CCM ABPRO CHEST AND ARM PROTECTOR THREAD

[Obiwanjabroni]

1 hour ago, Hockeygoalie111 said:

There is a pro return unit on SLS.  Looks the same to me.  Only thing I could think of would be lesser quality plastics/foams

From what I’ve seen, I don’t think there is any difference between the retail and pro-offering. Here is a couple of photos of the one from SLS that has the sensor bracket stitched on the back. I agree, it looks almost identical to the retail unit:

Now, there could be some differences in terms of internal constructions and foams, but if I put my manufacturing hat on, I would really doubt it (even with what we’ve seen in the past). If anything, my assumption is that CCM has streamlined their production line when it comes to this unit, which would slightly reduce their overhead, and increase their production turnaround.

I don’t have any sales or prebooking information, but my guess is that CCM is hoping this will be a slam dunk and become the new age P1. From all accounts, it looks like this might just be the case. The Got Hockey podcast recently had Kaylie Dankevy from CCM on, and they spoke about the unit (starting at 21:29). At the 25:20 mark she mentions that they cannot keep the unit in stock and that NCAA players are starting to pick this one up (bit of a marketing push? Sure, but I have no doubt its become very popular). They also go into more detail about the fit/sizing on this unit (26:13 to 28:11), which is pretty much bang-on to what myself and others have been saying.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laSZfRTZlBc

Edited June 11, 2024 by Obiwanjabroni

[thebigm]

I’m wondering if the nhl ones have plastic in them vs the retail. In the belly block area to me more specific

[UCLALabrat]

I just tried on a fit 3 at hockey monkey in Irvine...things gorgeous. Fit is good, mobility is solid, and the chest/belly plate comes down a bit lower than my XL V8 where I keep getting stingers. I could be seriously convinced on this guy.

[Smalls]

I want to try one really bad. Issue for me is I know these styles have traditionally hung low in the neckline and so many pros and people who like this chesty have to use alternative additional neck protection to cover it.

While obviously neck protection is a good thing to have anyways, I've been lucky in my playing time using Passau's to not have to and would like to keep it that way. Anyone that wears one of these confirm the low hanging neck?

Usually on Passau's or any others that have adjustability on the shoulders and how pulled up it is in your neck I have those adjusted up higher. Obviously you can't do that on this NHL spec unit so I'm worried it'll be a waste of money to try. I do also attach my pants to back of pants to aid in keeping up higher in the front. Just don't know how much that will help on this. I untuck as well.

[RedX]

17 hours ago, Smalls said:

I want to try one really bad. Issue for me is I know these styles have traditionally hung low in the neckline and so many pros and people who like this chesty have to use alternative additional neck protection to cover it.

While obviously neck protection is a good thing to have anyways, I've been lucky in my playing time using Passau's to not have to and would like to keep it that way. Anyone that wears one of these confirm the low hanging neck?

Usually on Passau's or any others that have adjustability on the shoulders and how pulled up it is in your neck I have those adjusted up higher. Obviously you can't do that on this NHL spec unit so I'm worried it'll be a waste of money to try. I do also attach my pants to back of pants to aid in keeping up higher in the front. Just don't know how much that will help on this. I untuck as well.

In my experience they hang low and I’d highly recommend some sort of neck/collarbone protection with it. 

[RichMan]

My 2cents...I've had the P1 from TGC. It hung a tad low but because of the strapping at the back of the shoulders/traps, you could pull it up good enough to eliminate lots of neck room. Also, don't forget that the c/a will ramp up more at the collarbone when you crouch over and when you tuck in. Even on high shots we all have the reflex to hunch the shoulders up which again will lift the c/a neckline up some. If you still get caught in the neck from a shot, it's either you've gotten too slow, or you're playing above your skill level, or just some bad luck.

In comparison, the AB18 and its newer cousin have zero adjustment over the shoulders, so it just saddles over your shoulders and traps. If you have a skinny frame or narrow shoulders, the unit will droop on you far more than a thicker more muscular or heavy set guy.

That being said, I'm wondering if the pros actually get them tailored to their upper frame as you would when fitting a dress suit? In any case, if you still wanna rock one of these (P1 or AB Pro), consider a neck guard or at the very least a dangler. Both together will offer you the best insurance.

