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 often containing 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
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
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.
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’s reassuring
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 / VOCs
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.
Source, ATSDR ↗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.
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.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 55% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- MacGregor has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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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.