Hello everyone!
Now that I’'ve used my gear for close to two months, I figured I would post a review of everything. I chose to do one big mega thread to kind of break up the monotony of this site lately, and also because I didn’t want to do 12 separate threads.
I can’t get any more of the pictures to load, so you are gonna have to wait until the weekend when I can try again.
A little background...
I am 27 years old, I've been playing since I was 14. I've played up to D3 Club, and since then I have gotten a lot better. I moved to Denver from Wyoming about 3 years ago, and having year round ice has done wonders for me. I frequently get to play with current CHL players, ex-NHL players, and consistently get to play with some very high level beer leaguers, and it is a ton of fun.
I am 6'-1", and about 185, with what I would call a very fit frame. I play a very mobile game, and I love making unorthodox saves. I had always had off the shelf gear in the past, and decided it was finally time to get gear that suited my body and my playstyle.
About 4 months ago now I had a game at 10:40pm that I was getting to use my first Sportmask for about the 5th time, and my 2200 C/A for the first time. After the game I got home at about 1:15 am, and I was dead tired, I figured I would just leave my gear in my Jeep, and take it out first thing in the morning. At about 5:30 my neighbor came knocking on my door, telling me that my car had been broken into, and everything was gone. They originally broke in to get to my $10 market cost stereo, and then saw all the gear and tools, and took that too. The tools alone were in a bag that weighed about 250 lbs, and with another 50+ lbs of gear, it either took multiple people, or one very large person to take it all.
Lesson very harshly learned, I now don’t let my bag get out of my sight, and I never leave it in the car for any reason. Not even if I will be back in 5 minutes. Luckily I had renter’s insurance, which for about $25/year ended up saving my ***. They reimbursed me for all the gear that I could find receipts for, prove the initial cost of, or had a picture with me wearing. Additionally, in Colorado apparently for renter’s insurance you are reimbursed for the entire amount, the insurance company is not allowed to give you its depreciated value.
About 2 months before my gear was stolen I had placed an order for custom gear through Rod at The Goalie Crease, and because it took about 14 weeks to get in, thankfully it wasn’t included in the gear that was stolen, and I only had to borrow gear for about a month.
We'’ll start with the list of mods, and then my opinion on the gear.
Subzero Pro II Pads:
34+1
Stock 4-3-1 Flex
Removed outer knee wing
Wyoming embroidery
Sliding Toe Bridge
Subzero Pro II Blocker:
Cuff widened by 30mm
Wyoming Embroidery
Finger protection attached to side of pinky instead of tip of ring finger
GNetik Glove:
Reskinned to Subzero Pro II
Double T pocket
Pro palm
Wyoming embroidery
Wrist strap moved away from palm 20mm
Shakey phone action shot.
Now for the reviews....
Sportmask VX-5:
This mask is the nicest mask I have ever used, or seen for that matter. This is my second Sportmask, and I am now a fan for life. Not only is it perfectly balanced, but it is also incredibly protective, the window on the LC is HUGE, the flatbar cat eye is really unobtrusive, and it fits so well that you forget you have it on. I would have bought this helmet for the sightlines alone, not to mention everything else. The fit and finish is second to none, and I have taken some absolute bombs off the ear, cheek, nose, and forehead that left no ringing in my ears (something I was unfortunately used to), no dizziness, and no break in concentration. A few times it has even hit me and I didn’t even notice until finding puck marks after the game.
Rod fit this helmet “blind” (I.e. remotely), with only a few measurements I did, and a few pictures of my face with my old mask on and off.
Vaughn 2000 Dangler
This dangler fits the contour of the Sportmask really well. I was able to tie the sides tight to the mask, with some slack in the center hole, with the lace fed down the inside, so that it barely makes noise, protects me well, and doesn’t obscure my vision.
