BCZ Posted February 22, 2020 Share Posted February 22, 2020 I'm looking to make the leap into custom gear. I'm currently in SLR 1s (32+2) with VE8 mitts (used to have VE8 pads as well, but really disliked them). Looking for input on moving into a new company; I've been looking at Bauer or Brians - particularly because custom options allow for a smaller palm on the mitts. I've read that while Vapor is more of a hybrid pad - it still kicks out some big rebounds (also - I wear a 2x pro c/a, and figure the same ecosystem ensures a better fit). I've tried the strapping on the Vapors and find it very comfortable. I've also heard a lot of good things about the O2 mitts and the max core. Seeking additional input before I throw down $3k on pads. Thanks in advance for all your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motowngoalie Posted February 22, 2020 Share Posted February 22, 2020 I'm in G4's which is considered Warrior's "butterfly" pad, and it's a very similar feel to the 2X. A pretty good balance between board stiff and hybrid responsiveness if that makes sense. I'm not too familiar with Brian's new stuff, but they have tons of options. @cwarnar could probably chime in here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCZ Posted February 22, 2020 Author Share Posted February 22, 2020 What kind of break does your G4 trapper have? What would you consider comparable? Thanks for the input - much appreciated!~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dero Posted February 22, 2020 Share Posted February 22, 2020 3 hours ago, BCZ said: I'm looking to make the leap into custom gear. I'm currently in SLR 1s (32+2) with VE8 mitts (used to have VE8 pads as well, but really disliked them). Looking for input on moving into a new company; I've been looking at Bauer or Brians - particularly because custom options allow for a smaller palm on the mitts. I've read that while Vapor is more of a hybrid pad - it still kicks out some big rebounds (also - I wear a 2x pro c/a, and figure the same ecosystem ensures a better fit). I've tried the strapping on the Vapors and find it very comfortable. I've also heard a lot of good things about the O2 mitts and the max core. Seeking additional input before I throw down $3k on pads. Thanks in advance for all your help. I'm a hybrid style as well but my next set will be the max core. love the gloves when i tried them, and the pads strapping is exactly the same as gnetik iv. they also have an optional prof strap that you could attach, i don't know if i will need it tho. also the pad shape has a very unique look as they have a huge curve from the knee up and doesn't really look like the traditional "s" curve look. something ive been doing is watching goalies like raanta, dell, or seshtyorkin. they all use optik 2 so i like to see the way they play in the pad to see if they resemble me at all. I'm not basing my decision off of what pro uses them and I'm not saying you should, but it helps to see how the pads play in game and what better to watch than the NHL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCZ Posted February 22, 2020 Author Share Posted February 22, 2020 What kind of C/A do you use? Have you tried it with the O2 mitts? How's the fit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwarnar Posted February 22, 2020 Share Posted February 22, 2020 4 hours ago, BCZ said: I'm looking to make the leap into custom gear. I'm currently in SLR 1s (32+2) with VE8 mitts (used to have VE8 pads as well, but really disliked them). Looking for input on moving into a new company; I've been looking at Bauer or Brians - particularly because custom options allow for a smaller palm on the mitts. I've read that while Vapor is more of a hybrid pad - it still kicks out some big rebounds (also - I wear a 2x pro c/a, and figure the same ecosystem ensures a better fit). I've tried the strapping on the Vapors and find it very comfortable. I've also heard a lot of good things about the O2 mitts and the max core. Seeking additional input before I throw down $3k on pads. Thanks in advance for all your help. Vapors are hardly a "Hybrid" pad... True Hybrid Pads are Brian's Heritage, Kenesky Retro or Brown. Newer lines are soft or stiff. And the the big stiffness difference is in torsional flex: I was in Warrior GT Pros (No Hypercomp) and they played like an older style pad. Foams were still firm, there was no shrinkage on my set, but I wanted something more stiff, flawless seal with bigger rebounds. I had a chance to demo a 2X Pro set and realized very quickly that they were too stiff overall for my liking. I considered GT2 and Gnetik IV (with HD foam upgrade) but @TGC-Rance really helped me go with the Optik 2 Max Core. I ended up moving down in size (Warrior 33+1.5 to a 32+2 in Optik 2) and likely could have gone less on the thigh rise. They are the most stable butterfly pads I've used and Primo seems to be the prime choice for sliding material on any ice surface. My big change was going with a skinned Gnetik IV glove. I didn't have a chance to try on an Optik 2 before ordering but the IV is one of the best gloves for break, closure and design I've used (Lifetime TPS guy... Bionic, Summit... Then into Smith/Warrior Gloves and the IV beats them all). Brians is also the custom kings and would be able to accommodate most requests. Their upcharges depend on the labour required to makes changes to thhe stock design. My best recommendation is to find a retailer that can walk you thru a custom order, and pound for pound The Goalie Crease in Toronto can't be beat. They do a ton of custom work with Brians as well. This is my set... If you have any other questions: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
insertnamehere Posted February 22, 2020 Share Posted February 22, 2020 1 hour ago, cwarnar said: Vapors are hardly a "Hybrid" pad... True Hybrid Pads are Brian's Heritage, Kenesky Retro or Brown. Newer lines are soft or stiff. And the the big stiffness difference is in torsional flex: I was in Warrior GT Pros (No Hypercomp) and they played like an older style pad. Foams were still firm, there was no shrinkage on my set, but I wanted something more stiff, flawless seal with bigger rebounds. I had a chance to demo a 2X Pro set and realized very quickly that they were too stiff overall for my liking. I considered GT2 and Gnetik IV (with HD foam upgrade) but @TGC-Rance really helped me go with the Optik 2 Max Core. I ended up moving down in size (Warrior 33+1.5 to a 32+2 in Optik 2) and likely could have gone less on the thigh rise. They are the most stable butterfly pads I've used and Primo seems to be the prime choice for sliding material on any ice surface. My big change was going with a skinned Gnetik IV glove. I didn't have a chance to try on an Optik 2 before ordering but the IV is one of the best gloves for break, closure and design I've used (Lifetime TPS guy... Bionic, Summit... Then into Smith/Warrior Gloves and the IV beats them all). Brians is also the custom kings and would be able to accommodate most requests. Their upcharges depend on the labour required to makes changes to thhe stock design. My best recommendation is to find a retailer that can walk you thru a custom order, and pound for pound The Goalie Crease in Toronto can't be beat. They do a ton of custom work with Brians as well. This is my set... If you have any other questions: My question is when are you gonna be selling me those? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwarnar Posted February 22, 2020 Share Posted February 22, 2020 7 minutes ago, insertnamehere said: My question is when are you gonna be selling me those? Lol... Sooner rather than later? I've got another solid Optik 2 design and would possibly make a few tweaks to my specs. You'll be my first message Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puckstopper Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 I'm not a huge fan of the Optik 2 glove. It's really got a wierd feel and don't think you'll really like it coming from either Ve8 glove. I'd look at Optik 2 pads with a Genetik IV glove if you want something that will be similar to the VE8 2 piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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