has been using a Wilson FX 2.0 for the past 2 years and I am extremely disappointed that there isn't a good option available off the shelf for our kids.

Just curious as to why you would not consider the Force3 Defender Hockey Style Mask a suitable option? Seems to be based on similar shock absorber tech as the Shock. They claim it's tested for impacts from 70mph softballs.
 
May 19, 2016
55
8
Pursuing the Force3 website I saw that they offer a lifetime warranty of sorts - they claim they will fix, refurbish or replace their masks (after normal game impacts) up to 3 times within 5 years for $99 a pop. So, does this lend credence to the view that masks (at least the better models) do not need to be replaced every two years if they are in good condition? If Force3 can go 5 years, why not the Shock 2.0?
 
Oct 1, 2014
2,219
113
USA
Just curious as to why you would not consider the Force3 Defender Hockey Style Mask a suitable option? Seems to be based on similar shock absorber tech as the Shock. They claim it's tested for impacts from 70mph softballs.

That's a good question... honestly had not looked at one until it was mentioned earlier in this thread. Hopefully I can find one locally to examine and have DD try on.
 

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