Vaughn 2200 C/A
This C/A is amazing. It feels like wearing a t-shirt. The amount of adjustments can be overwhelming, but once I got it dialed in I fell in love with it. Not only can I touch both hands to the back of my head, I can grab my hands behind my back, and move my gloves wherever I want. It never gets in the way. Now with this C/A you do sacrifice protection for mobility, and after having used it for a few months, and that is something I am perfectly okay with. Shots to stomach or chest don’t hurt, but hard shots to the arms have given me some pretty serious bruises. I really like that I feel the impact of everything, even though only 1/250 shots actually hurt. It helps you have very good awareness of the puck when you can feel the impact, but it doesn’t cause pain. I have gotten some really bad bruises on the upper and lower arms from really hard shots, like a slapshot from 6 feet out, but I never got a deadarm. It did sting, sometimes quite a bit, but I will gladly put up with those kinds of bruises for the mobility of this unit. According to Vaughn there is no carbon fiber in the arms, just the chest, and the Pro Arm mod is just the regular arms with more foam, so I am going to try to add just a little bit on my own and see if I can perfect this chest protector.
My last C/A was huge and bulky, and I fought it every save I made, and it prevented me from making saves on quite a few occasions purely because of its size and inflexibility.
I ScotchGuarded this C/A before I ever used it, and it didn’t do a damn thing. Not even a little bit, and I did 2 or 3 even coats per the instructions. The inside, less porous looking material turned yellow after the very first use. The Vaughn rep told me that Mike found that white everything was the absolute lightest it could be, which is why it is only offered in white. I don’t think anyone would care if they added an ounce to the overall weight if it meant you could get it in something other than white that doesn’t look like crap so soon.
You do get little bunny ears, even if you tuck the straps (pictures to explain coming later), so I think I am going to just tape them down now that I know where I want.
Subzero Pro II skinned G’Netik Glove
Before my gear was stolen I had a stock G’Netik. I LOVED the fingertip to thumb closure, even though every single goalie I talked to hated it. The only negative about the glove is that even using the Keeps break-in method 5+ times, it took me months to fully break the glove in. Even when it was brand new though, I made glove saves I had no business saving, and the pocket is designed so well the fact that I couldn’t close the glove fully didn'’t even matter. The protection level on this glove is fantastic. I frequently get the chance to play with college/ACHL/ex-pro players, and have never had a stinger in my palm. The seal on the ice is great, and with the notch at the bottom of the palm my grip on my stick when shooting is really nice.
I spent, not joking, 6 hours converting the pocket to skate lace, as the stock (string?) job was a little too tight so it deformed the pocket a little, and now this glove is downright phenomenal. I will gladly pay for this to be done from the factory next time, but I really love the closure on the pocket, and I have a hard time getting the puck out of the pocket now, haha.
Subzero Pro II Blocker
This blocker has a neutral hand position, which I like much more than the offset G’Netik. It is very well balanced, with a lot of wrist mobility for shooting. It feels like a part of my hand, so I have a very easy time directing shots wherever I want, including into my catcher, which I am getting better at with practice. The blocker came with another pad that velcros behind the side panel for extra protection, but it is already so good that I leave that piece out.
Vaughn LT90 Double Cup
This is actually the only thing out of all the new gear that I am not 100% happy with. Previously I had a Matrix 3 jock, that was constructed the same except for little air pillow where the cup meets your hip joints, which completely eliminated any pain from having the jock pressed back into your body. Granted I have never been injured with this cup on, but it just feels a little too stiff in general, almost as if it is a little too small, even though its a large.
Vaughn 2200 Breezers
These breezers integrate PERFECTLY with the 2200 C/A. Vaughn really thought these breezers through. I’ve always hated the feeling of a tucked C/A, and these breezers are exactly what I have been looking for my entire career. A lot of breezers try to satisfy both tuckers and non-tuckers, and do okay at both, but these are definitely designed for non-tuckers in mind. Not only are they protective in just the right places, they fit snugly on the waist without being restrictive, and they do not impede my movement in any way. Because they fit tighter I went down a size to a medium, which had the added benefit of shortening the thigh guards also, so they don’t interfere with my pads.
