goalieThreeOne

1 hour ago, BadAngle41 said:

I'd say the orange looks filthy... but i think you covered the whole dirty aspect. 

I actually do like the orange on orange. My only complaint on the look of 1X pads (and 1S for that matter) is a lack of options for base. Comes in any color you want so long as it's white. Justin Fazio's latest 2S set is a reminder of how good they could look if Bauer had more color zones. In time I suppose. Great looking gear though.

Before Fazio, Bachmann had this amazing set showing what you could do with different base color options

15 hours ago, coopaloop1234 said:

You could always just padskinz it.

Oof. Padskins the whole thing? Lose the hard rebounds and great sliding? No thanks.

It's a shame about having to wait till fall for custom graphics. I'm in this tough spot where I'm considering Optik Fly's so I can match my team. I'm wearing some all white 1X pads right now. If I'm going to wait to have to get custom graphics in the fall, I might as well wait to buy whatever replaces the 1X, so I'm looking at being unmatched for over a year. I don't even want anything fancy, just the standard 1X graphics on a black background.

4 hours ago, BadAngle41 said:

Tydan Stainless is a higher grade than stock Bauer yes... and for my two cents... although judging by you comment on the price you may not take me up on this... I suggest the DLC. I've noticed a significant reduction in the number of times I need sharpenings as well as generally holding the edge very well even when kicking posts.

DLC is a must. The LSG3+ on my 1S skates is dull after two skates and unusable after three. I came from Bauer Pros with Step Blacksteel Extremes and I could go 6-8 skates without sharpening. It's about a $40 difference between Step or Tydan stainless and their DLC offerings. My shop charges $7 for sharpenings, so the DLC pays for itself after only three months  or less of twice weekly skates. Just remember to teach your pro shop guy not to use stones on them. Leather works just fine.