itech protective gear

[ramensandwich 1]

i am looking to buy a new set of protective gear. I am used to the fit of ccm products, but the Itech Techlite 955 pro elite looks like great gear for the price. protection is most important to me, any suggestions about the itech top of the line gear?

i will be playing ACHA next year most likely.

[WingsVK97 0]

I've got a set of Itech Matrix 955 shin guards that are about 5-6 years old now. In terms of protection they are beasts! But their build quality has left something to be desired.

They have what I would call a three piece face. There's the main shin plate, the hard knee cap, and then a thin plate that runs between the two to fill the gap. On both the left and the right leg, the stitching holding this piece in place came apart within the first couple of games. This left a small gap exposed, and not wanting to get tagged in that spot, I've had them both fixed since and haven't had any much else to complain about.

They have a funny latch system to strap them on too. Thread them a little strange and some clear tape fixed that.

Now after several years of use, the padding down around the ankles are starting to wear out a little (I wear them outside my skate tounge). I'm looking at replacing at some point, but overall they done OK. I really liked the liners so I've rigged them into a set of CCM 520 Supra's (which have their own issues so I'm feeling like some Eastons are in my future).

[lampliter87 8]

I have a teammate who uses the shouldies and elbows, and he loves them. Price is solid too, so a good pad overall.

[Zac911 317]

the Matrix stuff is nowhere near the same as this years 955 protective. it sells in and sells through for my customers VERY WELL. i don't think you will be disappointed.

[lotus 2]

I have some lower end itech shin guards and they were dirt cheap, yet protective enough for now. Though I'm looking to replace them soon, the strap system doesn't quite get them tight enough so they slide around. I'm sure this problem is nonexistent in other models since it's fairly obvious.

Other than that, I have nothing bad to report with itech. The protection from their low end shins have proven itself on numerous occasions.

[Doctor Hook 0]

I jock their Jock Shorts.

[Monty22 835]

Shoulders and shins are great- I've used 3 or so different shoulder pad models of varrying levels of protection over the years, never been dissapointed. Best bang for the buck pad as well, in my opinion. Never found the elbows to be comfortable. If they fit you well, go for it.

[deadmanjolt 1]

I have the 990 shins and they are awesome.

[mickz 107]

I'm using the 655 Shoulder Pads right now. I think they're either the 2nd or 3rd highest model for Itech and they offer top notch protection. The IceAir material on the inside is also a plus. However the only downside about the Itech shoulders is the shape of the top of the spine protector. My jersey ALWAYS gets stuck there when I try to put it on.

[lampliter87 8]

My jersey ALWAYS gets stuck there when I try to put it on.

Same as the Easton Stealth line. Interesting. Spine protection is key, but it can be annoying as hell.

[Chadd 916]

Big fan of the Itech protective. You should really check it out and see if you like the fit.

[ean 0]

IMHO, the only real important piece of gear that I'd want differently if I was playing checking is pants. Get good pants, even decent shoulders will work fine.

That's just my own opinion though!

[ramensandwich 1]

sounds like most everyone likes the stuff. thanks for your opinions!

[Irish317 0]

Can anyone comment on the size of the shoulder caps on the 455's and 655's?

Sorrry for the hijack.

Sean

[Jarick 5]

Can anyone comment on the size of the shoulder caps on the 455's and 655's?

Sorrry for the hijack.

Sean

They're bigger caps but lower profile. They sit around and down on the shoulders instead of on top like football pads.

[Irish317 0]

Can anyone comment on the size of the shoulder caps on the 455's and 655's?

Sorrry for the hijack.

Sean

They're bigger caps but lower profile. They sit around and down on the shoulders instead of on top like football pads.

Thanks for the info!

I hate the bulky look, but I need quality protection. I had a serious shoulder injury, and surgery on my shoulder last year. My cooper 600's need an upgrade!!! I am looking at the NikeBauer Supreme classics, but am unsure if they will offer enough protection. I play in a Non check league, but it does get very physical at times. I am looking for shoulder pads that don't look huge, and offer good protection.

On a side note, I have been reading these forums for the last week trying to find an answer

Sean

[Jarick 5]

I use Sherwood 5030's right now, and I like how they are lightweight and don't trap heat as much, but they don't have much protection at all. The 255's fit me a lot better, but it comes down to body type. Most everyone says they are great pads, I'd go to a shop and try everything on that you can.

[Irish317 0]

I use Sherwood 5030's right now, and I like how they are lightweight and don't trap heat as much, but they don't have much protection at all. The 255's fit me a lot better, but it comes down to body type. Most everyone says they are great pads, I'd go to a shop and try everything on that you can.

Thanks again for the quick response!

That is the problem. The LHS, has great customer service, they just don't have anything in stock! I may just order the Itech's and if I find them too big fo rmy liking, I will just pass them down to one of my four kids that play !!!

Thanks again,

Sean

[Joker518 0]

Can anyone comment on the size of the shoulder caps on the 455's and 655's?

Sorrry for the hijack.

Sean

They're bigger caps but lower profile. They sit around and down on the shoulders instead of on top like football pads.

Thats exactly why I went with the 455's: great protection but low profile that doesn't get in your way when you're digging in the corners.

I wear 955 shins and elbows and 455 shoulders and can honestly say its the most comfortable and protective gear I've used in the 20 years or so I've been playing.

[andoe22 0]

I've sold tons of the 955 protective last year and this year. (Shins and elbows mostly since most people don't want a lot of padding in their shoulder pads) I use the shins and elbows and love them, very comfortable. For the price, I don't think you can go wrong.

[Roach 0]

I shuffle Itech 660 shouldies with old school Cooper ones. I like the mobility of the Coopers over the Itechs but the odds of me finding another pair of Coops are slim to none. Value for money and protection-wise, you cannot go wrong with Itechs. Note that I can only speak for shoulders. I have never used their shins and elbows. And yes, my jerseys always get snagged on the spine protection part of the shoulders.

[Jarick 5]

Just picked up the Itechs today, used them tonight. They aren't much warmer than the 5030's, although they did ride up a bit. Think I need to shorten the velcro straps a bit. Great protection though, much better abs and back and still pretty low profile. Hopefully they break in a bit and I'll be quite happy for $35.

[regularjoe 1]

I've tried the older Itech 660 shinnies and liked the slim profile and robust velcro strapping system. Also looked the groove that's obstensibly for tape or an external shinguard strap: it worked beautifully with the Mission roller pants with the built in shin strap.

Currently on Rbks but still have the Itechs around and will go to those when the current pair die.