JERSEYDOOD

Skip them. I've got lots of gear. 4 different brands and 6 different models of lowers, all pro stock, pants and girdles. Tried these on once, and they just don't rate. I felt totally naked, like I'd be wearing ref or roller gear to play a game on ice. My Warrior Covert Pro pants are my favorite pants by far, so I was psyched to get these. Puh. I may not even bother to try them on again. I've been a girdle guy since the Cooperall days. I still have them and if they fit I'd wear them in a heartbeat. Even my quirky Easton Synergy pro stock girdle works pretty well. My Reebok 9k girdle is brilliant. Like having total protection while wearing nothing. These Alphas feel like just the nothing part. I bought these from Pro Stock Hockey, who say that "If The Pros Don't Wear It, We Don't Sell It. I'm tellin yuh. They aint no pros wearing these. Oh, maybe for stick and puck drill days.

Old thread, but still plenty relevant. I hope to add to the knowledge base here. Growing old and getting hurt sucks. It takes far too long to heal. Pro Stock rocks for old farts, if not for everybody. Why do you need all that protection? You don't...until you do. If you play long enough, you'll get there! I fell on my hip a few years back, and it hurt for over a year. That was the last time I wore retail pants, and now I'm Pro Stock from head to toe. Yes, I have G.A.S. - Gear Acquisition Syndrome. I like to try stuff. Anybody got a prollem widdat? 1 - CCM/Reebok definitely run small by at least a size, if not more. 2 - X: I believe it stands for extra padding, and has nothing to do with any zippers for length adjustment. I'm guessing the zipper is used on 1-piece designs for extra length, based solely on the pants I own. - Reebok PG9K Pro Stock girdle, XXL. Sock anchors on thigh pads. BRILLIANT. The closest you'll come to the feeling of no pants at all. Highly adjustable because of the unique hybrid segmented design. No feeling of bulk or restriction, but excellent protection. Mine are XXL, and they are still snug going over my hips. Perfect when in place. If you can find them, get them. My favorite by far. - CCM HP70, XL+2. No sock anchors. NICE. This is a 2-piece design, no zipper. I'm guessing the +2 is built into the lower section. Yep, I'm a +2 guy, and the length on these is perfect. The XL size is REALLY tight going over my hips, but fine when in place. Very good protection without feeling overly bulky, as pants go. Far bulkier feeling than the Reebok girdle, but largely unnoticed on the ice. CCM belts kind of suck. They are not anchored to the pant, and you have to hold them from spinning around your waste to cinch them tight. They also seem to slip, which is annoying. I like these pants pretty well, and would be perfectly satisfied with them... if I didn't know any better. - CCM HP45X, XL+2. No sock anchors. FORTRESS. The X for extra protection is no joke. They are pretty bulky, but I forget about that on the ice, and they don't really feel noticeably heavier. I use suspenders because the belt won't hold them up. The protection is incredible, and if you have need for it, they rock. You'll feel invincible. These are a 1-piece design and have a zipper for length. If you have injury concerns, play a really rough game, or are prone to trying to kill yourself on occasion, these are the ticket. - Warrior Covert Pro, XL+2. No sock anchors. EXCELLENT. Much truer to size. For a pant, they are the best balance of protection, weight, and lack of bulky or restrictive feel. The belt is attached to the pant and cinches forward from both sides. Set it and forget it. Brilliant. Easily my favorite pant. My only gripe is a nit pick. The velcro closure tabs on the inseam closures are positioned such that they rub together and catch a bit, which is occasionally distracting. It make me think a sock has come loose from the velcro sock straps (which I added). If I don't instinctively grab for the Reebok girdle, chances are I'll grab these. - Easton Synergy HSG Pro Stock girdle. XL. No sock anchors. MEH. They fit more like a traditional girdle; ON your body like tights, where the Reebok is a hybrid design with floating thigh guard segments. The protection is good and they are light and not bulky, but they are somewhat restrictive in some motions. Again, this is not noticed on ice, so much, but it is there. They are not really long enough for me, so I have to let them ride down a bit out of position. I don't really wear them much, but they do the job pretty well. If they fit me, I'd probably grade them more favorably. There are not many girdles out there, and these would be a decent choice if you wanted a girdle. I hope my gear geekdom helps somebody in making their decision. - JERSEYDOOD