More Protective Elbow Pads

[FluxCapacitor 0]

I just started playing hockey this year. I literally bought the cheapest elbow pads I could find: http://www.sportchek.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=4292039 In retrospect, this may have been a bad decision, but I had to buy all new gear since I didn't have any and these actually fit and felt great anyway.

I fell hard on my elbow about 4 weeks ago and it was pretty sore for quite awhile. In fact, it was still sore when I rubbed it even before this week. But, on Friday I fell on the same elbow again and naturally it hurts quite a bit again and it seems likely the pain will persist for quite awhile given how slow it took to get better after the first time. Also, I have fallen hard on this elbow long in the past and it seems generally more sensitive than my other one.

So, I'm interested in upgrading my elbow pads. I looked pretty hard at all the elbow pads at Sport Chek here in Canada. The trouble is that it's honestly hard to tell if any of the higher quality pads are more protective in the elbow cap area. I'm not worried about getting slashed in my non-contact beginner league. I AM worried about falling on my elbow again.

I want the pad that will protect my elbow the most. But like I said, it's pretty hard to tell if any of the high end pads are more protective on the elbow itself. When I squeeze the padding in the elbow cap of various pads, it's pretty hard to tell if the high end pads have more padding than the cheap ones I currently have. You have to assume they would, but it sure is hard to tell.

Do you guys have any recommendations? Are there any options for wearing something under hockey elbow pads for additional protection? For example, I was almost thinking about wearing something like this under a larger pair of elbow pads: http://www.mcdavidusa.com/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=412&DEPARTMENT_ID=249

Seems like it would be pretty bulky and not sure if it would even fit under large elbow pads... But basically, I want some solution that will REALLY protect it.

Any suggestions are appreciated!

[Balmer15 0]

I wear CCM Vector 6.0's, got them in 2009 I think? But anyway, they have excellent protection as far as I'm concerned, and are still far from needing replaced, I'd say try mid range CCM/Reebok pads. Having said this, any mid range pad that fits will be better than one of the cheapest pads on the market.

[fatwabbit 93]

Most of your mid to high level elbow pads should provide lots of protection. I fall on my elbows quite a bit due to my lousy skating, and the Warrior projekts that I've got are more than adequate in terms of protection

[AIREAYE 248]

Any mid end pad would offer more protection than entry level ones, no need to be that obvious but it definitely is there. I would suggest trying on a few in your price range with a focus on fit. Often times, poorly or even average fitted pads will have a tendency to slip and thus you won't always land with your elbow in the pocket. That being said, I personally find any old Easton ST pads to be excellent for the price, as they are a closeout product. See what you find comfortable.

[FluxCapacitor 0]

One thing for sure is that fit is not a problem with my current pads. They fit fine and I don't notice a lot of sliding even if they are cheap.

Yeah, I've tried on more than a dozen different elbow pads. I haven't had any trouble getting a good fit. I did like the CCM U+Pro and U+Fit 09 pads. I also liked the Easton EQ30's (they didn't have the EQ50's in stock). But yeah, it's super tough to tell if any of the high end pads have better protection on the elbow. You'd assume that to be the case, but I sure can't tell by poking and prodding inside the elbow caps.

Sigh. At this point, I don't even care about price. I'd pay anything (within reason obv) to get a much better level of protection.

So, no one's worn anything under elbow pads for added protection?

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Warrior Projekt are the best elbow pads ive ever worn, and I know there are a lot of people on this site that agree.

[fatwabbit 93]

If the elbow pads are good enough, you wont need to add any additional pads or straps or anything.

Warrior Projekts... best elbow pad I've had.

[datsyuk 0]

may i suggest any reebok elbow pads with the jdp cap which provides lots of protection on the elbow joint due to the soft cushioning on the outside, i guess u should look for anything higher than the 3k i.e. 5k, 7k or 9k

[wrangler 157]

I bought elbow pads mainly so I didn't hurt my elbows when I fell on them. I was concerned with damage as well as pain, at my age, 56 then. I got the Reebok 10K, and they do the job for me, at over 250 lbs. They've been replaced by the 11K, which is what I'd buy if I needed new pads.

I haven't found mobility to be a problem, and I don't care about light weight like some folks do. I just wanted protection, and I got it. I haven't fallen on an elbow more than twice in these, and I didn't feel anything in the elbow. The impact was dissipated well, and there was no pain at the time, or later.

[TeamHonda401 54]

I picked up the 2010 RBK 4k elbows, and have been really happy with them. The cap is almost bulletproof. Direct shots, slashed, collisions with the boards and other players haven't really phased them thus far. I paid $40 bucks for them two years ago, so I'd imagine a 10k or 11k would be more than enough protection for any kind of fall.

