BigPoppaPump

I've got the suspenders cinched up - Steve Urkel himself would be proud. I tuck my C/A and go with suspenders over the top. Generally it's ok, but this is more of a 'comfort' fit for me. Granted the pants are old and broken down, so they don't hold the barrel form as they used to. I definitely find myself 'pulling up my pants' multiple times throughout the game. New pants would be the immediate fix, but I sure do love these pants. Thought putting an internal belt in might be a cheaper compromise.

Hi everyone, For those of you wearing pants that have an internal belt, can you please share some pictures of it? In particular, the attachment points in the front as well as the back. I've got some HPG12A pants that are having a hard time staying up on me, even with suspenders. I'm looking to modify them to add a bit more support so it doesn't look like I've dropped a load every time I play. Thanks!

Adding on the old man thread here... Any other older dudes here facing the beginnings of osteoarthritis of the knee? I've had two cortisone injections over the years, but the relief only lasts so long, and there is a finite amount of times you should be doing this. I understand doc recommendations to strengthen my legs, etc. to help me out over the long haul, however what if anything do other people do for relief? Knee braces/sleeves? I'd feel that it would possibly impede movements, butterfly, etc. Creams, oils to rub on to the area? Ibuprofen pills before you skate? Acupuncture? At this point, I'm ready to try anything. I'm certainly feeling my knee affecting my abilities on the ice as well as my enjoyment. Anyone have any suggestions or words of wisdom?

FTK measures to 20.5 - 21. According to Bauer, that puts me into a the top end of a M, or into a L. Too bad, otherwise I would have taken you up on your offer. I assume if you've got your Ultrasonics up on the block, you've moved on to either HL1 or 2? Did you find it a worthwhile jump in quality/innovation between them? Would you think it a $400-$500 jump in quality/innovation assuming you are in HL1? Thanks to everyone who have responded so far - really appreciate your opinions.

Hi everyone, Looking for community opinion here - I've been a Brian's guy since the early/mid 90s. From the Alite to Altramax to Zero G and now my current set Gnetik Pro from 2013, I don't have much experience in other brands except for a set of Cooper Legends once upon a time. I've been reading a lot of posts about all the new, modern styles from all brands on the forum here, and now I think I'm ready to pull the trigger on a new set. Sadly, where I live there aren't many options to see the different brands up close, let alone try on. I'm very intrigued by not only the stiffness of a modern pad, but also other changes/innovations that have come since I last bought pads. It feels like Bauer Hyperlite/Mach would be a huge jump from what I'm currently wearing. True L12.2 might be closer in looks/feel to what I'm wearing now - but obviously more modern. I'd love to try out both sets to see if I'd like either of the brands before making a final decision on what my next custom set will be. As I'm getting on in years, my next custom set could possibly be my last one before I skate off into the sunset as a defenseman. My goal here is to buy an interim set of gear to try out on the ice to help me make the decision to either stick with Brian's, but maybe try Optik, Iconik, or Gnetik. Or maybe I'll love Bauer or True better? I've been seeing HL pads on Sideline Swap for anywhere from $700 - $1400. I've also seen some Ultrasonic pads from $200 - $700. Obviously, the cheaper Ultrasonics would be easier to justify buying to try them out. Is the jump from Ultrasonic to HL1/2 pretty negligible and would it give me a good understanding of what to expect from modern Bauer pads? Or would it be a better comparable to get HL1 assuming that there won't be much difference in 'feel' compared to HL2? Remember, I'm coming off 2013 Gnetik Pro, so anything will feel new and exciting for me. Used True L12.2s are averaging around $1200 - $1400 - I'm guessing these will feel more familiar. My only reservation on used True pads is that I could simply pay a bit more money and get brand new pads. Looks like they hold their value quite well. I'm paralyzed by options here. What does everyone think?

That is very cool. Obviously Tgn has some stroke with Brian's...I'll have to forum search to see if any info on likes/dislikes if anything posted... This is fantastic news also - even though only speculation still at this point, but with the rising popularity of this break style, I'd love to see Brian's gain more market share. Maybe the start of another resurgence at the NHL level someday?

What is your source for the Brian's 90* rumor? I've been a Brian's guy for 30+ years and I just tried out a True L20.1 580 glove today and was blown away with it. Would love it if Brian's had a glove with same break/attributes. I'm hoping the rumor is true (haha)....would order a brand new set as soon as available.