jayluv54

4 minutes ago, Znowleopard said:

i actually got some shocktec samples that i will be doing some tests, on unfortunately they only sell their HD foam now, and i find it to hard for mask use

You couldn't get the air2gel?  It's firm, but i wouldn't call it hard, certainly not as hard as VN foam I've had in the past.  But the point of a lot of the research behind Shocktec is that a foam that will not compress completely is the most protective.  I lot of the softer and comfort foams I've seen can be compressed completely between 2 fingers.  That means that an impact can transfer to the head much easier or at least, that's the theory as I understand it.

1 hour ago, Znowleopard said:

I was looking at RXS masks (just dreaming, they are way out of my budget), and saw they have some a new blue foam that they use, it looks interesting, i might try to get hold of some.

https://www.rxs-goaliemasks.ch/de/news/5-blue-gel-innenpolster/

Looks like Shocktec or something similar.  I clicked the link and saw how they put additional sweatbands on the sides.  I don't know why I never thought of that, but I always get sweat going into my ears and it drives me nuts.

22 minutes ago, daffy said:

Hey guys, anyone hear from Michel lately?  I sent him a few pics on the damage to my mask.  Haven't heard from him.  Figure he's really backed up or on vacation or something but thought id ask.

When was this?  I was talking to him all last week.

23 minutes ago, TheGoalNet said:

Yes, I would agree with your explanation. I have been told that the purpose of this mask was to compete with stock Bauer and CCM. 

To make sure I understand you post above, you have a VM Pro coming? 

Yes, I have one coming.

16 hours ago, TheGoalNet said:

I just made a post about this yesterday for the website and Instagram

I believe this is still available and that it’s around US$800

It is and offshore version of his 960 clone

I've seen them out there, but can't find anyone who actually uses one to attest to the reliability/durability.  I have been told by 2 different sellers, 1 in the states and another in Canada that these masks were originally made as a price point option for D3 college teams as an off the shelf option that resembled the PC custom masks.  Much like we see with CCM and Bauer.  Anyway, my curiosity and gear sluttyness got the best of me and I managed to negotiate a killer price on one, which I promised not to disclose, but lets just say it was much more reasonable.  I should have it in my hands some time next week.

Does anyone use the Vaughn VM Pro Mask?  It's the one that came out a year or two ago and was on PC's website.  It's like they popped up then disappeared.  Did something happen with them?  I see Goalies Plus still sells them, but otherwise I can't find any info about them.  I know they are essentially the overseas, off the shelf version of PC's Vision Custom.  

10 hours ago, Matt said:

Just another followup on the Optik vs 1X sizing.  I realized I never took a picture during the month he had the 1X, but I did have game video.  He also just played his first game in the Optik Monday (which I have video of).  So I did a screen grab of each.  Its not the greatest quality, but you can really see the difference.

See how square the 1X is.  It also rides up quite a bit at the back of the helmet.  One of the first things my kid commented on was how much easier he could move his head around.  BTW, we did sinch it up quite a bit to try and beef up the shoulders a bit.  Still way smaller than the 1X.

He took a couple of rockets to the chest that night and didn't blink an eye...

Personally I think these are both great units.  Just depends on what you are looking for.

In case he wants to go back to a 1X, I've got a lightly used Large that I'm looking to unload...beats buying a new one.

6 minutes ago, Matt said:

bough my goalie a new 1X chesty to replace is X900.  He liked the X900 but he'd out grown it and it wasn't padded enough for the level of hockey he plays.  So we upgraded him to the 1X.  According to him the feel was pretty much the same.  Wasn't crazy about the arm setup in that you can't adjust them at all.  Seems a little strange to me really.

Anyway, about a month later (not a lot of ice times), the arms have started pulling apart completely from the body.  Picture doesn't do a great job of illustrating it, but one arm is almost completely off.  This is probably just a one off bad stitching job, but to be honest I could see this being a common failure point with this unit.  There really isn't all that much holding this together.  My cheap Jofa shoulder pads I paid $49 for have more substance to the stitch.  Anyway, good on local prohockeylife, they took it back and let us flip into a different chesty..