[cooperalls 4]

I really like my Warrior Projekt elbows in terms of fit/mobility, and protection against sticks/pucks, but I think you could find more protective elbow cups for falls or contact with the boards. RBK or the CCM Fit line are probably the most protective I've used for falling/checking. Also, I'm dissapointed in the durability of my Warrior's. After only a few skates some of the stitching ripped out in two places: on the sling wrap and where the forearm meets the elbow cup. I re-stitched it myself and am hoping I get good life out of them. I haven't seen/heard many (if any) other complaints either in the shop or on MSH about similar issues...guess I got a bad one.

[althoma1 575]

I really like my Warrior Projekt elbows in terms of fit/mobility, and protection against sticks/pucks, but I think you could find more protective elbow cups for falls or contact with the boards. RBK or the CCM Fit line are probably the most protective I've used for falling/checking. Also, I'm dissapointed in the durability of my Warrior's. After only a few skates some of the stitching ripped out in two places: on the sling wrap and where the forearm meets the elbow cup. I re-stitched it myself and am hoping I get good life out of them. I haven't seen/heard many (if any) other complaints either in the shop or on MSH about similar issues...guess I got a bad one.

I had the same issue with the sling wrap stitching on the elbows...they started coming apart on me after a few games, but my aunt resewed them for me and they've been fine ever since.

The white projekt pads are very mobile and offer good protection, but the new grey and blue 2012 projekts have caps that feel more dense so they may be more protective for falls. The new U+ CL elbows also felt like they'd be mobile, light and protective, but aren't quite as comfortable for me as the Projekts (based only on trying them on).

[SolarWind 23]

RBK or old Jofa with jdp caps takes my vote :)

[crazyhick 19]

i have EQ50's and they are probably the most comfotable elbow pads i've ever worn. no slippage and zero pain from falling and whatnot

[stick9 903]

As many here have said, I wouldn't bother wearing anything under your current pads. Remember, you still need to be able to move and shoot so adding bulk isn't really a good idea. Any mid to high end pad will protect you during a spill.

Also, fit isn't just how it sits on your elbow. It's also how well it covers your forearm. You don't want something too short where you have big gap between your glove and the pad and you don't want them too long where they get hung up in teh cuff of your glove.

[Neal 41]

If an XL will fit you, I've worn either these exact elbow pads or a version of these DR pads for years. Very protective, but still mobile. A bit bigger than the average pad in terms of bulkiness, but it doesn't impede mobility at all for me.

At $9.99 these are a great deal.

[Andoy 5]

Mid to high end will solve your problems. trust me, the padding is there. Make sure it doesn't shift and doesn't restrict movement. If it's a little short, you could always wear slash guards. Another thing is that don't get sucked in into buying those pro stock reebok/rbk/jofa elbows that are popping up on ebay right now. I know you said price isn't an option, but those things are WAY overpriced.

[FluxCapacitor 0]

Ok, thanks for the opinions so far. I went to pro hockey life and Hockey Experts yesterday and tried a bunch on. I liked the high end RBK's (RBK 11) and the Easton EQ30/50. Unfortunately they were out of the Warrior Projekts at both stores. Actually, the stock right now is low across the board. I guess they are getting in new stock soon or something.

[Chadd 916]

Ok, thanks for the opinions so far. I went to pro hockey life and Hockey Experts yesterday and tried a bunch on. I liked the high end RBK's (RBK 11) and the Easton EQ30/50. Unfortunately they were out of the Warrior Projekts at both stores. Actually, the stock right now is low across the board. I guess they are getting in new stock soon or something.

Most stores, especially larger ones, will be getting new stock in the next 30 to 60 days from most manufacturers.

[SmokinApricot 22]

I personally love the RBK 9ks. Protection is almost as good as the 11ks, but they are less bulky and $20 cheaper. I think a new pair runs abut $65 which isn't too bad and JDP bumper caps are amazing (really helps with dispursing impact).

[MarsB 33]

If an XL will fit you, I've worn either these exact elbow pads or a version of these DR pads for years. Very protective, but still mobile. A bit bigger than the average pad in terms of bulkiness, but it doesn't impede mobility at all for me.

At $9.99 these are a great deal.

Agreed. I played with these all season, amazing deal for that level of protection!

[Zinger 0]

I too had issues with elbow pads, ended up with Vector 10's...awesome protection and good flexibility

[bolt91 31]

+1 for the warrior projekts. I've also used the Easton Synergy 100s. If you can find them on ebay or craigslist they have great protection. I got mine at the Blackhawks equipment sale.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

When I first posted in this thread, my Warrior Projekts were less than 10 games old. Now I can easily say they are still the best elbow pads I have ever worn. The fit is amazing, great mobility, you really feel like you aren't even wearing any.

[hockeymass 11]

My Projekts feel more like wearing a long sleeve shirt than an actual elbow pad. I forget that I even have them on. Best elbow pads I've ever worn.