Advise: Shoulder pads for chippy beer league

[OldNSlow 3]

Hi Folks, I'm buying shoulder pads for the first time in 20 years. I play in a chippy, no-check beer league; most of the guys played D3 or lower, and it's not uncommon for things to get physical. I'm more concerned about getting hit with major slapshot in the chest or spine, however.

I'm looking at the Rbk 4k, Vapor XVI (or XXV), and Stealth S5. I have limited knowledge of these lines, since I haven't paid any attention to equipment for almost a generation. I tried on the XXV and S5, and the Vapors felt great! I didn't like the Easton's.

I'm probably going to buy a package - shoulder, elbow and shin pads, so the XXVs are a bit too pricing. How different are the XVIs? How do the 4Ks compare?

Thanks in advance.

[larrivee 3]

The RBK/Jofa stuff is great- very protective and very mobile. You cant really go wrong with their protective.

I have the older 7k's and the spine and sternum inserts are fantastic. I think if you are worried about those spots the 5k would be better suited to your needs, at least in terms of shoulder pads.

[Skunk 1]

I think the Graff Chest has the best spine protection I've seen, although I'm sure there may be better....

The front is serious padding as well.

[Monty22 835]

Check out the Itech 455 or 655 pads. Great bang for the buck.

[duch 0]

If you liked the Nike/Bauer XXV's they would be a great choice. Nice fit with decent protection. If you buy a step down to the XVI's combo you'll give up a bit of protection on the shoulder and shin pads, elbow not so much. You have to judge for yourself depending on how rough your beer league is and what you think will provide you adequate enough protection. Myself I'd spend the extra cash and go with the XXV's. If you go RBK/Jofa the 5K level would be a good bet in this combo. The Graf 500 shoulder, elbow and shin pad combo is a good choice as well. The Itech 455 or 655 is probably about the most economical combo but decent quality for your dollar.( as previoulsy stated)

I know you said you didn't like Easton but if you do take a look at their combo set, I'd go with at least their S-7 set. The only issue I've had with Easton is my shirt tends to get hung up on the back spine protector when I try pulling on my hockey sweater but otherwise it's pretty decent stuff. I have the Synergy 700 or the equivilant to the S/E 16 set but they may be a little too pricey for you, so that's why I suggested the S-7 combo line. Hope some of this info helps.

[ArcArsenal 0]

+1 for the XXV.

I play in a VERY chippy beer league and decided to go with these shoulders when in the market this year. Very comfortable, light, good protection...

I spent a lot of time comparing these to every other shoulder pad you have mentioned - but preferred the XXV hands down. Was also a little more than I wanted to pay but I don't regret it at all.

[OldNSlow 3]

Thanks for all the responses. I went to my LHS and they didn't carry Rbk. Could someone tell me how bulky the 4k or 5k are to the Vapors? I liked how the Vapors didn't make me look like a linebacker in a non-check beer league.