[Telfo]

been using mine for a few weeks now and really like it.  Only complaint is that it leaves the dreaded upper rib/arm pit area a bit more exposed than I would like when in RVH.  I am 5'10, 190 lbs and in a fit 2(tucked)

[creasecollector]

On 8/4/2024 at 12:10 PM, RedX said:

In my experience they hang low and I’d highly recommend some sort of neck/collarbone protection with it. 

Amen to this. Always been a Premier C/A user and this is a given with the low neck on these units.

[sdgfhsd]

Great comparison, @Madmedic6! The new CCM AB PRO seems bulkier than the AB18, with thicker floaters and less segmentation, which might affect flexibility. The wrist straps also seem less adjustable. For those considering an upgrade, the added protection might be worth the price, but it’s a hefty jump. Would love to hear more opinions from anyone who’s tried it out!

 

[ZeroGravitas]

Been wearing my AB22Pro for the last 5-6 skates and I really like it. I'm 5'10 - 5'11 in a Fit 1 and uncomfortably close to 190 lbs and feels like it fits just right. I feel bigger in this than I did in my Passau Pro Pack (large) and Bauer Pro Series (large). I thought I'd feel a little bit smaller since this is a Fit 1 and NHL-spec in terms of sizing.

I do have a little trouble getting it on - the backplate likes to fold over when I put it on and getting my 58G jersey on can be a little bit of a struggle. Reaching over head to put on my mask was difficult at first but it has been getting better.

[mr_shifty1982]

1 hour ago, ZeroGravitas said:

Been wearing my AB22Pro for the last 5-6 skates and I really like it. I'm 5'10 - 5'11 in a Fit 1 and uncomfortably close to 190 lbs and feels like it fits just right. I feel bigger in this than I did in my Passau Pro Pack (large) and Bauer Pro Series (large). I thought I'd feel a little bit smaller since this is a Fit 1 and NHL-spec in terms of sizing.

I do have a little trouble getting it on - the backplate likes to fold over when I put it on and getting my 58G jersey on can be a little bit of a struggle. Reaching over head to put on my mask was difficult at first but it has been getting better.

This is why you get custom jerseys from China

[Smalls]

4 hours ago, ZeroGravitas said:

I feel bigger in this than I did in my Passau Pro Pack

This actually hits home for me since I've been in a Passau Pro Pack for last like 8 years and I've been eye balling the ABPro 

[ZeroGravitas]

16 minutes ago, Smalls said:

This actually hits home for me since I've been in a Passau Pro Pack for last like 8 years and I've been eye balling the ABPro 

The same unit for 8 years? That's value! I had mine since 2019 and it was breaking down in the arms.

[Smalls]

2 hours ago, ZeroGravitas said:

The same unit for 8 years?

No I ended up getting a newer one in 2019 also and is my current one now even after trying a ton of other brands recently. Just haven't tried CCM for a long time now.

[TheGoalNet]

On 8/4/2024 at 4:54 PM, RichMan said:

My 2cents...I've had the P1 from TGC. It hung a tad low but because of the strapping at the back of the shoulders/traps, you could pull it up good enough to eliminate lots of neck room. Also, don't forget that the c/a will ramp up more at the collarbone when you crouch over and when you tuck in. Even on high shots we all have the reflex to hunch the shoulders up which again will lift the c/a neckline up some. If you still get caught in the neck from a shot, it's either you've gotten too slow, or you're playing above your skill level, or just some bad luck.

In comparison, the AB18 and its newer cousin have zero adjustment over the shoulders, so it just saddles over your shoulders and traps. If you have a skinny frame or narrow shoulders, the unit will droop on you far more than a thicker more muscular or heavy set guy.

That being said, I'm wondering if the pros actually get them tailored to their upper frame as you would when fitting a dress suit? In any case, if you still wanna rock one of these (P1 or AB Pro), consider a neck guard or at the very least a dangler. Both together will offer you the best insurance.

In speaking with CCM, I was told...

If you get fit like you play in the NHL, it will feel small.

If you try all of them on and pick whatever fells comfortable, you should feel plenty big compared to other models available

 

[RichMan]

On 10/7/2024 at 2:53 PM, TheGoalNet said:

In speaking with CCM, I was told...

If you get fit like you play in the NHL, it will feel small.

If you try all of them on and pick whatever fells comfortable, you should feel plenty big compared to other models available

 

I'm a little confused.

If you get it tailored, like a pro, it would feel/fit small?

