CCM ABPRO CHEST AND ARM PROTECTOR THREAD

[Hockeygoalie111]

38 minutes ago, tgfoo said:

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.

Wear it untucked.  Should solve your problems!

[Smalls]

25 minutes ago, Hockeygoalie111 said:

Wear it untucked.  Should solve your problems!

I don't tuck, and that armpit dig he mentioned was probably the biggest gripe I had besides just overall stiffness of the unit. Next outing I will probably try to loosen the belly straps as I had tightened them up to get it to sit closer to my body and maybe that allowed some bunching up to occur with the pants causing it to dig into my arm pit. It only happened on my right side which is the odd part to me.

Edit to say I also had the armpit issue in all of the more recent Bauer chests too so maybe it's me lol. Most notably the HL1 and the Ultrasonic, the Mach didn't seem as bad but still there.

Edited December 4, 2024 by Smalls

[tgfoo]

49 minutes ago, Hockeygoalie111 said:

Wear it untucked.  Should solve your problems!

Honestly, I'd switch to a different chest before I go untucked. The armpit thing was noticeable, but it wasn't a deal breaker. Worst comes to worst I could cut out some of the soft foam at the top, that would probably fix the issue. As for the neck, I think some minor adjustments can fix that.

Edited December 4, 2024 by tgfoo
typo

[Chenner29]

3 hours ago, tgfoo said:

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.

On my unit (AB18) - I tie down the back harness to my pants to keep it in place to keep it in place.

I also unstitched the half moon off the front bottom of the chest  - this may help keep it from riding up and digging into your armpits.

[Neomop]

I used the CCM Pro spec Fit 1 for about 3 weeks, went back to my Passau afterwards.

I do not tuck.

 

Biggest issues for me was that it was a little too long in the belly - when I go down into butterfly, the bottom of the chest pushes into the thigh of my pants, thus causing the chest to ride up

The way the shoulder floaters are positioned/contoured interferes with the full range of motion of my head, most noticeably when the play is behind the net, the chin of my mask catches the shoulder floater and prevents/makes it hard for me to really move my head/eyes without moving my entire chest.  If the shoulders were adjustable, this may have solved this issue.

 

Pros - very protective, zero stingers

Hot rebounds off the upper portion of the chest - could be a good thing or bad thing, but I found it to be a very slight positive, especially on some dead angle plays where the puck would hit me in the shoulder then rocket up or into the corner, giving me a bit more time to reset, versus a softer chest where the rebound might drop down and in remain in a more dangerous area.

Rib protection - my Passau is similar to the older Vaughn velocity in terms of design around the ribs (so close to non-existent).  It took me a couple games to get used to the extra bulk and the feeling of doing the "gut trap"/sealing the elbows into sides, but it was nice to have solid protection there.

 

Fit 1 is also much closer to a medium than small in the traditional sense of sizing.  I'm 5'8 160lbs, with a bit of a shorter torso, if there was a Fit 0/0.5 with less bulk on the shoulder floaters, this would've had more potential to pull me away from my 8 year old Passau.

[Oshnatour]

On 5/28/2024 at 9:56 AM, Obiwanjabroni said:

Fit 1 - SM/MED
Fit 2 – MED/LRG
Fit 3 – LRG/XL
Fit 4 – XL/XXL

 

Based on this chart I'm a little confused. I'm 5'9" 165lbs, and based on the sentiment that you guys are saying I'd be between a fit 1 and fit 2. I need a longer tape measure but I think my wingspan is going to be at least 63 inches, which would put me in a fit4? What's the deal with this discrepancy? is the key word on the wingspan part the MIN? 

I'm about ready to pull the trigger on one of these things, I guess deep down I know the answer is its worth the 2+ hour round trip to the only store near me that stocks them, but I'm pretty short on time lately and wouldn't hate avoiding that drive. 

in summary:

I'm 5'9" 165lbs, probably 63+ inch wingspan( I'll get a more accurate number soon) currently in a M bauer hyperlite with small arms. arms on my current are maybe a bit short.  I wear UNTUCKED I'm leaning towards fit 2 rn, would any of you more experienced gear nerds so kindly give me a recommendation on what to do? 

Edited December 4, 2024 by Oshnatour

[insertnamehere]

@Oshnatour The armspan is wrist to wrist, not fingertips. 

