what black pants should I get??

[southarkumpire]

Are the Smitty's good? Anybody wear them last year?

[Etref]

I had some of the Honig's last year and they were strictly for cooler weather. I purchased the Cliff Keen "all weather" pant for this year to wear during the heat and will use the Honigs for the cooler times ( if we ever frickin have any)

[HLinNC]

Depends- ours are supposed to be Honig's.  They do have a lighter weight version for this season.  The pair from last year won't be comfortable here until late October.  They are cut very generous in the straddle.  Some officials I know had to have the seat taken up.

I like the Gerry Davis due to the sliders in the waist.  I bought a pair of the Smitty's this spring while they were on sale.  They seem ok.  We'll find out in about 3 weeks or so.

[bama_stripes]

Many of our local officials have bought Smitty's lightweights for the upcoming season.  We were advised to buy one size larger, but I'm having to go back to my regular size.

It remains to be seen what the difference in the "cool" factor is between them and knickers.  In mid-nineties temps, I don't think there will be a noticeable difference wither way!

[Ump62]

On an appearance note, the Smitty's "white stripe" is dingy compared to the Cliff Keen. From a distance it might be OK but laying out the pants side by side the Cliff Keens are much sharper.

[bossman72]

I wore the smitty cold gears last year and they worked very well.  I got a pair of the lightweight for this year, so we'll see how it goes!

[umpjae]

I just got a pair from Gerry Davis. They look sharp. I am not sure what brand they are but much nicer than the Smittys.

[bama_stripes]

Wore the Smitty's this past weekend in 95-degree temps.  Couldn't tell that they were any hotter than the knickers.

The main advantage from my viewpoint is that we lose the stupid striped socks, which always cut me around my calves.  My legs felt much better after the game than in seasons past.

But I still don't like the white stripe down the side.  Makes us look too much like a bowling team.

[JasonTX]

Wore the Smitty's this past weekend in 95-degree temps.  Couldn't tell that they were any hotter than the knickers.

The main advantage from my viewpoint is that we lose the stupid striped socks, which always cut me around my calves.  My legs felt much better after the game than in seasons past.

But I still don't like the white stripe down the side.  Makes us look too much like a bowling team.

We were at 105 at kickoff.  Turf temps were in the 130's and my black pants felt fine.  The breathing room was great and I agree with not having the socks cuttong off the blood flow with the knickers.  I wear the Honigs light weight pants and they are great.

[rickref]

Are the Smitty's good? Anybody wear them last year?

I like mine!

[Tom.OH]

Wore the Smitty's this past weekend in 95-degree temps.  Couldn't tell that they were any hotter than the knickers.

The main advantage from my viewpoint is that we lose the stupid striped socks, which always cut me around my calves.  My legs felt much better after the game than in seasons past.

But I still don't like the white stripe down the side.  Makes us look too much like a bowling team.

Bama I agree with you on the socks. I wear a 10 1/2 shoe and the socks left grooves in my calves. A few years ago I tried the X l socks and I could wear them with total comfort. I bought a pair on sale at Honigs last winter that I will never use as my crew switched to the black pants this year and Ohio will make manditory next year.

[mbyron]

I bought a pair on sale at Honigs last winter that I will never use as my crew switched to the black pants this year and Ohio will make manditory next year.

Hold on to those knickers and knee socks: Ohio will make them mandatory in 2023.

You heard it here first.

[Boodle]

Several of our guys got the Smitty black pants.  The Smitty pants have a raised seam down the middle of each leg.  The Honigs pants do not have the seam.    Cannot really see the seam from a distance but they are different.

[NWA_UMP]

I have the smitty black warm weather pants. I find them to be very slim cut in the leg and thighs. As a former college O-lineman I have fairly large thighs...the just fit close to my legs. They have a good stretch to them so they are comfortable to wear...just look tight...

[takemeaway10]

Unless you are a 35olb. linebacker, I'd suggest you stay away from the Honig's pants.

[El Macman]

I've got the Honig's and they are just fine. Combined with having lost 20 lbs, my wife says I look thin. They survived TS Lee!