Universal Padding Fit Kit vs Umpire's Inside Chest Protector: which is safer?

Easton Universal Padding Fit Kit is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Our pick

Easton

Universal Padding Fit Kit

PFAS grade

D 65/100

Overall grade

F 43/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

foam padding, elastic straps

Confidence

72%

PossiblePolyurethane foam off-gassing (VOCs)

PossibleAdhesive leachables

PossibleElastic synthetic fiber irritation

Why this grade

MacGregor

Umpire's Inside Chest Protector

PFAS grade

D 65/100

Overall grade

F 39/100

Verdict

Skip

Hazard flags

⚑ 5

Material

foam padding, cotton/poly blend outer shell

Confidence

72%

PossibleFormaldehyde resins in fabric finishing

ReportedFoam degradation and particle shedding

PossibleAzo dyes in outer shell coloring

Why this grade

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More sports equipment padding: see the full ranking