RBK 8K vs 6K shinguards

[tryandstopme 35]

Does anyone have any experience with the current RBK 8K shinguards vs. the 6K shinguards? I'm considering the two and was wondering if the 8K is worth the extra coin. Are they noticeably lighter? Does the air vent/mesh cutout on the 8K's really make a difference in ventilation or is it more of a gimmick? I play roller from time to time so if that system really does improve airflow and ventilation it would probably move me to get the 8K's.

Appreciate anyone's input!

[txhockey 0]

Does anyone have any experience with the current RBK 8K shinguards vs. the 6K shinguards? I'm considering the two and was wondering if the 8K is worth the extra coin. Are they noticeably lighter? Does the air vent/mesh cutout on the 8K's really make a difference in ventilation or is it more of a gimmick? I play roller from time to time so if that system really does improve airflow and ventilation it would probably move me to get the 8K's.

Appreciate anyone's input!

I can't speak a whole lot on the ventilation, as I only have played ice in them, but my 6k's have served me pretty well, and comparing them to my friends 8k, they definitely are lighter. As far as RBK shins they seem to actually get heavier due to the additional padding and heavier inserts as you go up the line vs lighter, as in sticks and helmets.

[the_sock 1]

Although it's a feature on the 8K and 6K, it's a minimal difference in ventilation as there aren't really big vents on the shell to allow air flow. It will feel cooler though because there is less padding on your shin which will allow sweat to evaporate off your skin more efficiently.

You can actually find Easton shins with more ventilation, I've forgotten the model number, or there may be some roller/street hockey specific shins that would have more ventilation available. I'd look for those first.

[Jarick 5]

I've been looking at the 6ks more than the 8s because they have better calf protection.

[chippa13 1844]

I tried the 8k's but gave them up. I found them to be heavy and they felt bulky because of how far the shell was suspended out from my leg.

[devils17 0]

I like my 6k's for rec league defense....light and protective....really worth the money

[Jarick 5]

Used the 6k's for the first time tonight...they are a lot wider on the bottom than my old One90's so I had to wear them over the skates, not a big deal, but I rarely do that so it'll be an adjustment period. The straps felt a bit off, like the left one was looser than the right, but I just yanked them and they fit. They stayed on a lot better than the One90's, only one strip of tape to keep the socks up rather than two strips to keep the shins tight. Forgot I had them on, so that's a good sign.