Brown 2400KN Knee Pads
These knee pads are incredibly comfortable, and well worth the price. I haven’t had any problems with them slipping down since I started using them. I have socks over the top velcroed to a jock, but not tape on them at all. It took a few days to break in the purple gel riser area, but now that it has softened up it is extremely comfortable.
I have no come close to getting hit in the knee with these kneepads on yet, so I don’t know how well they hold up against hard shots, but I did buy the best that John offers, so I assume it will be up to par.
John himself was great to work with, and always very quick to get back to me. My original order went out just one day after I ordered with my measurements!
Subzero Pro II Pads
I came from Simmons Matrix 3 34+2 pads that I had had for 6 or so years. While I liked them well enough, the bigger and stronger I got, the more quickly I wore them out. I decided to go for broke with what very well be my only custom set over (haha fat chance), so I demo’d a set at the Goalie Days at Players Bench here in Denver. I demo’d a 34+2, and the instant I did a butterfly push and moved about 8 feet without even trying, I knew I was hooked. The thighrise on these seems abnormally tall, so I went with a +1 for my custom order.
I can absolutely fly around in these pads. I couldn’t believe it. I could never butterfly slide one direction, plant my foot, and slide back before, and now I can not only do that, but change my angle whenever I want as well. The SuperSlide panel really does what it says, and I am strong enough that I actually had to tone down a lot of my pushes because I was going multiple feet farther than I ever did.
The seal is great, at all time, and the angle on the toe is just enough that I don’t feel it twisting my pads no matter how low I get, and I can get my skates to bite at like...a 5 degree angle of my pad.
I had always had thighboards as I was growing up, and after I had to borrow some Larceny’s with knee/thigh guards, I knew I hated them with a passion and had to switch to knee pads, which is why I had Brians remove the knee wings. I took a chance with this setup, as I had never been able to use all of these mods at the same time, but I love attaching the knee strap to the outside calf. The rotation is perfect every time, and I feel very solid and comfortable in any position.
The primo material on the toe stills makes a quack noise when you walk, but whenever people notice it, which they will, I just say that it is the Quack of Victory/Defeat, whichever is applicable at the time.
The only odd thing about the pads is that, when both of my sliding toe bridges are loosened the same amount, my right leg pad faces itself just fine when I stand up, but 75% of the time my left leg pad wouldn’t. I tightened my left toe slack just a little more, and it went away. Not sure why it does that, as they don’t have the same amount of slack anymore, but they perform exactly the same now.
When they are available, I will be trying the SmartStrap toe and heel straps to see if I like them. The regular Smart Strap is as great as everyone says it is. I have one leather strap and I love the customization options I have. I can get fully dressed in about 10 minutes now, and undressed in about 2 minutes, and most of the time savings are because of the leg pads.
CCM U+Pro Skates
This is my third pair of these skates since they were released. The balance, look, protection, and feel are all superb. I wanted to try out the RBZ Pros, but not for $700. I added stepsteel and I love how they perform. I use the stock footbed, it is perfect for my flat feet. The skates also have a large vent on the bottom that keeps my feet nice and cool all game long. I used to drill a few holes in the plastic to achieve this, but this is much better. I skip the top two eyelets to get more ankle flex. I sharpen them at ΒΌ, and then use a hone to dull the outer edges completely. I LOVE how they perform after I do this.
Bauer Reactor 4k Stick
I used to love the Sherwood T90 sticks, and learned how to puckhandle very well with them, until they discontinued those for the SL7/800 and thinned the blade out too much. I tried two of these new sticks, about 6 weeks apart, and neither one of them lasted through a whole drop-in session. Each split in half on the heel after very minimal play. I asked for a new recommendation from my LHS, and was pointed towards the Bauers. I have had a particular distaste for Bauer and Reebok for a long time, but decided to give Bauer a try anyway. I went with a 4k, and I am so glad I did. I remember when the Bauer composites came out many years ago, and they had some of the worst balance I had ever seen. This isn’t true anymore, in fact I think they have the best balance on the market currently.
