ArdeFIN

Me being 180cm (almost 6ft?) the medium AB PRO is too short for me on the body. Actually it is shorter than Eflex2 size S. Large AB PRO would fit me pretty well, but the medium arms are spot on. The AB PRO excels mostly on the arms over the AB500. Maybe AB500 body is a bit thinner but not much. For the carbon on heart guard and floaters, don't mind about them. Heart guard would be just fine with plastic sheet instead of carbon and inside the floaters there is only just more carbon than you can see in the "windows". The same way that you can see the shadowed shape of the plastic inside the AB500 floaters on the picture above. AB PRO floaters are bigger and a bit thicker too.

You can (and should!) open all of the screws around the mask and remove the padding to fix it easier and see if there's any other spot requiring some contact cement too. Why you should open the screws is that they do rust, and when they do bad enough you cannot open them anymore. The screw system Bauer uses is clever to the point where you think why the hell they didn't use stainless on all of the screws and nuts... You can also wash the foams easily when you have it removed, let it soak in water for few hours and squeeze the padding every now and then to get the filth out. After a few water changes the water should remain mostly clear and you can finish the job with some nice smelling detergent but I don't know if it makes a lot of difference. Won't stink for some time after this. And also this "softens" the foams back to like new.

Vaughn SLR2 ST 996g (2lbs 3.13oz) Vaughn V7XR 977g (2lbs 2.46oz) Brians Gnetik2 (replaced T) 1073g (2lbs 5.85oz) CCM Eflex Pro 580 (repaired) 1079g (2lbs 6.06)

Is it actually legal to push the goalie into the goal with puck as you can push the puck and not the goalie directly? I don't remember the exact phrases in the rules for this but it was something like that.

The most important thing I've noticed with plastic on the knee block for slide is that it is really consistent over the hour of ice time. Fresh ice isn't the best but a few shuffles and a bit of snow makes it all good and after that no matter how bad the ice turns the slide is pretty much the same. It truly is more technical with plastics too as you have to control the power you put into the push. And keep practising the stopping edge too. I don't see a day when I would go and play again without slideplates of some sort on my pads.

Hitting in the middle of the pad that puck could've touched his shin too. It went quite deep into the pad.

I've never changed cup, bought a good Warriors when I started as a goalie and still use them, about 5 years now. I've only used Warrior knee pads, same model but different pairs, as I've had few different pants simultaneously to fit them to. Masks, only few different models to find a good fit and protection. All the rest I'm looking for what suits me best. But I've also noticed that I do adapt somewhat to gloves especially. But I've also combined the two hobbies, goalie and gear repairs. Latter giving me a good chance to try out different styles of gear too. I think I'm still more a type that keeps what works as I've noticed that I only rotate similar gloves and have returned to C/A and pants I liked before and using them constantly. But being supported by the repairing hobby I'll still keep looking for the best of the best.

Even 1" is still quite a lot missing from the perimeter and covered area too. Normal for Bauer catchers though. One day I'll get one of them Vapor90 gloves to see it through.

This is just a bit too soon for me to comment completely, I have (old revision) NME IX fit1 and VTX fit2 and also 960XPM in S/M (I think 960XPM came in only 2 sizes, S/M and M/L?) All are with the original foams. Fit1 is never used, fit2 is used for 50ish times and 960 is used a lot before me. I could use the fit1 NME without pain, but it is definitely snug fit for me. Then the VTX is just a tad too wide to the cheek/jaw area where I had to add 4mm thick foam under the original padding. But other than that the fit2 is very proper fit, snug enough to not rotate at all. The 960XPM is still in bits and pieces so I cannot give any comment on the differences here yet. But if I remember this thread when I get the 960 into a form I can try it on properly, then I'll update this comment in detail for all three masks.

Eh, you sure about those measurements? As it's 45" limit in rules and I've never seen SR sized glove that would be more than about an inch below that. 4" is a huge length which also affects the area of the glove, a lot if that 41" is correct I have no doubt on your measurement as if you weren't able to get it right but the result is just... I think the Int size is limited to 43" for perimeter?

Just realized how short the thumb is. Assuming the cuff area is still the 8" by 4". Is the perimeter length anywhere near to the 45" limit? New to me mask. Got it pretty cheap while it didn't look too bad for the price. I wanted to see the differences between Profile and NME and while I had the NME already I also needed a Profile and 960XPM it is. I then found out the reason for the cheap price, the foams need a complete wash and cleaning which isn't too bad of a job itself. But getting the foam and all the screws and nuts off of the mask shell was a hell of a job. Most of them were just a bit rusted (the nuts, screws are stainless) but the lowest strap buttons were rusted in to their place. I had to drill them through and all inside them so I could get them off. Other than that the shell seems okayish and needs some cleaning and minor fixing but nothing critical. Cage is wasted and needs to be replaced if I can find a new one, straps might still be usable and easy to get new ones if needed. Interesting to see how it fits my head when accomplished.

