froese

Let's not forget about Garth Snow and his Gladiator style upper body foolishness.

Excellent info, thanks. I've always been a large, but have contemplated trying a medium for probably the same reasons you're going to test out a small. Although I have to say I just got home and put the hyperlite on (large) with my pants and mask and it's pretty spectacular. No issues with fit, or mask interference. Obviously more substantial than my Vaughn, but doesn't feel too bulky. I think I'll actually wear it for my game tonight which means the deal will be sealed Hopefully your Mach arrives tomorrow!

The RX3 Pro was one of the units I tried on today. Really comfortable but I thought the arms were a bit bulky. Besides that it seemed like it would be good as far as vision and not having to worry about mask interference. Yup I went from early 90's Brown to a 2010 Vaughn Epic, and now to a Hyperlite (maybe ). Why'd you decide to go with the Mach?

Overall the CCM was comfortable and light, and no issues with head movement when standing. But the bulky chest wrap and length was such that when I went into a stance with my goalie pants on it tended to ride up. I don't tuck, so if the lower part of the chest is too stiff or bulky and doesn't flex properly, it can cause problems. Granted I've only tried the hyperlite on in store, but it feels like overall it's a lot lower profile and less bulky, and the lower chest is a lot more flexible. Very comfortable. Then again I was optimistic about the Shield II as well so time will tell. As a fellow non-tucker (I believe I read that somewhere), what are you in? Warrior?

The saga/search continues. At this point I'm basically clowning myself hahahaha kill me.

Well, that didn't last long. After more time with it at home, wearing it with my gear etc. I worried it was going to be too rigid and may not break in like I want it too. So, returned it this morning and my local store had the CCM Eflex Shield II still in stock and they have me a great deal. If anyone's been to Royal Sports in Winnipeg, it's quite something. It doubles as a goalie gear museum with brand new stuff dating back a full decade. I love it. Anyway, this unit is super comfortable. I know there's another thread on here about this model but it's been archived so I can't reply there. But, all the negative things people commented on are actually characteristics I was looking for (softer arms, particularly from the wrist to elbow), and I fully expect to feel shots to the arm when I get them, which is rare. So we'll see if this one sticks. I believe I'm up to 3 units now that I've returned so hopefully this one lasts Buying gear is super fun but also an absolute nightmare, haha.

I'm finally going to try and move out of my Vaughn Epic 8606 from 2010 so I picked up the S23 Elite. The Vaughn is so comfortable and mobile, but that's like saying goalies could see the puck a lot better before they wore masks The mobility of the Elite seems pretty good even brand new so we'll see how it goes

You're only 16 and dieting on Thanksgiving? My man, you need to live a little!

Thanks, I don't wear a dangler so it's good to know that even with one it's not an issue.

Awesome, that's good to know. Thanks.

Can either of you comment on how the shoulder floaters impact looking side to side? Glad to hear about the arm mobility, but my other pet peeve when I've looked at upgrading is I can't stand it if the chin of my mask is restricted by the floaters. I want the absolute opposite of what Matt Murray seems to want. Thanks!

I used the Genetix insoles tonight and I did not like them. At all. Comfortable, yes, but for a company who's main goal is to eliminate energy loss between the foot and the skate to sell "premium" insoles that feel like waterbeds for your feet is a bit baffling. Way too squishy for my liking. I actually tossed them in the trash after my game tonight. Back to super feet for me!

Awesome, thanks for the feedback. Agreed that insoles in particular are incredibly personal given that people's feet are so unique. I've got some on order arriving next week so I'm looking forward to give them a try.

Resurrecting this thread to ask if anyone has used the True Genetix insoles and what they thought of them, especially compared to Superfeet Carbon's which is what I currently use in my Tf9's. Thanks in advance.

And the Leafs are in danger of it happening to them during the season as well. Right now the difference is they're still out scoring their horrible goaltending/defense, but if that dries up they're going to be in trouble. It's actually jarring watching Campbell, Skinner and Samsonov and how terrible they are. Skinner was better last night but all three have moments where they're swimming like a beer league goalie and look like they don't know how to play. Although I'd argue Campbell has never been good, except for a 3 month stretch with the Leafs where he went on a heater and made the all star team. Other than that, he's just a bad goalie who taps his teammates on the shin pads so they all like him.

I absolutely find more pleasure in watching teams I hate fail than I do seeing ones that I like succeed. The Jets are definitely my team, but I prefer to monitor their games and feel good when they win but allocate most of my focus on watching the Leafs suck . I don't mind the Oilers, but it's such a train wreck right now that the entertainment factor is too good not to enjoy. Besides that I make decisions on what games to watch based mostly on who's in net and whether I want to focus on them and watch their game or not. Oh, and Calgary...definitely enjoying their misery as well.

