RedX

I know that similar databases were done with chest protectors and their has been gear tracking stuff but the knee pad is still a mystery. Knee pads rarely show up on Pro Stock or pro return sites. I decided to start a new thread dedicated to knee pads being used in the NHL, maybe as a way to confirm what at retail is deemed “NHL worthy.” I don’t think any company has really nailed down that design. Honestly the closet would be that the old Koho 590, similar to chest protector you can kind see the evolution of that design and that it still exists under the CCM 1.9 design. 

One thing of note doing initial dives into this was the amount of seemingly “stock” retail knee pads. Do we truly know if they’re beefed up or not? No we don’t. But we seem to have moved away from EQ modified or custom made knee pads. Older members of the board will remember the Swiss modified Grey Koho/RbK/Reebok knee pads.

I do have a theory that most guys are in models closer to retail because that’s all they’ve ever known. A majority of the NHL goalies never played through thigh boards or knee pads attached to pants and maybe didn’t have the search for something they were comfortable in.  

3 hours ago, RichMan said:

This rings big with me. I wish since leg pads do sit higher now with the flat boot cradle, that they would shave down on the holders at least an inch. I so much want to give the TF9 a try but they might actually be taller than my Vapor 170 which those alone took me a full season just to get used to the height.

Years ago I made the mistake of using the extreme Step Steel. I concede that you could grab ice good while in your butterfly, but they caused so much strain on my knee and hip on recoveries back to my feet. The blade was higher so your foot is higher, your knee is higher. I was unintentionally causing so much strain. I remember Price talking about sticking with his Graf’s for the reason that they’re lower to the ice. He eventually switched to a one-piece True before his hiatus. 

I used the 1X Vapor’s and I am now in my second pair of one-piece True’s and they just work so well. And not that I base too much of what I wear off what NHL guys do I believe some of the most elite skaters in the league are in them with Shesterkin, Saros, and Freddy Andersen. 

11 hours ago, ThatCarGuy said:

True posted this the other day and it got me thinking, how many goalies are using True’s one piece skate?

(Brace yourself I needed an excuse to keep my math sharp since I’ve been out of school for a year and won’t start college for another 2 years)

While just counting playoff goalies would be super easy I wanted to figure out figure out the whole league. Using geargeek.com I was able to find out that of 91 goalies, 63 are in True’s skates.

True also added that about 65% of their goalies are in one piece skates which seemed surprising. 

Basically roughly 41 goalies or about 45% of NHL goalies are in one piece skates

You seen a massive switch back in the last 2 years. Guys who previously had one piece went to the 2 and then Saros, Anderson, Binnington all switched back. Having used the one-piece for a while I much prefer being lower to the ice as opposed to the high holder. Easier on my joints for sure being lower to the ice, but as pads sit higher on the skate I find there’s less interference so you don’t need the higher holder now. 

1 hour ago, ThatCarGuy said:

Nope this is a ccm/kenesky frankenchest. As far as I know Ullmark was the only one to have the new unit

Demko as well, it was his photo that gave the clear look that was  shared by InGoal.

Honestly surprised it’s not a Brian’s

57 minutes ago, A.YOUNGoalie13 said:

Thing is according to bauer the new 90 is not the same as the Reimer one you have. They could be lying but I don’t see why they would bother

Yes and no. The break of the glove will be the same as the Reimer but the specs will be different. The new 580 Break will come with a different backhand and fit.

Reimer’s is a 580 break glove with old Supreme cuff and internal fit. Bauer has had a 580 break for years, they’ve only recently started updating it. I have a Khudobin (Alt) 590 clone from the 1S days. It’s identical in construction except the catch angle.

To compare my current 580 to Reimer’s.

Mine- Updated Hyperlite Cuff, internal glove, and Hyperlite backhand/finger protection.

Reimer’s- Traditional Supreme cuff, pro-only internal glove, traditional finger protection.

4 hours ago, TheGoalNet said:

This is basically my point? Maybe not in the context you are saying, but the glove is behind the blocker and pads in terms of innovation over the last decade. It's still just a baseball glove

Someone is due to come up with the next great revolution. I don't know what it is, but without CCM trying something like 591 we might not get there... The analogy is breaking a few eggs to get the recipe correct?

And yes, I love technology. I don't gear evolves without it. However, my PX3 set blew my mind. I expected something that felt like an EFlex and it's an amazing product. I always give credit where it's due.

Again, I have no issues at all with tech or innovation as long as it rooted in puck stopping and positional advances. I will say I do have an issue with modern marketing I guess, where “innovation” is a design in itself to hit the 2 year product cycle. 

4 hours ago, coopaloop1234 said:

Man, the lack of cuff on my Mach blocker is such a minor change that has been very welcomed.