 

See here - https://ca.ccmhockey.com/en/Goalie/Goalie-Protective/Arm-and-Body/ABPROSPEC-SR.html

Edited December 4, 2024 by insertnamehere

[Oshnatour]

@insertnamehere Ah ok thanks for that clarification, guess I gotta get some reading glasses lol

[Smalls]

4 hours ago, Chenner29 said:

On my unit (AB18) - I tie down the back harness to my pants to keep it in place to keep it in place.

I also unstitched the half moon off the front bottom of the chest  - this may help keep it from riding up and digging into your armpits.

Yep, I did both of these things last night for my first run in it as well. Idk maybe I'm just too used to the Passau at this point to look back now. Going back to Passau for my higher level game tomorrow since I don't feel comfortable yet in it. Will try some tweaks for next Tuesday. Then if it's still cancer, for sale it goes 

[Chenner29]

45 minutes ago, Smalls said:

Yep, I did both of these things last night for my first run in it as well. Idk maybe I'm just too used to the Passau at this point to look back now. Going back to Passau for my higher level game tomorrow since I don't feel comfortable yet in it. Will try some tweaks for next Tuesday. Then if it's still cancer, for sale it goes 

Have you tried steaming it in the shower?  Smaller the bathroom the better.

Tie up the arms so they're flexed.  If you really wanna get aggressive with it, roll up the belly of the chest pad and tie it shut too.

Hang in the bathroom while you shower, the heat and moisture should simulate sweat and help it settle a bit.

[Smalls]

14 minutes ago, Chenner29 said:

Have you tried steaming it in the shower?

This will probably be something I do before moving it. I had the arms tied up and a dumbbell 8lb weight on the chest portion to flatten it out some. Since they ship; and I assume, were sitting in a warehouse for who knows how long with the arms inside the belly portion. So when I got it, the shape was a little fucky. But tying up the arms was done dry, so yeah, I'm not sure it did much.

[EilaOG30]

23 hours ago, Neomop said:

I used the CCM Pro spec Fit 1 for about 3 weeks, went back to my Passau afterwards.

I do not tuck.

 

Biggest issues for me was that it was a little too long in the belly - when I go down into butterfly, the bottom of the chest pushes into the thigh of my pants, thus causing the chest to ride up

The way the shoulder floaters are positioned/contoured interferes with the full range of motion of my head, most noticeably when the play is behind the net, the chin of my mask catches the shoulder floater and prevents/makes it hard for me to really move my head/eyes without moving my entire chest.  If the shoulders were adjustable, this may have solved this issue.

 

Pros - very protective, zero stingers

Hot rebounds off the upper portion of the chest - could be a good thing or bad thing, but I found it to be a very slight positive, especially on some dead angle plays where the puck would hit me in the shoulder then rocket up or into the corner, giving me a bit more time to reset, versus a softer chest where the rebound might drop down and in remain in a more dangerous area.

Rib protection - my Passau is similar to the older Vaughn velocity in terms of design around the ribs (so close to non-existent).  It took me a couple games to get used to the extra bulk and the feeling of doing the "gut trap"/sealing the elbows into sides, but it was nice to have solid protection there.

 

Fit 1 is also much closer to a medium than small in the traditional sense of sizing.  I'm 5'8 160lbs, with a bit of a shorter torso, if there was a Fit 0/0.5 with less bulk on the shoulder floaters, this would've had more potential to pull me away from my 8 year old Passau.

I’m 5.8 and wear fit 1 tucked.
I have exactly the same problems.

The sides feel too long even tucked.

And I can hardly turn my head, actually I can hardly look down because how my  chin hits the chesty. I’ve allowed couple of easy five hole goals where I couldn’t see the pick hitting my stick.

I’m wearing a Kova neck, I’m going to try next time without it as I now don’t need the collarbone protection. 
 

The protection is amazing, I can hardly feel the puck hitting me and the rebounds bounce out of it pretty far away which I really like.

 

[dreadlocked1]

Wanted to add a pic for reference and thanks for the link above.  Also I agree with Chenner on steaming it but also may suggest just dunking and soaking it in hot water and wash it without soap since it should be clean and just go through a standard wash and dry process.  That should really loosen it up.

Edited December 5, 2024 by dreadlocked1

[Smalls]

Second skate on mine tonight, and out she goes for sale . I think if I was a tucker I would enjoy it more, but it just feels like I have a 5/8 sheet of plywood on my body. It pushes my helmet awkwardly when I get in a super low crouched stance, and it's still digging into my sides. I will agree it's a tank though and really well built.

