Adam Cooper

2 hours ago, Punisher Goalie said:

My Coveted 905 bucket came in. Big shout out to @ron@covetedmask.com for an outstanding customer service experience. His method using measurements and photos has got to be the closest you can get to full “custom” without the head mold. 

Paint is matte white with a matte black powder coated cage. Pictures really don’t do it justice, I am so happy with the look. Original plan was to make a matte black vinyl cage window (probably will still try that) but I’d be happy without too. 

Love the look of the black cage on the white mask!  Great look and also nice with the black straps.  Solid!

3 hours ago, BadAngle41 said:

Total height on the Tydan is a hair under 23mm (18mm showing when installed into the Vertexx Edge holder,) and that's after 2 sharpenings. They're certainly much taller than the LS3G I had, but I would defer to you or @Adam Cooper for measurements on the LS5G.

As for my hip issues... they are a combination of genetics and 30+ years between the pipes. The additional height hasn't changed my stance, so the only time I'm really taking advantage of the lower attack angle is when i'm butterfly pushing. That said, I would like to stress the 30+ years... I've had plenty of time to be coached and be comfortable with what I am capable of... how I need to use that to my advantage... and how to make up for the shortcomings. More importantly... how to know when to make a change as my body changes. Not to go to off subject here... but I also think this is where the importance of technique utilized by the goaltender to maximize their strengths while minimizing their opportunity for injury comes into play. A LOT of what we all discuss on this forum is gear because to varying degrees it's all attainable for us. We can get the lightest pads, or those that slide the best, or close the 5 hole fastest... but we spend less time talking technique because it's hard to do and most of us don't get ice time outside of beer league games to work on such things. For those of you who subscribe to The Athletic, Cat Silverman did a nice piece on Laurent Brossoit and how he worked on what HE NEEDED to be a better NHL goalie... 

https://theathletic.com/611267/2018/10/25/behind-the-save-how-laurent-brossoit-found-his-way-back-to-nhl-form/

I certainly understand the question with regard to my hip issues though. You look at the stress being applies to hips (especially at such a young age) now, and guys who may have genetic predispositions like me will likely have their issues accelerated. While potentially taken out of context, the image below of Tyler Parsons hurts to look at... (cant tell if he's using LS5G or DLC Tydan/Step)

 

Great share!  I would agree that the Tydan and Step Steel blades are taller than the LS5G.  For me, I was not concerned about adding height (I'm 6ft) so I think I cover a good amount of net.  For me, focus was keeping a sharper edge longer and providing more durability when the blade hits the posts.  If I hit the post a couple times with my normal blades and they are toast.  I'm still loving the LS5G blades.  Great investment.

13 hours ago, coopaloop1234 said:

Glad you're enjoying it, it's been ok for me. Took a slapshot Wednesday night that managed to get me in between the belly blocks. (see image) and it's bruised my ribs pretty decently.

That with the arm protection that has just been OK makes me want to go back to my LT90.

I’ve got the same chesty and I’m mixed on it positive/negative. I find it’s big so it does cover holes and is good in the shoulder area. Negative is the side to back of arms. I’ve had one buckle on the arm break from a shot and some stingers/bruises in the bicep and tricep area above the elbow pad. There is no padding in the tricep area. If I could upgrade I’d probably go with Vaughn Velocity Pro chesty. 

You are going to love those blades.  I now use my stainless steel blades as back up and they are just no where near the same level of performance as the LS 5G Blades. Let us know what you think after you first couple games. 

6 hours ago, Lucky Pucker said:

Yes - I wondered the same thing, actually! I have a bit of extra - as well as numbers - from mine, and considered vinyl-on-vinyl, but wasn't sure how well it would work.

So Custom Cages incorporates your images with those stripes etc. So no overlapping to make it look cheap and unprofessional. But I will say I do have one piece that overlaps slightly that you can barely notice. It also has had no issues with adhesion. Hope that helps in your decision. For the price, value, look and durability you can’t go wrong. I’ll never pay big bucks for a painted mask. 

Yes, they provide two sheets and each of the pieces have been cut for you.  Thanks for the complements!  I wish I could have 2-3 masks to rotate.  If I had the choice I would go with the following art:

1. Venom or Carnage - get a black mask with Venom decals

2. Go Retro 80's with Robotech theme - get some pics of Veritechs, skull and cross bones logo for Skull 1 etc.

3. Aliens - Predator Mask

2 minutes ago, Chester said:

Did you have to heat and stretch any of it? Howd you cut the holes?

Yes, you’ll need a hair dryer and an X-Acto Knife to cut those holes. Need to be very careful. Do this on a day you have lots of patience as this will take 2-3 hours. 

33 minutes ago, Math. said:

Pictures?........pleeeease.

I'm looking into ordering one myself.

I provided pics of the Star Wars art and my team logo. They then work on sizing and fit. But you need to specify where each pic goes on the mask. Hope this helps. 

I think you'll miss the "Cat Eye" cage.  How come your are changing?

6 hours ago, Lucky Pucker said:

Got some Custom Cages vinyl, and actually had some time to stick ‘em on today. I mean, it’s no Daveart, but at $30, can’t really go wrong. Besides, I’m not a fan of non-figurative abstraction by American action painters as the inspiration for mask art.

I’ve also done Custom Cages and they are exceptional. I paid $80 for custom art work that they did for me “ Star Wars theme” and it was well worth the price. Over a year later, no peeling. It’s waterproof and does not chip from puck shots or sticks hitting my mask.  What’s great is that if it does get damaged or you get bored you just peel off and order a new one. 