With how low C/A's are on the arms, it's such a surprised that they've lasted this long anyways. The same thought I have on gloves with wrist straps. It's just no longer needed. 

 

I think this reinforces my point, it was a minor tweak. But it was branded as R.O.M. and a game changer. 

Again, I’m not saying innovation is bad. I’ll also acknowledge that the thread has deviated quite a bit so this will be my final thought. To me and what I’m looking for in equipment isn’t necessarily flash innovation it’s substance innovation. Personally I think CCM may be a little lost in the Lefevre split, focusing on this innovation over puck stopping and I think their representation in the NHL reflects this. There Major Jr representation would probably be hit if True was allowed in those leagues as well .

Also check out this Mach detail, I mean c’mon haha. 

Edited

On 3/17/2023 at 3:34 PM, TheGoalNet said:

I agree, it's never a good look... BUT... anyone on this thread is hardcore? So 90% of the public will see the graphic, the logo, assume it's the latest and not sweat it too much

I also know post Lefevre that CCM is focused on innovation and making things that sells in stores. Look how well Warrior does with 0 NHL use and how well Bauer did with 1S/1X at retail before it had full pro adaption.

So is 591 a revolutionary product? To me, it is not. It's a unique design and I commend CCM for trying to innovate the glove... Overall, gloves are due for a revolution. Look at 2013 pad vs a 2023 pad. Has the glove changed in the last 10 years?

So I don't CCM views this as much of a failure as you might think? They probably knew it was 50/50 best case scenario that either Demko or Markstrom used it.

 

I think this is where our tastes would be considerably different….Innovation.

I’m not saying I’m blaming you or being and old man yelling at a cloud…I enjoy the content you generally produce…..but watching your videos and seeing how much you enjoy aftermarket tech everywhere it D3O, Airknit, CORTECH, Sigmatech, Nanolite. It’s kind of adding gas to the fire.

 I mean have you seen a Bauer or CCM player stick lately? They basically have the entire Bauer literature info printed on it somewhere. 

I find things to be out of hand, the stick is an Ad covered in ads with fine print ads. I think the pendulum may have swing a little too far to the crazy side and hopefully it will calm down. 

To me innovating the gear is great, we took gigantic leaps based on radical ideas, but don’t let it get in the way of a good solid product. I feel some companies are now chasing that dragon of being cutting edge by incorporating bio-mechanic research instead of being influenced by the goalies that are playing.

Are companies innovating to make stopping pucks easier, or are we cutting off the cuffs of our blockers because we need a new idea for next quarter? 
At the end of the day a baseball glove is still a baseball glove is all I’m saying. 

2 hours ago, A.YOUNGoalie13 said:

What if someone has never used a lefevre 90? Think it would do the job if they don’t know any better?

It will do the job, the glove can catch. 

2 hours ago, ThatCarGuy said:

Yup. I had a bauer 580 before a ccm/Lefevre one and I actually like the Bauer more mainly because of the rectangle shape instead of the L shape a traditional 580 has

Was the CCM Canadian made? I do think there is quite a bit of difference between the domestic and offshore 580.

I received a couple questions on my Bauer 90 degree break. 

This glove has the Hyperlit internals and backhand/cuff. Other Pro versions of the 90 degree break I’ve seen and held have had the old Supreme cuff which I actually prefer. IE Reimer’s, Enroth’s etc.

My prediction for this glove is…… that there will be plenty partially used gloves for sale next year around this time.

I’m by no means saying this is a bad glove, as I stated above it’s solid glove that I can catch with. However, I don’t know if it will be for everyone. There was enough interest that they brought it to retail. But seeing comments primarily from social media, it seems people believe this is the final boss of 90 degree breaks based on its rarity. 

Having used Canadian made Lefevre’s for years. I have to give it up to them when it comes to a 90 degree break. It feels like going home when you wear those gloves, where this does feel like a clone. 

3 hours ago, ZeroGravitas said:

Seems like it's a Pro Custom option only. Not available under normal Custom. Much like the Vapor 2-Piece blocker option. Maybe some stores will be able to order the Vapor 90 as a SMU?

Having used a Bauer 580 for the past couple of months. I will say that it’s …ok.

I can catch with it for sure, it breaks in decent and it mostly seals well on the ice.
 I do find the thumb angle too flat. The the fold-over Tee is more CCM then it is Lefevre. There can be a gap in the seal. 

I wish they merged the 580 with the Mach internal glove material which I find very comfortable

Having used a number of 580s over the years including some from other brands I think a Lefebvre made one is still superior. 

My search continued. The Tune Fit plus worked but didn’t quite scratch the itch. so I tried the Vapor Tune fit.
 

