AIREAYE

Congrats! It's the best feeling haha, enjoy Frosh Week/O-Week!

Excellent work! It looks very sharp...aesthetically

I've been honestly looking everywhere for these! Our buyer decided not to order them, which I can understand, as Easton protective seems to always be unspectacular. The Easton Synergy series of elbow pads though, seem to do it for me. Have you had a chance to compare this pair to some others? Also, what pricpoint were they at?

Did you specifically choose the scalloped? For what reason?

About time you came on MSH!

I believe some are while others are legit old stock. There aren't too many commonly noticeable differences anyhow. Best ask a manager who knows the different SKU in the computer

I believe there are still quite a few Sportcheks out there with old stock CNTs...they're not that rare over here.

The Lobster Claw!

The tension of waiting for your top choice is proportionally worse good luck!

JA, are the fingers tapered like on the S19s? As in, does it get 'thinner' thickness-wise?

Wow, absolutely great gloves it seems, thanks for the pics! Loving the index finger segmentation, the little blue segments on the outside of the index is placed smartly so that it prevents torquing of the finger roll...excellent!

5’10” 140 lbs Tackla Size 48 Background : I picked these pants up as part of an overall gear upgrade I had in August of 2011 and I now feel that I have enough experience in them (4.5 months, 1-3 times a week) for a review. I bought these guys as a replacement for my old Bauer Supreme One35s (review a few links down) which I felt was both a little short in length and lacking rear end protection. Another reason for choosing Tackla was that they definitely appear to have an excellent long-standing reputation to be perhaps the best pant manufacturer on the market; and the Made In Canada labelling was definitely a bonus. Fit/Comfort : 10/10 Tackla pants feature a ‘European’ or ‘Euro’ style fit, which is characterized by a tight waist and a wide or roomy leg/thigh. A personal preference for sure, but one that I enjoy. The size 48 was perfect length-wise for me, as the pant leg approached or sits on the upper ½ of the kneecap, eliminating any gap issues I had with the One35s. The tight waist is perhaps the greatest positive here, as the pant wraps very snugly and extremely comfortably around the body; perhaps the most comfortable pair of pants I have ever had on. It was heavenly! The low-density foams around the inner waist (kidney) of the pant are soft enough to give you that comfort level and beefy enough to be protective as well. Although the pant features both the traditional lacing system and belt system for tightness, I felt that just the lacing was enough to achieve that level of fit/tightness, rendering the belt unnecessary. This could be that it wraps around the outside of the pant rather than on the inside. The wider legs are also well fitted as they provide excellent, almost unnoticeable mobility without interfering with the top of the shin pad. The leg zipper with stretch liner backing (so while it does expand, there is no gap where your leg is exposed) was a nice feature as well. Protection : 10/10 Being a high-end (over $200 price-point iirc) pant, the 5500s feature amazing protection to be expected at that price namely multi-density layered foams with high quality moulded plastic inserts. The type and method that Tackla uses with their foam placement overlaps with the high comfort level as well. Everything from the tailbone piece to the kidney areas and hips pads contain a surface layer of soft foams that provide a nice base for the other inserts. Definitely an excellent consideration if you were to play high level hockey. Durability : 8/10 There are various places on the pant where the stitching has come loose, especially on the bottom rim of each leg. Although this is not an issue at the moment, there could come a point where it will be. The liner of the left side of the pant has also frazzled slightly. Slightly disappointing, given that domestically made gear is supposed to be ‘superior’ to Asian-made. This just goes to show that QC trumps that mindset. Weight : 8.5/10 This is definitely a pant on the bulkier side, although the level of mobility offsets that in my opinion and is a non-issue. However it is also important to consider that pants sit near your centre of gravity or your core, so a difference in weight conceivably wouldn’t be as noticeable as if it was further away, such as a stick. Intangibles : Absolutely no issues with odour or with moisture retaining. The liner on these guys appear to wick away moisture very well and the pant dry quickly as a result. One aspect however that I personally would like to see on these guys is a raised spinal guard, similar to the Tackla 951 and on countless other non-Tackla models. Another qualm that I have on these pants is the single segment on the tailbone pad inside the pant. The tailbone pad features thick low-density foams with a sturdy insert, but has a single segment on the lower third of the pad. This is supposed to offer better mobility but I’ve found that it can get stuck poking into your backside, especially if you hop over the boards and definitely not what you want if you fall directly on it (ouch!). Perhaps this would not be an issue with larger set people, but sometimes is a minor annoyance to me. Overall : 9/10 An excellent product which should be on clearance at most retailers (if they have any stock left that is). Definitely something to consider if one plays high level hockey or would simply like to give Tackla a try as I have. Quite impressed.

Winning the first game of the new intramural season, I played pretty bad though, gotta react better when that puck comes up the boards!

Plant traps, Home Alone-esque? Hope you get better dude.

We missed you dude, keep going!

That's beautiful lol, a few Gretzky and Ovechkin figurine ornaments (they actually sell those at Hallmark here) would complete it!

I guess they got sucked into the marketing...hopefully the M11 fits everyone because that's the #1 thing I don't understand about team orders; how a single helmet can fit every kid.

I'd love to grab a pair of those guys in a Medium, did you get them off ebay?

5'10" 135 lbs Size : M Background : Coming from an old pair of Hespeler GX700s (probably a mid-end pad, something I picked up for cheap when I was doing my first round of gear buying 4 years ago) with absolutely HUGE shoulder caps, I decided this summer to upgrade to something with a bit more protection and lower-profile caps. Although I’m not playing contact hockey, I decided to go for a top-end pad anyways as being a thinner dude, I’ve been winded a few times when I crashed into the boards. The shoulder caps on the Hespelers made me look somewhat disproportioned too. The U+ Pros are an evolution from CCMs old top-end Vector 10 pad, which (from what I’ve seen) saw use in the NHL; a testament to its quality and qualifications. The shoulder designs on the U+ Pro are unlike any other pad, featuring clavicle guards that cover the cap and angle down into the clavicle area. The caps themselves are also form fitted down, giving it a low-profile. There isn’t too much difference between the two, but never having tried the V10, I can’t really comment on the fit. Fit/Comfort : 9.5/10 A disclaimer I should include here is that I fit perfectly (and should technically have purchased) into a size small, but decided to go up to a medium in order to have more spinal coverage since my Tacklas lack a spinal guard and I take some abuse when I’m in front of the net. One aspect of fit that CCM changed in the Pro is the torso portion of the pad, which upon trying it on, immediately felt more anatomical as it hugs the body very well. Coverage is excellent as the shoulder caps and clavicle guard manage to cover the upper chest/armpit area without sacrificing mobility. The rib pads, removable belly guard and spine also provide excellent coverage. The plastic inserts in the bicep guards and the shoulder cap are all malleable, so it was a simple matter of bending them in a little bit to form better to my body; an added bonus in terms of comfort and protection. Overall the pad just feels RIGHT, with nearly everything conforming well to my chest and shoulders. Protection : 9/10 Simply put, this pad offers what you would expect from a top-end pad; nothing more and nothing less. The way the shoulder caps/clavicle guard for around your shoulders and the pad itself to your torso respectively is the main focus that CCM put into this product. If a pad is better formed to one’s body, the less negative space there is, and upon impact, the force will be absorbed and dispersed in the pad and not towards your body. The main feature is the use of EPP (think high end helmet) foams in the spine and sternum instead of clunky plastic inserts and with this pad on, I felt little whenever I’d take a crosscheck in the back or even fall down backwards. The only drawback I found was that the rib wrap wasn’t as protective as other pads on the market. Perhaps CCM could’ve put some high density foams in there instead of the mid that’s in now. However, the amount of coverage they provide makes up for this little flaw. As a side note, I would still say that the rib wrap is better than the X:60 or T1 Overall, for a player playing non-contact, these guys more than do the job. Mobility : 10/10 The low profile caps and the excellent way these pads fit really emphasize the mobility of these guys. The stretch materials around the sternum and spine, in addition to the bicep guards are definitely appreciated. For top end protection, the U+ Pros offer near-perfect mobility. Weight : 10/10 Weight (provided that its not excessive) should not be an issue concerning shoulder pads, as they are so close to your centre of gravity. With the EPP protection though, these pads are very light. Though perhaps not as light as the X:60 or TotalOne, they’re definitely better than the 11K or Easton offerings. Durability : 10/10 Granted, even though I have not spent a huge amount of time in these pads, there are absolutely no issues. They still look new. Intangibles : 9/10 CCM didn’t change their liner in the Pro, opting to stay with the old Vector Dry material. While I’m not going to say that it’s ineffective, comparing it to other liners out there (Silver Shield, ThermoCore+ etc.) definitely leaves something to be desired. The pads dry quickly, but retain a bit of moisture after a game, even when I wore UnderArmour. I would recommend taking these out of the bag to air dry (everything should actually). No issues regarding odor, but again, I haven’t been using these guys for a long time. While other pads have adjustable bicep guards (able to change height/length for coverage with elbow pads) often featuring Velcro straps, the U+ Pro technically does not. Instead, their bicep pads are attached to the shoulder via a stretch material, which, if fitted properly, shifts very well with the arm and can very well completely cover the gap between elbow pad and shoulder pad. With my elbow pads, I have no issues with overlap, even though I opted for a bigger size. However, the lack of the adjustment might be an issue for others. I’ve seen many NHL players use these pads this season (with mods or not, doesn’t matter) and the fact that it can compete alongside the likes of RBK/Jofa definitely makes me more satisfied with my purchase. Overall : 9.5/10 Perhaps the best shoulder pad I have ever tried on (hence the purchase), as I really appreciate the slick profile, the comfortable fit and range of mobility. However, please make sure you opt for your correct size so that it stays flush to your body where protection is at its max, especially if you play contact. I can’t wait to see what the CL pad offers; hopefully CCM continues to make its mark in protective and from what I’ve heard about the CL; they could very well ascend to the very top soon.

edit: just realized I posted this in the wrong section, as I was using this as a template.. my bad. Check out the actual review when it's posted http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php?/topic/59240-ccm-u-pro-shoulder-pads/ 5'10" 135 lbs Size : M Background : Coming from an old pair of Hespeler GX700s (probably a mid-end pad, something I picked up for cheap when I was doing my first round of gear buying 4 years ago) with absolutely HUGE shoulder caps, I decided this summer to upgrade to something with a bit more protection and lower-profile caps. Although I’m not playing contact hockey, I decided to go for a top-end pad anyways as being a thinner dude, I’ve been winded a few times when I crashed into the boards. The shoulder caps on the Hespelers made me look somewhat disproportioned too. The U+ Pros are an evolution from CCMs old top-end Vector 10 pad, which (from what I’ve seen) saw use in the NHL; a testament to its quality and qualifications. The shoulder designs on the U+ Pro are unlike any other pad, featuring clavicle guards that cover the cap and angle down into the clavicle area. The caps themselves are also form fitted down, giving it a low-profile. There isn’t too much difference between the two, but never having tried the V10, I can’t really comment on the fit. Fit/Comfort : 9.5/10 A disclaimer I should include here is that I fit perfectly (and should technically have purchased) into a size small, but decided to go up to a medium in order to have more spinal coverage since my Tacklas lack a spinal guard and I take some abuse when I’m in front of the net. One aspect of fit that CCM changed in the Pro is the torso portion of the pad, which upon trying it on, immediately felt more anatomical as it hugs the body very well. Coverage is excellent as the shoulder caps and clavicle guard manage to cover the upper chest/armpit area without sacrificing mobility. The rib pads, removable belly guard and spine also provide excellent coverage. The plastic inserts in the bicep guards and the shoulder cap are all malleable, so it was a simple matter of bending them in a little bit to form better to my body; an added bonus in terms of comfort and protection. Overall the pad just feels RIGHT, with nearly everything conforming well to my chest and shoulders. Protection : 9/10 Simply put, this pad offers what you would expect from a top-end pad; nothing more and nothing less. The way the shoulder caps/clavicle guard for around your shoulders and the pad itself to your torso respectively is the main focus that CCM put into this product. If a pad is better formed to one’s body, the less negative space there is, and upon impact, the force will be absorbed and dispersed in the pad and not towards your body. The main feature is the use of EPP (think high end helmet) foams in the spine and sternum instead of clunky plastic inserts and with this pad on, I felt little whenever I’d take a crosscheck in the back or even fall down backwards. The only drawback I found was that the rib wrap wasn’t as protective as other pads on the market. Perhaps CCM could’ve put some high density foams in there instead of the mid that’s in now. However, the amount of coverage they provide makes up for this little flaw. Overall, for a player playing non-contact, these guys more than do the job. Mobility : 10/10 The low profile caps and the excellent way these pads fit really emphasize the mobility of these guys. The stretch materials around the sternum and spine, in addition to the bicep guards are definitely appreciated. For top end protection, the U+ Pros offer near-perfect mobility. Weight : 10/10 Weight (provided that its not excessive) should not be an issue concerning shoulder pads, as they are so close to your centre of gravity. With the EPP protection though, these pads are very light. Though perhaps not as light as the X:60 or TotalOne, they’re definitely better than the 11K or Easton offerings. Durability : 10/10 Granted, even though I have not spent a huge amount of time in these pads, there are absolutely no issues. They still look new. Intangibles : 9/10 CCM didn’t change their liner in the Pro, opting to stay with the old Vector Dry material. While I’m not going to say that it’s ineffective, comparing it to other liners out there (Silver Shield, ThermoCore+ etc.) definitely leaves something to be desired. The pads dry quickly, but retain a bit of moisture after a game, even when I wore UnderArmour. I would recommend taking these out of the bag to air dry (everything should actually). No issues regarding odor, but again, I haven’t been using these guys for a long time. While other pads have adjustable bicep guards (able to change height/length for coverage with elbow pads) often featuring Velcro straps, the U+ Pro technically does not. Instead, their bicep pads are attached to the shoulder via a stretch material, which, if fitted properly, shifts very well with the arm and can very well completely cover the gap between elbow pad and shoulder pad. With my elbow pads, I have no issues with overlap, even though I opted for a bigger size. However, the lack of the adjustment might be an issue for others. I’ve seen many NHL players use these pads this season (with mods or not, doesn’t matter) and the fact that it can compete alongside the likes of RBK/Jofa definitely makes me more satisfied with my purchase. Overall : 9.5/10 Perhaps the best shoulder pad I have ever tried on (hence the purchase), as I really appreciate the slick profile, the comfortable fit and range of mobility. However, please make sure you opt for your correct size so that it stays flush to your body where protection is at its max, especially if you play contact. I can’t wait to see what the CL pad offers; hopefully CCM continues to make its mark in protective and from what I’ve heard about the CL; they could very well ascend to the top soon.

13" Black Background: My first pair of hockey gloves were the Easton Stealth S5 (2006 edition) which featured a very bulky and wide fit, completely different from my next pair of S17s and the current Talons. Coming from the top-of-the-line S17s, I knew that my preferred type of fit would be anatomical, and with the release of the Talon, Eagle’s most recent foray into anatomically-fitting gloves, I simply had to see why people adore Eagle gloves. Fit: 8/10 Although the Talons were definitely anatomically-fitting gloves, the main problem I had with them was the position of the finger breaks. The Talons have slightly longer fingers than other 13" gloves, but I think that that feature is a disadvantage in terms of how one's fingers and knuckles flex. The breaks in the Talons, especially on the pinkie finger did not match up with how my fingers flexed and this both restricted dexterity and even caused some discomfort in the joints. However, this is ultimately a minor problem as come game time, you won’t always be moving your fingers as much. The thumb pocket was quite narrow and tight-fitting, exactly what you would want when it comes to anatomically-fitting gloves. Overall, the Talons definitely ‘fits’ into the anatomical category and is what you would expect. Weight: 10/10 The most insignificant factor in my opinion, the Talons with their nylon shell are definitely up there in terms of weight regardless. The hydrophobic properties of the MSH2 palm also play a part in keeping the glove lightweight throughout any game. Comfort: 6.5/10 -> 8/10 As a whole, I find this glove to be pretty comfortable, especially with the supple MSH2 palm and soft foam liners in the fingers. However a big issue I had with these guys is that the silver hydrophobic liner on the backhand of the glove was quite thick, making putting your hand in and out of the glove a hindrance because you would always have to push the liner down. Also when removing your hand after sweating a bit, the liner would often come out with it as it sticks. However after breaking them in a bit, this issue is less apparent, but definitely something to consider. The main issue about these gloves would be the ventilation. The lack of any perforation in the palm/gussets (really wished that Eagle would have put mesh or even stretch instead of solid MSH2) combined with the thickness of the back liner prevents a lot of the heat from escaping and air from flowing. There were a few occasions mid-game that I needed to take these gloves off because they were too stuffy. Then again there are people who like some warmth; I’ll probably be grateful for this when I’m playing pond haha. EDIT : after breaking these in, the comfort issue has been addressed with the back liner and thus an upgrade in score. However, I've also noticed that the backliner holds a lot of moisture after games (though air drying solves this issue every time, a testament to the method more so than to the gear) and I hope Eagle addresses this issue in the future. Mobility: 7.5/10 Not bad. For a player who doesn’t dangle or pull off any significant stickhandling moves, the range of mobility on these gloves is satisfactory. However just by wearing them and rolling my wrists around, I can see why some might consider the cuff a little too restrictive. The foam cuff extensions don’t bloom outwards and are a tad thick. Protection: 7/10 The protection on these guys are definitely what you would expect out of a $130 price point glove: featuring mid/high density foams all over with plastic inserts on the surface. However the plastic inserts are quite thin and quite flimsy and are even MISSING on the cuff extensions of my left-handed glove! I haven’t had a chance to compare different pairs, but even still; this is a pretty disappointing oversight by quality control. For those playing younger rep hockey or men’s league, these gloves would do the job in terms of protection, but for those playing higher level contact hockey, there are better options out there. Durability: 8/10 -> 6.5/10 -> 4.5/10 Having used these gloves for only a couple of months, I was slightly disappointed to find numerous areas where stitching came loose. Although purely a surface issue that won’t affect the overall integrity of the glove, I expected more from Eagle. EDIT : The inner silver back liner is done. The soft foams inside have completely disintegrated, clumping and loosening so that parts of the liner have no foam in between the fabric anymore. This occured only in my left glove, the same glove where the plastic insert was missing from the cuff. Although I'm putting this under durability, I believe this could be simply very poor quality control as my right glove is fine. Very dissapointing, can't wait for the RS because I need new gloves already. EDIT 2 : The seam in between the first finger segment and the second on my index finger of the left glove has ripped out and I have no idea how it happened. With a little force, I can rip off the nylon and expose the foams. The surface plastic inserts are not glued/secured solidly in place, allowing for shifting underneath the nylon. Although literally a surface issue at the moment, I fear that in time, rips and blemishes will be common as the insert rubs against the nylon above/around it. Overall: 7.5/10 -> 7/10 -> 6.5/10 Although they do not stand out in any category, Eagle has put forth a respectable passable product into the market. Hopefully they will be able to continue to build and improve upon this glove and offer something as significant as the PPF in the future. This pair is not worth the $130-$140 pricetag and doesn't offer the same level of protection or durability as others in its price range. Although a great glove for beer league and recreational hockey, one should never confuse this glove with something top-of-the-line.

LOOOL it's true! What does bogan mean anyways?

Picked up the 65S the other day, and for a $100 pricepoint stick, I was quite impressed. Great competition with the 4.0 and Ai5 imo; quite light and very aesthetically sharp. Although it was the only other stick mentioned in the catalog, I believe the rest of the line will be released later on; 85S below the RS?

I'm curious...how did you make that comparison? I have a pair of 652s and they are absolutely amazing.

Background : A new hockey lace product released by Elite Hockey, the Oval are the newest skate lace featuring a round or 'oval' profile. Available in both waxed and non-waxed, the Oval laces features thicker dimensions that maintain shape and prevents slippage. Having used traditional waxed laces all my life, I figured that I'd try this new product as well; trying to see if it makes any difference. Performance : 10/10 Simply put, this lace was designed to be kept in place on your skate, keeping the level of tightness the same throughout the game and Elite definitely delivered in this department. The thicker dimensions of the lace, combined with the wax (and there was an ample amount of it) held it's position like no other product before it and the fact that it stays in its position is a bonus for those who partake in longer skating sessions who do not have the time/patience to retie their laces. I've gone 3+ hours of straight shinny without them losing any support/slippage. As a result of this, the skate boot maintains its support around your leg much better as well and for longer. Durability : 8.5/10 The only problem I have with these laces is that they tend to twist and compress in areas of higher usage (for me, the 1st - 3rd eyelets from the top), which, over time, would definitely result in a disproportionally thinner skate lace, thus losing it's stability property. Although I have not yet experienced this, the possibility of these laces thinning out also adds to the possibility of experiencing lace-bite as a result of the same amount of pressure applied to a smaller area. This potential problem exists for all laces and the Ovals appear to be no exception. Other than that, absolutely no problems, be it broken aglets or feathering of the laces themselves. Solid. Intangibles : The wax version (which I've been using) are the most waxed laces I have ever encountered; much more grippier than Elite's traditional waxed offerings. This is an attribute desired by some while dislike by others; personal preference essentially. They\re not the prettiest laces out there, and that's some feedback that I've heard, but really, no one cares about how your skate laces look haha. Elite only offers these guys in 3 colors at the moment : black, white and yellow Conclusion: A superb product. I'm not going to go back to regular laces after this :)