Simmons is beefy, but originally it was also glunky with huge floaters and all. I made a mod-project of one and it was better after that. When in locker room it isn't really good feeling but when on ice it works as it should, I really don't notice it much. But for what you can buy, the best is Brown for protection, then comes the line of Pro chestys. Warrior is the one I would suggest too. All models look boxy and if you want you can feel that too. But still on the ice my R/GT2 is the most unnoticeable C/A I've had, and no problems with stingers.

Looping his toelaces differently on right vs left foot? Not that it makes much of a difference, some superstitious thing maybe?

For size on thighs go Warrior definitely. Or maybe Brown/Simmons/ other small fabricator customs. I have X2Pro and like them when I tuck, but recently I've moved over to non-tuck for a bit more comfort in setting things up. With non-tuck I use CCM Pro (older flat thigh HPG12) or Simmons 996(?) Both are big but still smaller than Warrior. I've also played some times with Bauer 1X but couldn't really dial them well enough. Not bad as they were and those old style thighs were as wide as Warrios are. I don't actually like the new style of rounded thighs, not for the rounded but how it is done. Having a huge rounded panel over both side and 90 degree corner to line in between legs. One of the shelf pants I saw at local store had had some bad storage conditions or what ever and the large plates on sides were almost straightened up. I didn't try them on me but they needed some re-rounding to work at all. With that thinking, you might be able to easily modify those pants to have super flat and wide thighs if it was legal, right?

Heh, yeah. You're playing in Sweden ATM right? As I bought my pants from Monkey Sports Europe, Sweden I've now had 6 skates in these and they are just what I wanted. Only thing what I didn't expect is that the waist part is super high and stiff. It doesn't bother at all when on ice but in the locker room it makes things a bit tedious. Well this can propably change after a while when they get more use and soften a little. Don't know about the HPG14 pants, never seen them IRL but these HPG12 are as good as I need them to be. And I really don't miss the rounded HPG14 style at all. As if I knew how they really are but anyways.

Did you have some abrasive material over the puck you were throwing the glove with? That binding looks just like some sanding paper was used to grind it. But good that you got the issue "fixed" with CCM, it's not always been the easiest thing to get done what I've heard/read.

I've noticed some head movement problems when my dangler gets caught with the inside edge of the floater. So that is what I would try to adjust as much as possible to keep them in flat position so that the edge isn't opening ie. the outer side isn't pulled back too much to turn the floater. One would be to add some strap or (elastic) lace between the floaters close to your throat, that would keep the floaters more flat and the tie between them could make a bridge over the floaters edges too.

When comparing Vaughns glove remeber that 1 piece Velocity and 2 piece Velocity are not the same angle. Have been this way since V6 maybe? I like the 1 piece a lot more. Then when it comes to VE8 -> V9, I do like the VE8XP while the V9XP isn't to my liking. Vaughn changed the V9 some way which I've read from somewhere (here?) to be closer to SLR style. Haven't tried the V10 yet so no comment on that one. What's on Brian's then I have Gnetik Pro which I don't like, Subzero which is ok, Optik9.0 which I like, GnetikIV which I like. Go figure from that what is what and why. Same repeats for Bauer as I have a no go with Vapor but Supremes are pretty good and Ultra Sonic is one of the best for me. One piece 600 angle on CCM is terrible and still I don't like the 590 either but it's not even close to as bad as the 600 is. And with 2 piece 600 I can do pretty well... What can one get out from this story? Only that for a catcher there is a lot more than just the angle of the break. Unfortunately

So the knee pads from Warrior are considered very good which I can confirm on my behalf. I've never used other brand as Warriors have been really good for me so need to find anything better. But being good isn't still as good as would like them to be so a bit of a modding is needed to the strapping. Standing up the pads and straps are in line and comfortable and nothing bothering. But down on BF there is a lot of pulling on the mid strap and it wants to pull the knee protection upwards opening the knee area to possibly get a puck there. (top strap only pulled away and help to push the knee pad down) So the middle strap needs some operating and it's not really a simple job the way I do it with sewing machine, but you could possibly do it also with just cutting the strap out, add some velcro and length to it and use the original front velcro. As said my way involves a lot more work and requires sewing, awl would do but machine is so much easier. Open the bindings and detach the strap, move the strap up as much as possible and sew everything in. Nothing changed when standing up but when down to ice the strap does only touch the calf and doesn't want to lift the front plate up. Even more room is available if the top straps are crossed. I have used that setup too with no problem. One thing to note here that I keep the top straps attached always. And as loose as possible within the velcro limitation as in the pictures. This way the thigh doesn't push the top part down so much. I also like the free feel while it is still attached well enough to not hinder to anything. Nowadays I use a skaters socks over the pads too, but that didn't really change a lot. So the attachment to my new HPG12A pants where there are no spots whatsoever. Velcro of both sides and a slice of jenpro (or whatever fabric with holes) sewn tpgether. Open up the thigh protector pockets (velcroed!) and insert the tabs: Close the pocket and we have tabs available. There is the hip protection that covers these tabs so they don't touch my thigh at all.

