coopaloop1234

Deleted

Rebounds between the lines is pretty much identical.

I'm sure you could argue that being comfortable in your gear is a pretty functional reason. We know that Bauer pads have a very 'boxy' feeling to them, especially with the inclusion of stabiliflex/stabilislide. Some guys may just never gel with that feeling. Hell, functionally I like the idea of a calf bracket that was introduced with the Mach line. In practice it wasn't my favourite.

M5's are still as stiff as an Ultrasonic pad which is still in the "too stiff" category for a lot of consumers. Couple that in with the Vapour gloves both being more popular than the Supreme versions at retail and people wanting a matching set, it's no big surprise that Vapour still comes out on top. This is my own thoughts, so not really based on any tangibles, but, I have this feeling that users looking for a stiffer pad in general are more likely to get a Pro level pad as they start to trend into the less "casual" side of the playing sphere (if that makes sense). The only guys I've seen rocking Mach or Ultrasonic gear at the multiple leagues around here have always been "better" goalies. Same with Px9 gear now that I think about it. Not saying that owning Ultrasonic pads makes you a good goalie (yes I am), but, It's just an anecdotal trend I've seen. A common comment I see about guys going from a softer pad (eflex/velocity) and going into a Vapour pad is how stiff it is. The lack of torsional flex throughout the majority of a pad, even for Bauer's soft line, always throws people off the first time they try it out. It can be a make or break feeling for some guys.

From what I understand, this is a ripple effect from Covid and having a lot of companies take a very safe way out with their offerings. It's not like the Hyperlite 2 was that much of a change either, except maybe the C/A. From my discussions with guys working retail, this will be a pretty common trend among products for the next year or so. I wonder if it's why there's been so little marketing push for Shadow/Axis XF gear?

I have an Ultrasonic glove coming my way just for shits and giggles. I liked my Mach glove (mostly) and my curiosity is never satiated lol. I'm interested as well, though, the entire line from top to bottom is barely a revision of the Mach line. Slightly more pronounced finger sidewall, softer thighrise, wrist strap, and a in/out belly system. Very, very, conservative revision from two years ago.

FYI, Here's the 2024 catalogue if anyone wants to see everything available. Goalie Gear starts on page 170. Shadow C/A looks like barely a revision of the Mach. Which is fine since the Mach has been lights out for me. BTH24 Catalog.pdf

I imagine the Vapour line in general outsells the Supreme line by a large margin. Most guys in the beer leagues around here aren't rocking Supreme gear if they're wearing Bauer. Hell, Warrior and Brians are more common place than seeing guys in a Supreme leg pad. I've only seen someone wear an actual Mach pad (not M5) on the ice twice. Once was myself.

Saros is having a down year for himself and he's still in the top 10 goalies. Is Askarov that much better of a replacement then one of the best goalies in the league? It may just turn into another Rinne/Saros situation where Nashville, once again, has a loaded back end.

Composite sticks will lose their "pop" over time, but they're still very well useable. Your sticks my be more broken that used up. My V1 pro is pretty long in the tooth and I'm excited for it to finally bite the bullet, but until it actually breaks on me, I'll keep using it.

G7 Catalogue 2024_Warrior_HOCKEY_Catalog.pdf

Barely any changes from the Mach line. Which is exactly in line with what I've discussed with guys who work in the industry. There's a pretty conservative approach to gear due to Covid. So it may be a bit before we see any larger changes from some manufactures. Disappointed in the blocker change though. That sidewall is ugly and looks like it'd better fit Jr. gear.

That's true, we would not be walking out of that game unscathed.

Ain't that the truth. I watched an old '78 playoff game with my old man not too long ago and the difference in speed, size, and skill is night and day. My beer league team would probably walk over some of the NHL teams in the past. How we play the game is vastly different.

It's pretty quiet probably for the same reason we still haven't made a Bauer Shadow thread.

Guess we found your answer haha

Definitely. Like you said, it's already bleeding into the game and will only get worse. My taste for the NHL has dwindled over the years as the physicality and violence has subsided. I've always loved the tough aspect of the sport and seeing it turn into what's essentially the equivalent of my beer league games gets kind of boring.

I hate both the IIHF mandatory major and the new USA hockey rules. There's a shift in a lack of onus for players protecting themselves and relying on the league/refs to do that for themselves. Players turning their backs at the last second, guys skating with their heads down, and guys not engaging in contact with a guy breathing down their neck as they race towards a puck in a precarious position. I'll old man rant here. I remember when the primary lesson when we were starting hitting in hockey was that the best person out there to protect you is yourself. We learned how to give and take a hit, how to engage prior to board play, and to always know who's out there. The opposing team isn't going to take your safety into account so protect yourself. Where did the idea that self accountability to protect yourself become so secondary?

You alright there champ? This is some bonafide old man ranting. Bedard ran head first into a defender. Not sure what you expect to protect?

I still have a ways to go before I hit the coveted "old man in gym locker room" era of boldness though.

I believe the range us $35,000 - $80,000. All USD. Not too shabby for a 24 game season.

I believe they now follow USA minor hockey rules where physical play can happen only if the "hitter" is making a play for the puck. So no hitting the puck carrier for the sake of it. Watched the Min/Bos game. Aside from the obvious issues with their jersey's and team names, felt like a proper broadcast. Play was alright to watch, obviously not the same level as the USA/Canada games, but still entertaining enough. I'll be tossing it on in the background as I do want to support it.

In the goalie world? That's a hot take.

That would be a first eh? Usually that's the tell for all the recent Odin lined gloves and blockers. Either way, still feels odd not seeing a lot be teased about the Shadow line at the very least. Considering the Mach line wasn't the most popular at retail, I don't know why they'd want to hold on to potential sales for the past line? Though as usual, I'm talking out of my ass.