froese

On 12/1/2023 at 3:58 AM, keeperton said:

Checking in here: I had an MRI on my hip today (well, yesterday). I did 10 weeks of PT, got a gorgeous ass, took 6 weeks off playing, played and the left hip still hurt (and I got less flexible).

The gadolinium injected contrast hurt (and still hurts) like something fierce. I've had it done before from an MRI on my shoulder back in 2017, which is how I found out I have a SLAP tear up there, and that felt like the described pressure and "fullness" within the joint. This one straight hurt the whole time, only got worse as they put more in, and still hurts to the point that my entire leg hurts. I don't have my diagnosis yet, but I'm really suspecting it's labrum damage within the hip that will need surgery, then I'll be back on the PT grind to rebuild the atrophied muscle for months before I can get the clear to even try skating again.

I could be doing better.

I tore both MCL's and PCL's in 2018, rehabbed and came back (too early), in 2019 and as a result tore my miniscus, likely as a result of compensating for my other injuries. Went for surgery for the miniscus, and then continued rehab for another full year. I'm not saying your recovery will take anywhere near this long, but I did have many moments where it felt like I'd never heal and be able to play again. Now I'm back to 100%, playing more than ever and playing well. Don't lose faith, just stick to the process and do the right rehab and hopefully you eventually will see positive results.

3 hours ago, RichMan said:

I'm a little confused here. You said the Elite seemed too "rigid", yet you end up with the Hyperlite which is essentially the Pro version of the S23. What else made you change your mind?

I definitely wouldn't say the hyperlite is more rigid than the elite, and doesn't feel bulkier either. The chest feels like it conforms to the body better and flexes in a way that doesn't cause it to push up when you're down in a stance. It felt like the forearms on the elite also interfered more with my glove than the hyperlite does. Just general overall feel, I guess. Feels way less intrusive and not in the way. 

15 hours ago, seagoal said:

Are you still pending to get a new Warrior and just trying out the Mach? 

I just noticed some holes in some of the square foam wraps on my chest unit.  Nothing too bad or problematic just yet, but a good sign that it's seen its share of good use and getting into the last stages of use.

Mine's a V9 I got 3  years ago.  I've only ever worn Vaughn chesties and honestly I've paid zero attention to them over the years, even on here. It's a piece of gear that kinda bores me and I don't geek out on them at all.  My expectations for them are minimal so long as they fit well, which Vaughn's  have done for me.

P.S. I too don't tuck, tie down, or wear suspenders.  Never have.

To be honest I'd never really paid a lot of attention to chest protectors until I needed a new one, and then my OCD kicked in and I got just as obsessed with it as I do with everything else. I hadn't thought about mine much either because it fit so well and was so broken in and just did it's job. But when I started looking around and trying stuff on and these new units suddenly weren't so comfortable, it got my attention pretty quick, haha. I was in Vaughn forever as well, really comfortable.

12 hours ago, coopaloop1234 said:

I'm mostly trying out the Mach, but there is the intention of making it my go to if it goes well. I have nothing but positive things to say about both Warrior and Bauer C/A's. So it'll mostly come down to overall feeling and if I like my profile with it or not. 

After all, I'm a vain son of a bitch. 

I caught my reflection a couple of times in the glass behind the net last night in my Hyperlite, and it was kind of sexy.

3 hours ago, MTH said:

With all due respect. Garth was an average career NHL goalie. The gear shenanigans didn't make him superior the other guys playing. He got into the league looking like this:

6'3" 200 lbs. Those pads look like 34" pads and weighed 5x as much as today's 36+2 pads.

I'm not insulting Garth Snow, and clearly when he was with the Nordiques he looked like any other goalie. I'm referring specifically to a period when he was with the Islanders and he had some chest protectors with pretty massive shoulders. And I agree, his gear definitely did not make him superior to other goalies. 

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

53 minutes ago, coopaloop1234 said:

Mask interference is essentially zero with the Pro. I'm sure the Pro+ it may be something needing to adjust. 

The arms on the Rx3 break in nicely and you don't notice the bulk, but they definitely do feel wider than anything else. Also, surprisingly enough, the Pro+ is even larger in the arms. Neither unit is NHL legal lol. Also, the arms get almost as broken in as my Hyperlite was, but far more protective. 