Here's a few different ways I had a picture of. I had to add extra loops of nylon as the loops readily on the backprotection were too low to make any useful elastic connect. The easier way is when you can just add some elastic cord, adjust the length and good to go. Using multiple cords makes the elastic loop stiffer which you need to try and find your best setup too. I've found four loops to be useable starting from two - three and four is good. I think I've never tried how it would do with even more loops. Also the length of the loop naturally has effect on the stiffness of the elastic. Then if you tuck you might want the loop on your pants to be inside the waist protection so that the C/A doesn't fight the back protection of the pants. And for untucked use the loop on the outside, where most pants have a loop already to hang them up to dry.

Update on my behalf here. I ended up using suspenders to keep pants up, can't even tighten the belt to get them really snug but just good enough. Suspenders are crossed over my chest. C/A has the usual bungee cord on the back and connects with carabinier to a loop on my pants. Really like this setup except that the C/A rib protection has awfully hard top edges that dig into my ribs/armpits. Have to modify them a bit unless I'll get rid of them Snowwis set and continue with my Warrior & CCM setups but go for untucked with CCM. Warrior pants don't want to be untucked. Yet.

Just got my new pants in and was bit surprised of them. I did (for some reason though) have an idea that I ordered a pair of HPG14A while my mind was set to HPG12/Premier with flat thighs, I had Premiers long time ago but size too small. So opening the box and looking at the sticker saying something about the pants in the CCM long coding and the got the pants out and they looked as in the advertisement picture exactly, nice! Plain simple design, no hoitytoity materials and graphics. Just 100% hockey gear. Quickly trying how the paddings feel on hip and thigh areas and that was a bit of a stepdown as my current X2Pro Warriors do pack a lot more padding in them. But this doesn't mean that CCMs felt thin, just thinner. Then finally looked at the size tag saying HPG12A size L. WTF. Okay, I'm good now Then looking to the thigh boards and all again and yes, could've noticed it right away that these are definitely not HPG14A. Rechecking the advertisement doesn't exactly say what HPG model were on sale, but size chart saying M-L-XL should've rang some bells. Oh well now I have my sort of dream pants in and I'll have to add the tabs for knee pads before first use. That should be super easy as the pants are with the same structure as Premiers where the thigh boards are in a pocket closed with velcro. I'll add some jenpro and velcro in between and should be good to go. Other bonus with this pant structure is that if padding is ever proven to be too thin it is super easy to add a layer of foam in there. No picture of pants but they are only plain black HPG12A with stiched white CCM logos. And found some CCM suspenders to go with these. The tabs for knee pads: Is Cortina supplying some other brands than CCM?

Nah, I got impatient and pulled the trigger for HPG14A pants. If they are not what I wanted (propably no problems) I'll try and sell them with a small loss of money and buy something else. I tried to find VE8 pants but they were non-existant in Europe. No new stock and no used ones available. I also found out that V9 has been with the thigh cradle ie. old style flat thigh plates. But the V9 was Pro Carbon and then the price went to 500 euros which is a lot more than HPG14A. I'm also interested to see if these are truly NHL spec pants or just the same model but less protection. Ofcourse I don't know about the real NHL spec pants but if these feel down graded then I'm disappointed.

Took my skates to get them sharp again (last time was 4th jan 2023 ) and found one S sized X4E pants. The design was spot on and felt like it could work really well for what I'm looking for. But. The quality of so called SR. Over all everything felt somewhat cheapish but not bad atleast if looking for protection. But the materials and especially the nylon on the outside is rubbish. It even sounds like paper bag and feels super thin. So that was about it. Then I looked for alternatives: - Vaughn V9: Super protective and quality feel, thick paddings and movements from shelf felt good. But for some reason atleast the (only) pair that was available had both of the thigh boards halfway straightened. And when I tried the pants on the boards were in 90 degree angle in front of me like snowplough. Could be easily fixed with some strapping into shape etc. But if I'm buying new gear.... - CCM Pro, these were known to have a bit of an issue on the front hip area and yes, there is only 5-10mm of padding where you have cup under. But even Warrior cup cannot cover that whole area. Other than that they felt just like Premier which I liked when had them. But again I'm looking for new gear and not planning to modify them to start with. So can anyone post me a picture of the insides of CCM HPG14 pants? The front area and legs are of interest.

Does anyone have any hands on experience with these? I was to try a non-tuck style with my X2Pro but noticed that when I pulled the waist belt snug the pants turned to non-mobile mode to a level where I wasn't able to drop down and do any movements that required thighs to move. Looking it through I think it's the waist plates on front and sides and added to the thigh plates that are just huge. From pictures these "E" pants don't have any of those Warrior style extras and look more like the standard style. I don't have these in the nearby shops so asking before travelling further to find out if these would work for me. Other option I have are CCM HPG14A but for almost double the price of the X3E/4E and even less chances to try them on, actually only way is to get them shipped to me to try them on.