I haven't had that problem with mine, but I do know that the arms are a little short for the size, so its possible if his arms were too long that he was putting a lot of tension on that seam.  

1 hour ago, Naz said:

On eBay?  Shoot me a pm with some pics, I mayyyyy just take that off your hands!

Its on Ebay, but you'll get a better price on one of the various facebook pages dedicated to my habit..

21 hours ago, Naz said:

Did you buy that Custom Kevlar that was on eBay recently?  Beautiful refurb job on that one.

That's probably the one.  Up for sale now because I just picked up a new MM and have a protechsport on order, so I won't need 3.

15 hours ago, BauerHockey47 said:

Has anyone had their mask refurbished by New Image Goalie Masks? If you have, I'd appreciate hearing about your experience. I have a Bauer Profile 960 that needs some TLC. Once it's refurbished, I plan on swapping out all the hardware, most of which is rusted over, and installing Maltese padding and new backplate straps to complete the makeover.  

usually a refurb includes the hardware, padding, etc...  I didn't deal with Ray directly, but I have an Eddy Custom Kevlar that he did the refurb on for someone else.  Looks brand new.  

1 hour ago, SaveByRichter35 said:

It is absolutely allowed.  No one likes a scammer so feel free to put him on blast.  In fact lets make this the "official" ebay scammer thread.  If anyone comes into any problems with buying or selling their gear post up the user name so others know to steer clear.

I had posted warnings about BAHR in a separate thread last year...another one to watch out for that sells on Ebay.  Now I've heard mixed reviews on these guys but my own personal experience wasn't a good one, so beware.  Had to get Ebay involved to get a refund on a not so "very good" condition pro return P1 chesty.

I am a long time and avid ebay user and that sort of thing does happen from time to time.  Just make sure you get your money back, which Ebay is great about and file a complaint.  Ebay is a little reluctant to boot crappy sellers these days, but if enough complaints roll in, they will for sure.  Also, it helps to look up a seller before bidding or making an offer, this will give you a good indication of who your dealing with.  I typically am very hesitant to buy from anyone that has little to no history or obvious bad history.  Not that I'm afraid of getting scammed, like I said, Ebay protection is great, I just don't want the hassle.

As a seller, I get some shitty buyers too, that like to bid on stuff then find a better deal elsewhere or change their mind.  You waste an entire week waiting for the auction to end thinking your stuff is sold and then the buyer asks to cancel or just never pays and you have to start all over again.

On 1/24/2018 at 4:52 PM, SaveByRichter35 said:

That reminds me of a movie where someone wrapped their whole body in saran wrap when they were going to go down on a woman and I cannot remember what it was.

Booty Call!

3 hours ago, coopaloop1234 said:

Damn right it is.

Damn, dont have kids or that schedule will all say "Soccer Game", "Gymnastics Meet", "Track Meet", 1 or 2 might say "Hockey", but you won't make it because someone threw up...

1 hour ago, Netnewbie said:

I found some new BAUER Supreme S150 Senior Goalie Pads and was wondering what the reviews were on it.  I play about once a week rural rec hockey.  They worth picking up?

Look for a used set of higher level pads.  I'm sure the S150's hold up fine playing once a week rec, but you wont be happy with them.  I've had my share of bottom shelf pads and they just don't perform like the higher end stuff.  If your just playing ball hockey or something and are on a tight budget, then maybe.

On 2/25/2018 at 1:59 PM, GoalieGuy101 said:

If I buy the NME 10 from goalie monkey, am I getting the same quality mask that the guys in the NHL are using? 

I'd avoid that mask.  Just had one recently and they just are no where near as solid as a 961/960.  Chins crack and chip very easily and shell overall just felt too light and flimsy to me for a high end mask.  You can usually find some nice used 961/960 available for the same price as an nme10, if they fit you, definitely the better option if you want that style of mask.

3 hours ago, Big2 said:

She is a good artist - but when I tried hooking up with her, she was not very reliable always pushing the lead times further out!

I don't have any experience with her, just saying, I know she works with Protech.  I'm not much for getting stuff painted, but I've talked with Tony Jarrett (masked expressions) a couple of times, seems like a good guy and local for me.

5 hours ago, 1C5 said:

Any suggestions on a painter in Canada to do a new ProtechSport justice?

