MacGregor · Sports Equipment Padding
MacGregor MCB67 Umpire's Leg Guards
Likely water-repellent coating-treated. No disclosure. Skip for certainty.
Umpire leg guards typically use nylon with water-resistant coatings, which often contain PFAS. MacGregor provides no material or PFAS information. Verification impossible without lab testing.
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Material
Padded nylon/polyester with moisture-resistant treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
clothing is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
MacGregor MCB67 leg guards are constructed from padded nylon and polyester outer shell with an undisclosed moisture-resistant (water-repellent) treatment. Nylon and polyester themselves are chemically stable synthetic fibers with low leaching risk under normal wear. The padding absorbs sweat and impacts, which is functional for protective equipment. The moisture treatment is the chemistry wild card: such finishes are typically applied via fluorocarbon compounds (PFAS family) to repel water and stains, though MacGregor has made no public statement about which chemistry they use.
The brand's record and disclosure
MacGregor is a subsidiary of Spalding Sports Worldwide (now Russell Brands). The parent company has not published specific PFAS reduction commitments or material transparency reports comparable to leading outdoor apparel brands. No recalls, safety warnings, or third-party certifications (GOTS, Bluesign, etc.) are on record for this umpire line. The silence on moisture-treatment chemistry is consistent with industry norm for protective sports gear, where performance specs often outweigh transparency about chemical inputs.
How it compares in its category
Sports protective padding falls between casual apparel (lower hazard scrutiny) and athletic wear (more certification pressure). Most umpire leg guards in this price/function tier use similar nylon-polyester-plus-water-repellent coating construction without disclosure. Premium alternatives (rare in this niche) would specify fluorine-free water repellency, but MacGregor does not market such a variant. Relative to generic synthetic sports gear, this product carries typical low-to-moderate chemical risk; relative to fully transparent brands, it ranks below due to silence.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water and mild detergent before first wear to reduce any finish residue transfer to skin. Avoid high heat drying, which can degrade the moisture treatment and potentially release volatile compounds. Inspect padding annually for compression and wear; if padding flattens significantly, protective performance drops and replacement is warranted. Do not soak for extended periods or use harsh solvents, as these may degrade the nylon weave and any surface coatings.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Azo dyes in polyester coloring
Polyester leg guards are typically piece-dyed after weaving. No specific azo dye restrictions or test failures are on record for MacGregor sports gear. Standard industry colorants in this application carry negligible dermal risk during wear.
Formaldehyde resins in synthetic fabric finishing
Nylon-polyester blends may use formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance or shape retention. MacGregor does not disclose this, and no off-gassing complaints or test results are documented for this product line. Umpire gear sees heavy sweating, which could theoretically mobilize residual formaldehyde, but no incidents are recorded.
Moisture-resistant coating degradation and inhalation
The undisclosed water-repellent coating finish will degrade with washing and wear. As it breaks down, micro-particles or volatile components may shed. If fluorocarbon-based (probable but unconfirmed), inhalation of degradation products during vigorous use is a low but non-zero route; chlorine-based cleaning accelerates breakdown.
Antimony in polyester polymer
Polyester can contain antimony trioxide as a catalyst during manufacture. Industry norms and EU regulations have pushed manufacturers toward antimony-free or low-antimony formulations. No specific data is available for MacGregor's polyester sourcing; skin contact during wear poses negligible dermal uptake.
Irritation from undisclosed additives in padding
Foam or fiber padding often includes fire-retardant compounds, anti-microbial agents, or mold inhibitors not listed on packaging. Users with sensitive skin or chemical sensitivities may experience localized irritation. Pre-wash and spot-test on inner thigh before full use if prone to contact dermatitis.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 55% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
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More sports equipment padding grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.