[Teezle]

Fit 1 is supposed to be for 5'4" - 5'8" - I'm 5'7" and the body fits perfectly, but the arms are big for me. If you're on the lower end of the range for height, I'd recommend to either drop down a size or consider a different C/A that fits more true to size.

I think I'm going to take the laced-in arms off my Bauer Pro series and modify them to fit with the velcro strapping on the CCM AB Pro body to make my perfect frankenchestie.

[TheGoalNet]

16 hours ago, RichMan said:

I'm a little confused.

If you get it tailored, like a pro, it would feel/fit small?

They don't tailor them for the pros.

They get measured by the league and told what size they have to use.

In my case, the league might tell me I need an M, but I might be comfortable buying an XL off the retail shelf.

The M would make me feel small, but the XL would feel fine.

[RichMan]

4 hours ago, TheGoalNet said:

They don't tailor them for the pros.

They get measured by the league and told what size they have to use.

In my case, the league might tell me I need an M, but I might be comfortable buying an XL off the retail shelf.

The M would make me feel small, but the XL would feel fine.

Ah...well, in knowing that and having tried on/played with an AB18 a few games, I'd much rather use the proper size than to deal with an oversized unit. Comfort and mobility are as important to me as is protection. 

[Teezle]

I moved the arms from my Bauer Pro Series onto the CCM Pro chest finally. The one issue I ran into is that the Bauer arms are laced in, but the CCM arms are attached via velcro around a loop. Fortunately, the loop is on the body side for the CCM Pro, so I was able to wrap the lacing around it a couple times as I was attaching the Bauer arms. I did need to get a paracord lacing needle to help push everything through, but it was easy after that. I also declined to reattach the hard circular cap that sits at the shoulder because it was getting in the way when I had it on the first time. Behold the perfect frankenchestie!

[Hockeygoalie111]

17 hours ago, Teezle said:

I moved the arms from my Bauer Pro Series onto the CCM Pro chest finally. The one issue I ran into is that the Bauer arms are laced in, but the CCM arms are attached via velcro around a loop. Fortunately, the loop is on the body side for the CCM Pro, so I was able to wrap the lacing around it a couple times as I was attaching the Bauer arms. I did need to get a paracord lacing needle to help push everything through, but it was easy after that. I also declined to reattach the hard circular cap that sits at the shoulder because it was getting in the way when I had it on the first time. Behold the perfect frankenchestie!

What didn't you like about the CCM arms?

[Teezle]

On 11/15/2024 at 8:20 AM, Hockeygoalie111 said:

What didn't you like about the CCM arms?

They’re a bit too big for my arms, so my elbow didn’t quite line up in the correct spot for the elbow cap piece. I also didn’t like how the upper bicep section sat on my  arm; it never stayed in one place and felt awkward when I was putting it on. 

[Smalls]

I'm gonna give the CCM Pro Spec a shot this week when it shows up. Ordered a Fit 1 since I'm 5'9" and normally in mediums I've heard and under the advice of Jay from TGC I was told to try a Fit 1.

I'm normally a Passau/Bauer guy as far as chests go but all the hype I gotta try one. Will come back with my thoughts after a few skates.

[Smalls]

On 11/25/2024 at 8:12 PM, Smalls said:

Will come back with my thoughts after a few skates.

Well, I'm reminded how annoying it is to break in new Chest Protectors. They are by FAR the hardest thing for me to get used to. I can get every other piece of gear brand new and feel fine. Not chesties.

The arms are super stiff but I knew this going into it. But something on the belly keeps catching on my pants on just my blocker side and pushing the armpit protection into my arm pit. Before this game for the last 3 days I've had the arms tied up in a way that they were max bent in order to break them down a bit and train them to be bent but didn't seem to help.

One skate and I already want to go back to my 8 year old Passau. Help lol. I gotta stick with it but man I felt like I was wearing a piece of plywood out there. It's smaller than my Passau obviously but it felt so, so bulky and clunky.

[tgfoo]

I recently got a CCM Pro Spec as well, only one skate it in so far. The protection on it is fantastic. I didn't really have any issues with the arms on mine, but I've used a few CCM chests in the past and I'm coming from a Brians Optik 2. I think the arms are way better out of the box than the Optik 2's were. The only issues I had during my skate was the back plate was digging into the back of my neck a bit and the padding on the top of the rib protection can dig into the armpits at times. I'm going to change how tight I tie them into my pants. I'm 6'1, a pudgy 200lbs and I got a fit 3. Could probably get a way with a fit 2 if I wanted.