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Love that you grouped Mexico and Salt Lake together.

Yeah, the RBZ shins are great, but the velcro straps do lose effectiveness over time. However, that cross strapping design imho is so much better than the new strap designs, so much so, that I don't use tape when using the RBZs.

IMO the conversation starts and ends with the RBZ and or the CL lines. Not sure about the pants.

I have both the CL and RBZ shins and they're both light and don't retain moisture, but the RBZ line is more comfortable. The Velcro for the straps are the longterm weak point, but the Velcro could be replaced or you can just use tape or shin tights to keep them in place (I do the latter). The Jetspeeds don't feel as nice as the RBZ to me and aren't as low profile. For elbows, I stockpiled 2012 Blue and Grey Warrior Projekts, but if I was looking for new pads I would consider Vapor 2X Pros, Warrior Alpha DX, STX Surgeon RX3 or the Jetspeeds based on what I have read. I would definitely lean toward a 3 piece pad. For shoulders, I love the Verbero Shield pads I have as they're very mobile and modular (I use them without the caps). 2X Pros, RBZ, or FT1 pads would be lighter and more hydrophobic, but I an not sure they would be as mobile as the Shield pads with the caps removed. I prefer a girdle to pants, but that's personal preference. I use the True XC9 and was deciding between that and the Warrior QRE when I stumbled upon a great deal on the XC9. The pants others have mentioned seem like good choices.

No love for the CCM RBZ line? RBZ is probably my favorite protective line in recent memory and a lot of that gear is ridiculously light and low profile. Also think it improved on all the minor problems with the CCM CL series.

The only shins I've ever worn where I really didn't need tape. I might break mine out again. They were shelved in favor of the Tacks due to the liners wearing away around the knee caps. Which was my only real gripe.

Check out my review on the Vapor 2X pro shoulder pads. Very light. Very happy wearing them.

FWIW, I tried the 1X lite shins when they came out to replace the 1X shins I was using and agree, they were garbage. Was able to find another pair of 1X which are superior (IMO). The 2X Pro is also a step down compared to the 1X in terms of protection and build quality. The 1X may not be lighter than the 1X lite or the 2X pro, but they’re better in most every other way

I’ve never worn Bauer vapour protective forever and I wasn’t a fan either I jus know it’s their slimmer line that lots of people seem to like the vapour stuff. I am a CCM/Reebok/jofa protective fan all the way haha.

Believe that only counts for their elite gear. So if you are looking at the RX3, you are good. If you are looking at the next level down RX3.1, I don't think the trial period is valid.

Vapor 2X Pro gear is nice but overpriced for what you get. However, if you want the absolutely lightest gear on the market there are very few options available that can compete. STX RX3 shoulders and elbow pads are good. I am not a fan of their pants or shinguards. Vapor 1X Lite gear is also light and can be found for decent pricing. If it was me, I would recommend the following, taking into account weight, cost and fitment. Shoulder Pads: STX RX3, Bauer Vapor 1X Lite, CCM Crazy Light, Bauer Vapor 2X Pro, CCM FT1 Pants: CCM Crazy Light, Bauer Vapor 1X Lite, Bauer Vapor 2X Pro, CCM FT1 Shin: Bauer Vapor 2X Pro, CCM Crazy Light, CCM FT1, Bauer Vapor 1X Lite Gloves: Bauer Vapor 1X Lite Pro, CCM Crazy Light, CCM FT1, Bauer Vapor 2X Pro, STX RX3 Elbow Pads: STX RX3, Bauer Vapor 2X Pro, CCM Crazy Light, Bauer Vapor 2X Pro, CCM FT1

I think the key is that in the NHL today, at 5 on 5, there's very limited opportunity to care about straight line speed. Maybe 15-20 years ago it mattered a bit more. Today's player needs speed through the many obstacles that stands between him as the puck carrier and the goal. Everyone can skate now. You can't just go wide with speed down the boards anymore. That's why linear crossovers are where the game is going. It's not because they are faster in a straight line, it's because they are faster in the non-straight lines an NHL forward has to take to find open ice and maintain momentum.