Strapless shin pads

[Joonas #6 3]

Sorry, if this has been discussed lately.

So this is obviously pretty normal thing in the NHL, but I can honestly say that I have never worn my shin pads without straps. And I know it's personal preference, but I just wanted to ask you guys who've done this, is there any advantages/disadvantages wearing your shin pads like this?

[wetwilly17 6]

My old pads straps were so worn I just cut them off. I never noticed the difference once taped up.

[krwwc6 0]

The last time I had straps on shinguards was my old ccm's probably 15 years ago. . . . ever since I've used tape. I've had a few pairs since then that had straps, but I could never get the shinguards quite as comfortable/tight with straps as I could with tape, so I'd usually cut the straps off after a couple of days of trying.

[cooperalls 4]

I've never had a shin pad with built in straps that holds them securely. I cut them off and use tape. Maybe I like them locked down more than most? Anyone get away with just using the straps, or shit tights/straps for that matter?

[brokenskate 0]

My RBK 6K (probably from 2005 or 06?) shins actually stay pretty snug and in place with that three-strap system. I still tape up (knee area, bottom) with the clear tape, which just seems to help keep them from rotating when i land sideways on them. For no-contact practices, I've gone with no tape, and it hasn't seemed to mattered. And for pickup, I usually just tape the top (knee area).

FWIW - I wear them over my skate tongues, not sure that would make a difference...

[hockeymass 11]

My Jofa shins don't stay snug with just the straps anyway, so I end up having to tape them no matter what. If you've gotta tape them up anyway, no real point in using straps that don't do anything except rub against your calves.

[jsykes 35]

My straps only hold them in place until I slide the socks on and add the tape.

[Tubesteak 1]

Cross straps on the ccm v09,7,5 are the only ones I've ever had that I didn't need tape. Love my 09s

[danno25nh 3]

On the Projekts some of the calf padding is part of the lower strap. I've used both no straps and multiple straps. Some strap systems work well some need to be cut off.

I'd guess it depends on the individual pad.

[mwerth 5]

I've never had a shin pad with built in straps that holds them securely. I cut them off and use tape. Maybe I like them locked down more than most? Anyone get away with just using the straps, or shit tights/straps for that matter?

I think it's "shin tights," though you did accurately describe my feelings about them (joking, joking).

My Jofa shins don't stay snug with just the straps anyway, so I end up having to tape them no matter what. If you've gotta tape them up anyway, no real point in using straps that don't do anything except rub against your calves.

I'm with hockeymass.

[cooperalls 4]

I think it's "shin tights," though you did accurately describe my feelings about them (joking, joking).

I'm with hockeymass.

haha, ...man, the "t" and the "n" are nowhere near each other on the keyboard...Freudian slip!

[Joonas #6 3]

Thanks for the response guys. And yeah I have those cross straps Tubesteak mentioned too, but I still use tape below my knee. I'm probably going to try the strapless way tonight at the practice just for fun.

[Kessel'sOversizedSuit 18]

I have One95 shins. the straps are quite good. I usually tape, but I have played without, and didn't really notice. But I continue to tape anyway. Old habits...

[hockeymass 11]

I have One95 shins. the straps are quite good. I usually tape, but I have played without, and didn't really notice. But I continue to tape anyway. Old habits...

I feel naked without shin tape.

[rocknrolltakeover 0]

I've used Shin Tights for years and love them. I also tape right below the knee.

Never have any issues with shin guards moving or coming out of place.

[akravetz 29]

Newbie here. I have never taped my shin guards when I am out there but they don't really seem to move. I am short, 5'4 and use kids socks so they are pretty tight. That combined with the straps seems to hold them in place. Am I missing something here. I put the guard on first and then the skate so the tongue is over the guard. I play defense most of the time and so far, they haven't moved when I drop to block a shot or get knocked over. That said, I am in a low-level beer league so it might not be a factor.

Andy

[hockeymass 11]

Newbie here. I have never taped my shin guards when I am out there but they don't really seem to move. I am short, 5'4 and use kids socks so they are pretty tight. That combined with the straps seems to hold them in place. Am I missing something here. I put the guard on first and then the skate so the tongue is over the guard. I play defense most of the time and so far, they haven't moved when I drop to block a shot or get knocked over. That said, I am in a low-level beer league so it might not be a factor.

Andy

If I don't tape my shins, they rotate 90 degrees if I drop to my knees.

[Coldclay 53]

I've been wearing a pair of old CCM Tacks 852 with built-in straps ONLY and haven't had to use tape in years. The 852 fits so tight around my legs, they never move at all... Normally I rock my 852's with Nike Swift socks and never tape them...

[jere26 5]

Bauer X:60 shins also fit securely without tape. Great design.

[IniNew 53]

I use just shin tights for reffing, and they work just fine. I prefer to have the shin-tape when playing though, it holds even tighter.

[dw9509 0]

I use shin pad sleeves from WSI and they work great. They keep the pads nice and snug around your legs.

[IPv6Freely 2097]

Interesting how many people dont use shin pad straps. I have Bauer One60 shins, and definitely use the straps, but also tape over my socks to keep them from moving.

Funny looking back.. my dad used to use packing tape instead of shinpad tape. He just had a lot of it because of his work. And he had this little blue pocket knife that he used to cut the tape off. Man I miss going to my dads tournaments!

[Chadd 916]

I'm not a fan of cutting straps and using tape. Partly because it's something else I have to remember to buy and pack in my bag. I am picky about my shins because I want the straps to hold snug without tape and that makes it harder to find ones that I like.

[Coldclay 53]

Interesting how many people dont use shin pad straps. I have Bauer One60 shins, and definitely use the straps, but also tape over my socks to keep them from moving.

Funny looking back.. my dad used to use packing tape instead of shinpad tape. He just had a lot of it because of his work. And he had this little blue pocket knife that he used to cut the tape off. Man I miss going to my dads tournaments!

I used to use packing tape from USPS. They were tough, light and best of all, free. But I did hate cutting them with my pocket knife...