Questions on 2011 Reebok Shin Guards

[kevrocks 1]

I currently have a pair of CCM Vector V06 shin guards, and I'm thinking of getting a more protective pair of shins. When I take hard slap shots to the shins, I feel the impact and end up with bruises after the game. I'm thinking about getting a pair of Reebok 7K, 9K, or 11K's, but wanted some more info first.

Is the thickness/protection of the knee and shin caps the same for every model? It seems like the only difference in protection among the different models is the padding of the calves and knee joints.

Speaking of protection, the 11K does not have a cutout on the innerside in the middle of the shins like the 7K and 9K. Because the 7K and 9K have that cutout for ventilation, will I feel impact more than I would with the 11K, which has at least some padding for the entire length of the shin?

For the 7K and 9K, the Reebok catalog says they have a new narrower mold. I take it that the 11K does not have the same narrow design? With a narrower design, does that affect protection in any way?

[wrangler 157]

I've got the same thing on my 8K's, and haven't noticed a problem. I don't remember feeling more than a little jar, when taking a slap shot.

[kevrocks 1]

Thanks, wrangler. Can anyone comment on whether the shell protection is the same across all the models and the narrow design?

[Gr8erade 1]

The 11K are wider and look like tanks. I wear the 9Ks and have been very happy with their protection. They're also a little less tank-like.

[mojo122 541]

I've been wearing the 11K's for a while now. I don't mind the bulk. I wear them over the tongues and I'm not sure how wellthey would work if I were to under. I like the fact that the thigh pad and calf wrap are removable.

[Desert 0]

I guess this is as good a place to ask as any. I mentioned in another thread that I came very close to breaking an ankle when I took a slapper just below the bottom of my shin guards. I have since learned that my shins may not be the right size for me. In researching different shins out there, the Reebok line advertises "extended ankle protection" and the pictures do show a pad protruding from the bottom of the plastic shell. My question is whether this really is something different in the Reebok line than in others, or if this is just a marketing ploy.

[wrangler 157]

I see the wording you're talking about on the IW site, but I don't see any particularly extended protection in the pictures, compared to the competition. I also don't see it on my 8Ks.

You already got the best advice: skate fenders. If you want ankle protection, buy ankle protection.