Rogie

+1 to that.

I think I you nailed it. And for the most part, it works. But It is astonishing, given the crazy advances in material science (like D3O), that more of it isn’t showing up in goalie gear. What we still see is mostly the same stuff that’s been used for decades, just rearranged.

I don't know of others may be interested in this but I did a little surgery on my Vaughn chesty and discovered just what layers of foam are actually being used, and most interestingly, what Vaughn means when they say "Carbon reinforced". I'll start by saying I'm a long time Vaughn chesty fan (and still wear them) so I'm not bashing here, just sharing what I found in case others may be interested to know what's inside, protecting them. Here's the model I'm referring to: So this got started when I decided to remove about an inch and a half or so from the lower right and left hip of the chesty to keep it from sliding up when I get into a low crouch. Basically, I just wanted to trim the two blocks in the lowest row on each side. Here's what the "foam sandwich" looks like inside: You can see there's super soft low density foam at the bottom (which rests against your body) and it progressively gets more dense as you move up (outward on the chesty). The yellowish fabric appears to be Kevlar. I was surprised that it was sandwiched in the middle. I thought it would be used toward the top (toward pucks) to prevent cuts. I guess it's just being used for strength and structure in this application. The thin black pieces toward the top are the carbon fiber. Here are all of the layers arranged separately: It's actually a reasonably thick sandwich and there are a lot of various foam densities working together. I was really curious about the carbon so I peeled back the foam "blocks" to see how thick it was and how much it bends. I was thinking that each block would have a pretty stiff (inflexible) piece of carbon inside. Nope. Super thin and flexy. The carbon measured about 0.7mm using a caliper. Here's a short video demonstrating just how flexible it is. This certainly keeps the pieces from cracking when receiving a hard shot, and it's definitely lightweight, but it made me wonder if this is really helping much with protection, or if it's really just a marketing gimmick. IMG_6517.MOV In case you're wondering, all of this was easy to cut using everyday scissors—including the carbon fiber. I wonder if any of these foam layers are considered "beefed up" or if this is just the standard layering. Usually only the arms and floaters get beefed up and I have to admit, I've never been bruised or felt any shots significantly in the lower part of the chest using this model. If you've done similar surgery on your chesty, it would be cool if you posted photos for comparison.

Sounds like you need a smaller size skate. Check your sizing. Laces should be snug but not tightened beyond belief. Going to a 4mm blade could help provide some stability but won’t make weak ankles suddenly strong. Definitely do some off-ice one-leg balance practice/drills. If you can’t do these off ice then you can’t expect to do them in skates. If those are solid, then your ankles are solid and you should be looking for better fitting skates.

If you’re not aware of Kovagoalie.fi neck guards you’re missing out on something special. I have two, one with gel one without. Both are sensational. You can buy stock or custom made to measure in a variety of colors. The owners are crazy friendly and turnaround is quick. it ain’t cheap but the quality is amazing and hey, it’s your neck so spend the money and get something bulletproof that fits you perfectly.

It sure looks like Bauer is trying to run Sparx out of business with a copy-cat product (and no doubt predatory pricing and/or inventory policies). Let’s hope instead they are offering something uniquely different/better. The guy who invented Sparx is an old teammate who had a great idea and took a lot of risk to create a great product and a growing business. His heart, and that of his colleagues, is really in the right place. It would be awful if they get run off by a corporate monster. I look at all the great independent hockey companies (and innovative people and products) lost over the last decade and it doesn’t look good.

Agree with Chile57. As a last resort you may need to drill it out. Use a slightly smaller bit than the diameter of the bolt. The idea is to avoid damaging the surrounding area but remove enough metal so you can break the remaining pieces free and remove them. Usually the remaining metal starts breaking into little pieces as you work to remove them.

Great post! The photos were really helpful and I think you chose well. In case this helps anyone else, I also wear a size Medium SportMask Pro 3i and found the medium size Bauer NME to be a great fit. If I was forced to go with a Bauer 960 I would have needed a size large too. For now I’m very happy with the Pro 3i, mostly because of the great fit but also the use of strong and vibe-dampening innegra fiber, and great vision. So far, it’s also been very protective for me. Very sorry you got a concussion. I had one long ago from a player impact and it took a while to recover. Definitely take your time coming back. A few weeks lost now while recovering is nothing compared to the complications you can suffer from another hit if you’re not fully healed. It can last months or years.

Nice bucket!!! Mine is (partially) wrapped using Do-it-yourself Game Face Graphics by Mario design.

Bauer Core 2.0 compression pants, which help prevent muscle pulls, and has a built in pouch for an additional cup underneath the goal jock (if preferred) matched with loose fit, long-sleeved, moisture-wicking under armor or Bauer top. This combo stays light and warm even when wet and doesn’t get stinky.

Phoenix Copley’s Kenesky PP1 is now for sale on the King’s game-used equipment page: https://lakingsgameused.com/collections/pheonix-copley-gear/products/pheonix-copley-game-used-kenesky-chest-and-arm-protector It’s got nicely done custom graphics and the listing features some great photos showing details of this unit. It only costs $350 and funds go to a great cause —the King’s Care Foundation.

It seems that way to me too. I have an old Bauer XXL player jersey from early 2000s that fits fine over my chesty but a goalie cut 58 from today barely fits. I think this is a result of player jerseys trying to be more “aero” to assist in faster skating. It could also be poor consistency. I have a 56 Addidas (stock) practice jersey which fits fine over my player gear but an MiC Addidas 56 practice jersey I got from the La Kings is way too tight. shout out to @chenner for hooking me up on some 60Gs for my goalie gear.

+1 for Rogie!

That is fantastic! Great paint job!