Sylabrush - Sylvie Marsolais

Funny thing is I'm probably more of a Bauer fanboy and it sounds like I'm bashing them.  My last 5 sets of pads and the only skates I will wear are Bauer.  People say a blocker is a blocker, but for me a blocker is only a blocker if it says Bauer on it.  I guess that's why I'm so bitter about it, I am very particular about my pads and how they feel and I've only achieved that feel with Bauer.  Over the last 7 years or so, I've tried Warrior, Reebok/CCM, Vaughn, Simmons....but, I always end up back in Bauer gear.  I was really looking forward to the 1X but was seriously disappointed.  Maybe the next version will have some different options, but right now, I'm just not sold on the "modern" pad. 

2 hours ago, Hills said:

The 1X is softer in the top break and has a different boot angle. You can order the same type of boot stiffnees on the 1S.

To me the 1X is a 1S.5 while being slightly softer and more curved. A few goalies who have worn reactor or traditional Vaughn pads switch to the 1X this year and did quite well. Markstrom, Khudobin and Ward.

I was curious about that and if they had some kind of custom options.  Especially Ward, he'd been in Vaughn's for so long

17 minutes ago, TheGoalNet said:

I have not tried the 1X yet. 1X will also have a double break vs single break in 1S. If I were to stick with Bauer, I think the next gen Supreme will be exactly what I want. 

It's a weird boat... I think Bauer is pushing the issue of a modern pad and I respect that. As we all know, Knee rolls are pointless now and it's kinda silly that Leferve was integral in trying to kill the knee rolls and is reviving them with EF3. If it was not for a Price endorsement, that pad would not exist.  

I understand that Bauer is loosing part of the market by killing the Reactor line, but I think they are okay being full steam ahead as a tech leader. I think they will leave that niche to goalie specific companies that specialize on customization. Brian's Heritage line is solid and that will pick up a nice audience. Everyone can get the pad they want, but not every company is focused on being everything to everyone. 

Look at it from a marketing standpoint. Was Bauer more represented in CHL, NCAA, and Pros with NXG / Reactor combo or 1S / 1X? 

I get Bauer's angle, I just think they missed the mark with the 1x.  It's just not the pad they are marketing it to be in terms of flexibility.  There is still a huge market for goalies that want a traditional/flexible pad over a stiff pad, if that means knee rolls for aesthetic purposes, then so be it.  Just looking at PadsTracker(NHL/AHL) from last season, there were 26 goalies wearing Eflex's and 24 wearing some version of a Velocity pad, plus Budaj still in Reactor's.  Thats 51 out of 95 goalies on the list wearing a traditional style pad.  From a representation standpoint, Bauer had 13 in the 1s/1x lines.  By comparison, in 2014-2015 they had 11 in Total Ones/Reactors.  Not a huge improvement there.  I don't know about CHL or any lower level leagues, but I know NCAA teams typically get one set of pads per goalie for the season and it will be with whatever company has a contract to supply the school.  So even if Bauer is heavily represented there, it may not be the goalies choice.

I can tell you that I've demo'd both the 1s and 1x and yes, the strapping was improved on the 1x, however I find little difference other than that between the 2 pads.  Now, in fairness I have not had a chance to use either pad fully broken in, but my initial impression is that Bauer made 2 nearly identical pads and put 2 different names on them.  The 1x might be slightly softer in the boot, but that's about it.  I don't really understand it and am pretty disappointed that Bauer no longer has a traditional style pad offering.  In my opinion, the 1x in no way competes with the Eflex III, which is now one of the most popular pads out there.  I have been a loyal Bauer guy for a long time and have truly preferred their goalie products over all others I've tried, but once my Reactor 9000's are done, I will likely be in my first Vaughn or CCM set.

Same here, I can't see the link, but I own a VX-5 and love it.  I've had Hackva, Fusion 962 and a Bauer 960.  The VX-5 is the best of the bunch for me in terms of fit and function.  I love the design and the comfort of the 960/Fusion 962, but they just don't work for me as well as my Sportmask.  It's light, integrates with my chesty perfectly (I have a short neck) and takes a shot better than the others.