New Graphic for 2008 Smith 5000's

[Netminder32 32]

The new graphic for the 2008 Smith 5000's is finally up on their website.

2008 Smith 5000's

Looks Awesome...

[DCott 0]

they look like V1s

[Bold 0]

Even if Pete Smith is borrowing a little from his past work, I think that's one of the best graphics I've ever seen. Smith makes really nice gear.

[Netminder32 32]

they look like V1s

That's what really makes 'em...they look like V1's but with a tweaked modern graphic. Nicest pads I've seen in a long time...

[Gummer12 134]

Just a curious question about the sliding toe bridge. How is that set up, does it constantly slide back and forth? or can you also set it at a certain position?

[Aussie Joe 0]

Reminds me of Vaughn Legacys from a few years back.

[hockeyplus 0]

You can compare Smith with an other compagny?!

[Gummer12 134]

will these be available in 11" only? or is 12" still an option?

[laandrew1 0]

the sliding toe bridge moves back and forth but you can ask pete to set it up differently. and these are only available in 11 but his other pads can still be made 12

[vision 0]

The sliding toe bridge is not fixed, it has free movement from left to right.

::m

[cook22 0]

yea but you dont feel it really moving back and forth, although it does. it takes tons of pressure off of the knees and ankles

[Gummer12 134]

any other new features? or just the same 5000 as last year with a new face?

any word/idea if any of the other models will offer this graphic, or is this a 5000 only?

[vision 0]

I've heard that there are some tweaks to the side panels but that those were a running model change.

::m

[cook22 0]

i dont know if anyone else has the 5000, but i like side panels, because they stick out from the pad and that allows you to have the straps tigher, but at the same time still go into perfect butterfly

[Gummer12 134]

Okay, I'm almost sold, just a few more questions. Speaking of straps, can the nylon quick releases be swapped for all leather? And is the strap on the thigh board elastic or nylon? or can that be interchanged as well? What are your thoughts/experiences with the thigh board connector straps, that hold the board from 'acting like swinging doors when struck by a puck'? Can those be omitted? Are they removable if I end up not liking them?

[cook22 0]

the nyolon straps can be swapped for leather, i was going to do the same thing, but forgot to tell him that. imo I love the nyolon straps because they are a lot more flexable and lighter. The theigh board comes with the nylon and takes some time to get it the right length so that it doesnt affect the pads or in your legs. i ended up taking them out for a while because they were annoying, but after a shot on the knee i quickly learned to like them. The theugh boards are connected to the top of the pad, um... it is hard to explain but it keeps them from acting like swinging doors. here is a link to the pictures of the theigh boards. P.S. there are a lot mor pictures of all the specs on the 5000 pads, just click on pads and then 5000, to the right there are tons of little links that shows pictures of all the stuff.

http://smithhockey.com/Images/SP%205000/thighboard.htm

[Gummer12 134]

Right, i've been through the whole site.. I was thinking the same thing on those thigh board straps...that they look like they could get annoying. I was curious if those straps are removable in case my suspicions are correct. I would prefer just the loose thigh boards with Elastic/Velcro straps. And another thing I was curious about, is that adjustable Thigh Rise? Seems to me it's pretty flimsy, and could easily get broke and/or entangled under the pants.

[cook22 0]

i dont know about the adjustable theigh rise, that only comes on the 4000 pads, but i havent heard anything negative about it

[vision 0]

It's available on other pads but I haven't heard anyone with any complaints. I wouldn't put them on my pads but that is because a) I know what size pad I want and need and B) I'm not about to grow anytime soon. In fact, the opposite may begin to occur.

::m

[laandrew1 0]

has anyone else noticed that there is lace going though the face of the new design?

[Gummer12 134]

The sewing lines make the graphic look even better! Pete has always done nice work.

Short answer....yes