Simmons

[Goalieboy#1 1]

Yes, i know. They copy people, and i dont like them because of that... but i also dont really want to spend $2500 of mine and my parents' money to get custom Vaughns. How are these? For ~$1300 I can get a "custom" pad, id much rather do that. So essentailly asking for a review, what you thought of them (if youve used them or looked at them), etc. etc.

Thanks!

[Law Goalie 147]

You can do far, far better with a true custom builder: Smith, Battram, Viper.

The Smith (smithhockey.com) is a bit like a perfected Velocity, if you like that style. His 6000-series just came out, although it isn't up on the website yet. Pete doesn't like straying too far from his basic design because of its consistent performance, but he'll tweak it to your heart's content.

The Battram (battram.com) Fury pad is very Velo-esque, although the Nexus is probably an all-around better pad: think of a flexible RBK. Scott will do anything you can in terms of structural mods, but he won't do straight copies.

Viper (viperhockey.net) will do literally anything you ask, although James has recently gone to a retail-level model (as opposed to direct-sale custom) for those who have affiliated stores near them. If there isn't one around, I believe you can contact him directly. He can do literally anything. I've seen a pad of his that was a refined Koho 580 (I think he called it The King Cobra, but it's not on his site).

Price-wise, here's what you're looking at:

Smith ($725-$895 USD for any pads in his lineup)

Battram ($999 CAD for the Nexus pads, or $1,166.00 USD for a SET of pads and gloves)

Viper (good question... I'd get in touch with him, but expect comparable to Battram).

All three will make you a true custom pad that is way beyond the UL in build-quality.

I would guess that for you, Smith is probably the way to go (since you like the Velo already, and Pete designed the damn thing himself), but do check out the other manufacturers just for the sake of comparison.

[Goalieboy#1 1]

Thanks LawGoalie. I emailed Simmons asking some questions, and the reply I got was: yes, we can do what you want.

Thanks LawGoalie. I emailed Simmons asking some questions, and the reply I got was: yes, we can do what you want.

[Law Goalie 147]

Shrug. Sounds like the response of any business that wants your money.

All I can tell you is that for less money you could have a pad made by the guy who originally designed the Velocity; or, you could pay more for a pad that was designed to simulate the Velocity.

I can also tell you that in terms of structural changes to the pads, Simmons has historically been far, far more limited than the small custom builders. They can do strap-placement, colours, sizing, very minor changes to the knee- and calf-wings (thickness) and make a big point of offering "pro-stuffing" which just means less foam in the pad.

A true custom builder has a lot more latitude.

Again, I'll reiterate that I have nothing against Simmons. One of my best childhood memories was being equipped head-to-toe in their store. They fill a necessary role in the marketplace, and have done so with integrity for a very long time. I also don't own a single piece of gear from Smith, Battram, or Viper (though I have tried and been impressed by gear from all).

In this case, because you're essentially looking for a less-expensive custom Velocity, Smith seems like the perfect way to go.

[Goalieboy#1 1]

Yeah, that response turned me off big time. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get a great deal on some STOMP gear. So if that falls through I'm probably going to get Smiths.