Murray

I just heard a few things. From my understanding, the earliest we'll possibly see the Axis gear is the ASG.

I've seen these, though not in person. They're a STIFF pad. The graphic, and application of said graphic, is going to be divisive/spark some discussion. The most interesting thing I've heard is that these are the first non-CCM & Lefevre pad - they're apparently parting ways.

After one use: The BOA system in the glove vs. the Optik BOA is MUCH improved. The glove itself is crazy easy to open and close, and will only get better with use. Blocker seems to be, well, a blocker. It's comfy, feels well balanced.3 Pads slide well, and the knee blocks feel extra-cushy. They're a 1:2:4 flex, so decently stiff, which is my preference. To be honest, I didn't get a ton of quality shots in them, but this upcoming week should put them to the test.

Oh, hey.

Not yet. Tomorrow, unless I pick up a fill-in or rent-a-goalie slot today.

Yeah, I'm pretty particular about brand and colour (as I'd imagine most of us here are), and I couldn't find anything that fit what I was looking for. That, combined with the fact that my 3 season-year-old Blackhawks return CCMs are absolutely toast, left me in a spot where I had to decide on something pretty much now. I am looking forward to the Bauers, though...if anything because they are so, so light. It's really something.

Today: Bauer 1X pants, LG, and a Bauer 2S stick. I'm most hesitant about the pants - I've been wearing Reebok/CCM pro returns for about 7 years now, and am VERY used to that style of pant...but the market on pro return pants right now just doesn't exist. Looking forward to that stick, though. Ooooooh baby.

Oh, not for sale, just a "hey. go give these a spin". I'll probably have them for the next week or two.

Went to get my skates sharpened this morning, walked out with these...

Ha ha. If you're so inclined, you can see some stuff here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLYSJ2i48Mvdn6snsWVYXHQ

Ehhh, I've been pretty lazy with editing/uploading the footage.

Just a screenshot from the ol' GoPro...but take some time to marvel at that team defense:

@dstew29 I posted some thoughts over in the review section.

I'm just catching up on this, and I've tried to stay away... But it would appear that the person asking about HALs was a Monster rep, and asked the initial question with the intention of baiting Kenesky into a response, in order to stir up some nonsense conflict - or at least that's my understanding. This whole thing is stupid, but I do believe we're witnessing the messy implosion of Monster Hockey.

@Punisher Goalie LOVE them so far. There's been almost zero adjustment - I really only need to break in the blocker a bit, as it's still just a bit stiff for playing the puck. I can't wait until my timing, flexibility, and endurance are fully back (I just spent 3 months completely off the ice, and roughly 8 months of minimal ice time recovering from a bad ankle sprain/tendon tear) - I should really be able to use these to their full potential.

Bingo. Gen 1, with the following mods: extra rib protection, extra shoulder caps (from my old Brian's Alite C/A) laced in, reinforced elbow caps (provided by Passau directly) laced in.

Third game back, everything is pretty dialed in. Really, realling enjoying the Optiks so far. Interesting note: Coming back off an ankle injury, I'm testing out a pair of Graf DM1080s, which are a pretty big change from my VHs on Bauer cowlings. So far, so good.

Oh wait - these are MY Optiks! Heh heh heh. Specs: 33 + 1.75", FLY Core, 2-2-5 flex, 80º boot Full Smart Strap Stiff Kneeblock Black primo sliding surface Picture next to my GN3tiks, same size, 2-3-5 flex. Today's been good...got the go-ahead from the doc to play my first game in 3 months tonight. What a treat.

The RRC strap (Scrivens strap) on the current SLRs are held with a magnet, and are very secure. I'm sure these ones will be fine.

I seem to recall a Brian's Sub2 set that was all cordura, with nylon straps/buckles... which was just ridiculously lightweight. I'll have to see if I can find pictures.

Whoa whoa whoa. Just WHO is making a 2.25 pound pad?

It's a petty gripe, but they couldn't have found a less wrinkly set to photograph? cough...also, that VE8 logo looks...well...like, a dick...cough

I'd say it's closer to the Sub line.

@keeperton Vertical stitch is super clean. Love 'em.

Oooooh man... you think that's old, my primary mask is a 20+ year old 961.