I have the CCM 580 which is essentially the same glove (correct me if I'm wrong) and I can't imagine wearing it fully unstrapped. It doesn't feeling sloppy on your hand?

I don't think this warrants a new thread, but I thought I'd provide some thoughts on my Eflex 6 pads after 22 ice times. For background, these are the first set of non-Vaughn pads I've had since 1991 which means I've gone all the way through the Legacy, Vision, and Velocity series' ending with the V7 xf Pro Carbons that I had up until the start of this season. My motivation for switching was that I wanted to make the jump to a more modern pad in terms of materials, construction, strapping, along with a stiffer feel and a squared off knee block/system. The Eflex series seemed like the best option for me given that they are still what some might consider a "soft" pad compared to Bauer, for example, and I always liked the look and feel of the Eflex series whenever I was in a gear store and browsing other brands. I had also bought a set of True 9x3's to compare, but I found the thigh-rise and the pad in general too stiff, and I didn't like the FRS strapping system. The CCM's were also lighter and just felt like a better fit for me overall, so the Trues were returned. I originally bought a set of stock 34+2's, with control rebound foam and speedskin on the sliding surface. After 3 skates I realized they were too big so I sold them (ouch), and bought a new set of custom 33+1.5's with max rebound and weave instead of speedskin. These fit perfectly, and although I had no issues with the speedskin I do prefer the weave. For context, my V7's were 34+2. After 22 skates I can unequivocally say I love these pads and do not miss my Vaughns. I mean, don't get me wrong, I will always love Vaughn but I guess we've just agreed to see other people now . My preference is to strap my pads quite loose which I was already doing that with the V7's, and the CCM's strapping system is obviously very conducive to that as well. I use skate lace toe ties with about 3.5 inches of slack, and have the QMSS2 somewhat snug, but by no means tight. I run the DRS Pro strap behind the knee as opposed to down the calf, and it's relatively loose as well but tight enough to ensure my knee stays on the block. The calf strap is very loose. If you've ever seen how Demko straps his pads, that's basically how I wear mine. Sadly, that is the only area he and I could ever be compared, haha. Here's some general performance categories/metrics for the pads and how I'd grade them based on my experience: Fit & Feel/Rotation: A It took a bit of trial and error to get the straps dialed in to where I like them, but now that I have I really like the way they connect and move with my leg and how they sit on my skate. Very responsive, and rotation has been really good in the butterfly, as well as when getting into the RVH. Coming from Vaughn I'm a fan of the soft boot and it plays a big role in triggering that rotation and allowing for good post integration without putting a tonne of stress on ankles knees and hips. Sliding: B+ I know there's better sliding pads out there, which is why this score is a bit lower. But for my purposes and based on my experience, and coming from a V7, I have zero complaints. Last night by the end of the game the ice was slow and snowy but I still had no issues sliding on cross crease pushes and I can remain in control and not over-slide. Seal & Thigh Rise Stiffness: A Contrary to posts by dip-shit Youtubers, pad seal (including the thigh rise) has been great for me. Just last night I faced a quick release slot shot right along the ice that I managed to get to even though I felt I was late on it. The pad rotated quickly and sealed nicely despite the fact that my full weight hadn't yet settled down on the knee block on the ice, the puck hitting the pad just below the knee and kicking to the corner. Hopefully I'm describing that well enough for people to understand. At any rate, the seal has been good. I've also been impressed with their five hole closure. Just the right amount of curve in the thigh rise. Build Quality/Durability: ? Too early to provide any comment on this, so all I can say is that after 22 skates they're in perfect condition. No wear spots that I've noticed and the straps are high quality so no problems there. As a first time CCM user I didn't bring any bias or previous experience to this topic, but based on many world wide web commenters out there by all accounts these pads should have vapourized after 3 or 4 skates . Anyway, so far so good! Overall, very happy with these pads and glad I made the switch. My comfort level is at the point where I don't even think about my gear when I'm playing which is always a good sign. If anyone has any questions I can answer, let me know.

You'd think they could at least open up the back and snap a pic of the strapping. but I agree, looks like CCM did that custom for him.

Love the copious amounts of gear, etc etc., but let's point out the real star of this pic which is the Canada Dry Tonic Water. IYKYK

Vaughn Velocity V7 xf pro carbon. No idea if they're legal or not but I do love them. Super comfortable/mobile and good coverage and protection.

I do that as well, actually. But I don't tape it, I just rely on the tension of the lace.

Those Supra pants were awesome, including the name, "Supra".

Wonder if they would have helped him get to that puck a little quicker Saturday night..... Probably not.

Heritage Classic setups for Markstrom & Skinner