rebatttocs

On 6/25/2021 at 2:25 PM, rebatttocs said:

Just put in my order for a custom-coloured Brian's Optik 2 chest/arm.

No frills or beef added. I just needed an upgrade from my RBK X-Pulse Pro which has got to be +10 years old (anyone know when they were released?).

Opted for the Optik 2 over the Vaughn VE9 Pro which felt light and nicely broken-in but a little too soft, or "sloppy," for lack of a better word. I also tried the CCM EFlex 5 and while the arms were good, the chest just felt like a straight flat wall that came up to my ears. Sadly I didn't get to try the Bauer Hyperlite.

The Optik 2 was a good overall fit, the silhouette on the shoulders suited me better and the build quality is amazing. I also really liked the adjustable collar/neck. Most people I talked to consider this unit to be more of a blocking chest/arm opposed to the more flexible, game-ready VE9 and EFlex 5 models. IMO the Brian's Optik 2 fell somewhere in the middle.

Equally important - how do you argue with that style???

Despite the fact that there is no hockey right now, it's going to be hard waiting for it to arrive.

Will keep the group updated on ETA if there is interest. From my experience these units are hard to find off the shelf (in the GTA anyway) so custom order might be your best bet if you're on the hunt.

Long wait but finally got my Brian's Optik 2 chest/arm and it's perfect.

Still playing with straps and adjustments to fine tune the fit but it feels great. Also going to try a tuck and loose fit to see what works best. 

I noticed there's a tie-down for pants in the back which can help keep the unit in place. Anyone have recos on what to use to attach one to the other? 

Just put in my order for a custom-coloured Brian's Optik 2 chest/arm.

No frills or beef added. I just needed an upgrade from my RBK X-Pulse Pro which has got to be +10 years old (anyone know when they were released?).

Opted for the Optik 2 over the Vaughn VE9 Pro which felt light and nicely broken-in but a little too soft, or "sloppy," for lack of a better word. I also tried the CCM EFlex 5 and while the arms were good, the chest just felt like a straight flat wall that came up to my ears. Sadly I didn't get to try the Bauer Hyperlite.

The Optik 2 was a good overall fit, the silhouette on the shoulders suited me better and the build quality is amazing. I also really liked the adjustable collar/neck. Most people I talked to consider this unit to be more of a blocking chest/arm opposed to the more flexible, game-ready VE9 and EFlex 5 models. IMO the Brian's Optik 2 fell somewhere in the middle.

Equally important - how do you argue with that style???

Despite the fact that there is no hockey right now, it's going to be hard waiting for it to arrive.

Will keep the group updated on ETA if there is interest. From my experience these units are hard to find off the shelf (in the GTA anyway) so custom order might be your best bet if you're on the hunt.

Congrats to everyone getting their masks in time for the season! 

3 hours ago, redrook said:

He's made masks for some of the biggest names in NHL history. He made masks for Lefebvre in the 80s and 90s, and he'll do almost anything you want in a mask. And his prices are fantastic. For other makers of the same pedigree you're paying a lot more - like Harrison (arguably the godfather to be fair) who is $1800USD for fiberglass only, and Dillon who is $1000USD.

Nobody is going to be playing any time soon so the wait doesn't really matter to me.

Echoing other comments here but you can't beat the price when it comes to quality and fit. 

Adding to that, the number of options and styles he offers is worth the wait to get a custom lid. Plus he's just a really nice guy to work with!

My Protechsport mask arrived this past weekend and it looks/feels great right out of the box.  For reference this is a Belfour style fiberglass + Kevlar mask with chin cup and black foam. I also picked up an extra black cage.

Well worth the wait and you can't beat the service or cost. I thought my previous pro Eddy mask fit well but it does not compare. Huge thanks to Michel for all his help!

Just got word from Michel this weekend that my mask is being sanded. Pumped for it to arrive but sadly the remainder of the season has been cancelled due to COVID-19. How do ppl feel about "mask Mondays" so I can wear it around the house? 