I'm in a period where I've finally accepted that, despite technically fitting the sizing requirements for Medium C/A's, I'm way better suited to wearing Smalls. All of my past C/A's before this Rx3 were Mediums and a lot of my gripes that I had with these C/A's can be properly attributed to the sizing.

My past experiences with Bauer C/A's, despite wearing Mediums, were both pretty positive and I'm wanting to give them another try with a more appropriate sized unit. 

No idea which one I'll end up preferring, but I won't be upset if the Mach doesn't work since I'm still enjoying my Rx3 quite a bit. 

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!

2 minutes ago, coopaloop1234 said:

That's right, I don't tuck, tie down, or wear suspenders. Light and Breezy baby. 

Currently in the Warrior RX3 Pro (not +) and I'm expecting my Bauer Mach tomorrow. I've used Warrior units the longest, but have gone back and forth with a few Bauer and Vaughn units. 

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?

13 minutes ago, coopaloop1234 said:

So why did you switch?

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?

On 11/25/2023 at 6:44 PM, froese said:

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

On 11/26/2023 at 12:00 PM, froese said:

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. 

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

9 hours ago, RichMan said:

Let us know how the arms feel protection wise. The body and shoulders looked ample enough for beer league. 

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

6 minutes ago, ethanallen said:

Can't vote for or against him. I am only 16. But I smell the dressing and pies now Grandpa is taking me to my ice tiles right now to divert attention from that spectacle He's going to give me a few reps to work of Thanksgiving dinner

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

8 minutes ago, Hockey34 said:

The only time I had a problem with it was when I had just changed my dangler and it was lower than I usually have it but since I fixed that I have no problem 

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

6 minutes ago, ThatCarGuy said:

I added an extra half inch of padding under the shoulders of mine and wear a throat guard  and still have no issues with mobility

Awesome, that's good to know. Thanks.

On 11/12/2023 at 3:50 AM, ThatCarGuy said:

Mach is in its own league. Forget the top of my head, I can reach the back of my neck. 

On 11/12/2023 at 9:33 PM, Hockey34 said:

Like @ThatCarGuy said the Mach is an amazing chest protector I’ve had mine since the beginning of last season on the ice about 6 days a week and still have no problem with it. The mobility is probably the best of any chest protectors and protection is great to, I haven’t had a problem with the shoulders like Thatcarguy but every now and again I’ll get a stinger in the arms, still haven’t gotten any bruises from it but can feel some of the hard shots to the arms. 
 

@ethanallen I would suggest trying a Mach on as well when you go try the warrior on. 

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!

On 11/15/2023 at 9:56 AM, johncho said:

I use the Genetix insoles in the TF9s, I've used Superfeet Yellow in the past and hated them. I find the Genetix a bit squishy at first but pretty comfortable and supportive, I had to add grips to them using liquid tape as my socks slid a bit. I do like them more than their previous footbeds and a bit more than the Graf SIDAS ones. But again, it's a pretty personal thing I find.

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.

24 minutes ago, WillyGrips13 said:

Ah yes, Schadenfreude. 
The Oilers and Leafs are similar in that they either drafted or signed highly skilled goal-scorers and payed them huge contracts. Due to the salary cap, they can’t fill the rest of their roster with comparable players. Neither organization seems to be able to draft an elite goaltender. And the goaltenders they’ve had haven’t been helped by the poor defensive zone play by their players. Commitment to defense is not a core principle of either team. So both teams are set up to fail in the playoffs. It’s just surprising it’s happening to the Oilers now, during the season.

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.

27 minutes ago, TheGoalNet said:

My Vapor90 is MIA, so I don't have personal experience with that model, but I wear the True 580 completely unstrapped. Once you go unstrapped, I find it hard to go back
 

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.

5 minutes ago, ThatCarGuy said:

Prostockhockey has Markstrom's Frankenstein glove. Looks like factory work to me

https://www.prostockhockey.com/goalie-protective/goalie-gloves/regular-ccm-extreme-flex-6-white-glove-jacob-markstrom-calgary-flames-6/

 

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.

21 hours ago, coopaloop1234 said:

And the garage once again gets more cluttered. Doesn't help that I'm still in the midst of packing up my hunting gear. 

 

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