Iceman6409
Active Member
Question. What are my fellow umpires favorite to use indicators?
Umpire indicators
- Thread starter Iceman6409
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EAJuggalo
Addicted to Softballfans
Markwort stainless steel 4 dial is my go to. I have quite a few others but this is the one I'm using 99% of the time. Expensive compared to the simple plastic cheapies but I like it. https://www.amazon.com/Markwort-Stainless-4-Dial-Umpire-Indicator/dp/B0002U3VQI
irishmafia
Addicted to Softballfans
3-dial, stainless steel since 1966
MaverickAH
Well-Known Member
While I like the Markwort, I much prefer the Aluminum version. Much lighter. I also have an All Star metal indicator that is also bullet-proof but heavy. With that being said, neither is my favorite.
My favorite by far is the Mizuno Japan Umpire Indicator. Sure, it's plastic but it's extremely light & thin. The build quality is impressive & the tolerance & feel of the dials is almost like a metal indicator. The shape is a little different than most standard indicators but I find it to be very ergonomic. It's definitely built to last. They're available on EBay. Just shop smart because prices are all over the place. You should be able to find them for under $12 delivered. The only negatives I can find is that it ships from Japan so it does take a while to get to you & that it's so thin & light that I can see it being easy to lose. I have lost mine & it's rapidly closing in on 500 games & still going strong!
My favorite by far is the Mizuno Japan Umpire Indicator. Sure, it's plastic but it's extremely light & thin. The build quality is impressive & the tolerance & feel of the dials is almost like a metal indicator. The shape is a little different than most standard indicators but I find it to be very ergonomic. It's definitely built to last. They're available on EBay. Just shop smart because prices are all over the place. You should be able to find them for under $12 delivered. The only negatives I can find is that it ships from Japan so it does take a while to get to you & that it's so thin & light that I can see it being easy to lose. I have lost mine & it's rapidly closing in on 500 games & still going strong!
irishmafia
Addicted to Softballfans
No more than a reflection like any smooth surface would offer. But think about where the indicator is during play
Iceman6409
Active Member
I ended up buying the Markwort. I found a place online that costs about $15 delivered.
MaverickAH
Well-Known Member
Overstated.........
The All-Star has a shiny surface which could result in the kind of glare that you describe. There may also be some cheap metal ones that could also have the same result.
The Markwort has a dull finish so that glare is not an issue.
irishmafia
Addicted to Softballfans
Glare shouldn't be an issue anyway
MaverickAH
Well-Known Member
Whether glare should or shouldn't be an issue is irrelevant when it is a real possibility. When the sun is high in the sky or at night when there are multiple light sources, there is a real possibility of it happening no matter how careful you are being either to you or to others.
The All-Star, in particular, is built like a fine watch. It's a work of art, built like a tank, very heavy, large & on the "blingy" side. Its size & shine make preventing glare a real issue. I keep one in my tournament bag as a reliable emergency backup but, IMHO, in modern day terms, it is a bit impractical. It is definitely not my every day indicator.
The All-Star, in particular, is built like a fine watch. It's a work of art, built like a tank, very heavy, large & on the "blingy" side. Its size & shine make preventing glare a real issue. I keep one in my tournament bag as a reliable emergency backup but, IMHO, in modern day terms, it is a bit impractical. It is definitely not my every day indicator.
irishmafia
Addicted to Softballfans
Just where and how do you hold your indicator?
NCASAUmp
Un-Retired
I use the All-Star indicator as well, and I love it. It's the only one I'll use. I love it so much, I bought a second one.
As for the glare factor, I took a wire brush to them and marked them up, diffusing the glare tremendously.
Yeah, it's heavier than the plastic and aluminum ones, but come on... Is it really that big of an issue? We're not talking 5 pounds here.
As for the glare factor, I took a wire brush to them and marked them up, diffusing the glare tremendously.
Yeah, it's heavier than the plastic and aluminum ones, but come on... Is it really that big of an issue? We're not talking 5 pounds here.
irishmafia
Addicted to Softballfans
What glare factor? Just where does one hold their indicator to create a "glare" problem?
irishmafia
Addicted to Softballfans
Yeah, no ****. Funny that I cannot get a straight answer to a simple question
NCASAUmp
Un-Retired
Uhhh... When you look down at it, and the sun is behind your head?
irishmafia
Addicted to Softballfans
In over 50 years I have never had such an issue.
NCASAUmp
Un-Retired
The All-Star indicator is highly reflective, almost like a mirror. I'm not sure what they were thinking.
A wire brush took care of all that. It's still reflective, but not nearly as bad.