Took a wrister from the top of the circles off my old Eddy mask that busted a buckle and screw, knocking the mask clear off my head.

Other than replacing the hardware there doesn't seem to be any damage but really hoping my Protech mask is getting close to the top of the queue!

My wife helped me make my head mold yesterday which was... an interesting exercise! 

Anyone have any tips on mailing this thing? I understand he wants to send through Canada Post, but more interested in how folks actually packed up their molds. 

Cool let me know @Taco I'm looking for the Belfour model which, from what I have read on this forum, is the same at the Potvin. 

Curious if the chin length is longer/shorter than my current Eddy.

Helmet looks awesome - well done!

On 2/25/2019 at 3:20 PM, Taco said:

Some unboxing photos of a full Kevlar, matte black Harrison style mask with a matching backplate vent (Potvin only had the right side). Also went with black padding, finished interior, and a chin sling. Feels ultra solid as expected.  

Hey @Taco did you go with an extended chin?

On 2/22/2019 at 12:18 PM, motowngoalie said:

Meant to post earlier. My Protechsport finally showed up earlier this week. Pardon the scary photo 

Initial impressions:

-Wow, it's heavy! But a good heavy. I feel really safe in it if that makes sense (insert millenial safe-space joke here ).

-I added an extra 3/4" length on the chin and back, and I'm glad I did. Sorta looks like an original 961 long-chin and I like it. I was worried it might impact downward visibility, but doesn't seem to affect it at all.

-So comfortable. I did a small adjustment to the chin cup and that's all it needed to feel like it was an extension of my head.

-Mask wrap looks awesome too. I recommend JF Aumais to anyone considering a wrap.

-Although it was a lengthy wait, I feel more than happy with my purchase and experience.

Glad to answer any questions! 

On 2/22/2019 at 6:31 PM, MangoRhinehart said:

From Michel "Now here are the differences between material , it will be obviously in weight , full Kevlar is definately lighter than fiberglass or the fiberglass/Kevlar mix , also no ringing or almost not with full Kevlar and finally , full Kevlar is a definitely more durable material than fiberglass , in other words , if you put both masks in the same game situation let’s say during 2 years , the full Kevlar mask will look much better or in better shape for sure , it's not me or the way I built masks , this is the reality, no matter how to use or work with these two materials, the result will always be the same . It's hard to compare both materials cause Kevlar is such a higher quality material , it's almost unfair for the kevlar to compare both , they are not in the same ''league'' . I dot use carbon fiber cause it's simply useless in masks , it only increase the cost and not good at all for the impact ."

 

Full Kevlar is around 2.2Lbs I believe

Thanks for sharing - this is great context. Makes me want to weigh the 10yr old Eddy bucket I'm looking to replace. 

@motowngoalie - did you go full kevlar?

Wondering how much materials impact the weight of the mask.

Thanks!

On 2/19/2019 at 4:50 PM, Doobiesnax said:

@rebatttocs shoot me a pm! We look after our own here on the goalnet  

Thanks guys - still debating at this point but may be in touch!

Update - Michel has already responded with topline quote on the mask, instructions on head mold and an idea on timelines.

7 hours ago, TitanG said:

I haven't worked with Michel before, but I know he himself can do some minor paint jobs (I've seen cage windows painted differently from the rest of the mask). If you want the same type of paint job, then I'm sure it wouldn't cost all that much since it's pretty simple compared to many modern paint jobs.

Thanks for the insights @TitanG I'll put in the ask and let the group know as the process progresses.

Hi Protechsport fans,

Been enjoying this thread and have just pulled the mental trigger to order a Protechsport mask. Sent Michel an email last night to get more intel on the process.

Understanding the wait times, I'm looking for any guidance that might help keep the process moving. I provided the following details based on options mentioned on his site: