SmokinApricot

Hey JR. Haven't been on the forums in a LONG time due to health issues of my own and not sure if you will even see this due to what I can only imagine the two of you are going through. Congratulations on the marriage and sending positive thoughts in your wife's direction! Hoping for a speedy and full recovery.

Just got clearance to skate and play again so went out and bought myself a pair of Bauer Supreme 190 skates. So EXCITED!

Am definitely going to be trying out the Bauer Supreme MX3. Very excited that they will be offering a top of the line skate in a junior sizing. Had my eye on the Supreme line for quote a while, but they only offered the One.9 in junior sizing. My other current skates have been Easton Makos (5.5D) and Bauer Vapor X7.0s (6.0D). The best fit was the Makos, but I am intrigued with finally being able to have the flexible tendon guard ( I enjoy this on my Makos) and the forward flex tongue. Hopefully a lhs near me will carry these so I can try them on before pulling the trigger.

I hate when you do a team pay and get intentionally run in a game 1/4 way through the season and can't get a refund. I hate that I am out for the rest of the season AND couldn't go to WinterFest because of said injury... .

Picked these up about a month ago and LOVE them. Was having issues with my Vapor X7.0s. These are insanely comfortble and easy to skate it. It did take some initial adjustment, but after they broke it I'm not looking back.

Background: 5’7”, 165lbs, Adult Recreational Player (ice 4-5 times per week and roller drop-in once a month) Product: Bauer Vapor APX shin guards SR 13” Previous Shins: Reebok 9K SR 14” Current Pads: Bauer Vapor APX shin guards SR 13” Timeframe: Have been using them for approximately 4 months Fit These fit snug and taper down by the ankles which is what the entire Vapor series fits like. The two anchor straps in the back really enhance the fit and really suck your knee and shin into the pad for a nice snug fit. The other thing that is great about the fit is that you can remove/reposition the liner and also the calf protection to really dial in the fit. Once you get the fit dialed in they are very secure and do not move. I don’t even have to tape them. 9/10 Mobility Very mobile. The bottom has a “free flex” zone that allows the shin guard to move forwards more which is great for getting that extra bit of forward flex in your stride. 10/10 Protection I found these pads to be fairly protective. Nothing that was a game changer here, but the removable thigh guards and calf wrap are always appreciated. The calf wrap doesn’t come all the way over and meet where the other side of the guard, but still provide adequate protection for the back of your leg. I have taken several slap shots to the front of the shin guards and literally could not feel anything so I would say the Vent Armor does it job there. 8/10 Weight Lightweight in my opinion, especially when compared to the tanks that I was wearing before. They are still around 100 grams heavier than the CCM Crazy Lights, but I’m not sure who would actually notice 100 grams of weight on your shin anyways. The use of Vent Armor foam keeps the weight down, but provides great protection. 9/10 Durability I have been using these for around 4-5 months now and they look brand new. The only obvious sign of wear is from when I fell and my sock tore so the sticker that says “Bauer” on one knee cap has been smeared/scratched off. All of the straps and inner lining is in great shape. While I don’t abuse my gear and leave it in the bag for months at a time, I don’t take it out and sanitize it after every game either and it is still holding up quite well. 9/10 Intangibles The ventilation holes on the knee cap and also on the front of the lower part that covers your leg provides great airflow. As I mentioned earlier the Free Flex zone on the lower portion really enhances forward flex in your stride and was a nice feature. The ability to remove and reposition the liner as well as the calf wrap is also a nice option and is useful. 8/10 Conclusion I would highly recommend these shin guards to anyone looking for a tapered fitting pad. They are very mobile, light weight, and comfortable, not to mention very protective. I have been impressed with the quality and hope these will continue to last me for many more seasons. 53/60 = 8.8

Length of use – 1 year Fit – This helmet fits my head very well. No pressure points or any other issues. When you first put it on there is the feeling of some tightness around the temples, but after a few seconds the memory type foam padding at those spots gives and then it fits perfect. Again this is subjective because helmets fit differently for each person. 9.5/10 Protection – The most important part of this is fit. If a helmet doesn’t fit your head correctly then it doesn’t matter what foams, etc. it is comprised of. This being said I find that this helmet provides a lot of protection (and comfort too). I have a history of concussions and have taken several hits (ie falling backwards and smacking the back of my helmet on the ice) with this helmet and have not had any issues. 9.5/10 Weight – I have not put the helmet on a scale, but it isn’t noticeable on the head. Definitely not as light as say the Re-Akt or E700. 7/10 Durability – My helmet still looks/feels brand new. The only issue that I have noticed is that the two pads on the sides are glued in and tend to move/slip a little. All you have to do is push them back into place and you are good to go. 8.5/10 Intangibles – My biggest concern was to have a helmet that was very protective and still passed the mirror test. I feel that this helmet was able to provide both. This helmet breathes pretty well and I have enjoyed not having sweat dripping in my face during games/practice. 8/10 Conclusion – Overall this is a great helmet and definitely worth considering if it fits your head type. The price point with the introduction of the newer Re-Akt, etc makes it a great bargain for the amount of protection that you get. Final score – 42.5/50 = 8.5

Not totally custom. Just Bauer 4 Roll Pro, but in white.