Not only do I love the curve (My Sherwood PP41 curves were hard to keep out of the rafters, with the Bauer P20 I can pick anywhere I want), the balance is fantastic, but the durability is even more amazing. I still use my original 4k every other day, which is just over a year and a half old. I don’t throw tantrums and smash my stick, but I don’t hesitate to poke check into people or skates, and I frequently practice (and employ) batting pucks out of the air with the paddle. This stick is still going strong, and shoots like the day I got it. It’s covered in huge scratches, has chipping paint, dents from direct impacts, chips from glancing blows, and is half black from puck marks, and still feels like a new stick. I might have to mount this thing when it finally breaks. I already have another 4k waiting to get rotated in, who knows when I will actually have to use it.
(Pictures coming) I’'ve developed a way of taping that I really love that is a combination of all the things I wanted to be able to do with a stick. I wrap the blade normally, and wax it for shooting and preserving the tape. I wrap the butt in a traditional way, with a knob just big enough for me to wrap my ring and pinky fingers around when shooting (gives me more leverage than no knob, but more control than having the whole hand on the knob). The big difference is right above the paddle. Composite sticks are notorious for transferring the impact of a shot directly to your hand, which is true. I’'ve been using composites for about 6 years now, and have noticed it with every brand. What I did to limit this was to tape it with regular hockey tape from the paddle to 6 inches up, and back again. I always hated when my gloves got tacky from the tape, but I loved the grip it gave me otherwise. I wanted to be able to poke check whenever I wanted, and quickly, which having no tape is better for. I thought of a great alternative that gives me the best of everything. I wrap the plain hockey tape like normal for the cushion and grip, but then I cover that whole area with tightly wrapped clear compression tape. This gets rid of the glue problem from the tape, but lets me poke check as quickly as I want, and I can more easily do a “chop poke” when sliding to the side. Even wet with snow, the size of the grip and slight squeaky texture to the clear tape makes it easy to grip.
Ever since I thought of this a few years ago, I have taped every stick like this.
Vaughn VG1100 Bag
I always hated carrying my leg pads outside of my bag, so I have always bought the largest bags that companies offer. I also like to carry it over the shoulder, so per a suggestion from my LHS, I went with this Vaughn. Not only can it fit everything on this page and then some, it is also very well built. The strap is nice and wide, and the built in cushion is very comfortable. The included mesh bag is a nice addition. I wish the bag had more vents though, as the only ones are large grommets in the corners.
Vaughn VJ2000 Jersey
This jersey is fantastic for the price, but I got an XL and it is basically a muscle shirt. The more it stretches the more tolerable it is, but I definitely should have gone with the XXL.
Jersey (on the way)
The jersey supplier for the Oilers got me in touch with someone from the Oil Kings, so now I can get a fully crested CCM replica jersey that matches the Brians Neon Green Weave!
Clothing
I use Nike Pro Combat 3/4 length pants, a Bauer Core longsleeve shirt, and Bauer Core Performance socks. I love the 3/4 length pants because it gets the hem out of my skate and partially up my calf where it is a lot less irritating. The socks are great, but man does the Bauer shirt suck. The large is built for some terriblly proportioned person that has small forearms and gargantuan biceps, not to mention a huge chest but short torso. This shirt fit alright the first time, but once I got it wet it became loose all over, and when moisture wicking clothing is loose, it can't do its job. Washing it since then has only made it worse. I will be trying out a Pro Combat shirt as soon as possible. I also use a Shock Doctor jock with the cup cut out, and Reebok Edge SX100 hockey socks, and I love them.
That’s all I can think of for now. Feel free to ask any questions about the gear, or my experiences with Rod, John, or the lovely people at USAA. I will try uploading the rest of the pictures again this weekend.