13 replies to this topic

[Cavs019]

Hey guys - as you can probably tell from the protective sale section I’m on the shoulder pad carousel lol. My old pads were Bauer frankenpads that finally kicked the bucket after about 15 years and I’m having a world of a time finding a suitable replacement. Here’s my experience so far:

- CCM FT1/CL: super nice pads and obviously the NHL standard but the caps are too big for my tastes
- Bauer 2X Pro: seem ok profile wise and super light but cannot stand the slip in bicep guards (I skip leg day)
- Bauer Hyperlite: same as above with the bicep guards
- OG Bauer 1X: caps look like they’re made for an outside linebacker

Currently considering trying a 3X Pro or NOS Supreme 1S but let me know if there’s an obvious pair to try or something non Bauer/CCM. I know about the 5030s of course but I need some sternum protection as I play with guys that can rip it. I’m also too much of a cake eater to go no shouldies at all.

Thanks fellas.

[xstartxtodayx]

I'm in the same boat.  I've tried several over the years and can never find that perfect pair.  Recently I was using a pair of U+ CL's with older U+ caps (Jake specials), they were great until I hit the glass awkwardly and separated my shoulder, I then realized the cap just wasn't sitting right (it was a small cap on a med. shoulder pad, I do have a medium set I may swap on, they're ever so slightly larger but still low profile).

 

- CCM U+ CL - an old pair of mine are FS by mdwsta on here (just saw his SLS post), they had a different set of caps installed, an older RBZ set that are lower profile than the CL caps (which I found way too bulky), they're not as low profile as the older U+ one piece caps but better than stock imo.  Personally I find the CL/JS/RBZ chest portion to fit me the best and give the best combo of protection and lightness.

 

- Bauer 2X Pro - had these for a while, the shoulder area was a little too bulky and I didn't like the neck hole, I like the more open-ness of the CL's.  The 3X Pro series looks to be slightly lower profile but still has the smaller neck hole.  As for the bicep straps, that's an easy fix with some scissors and thread/velcro, if you're not savvy I'm sure a tailor at a dry cleaner can make quick work of it (I'm not a fan of that design either, I tend to leave my bicep straps loose but like the ability to adjust it, those just seemed too snug even for someone like me who has never been accused of skipping leg day).

 

- Off the board suggestion: SherWood Rekker Legend 1.  I tried these out recently (found a site that had them for less and had a discount code which made them about $120 shipped).  I liked the lower profile caps and how they weren't as thick on the tops of the shoulders (my complaint about most Vapors).  They were light and mobile (I ditched the extended bicep guards and the stomach pad) BUT I felt like the chest/body of them was too much, like they were too long or something even though side by side with other pads they were similar.  Something about how they wrapped caused them to ride up more than I liked and pushed the top of the back higher than I prefer so back they went (my helmet would hit it if I looked up).  Could be just the way my body is but aside from that I was actually really impressed with how the pads were constructed.

 

I actually just picked up a set of 5030's on SLS for under $20 brand new to play around with, I'm terrified of actually wearing them without any sternum or spine protection (these are the older ones before they added the little spine protector), but maybe I'll attach something from one of the many old sets I have in the parts bin lol.

[Gswift]

They're harder to find now but I really like the Easton Pro10 or Pro models, not sure what I'm gonna do when mine kick the bucket...

[Cavs019]

The caps on the Sherwood Legends actually look really nice. Maybe the Legend 2 as that model appears to be lighter and has fewer gimmicky attachments?

[xstartxtodayx]

The caps on the Sherwood Legends actually look really nice. Maybe the Legend 2 as that model appears to be lighter and has fewer gimmicky attachments?

 

Having had the Legend 1 and now looking at the Legend 2 I would go Legend 2 if I had the choice... the important stuff looks to be the same, just minus the weird "Viconic" impact protection which was a bit bulky and stiff (not as nice as D3O or even McDavid Hex stuff, plus it's small and in such a specific spot there's a small chance it would actually help).

[Golden Gate Sharpening]

Frankenpads are the way to go. I rotate between two pairs of U+ Crazy Lights with CCM 1899 shoulder caps. One has the clavicle guards intact and the other cut off. I've also used Sherwood 5030 shoulder caps/bicep pads with good results.

[Scdp99]

I am in the same boat. I am currently not minding the Bauer Mach shoulders but the only is that they occasionally ride up a bit

[FP12]

check out some of the box lacrosse designs, I've played with a few guys that have gone that avenue,  low profile, good sternum & spine protection, very light weight.