3 hours ago, Lucky Pucker said:

Bought a bag  (yes, with wheels; depending on your POV, I'm either old now, or will be soon - and I can injure myself plenty good without it being bag-carrying related.) Haven't hauled gear to the rink in it yet, but I like it - and it has integrated straps for securing my pads to the top of the bag, so I can retire the yellow bungee cord I had been using on my old bag, and sent it to the HHOF

Given the Vaughn discussions and criticisms here lately (mostly about pads, gloves, owner rants, customer service and business models), I haven't removed the tag on this yet, and I have the receipt - so if anyone has this bag and hates it and/or has a good reason why I should return it, please let me know by Friday!

Looks like an awesome bag.  I really like the option of strapping the pads to your bag.  Keep us posted on how it works out for you.

I put these Brian's straps aside when I bought my Brian's Optiks because they were too long.  I have a shortened version of them (purchased separately but same type) that go through my front skate hole then back through the middle skate hole and velcro together on top of my skate laces.  I have had no issues at all and I love them.  They offer good flex but not as restrictive as the Warrior strap I've used before or laces.  Easier on your knees and ankles.

I have no issues with it coming loose as it is a double velcro capture.  This really helps as snow and ice can build up and if it was a single velcro I could see how it would fail.  No issues with putting them on and easy to take off.

Huge fan of the FLX Brian’s Optik gear. What are your thoughts on the Brian’s knee pads and the chest protector?  Those are items I would consider buying down the road. 

54 minutes ago, seagoal said:

Do you mean the angle at the top, above the N on VAUGHN?

Yes, correct. I have not used a blocker like that before so curious how different it is for having control of puck direction and does it tend to pop up or drop down? Thanks

2 hours ago, mr_shifty1982 said:

P2s!

Love the look, colours of these sticks. I’m not a fan of that metal grey that the Bauers use. 

Interested in getting your take on the Vaughn Blocker and it’s sharp angle. I was looking at one in the store and it seems like they are the only vendor making them that steep. 

Let us know how it works out + and -  

On 7/10/2018 at 8:13 PM, Awgoalie164 said:

How is the sliding?

Sliding is exceptional.  Compared to my prior set of Warrior Pro Ritual G2's it's night and day.  In fact, I'm having to adjust my slides and pushes at times because I go too far.  But to be honest I would prefer that especially in circumstances where I have trouble effectively planting my skate for a push, or poor ice conditions (slushy ice, or snowy ice).  From what I've heard these Optik pads would compare very closely to how the new Bauer pads slide.  Without trying CCM Speedskin I can't confirm but I've heard that the Opliks are a little quicker.  

For me personally, as a new goalie (only 10 months in) the improved sliding has been a game changer for me.  I've been able to really increase my lateral speed.  Also the seal to the ice with the Optiks is very tight.  I'm not giving up as many 5-hole or under the pad goals.  I think that can be attributed to the stiffness of the pad.

I’ve got white optislide material.  It has gotten marked up by pucks and is not as easy to clean. I find Goo Gone is best so far. Magic Eraser is not great on this material. I’ll have reach out to Brian’s for advice on this as Goo Gone might be bad to use. @Jacob Musselman

That's one of the reasons I went with a black weave/mesh on the sides with my new Brian's Optiks.  The white will just get so dirty from rusty posts and pucks and it's much harder to clean that material versus other areas of your pads.  I still prefer a predominately white pad on the front and like @Snowman30 leverage the Magic Eraser to clean the pads up from time to time.  If anyone has another other safe cleaning product to leverage please let me know.  I have had to use Googone in the past on pads when stick tape has caused some sticky scuffs and that has worked well.

Wow!  Love the colors and the design of these pads.  Great stuff!

Not sure what you mean. Attached is a pic of that helps.
 

On 6/10/2018 at 2:42 PM, Westcoast Tender said:

Pro return Subzero 3 (Halak).  Last picture beside my custom ordered Subzero 3.  

I think the Sub Zero glove is very close to the Optik Glove which I now have.  Huge upgrade from my Bauer S170.  I'm just loving the double-T and the 40 degree break. Pucks are going in and not coming out.

On 6/16/2018 at 6:18 PM, motowngoalie said:

New Warrior wheeled bag. This thing is HUGE. Pads and all fit inside, pretty stoked with it for now 

That's a beast of a bag.  Keep us posted on how it holds up and what you think.  The option of putting your pads in the bag is something I'd be interested in.  But there would be no way that would fit in my Mini.

Brian's Custom Pro Optik Equipment:

Said goodbye to by Bauer S170 Blocker and Catcher and goodbye to my Warrior Ritual G2 Pro Pads and upgraded to Brian's Optik.  

Here is my video on my first impressions of my new Brian's Optik gear that I finally received last week. This review is prior to taking them on the ice.  

1. Blocker - solid blocker and huge improvement from my Bauer S170 with respect to finger protection.  Weight is exactly the same so very light.

2. Glove - I've been in love with this glove ever since I tried it on.  It is heavier than my Bauer S170 but all other aspects exceed expectations so far. Really like the double-T and it's actually more broken in than my Bauer which I've had for 10 months!  The Boa system is fantastic as I can get the exact custom fit with just a twist. The glove also opens fully up to ensure proper air circulation for drying.

3. Pads - can't wait to slide on these things.  The knee stack, sliding, and stiffness will be an improvement.  I also think that that seal on the ice will be improved especially for 5-hole shots.  Regardless of how I play in them they look awesome.

4. Knee pads - undecided.  Will test the knee pads in the coming weeks.