The following is a guide to some of the masks available. It is neither complete nor comprehensive but should give you some idea of what is out there and the features. The prices listed are a guide only and you may find it for less. (All prices are in US Dollars at this time).

(Note: if someone wants to research the Canadian prices please do so and let me know)

With umpire masks, you normally pay more for lighter masks - especially those made with titanium frames, greater protection, better padding and increased vision.

Most Protection

Hockey style masks or helmets offer the most protection through coverage for the entire head and more angles for greater deflection. Even though they are made of lightweight materials, the helmet will weigh more than a traditional style umpire mask. The weight of this style of mask is carried over the entire head so the weight is spread out more.

Of the traditional styles, most umpire masks come with extended frames for good ear and throat protection.

All Wilson models come with padding that wraps slightly around the outer frame for additional cushion in that area not seen on other brand masks. And because standard profile masks have slightly more protection with its more curved profile than the flatter low profile with less angles, Wilson Dyna-lite models with their standard profiles and wrap-around padding offer the most protection at all levels.

The Diamond Featherweights, Champro Magnessium and Pro Nine Lightweight Mask also have a "U-bar" at the top to help provide more protection from foul balls heading across the top of your head.

Best Vision

Some umpire masks are now made with lower profiles which mean the frame sits closer to your face. This results in around a 15% increase in your field of vision through the main bars. Several low profile masks are available including the Wilson Low Profile Titanium, Wilson Chrome Moliben and Pro Nine Lightweight Mask. A hockey style mask, especially the re-designed Shock FX 2.0, also sits closer and, therefore, offers even better vision than most traditional style masks.

Lightest Weight

Most mask frames now are made of lightweight material. Traditional style masks are just under 1.0 to 1.6 lbs (without harness - harnesses typically weigh around 0.3 lbs). The lightest mask is a close race between the Diamond iX3 Silver Feather Weight Umpire Mask and the slightly lighter Champro Pro-Plus Magnessium Umpire Mask. A few ounces may not sound like much but your neck might appreciate a lighter mask over several hours of plate work.

Most Comfortable Padding

Umpire masks with doeskin, leather (most Wilson masks), Dri-Gear (Champro Magnessium) or Quick-Dry (Diamond Featherweight) padding are more comfortable and better absorb perspiration. As a result, they won't slide around your face as you perspire. Doeskin has the added benefit of being cooler in hotter conditions.

Best Value

An Diamond Double-bar Umpire Mask with synthetic padding is the least expensive option and best to consider if you are just starting. But expect the mask to slide around and rub at the chin the more you perspire.

For a little additional cost, you can get synthetic padding with more moisture wicking and absorbent properties with the Pro Nine Lightweight Mask or the Wilson Dyna-Lite (both of which are lighter overall than Diamond's double-bar. As the Wilson Dyna-lite's padding is more durable than the Pro Nine's and has a wrap-around design, it is one of the best value mask options with the only downside being that it weighs 1/2 of a pound more than some of the lightest weight masks.