The one mod is I kept the CRS boot strap end point as I found the regular one a little too cumbersome. And this is how I’ll finish the year. 

12 hours ago, Neomop said:

Hoping that someone can find out/compile tangible data on the performance difference and ankle strain difference between the two.

But you're right, bungees haven't really caught on with the current era of NHL goaltenders (I think I've seen maybe only 6 goalies use them so far this year).  It'll be interesting to see if the next crop of goaltenders in 5-10 years will retain use of bungees as they graduate to pro, since bungees usually come standard default with most stock pads nowadays.

I’m not saying it’s considerably more then 6 but I can think of more then 6 off the top of my head. Most bungee users are the Pro Lace Hybrid that comes stock on the True’s. Then there’s whatever the hell Hellebuyck uses.

8 hours ago, coopaloop1234 said:

Does anyone know if the vapour tune fit strap is compatible with the Ultrasonic? 

I wear the supreme strap at its loosest setting, essentially just used to ensure I don't fall off the knee block. 

Unfortunately, the plastic buckles keep digging into my thighs and I'm looking to see if the velcro style of the vapour system works so I can stop beating up my thighs. 

Yes the Vapor tune fit will work. 

6 minutes ago, RedX said:

Well done, this may deserve it’s own thread. I will add in the Lundqivst spec.

There seems to be some interchangeable cuffs. 

From Kaskisuo’s videos he’s mentioned the reason he switched to Bauer was that glove which he took from Freddy Anderson. 

20 hours ago, ThatCarGuy said:

Quick summary including that and retail models:

Ullmark/Brossoit/Kaskisuo 580ish?

Vanecek (formerly had his own break now in a Mach)

Merzlikins/Bishop 590 (Lefevre clone)

Reimer 580 (Lefevre clone)

2s Pro/1S construction (Sorokin)

Mach (Vasilevskiy)

Ultrasonic (Oettinger)

Hyperlite/2X Pro

Ironically struggled to think of anyone in this besides the Texas Stars goalie, Matt Murray 

Well done, this may deserve it’s own thread. I will add in the Lundqivst spec.

From Kaskisuo’s videos he’s mentioned the reason he switched to Bauer was that glove which he took from Freddy Anderson. 

Laurent Brossoit Home and away sets.

I think it’s clear Brossoit has an after market calf warp and strap set up. Anyone know if this is done by the Vegas EQ staff or a some other modding business?

Also looking at his glove, I would love to see a database of the Bauer Pro Only gloves. Seems to be so many tweaked Spec gloves out there right now

10 minutes ago, MTH said:

Luongo played in the ASG? Nice. Did he have his pad side flaps to help him cheat? lol. Remember that?

I puzzled by the upside down hangers used to hang the jerseys. Forget the knee pads.

I remember a TSN bit where Turco and Smith had giant cardboard cutouts taped to their pads to mimic Lou. 

Locker room shots are always interesting because we get to see what’s under the hood so to speak in regards to chest and knee pads.

CCM Pro chest is still probably the most commonly used piece in the league, Ullmark with an updated version. Kennesky still making it into the rotation.

I have to say I’m a little surprised with how many retail/stock knee pads are in the mix. CCM KP Pro and the Bauer Pro and Elite being used quite a bit seeing various locker rooms this season. Only the retired Lou seemed to be using the old Suisse style guards at the Allstar game. 

21 hours ago, ThatCarGuy said:

Found on SidelineSwap 

Nice brand new EFlex 6 chest if someone wants to feel special. 

https://sidelineswap.com/gear/hockey/goalie/goalie-chest-arm-protectors/5744168-ccm-eflex-5-chest-protector?referral_code=ThatCarGuy334

Looks like base is closer to the the CCM Pro Stock units….but with fancy air knit mesh and materials that Pro’s can’t afford….. 

I assume it will be Oettinger and Knight going forward as I think Bauer want to market to the US crowd and their buying power. I would like to see actual data about poster boys and sales. I don’t know if you’ll see someone move the needle as Price did with gear and spec changes and overall style again. 

I do wonder about Bauer and the use of custom graphics vs retail. It’s my uneducated assumption that Bauer pressures the poster boys to stay in the stock graphics, so they are easily recognizeable. I’ll use Kallgren as a small sample size. Toronto is still a dominate hockey market, and you want the Maple Leafs guys in your graphic. When Kallgren played with the Marlies he had his custom TotalOne graphic, when he got called up last year all of sudden he was in new stock Mach graphic gear. The same thing happened this year when he was in camp and started the season with the Marlies he had a custom graphic on his Mach gear. When he gets recalled again he’s all of sudden back in his stock Mach graphic.