[KidCoyote]

Been through a similar phase where I was buying and selling shoulder pads like crazy looking for that perfect low profile fit. I’ve had 1X lite, RBZ, CL, Tacks Pro, FT1, Pro Series, and FT4 pro. Each had pros and cons but I’d say the Bauer Pro series, Tacks, and FT4 Pro are my favourites. They all have similar cap thicknesses but I’m currently rotating between the Tacks and the FT4 pro. The Pro Series would likely be my favourite if the shoulder cap didn’t get getting stuck on the arm pit area of the shoulder pad.

Nothings going to be as low profile as the 5030 but you’re going to have to do a bit of a trade off to have something that’s more protective. If you’re playing in a league that’s not quite as chippy with most guys going no shoulders, I’d go FT4 Pro. Stupidly light and as low profile as the modern pads get.

[xstartxtodayx]

Ok added another pair I'm going to try out... Bauer Vapor 3X Pro.  I found a good deal on SLS (under $100) so I'll give them a go.  I tried them on a few times at home but have yet to play in them.  Initial impressions are holy crap they're light, like seriously light.  The padding on the sides of the sternum pad are mostly breathable lightweight mesh, pretty much just for show since it's nit going to protect much, same material on back sides but the sternum and spine seem to have nice coverage.  They do sit low and have smaller caps than the older 2X Pros.  My biggest issue with the 2X Pros was the neck hole was a little tight (I like a wider/looser neck opening) and the collarbone over the shoulder padding was a bit excessive.  The 3X Pro has a wider neck opening and a much lower profile collarbone piece, it's also a bendable/moldable foam of some sort, it was very straight/square from being shipped and made the pads sit funny but like a bill to a hat I was able to curve them really easily and they say really nice (also the overall bulk here is like half what the 2X Pros were).  Lastly, the bicep guards have a normal velcro strap again, these seem pretty basic which is nice, not much bulk but just enough padding, also seems pretty breathable and light.  I'll try them out next week but figured I'd chime in here since I have some high hopes.

[bluhmd]

Early 2000s MIC Eagle shoulders. It definitely doesn't have all the protection of todays stuff. To me todays stuff is too bulky. Wore them playing, and now in what I call "semi" check (no open ice). Low profile, move with the body, and can add sternum and spine protection to them. I personally can't wear anything else.

[NovaHands]

Ok added another pair I'm going to try out... Bauer Vapor 3X Pro.  I found a good deal on SLS (under $100) so I'll give them a go.  I tried them on a few times at home but have yet to play in them.  Initial impressions are holy crap they're light, like seriously light.  The padding on the sides of the sternum pad are mostly breathable lightweight mesh, pretty much just for show since it's nit going to protect much, same material on back sides but the sternum and spine seem to have nice coverage.  They do sit low and have smaller caps than the older 2X Pros.  My biggest issue with the 2X Pros was the neck hole was a little tight (I like a wider/looser neck opening) and the collarbone over the shoulder padding was a bit excessive.  The 3X Pro has a wider neck opening and a much lower profile collarbone piece, it's also a bendable/moldable foam of some sort, it was very straight/square from being shipped and made the pads sit funny but like a bill to a hat I was able to curve them really easily and they say really nice (also the overall bulk here is like half what the 2X Pros were).  Lastly, the bicep guards have a normal velcro strap again, these seem pretty basic which is nice, not much bulk but just enough padding, also seems pretty breathable and light.  I'll try them out next week but figured I'd chime in here since I have some high hopes.

 

Would love to see pics of these with a jersey over them if you get a chance!

[KidCoyote]

Are the 3X Pro not just the same construction as the Hyperlite?

My only beef with the Bauer’s is that while they are low profile, the crappy hard foam shoulder caps crack. It would suck to have a nicely broken in shoulder pad that you’re comfortable with and then have the cap crack.

[xstartxtodayx]

Would love to see pics of these with a jersey over them if you get a chance!

 

I'll see what I can do.

 

Are the 3X Pro not just the same construction as the Hyperlite?

My only beef with the Bauer’s is that while they are low profile, the crappy hard foam shoulder caps crack. It would suck to have a nicely broken in shoulder pad that you’re comfortable with and then have the cap crack.

 

I haven't seen the Hyperlite in person but watching rhew IW video breakdowns it sounds like the same construction but the hyperlite has a little different material here and there (the regular non pro 3X has different shoulder caps and looks much bulkier).  The caps are the same styrofoam feeling caps, I wouldn't want to play full contact with these that's for sure, but for beer league they might be perfect.  If I do like the fit/feel and hang on to them I'll def be more mindful of handling them better to keep the caps in one piece.