I did a steam session and a hot water soak and dry and it still felt like this. Essentially no different for me. I do think the longer torso people are going to enjoy it more with less issues. All of mine only stem when I get into a shot ready stance and my shot ready stance really isn't that low comparatively. Oh well!

[tgfoo]

I had my second skate on mine a couple nights ago. I tied down the belly much looser than I did last time and it felt a lot nicer on the back of my neck. Still felt a little pressure there, but I'm hoping that goes away as it gets broken in and a little less stiff. I did try attacking the fight strap on the back to my pants, but due to it being elastic, it didn't really do anything. I may try adjusting straps on the body to see if it sits any differently. Still debating if I'm giong to remove the belly flag. The way I have my current pants set up, I haven't noticed any interference, so I'm thinking of just leaving it for the time being.

[Teezle]

Funny how my experience is the exact opposite - I love the body, but the arms were not a good fit for me. I am 5'7" using the Fit 1 body. I wear it untucked but tied down in the back to my pants with the fight strap. 

[dreadlocked1]

7 hours ago, Teezle said:

Funny how my experience is the exact opposite - I love the body, but the arms were not a good fit for me. I am 5'7" using the Fit 1 body. I wear it untucked but tied down in the back to my pants with the fight strap. 

What was wrong with the arms for you?

[Teezle]

1 hour ago, dreadlocked1 said:

What was wrong with the arms for you?

I realized I don't like how CCM does the elbow/back of the arm protection. It's kind of like a semi-free floating player elbow pad, and it never sat right on my arm. The bicep strap, in particular, never stayed in place. Bauer arms have a padded U shaped tunnel instead, so it matters less that your elbow fits exactly in the elbow cup (because there isn't one) as long as your elbow flexes where the hinge in the arm is at the front.

The protection of the arms was great; it was just a fit and comfort thing for me.

[Telfo]

I have been using mine for a while now and I think I am going to move on to something else soon.  It fits and feels great, but I have been getting killed in the upper rib/arm pit area with shots.  Feels like it has way too many exposed areas that are covered better with other units(my hyperlite 2 was better in this area for sure).

[RockyMountainTendy]

1 hour ago, Telfo said:

upper rib/arm pit area with shots.

Idk if this has helped me, but I use the zoombang goalie compression shirt. It’s extra rib padding goes fairly high. I have taken a few in the pit and haven’t had an issue. I will say I do use the AB18. But maybe try that? Unless you’re dead set on moving on

[RichMan]

Unless you're 6'10 or leaning far back in your butterfly or laying down sideways, I have no idea how some of you get nailed in the arm pit. The AB18 i tried had extensive protection at the biceps. 

I scored a AB Pro (ie P1). Had one before and miss it. Anything better I owned in the past has been my JB503.

Edited January 10 by RichMan

[RichMan]

So the c/a came in. I definitely will need to replace most straps/elastics. 

What would be the overall cost for this kinda job?

@johncho think Mat at the repair shop would do a good job for this or should I hit up a pro say like Dave Wilcox? Goalie Heaven? Etc...

[johncho]

4 hours ago, RichMan said:

So the c/a came in. I definitely will need to replace most straps/elastics. 

What would be the overall cost for this kinda job?

@johncho think Mat at the repair shop would do a good job for this or should I hit up a pro say like Dave Wilcox? Goalie Heaven? Etc...

BK Sports, post pics

Edited January 11 by johncho

[Chenner29]

On 1/10/2025 at 2:53 PM, RichMan said:

So the c/a came in. I definitely will need to replace most straps/elastics. 

What would be the overall cost for this kinda job?

@johncho think Mat at the repair shop would do a good job for this or should I hit up a pro say like Dave Wilcox? Goalie Heaven? Etc...

 

On 1/10/2025 at 7:44 PM, johncho said:

BK Sports, post pics

Honestly, any local boot/shoe repair shop will probably do it for cheaper than a specialized hockey repair person.

Straps on Amazon or a local arts/crafts store should be really cheap, and you'll have extras when you need to replace them in the future.

[RockyMountainTendy]

5 hours ago, Chenner29 said:

local boot/shoe repair shop

As someone who worked (and is looking to work again) at a cobbler shop, this is true we have many of the same machines, however it’s dependent on someone’s knowledge of pad construction. However we should be able to do it. Most of us should be able to figure it out cause of familiarity with materials.

 

elastics and chest protector items should be easy to do since we got most of the machines 

Edited January 13 by RockyMountainTendy