confusedinATL 0 Report post Posted May 1, 2012 I have been rocking a pair of Warrior Hitman pants for the past year or so. Alas...the inner thighs are now completely ripped. I am looking for a new pair of pants, and I am really on the fence between the Tackla tp5000's (eagle ppf's) or the Reebok 11k's.I play in C/ single A/ low level (whatever you call low skill level) rec leagues, and I am not worried about super protectiveness. My main goal with buying my next set of pants is to minimize bulk and increase mobility.The hit man pants I had were good, but very bulky. Anyway, I considered doing a girdle/shell set up, but then I realized I could just buy the reebok 11k's or the tackla 5000's, and it would be basically the same, as far as a upper/lower separate pad configuration goes. My wants are inner thigh zippers that "completely" come apart, not just "extend" with stretchy material in-between. Also, I am trying to cut down on bulk as much as possible, which is why I am gravitating toward a "european" fitting pant. Like I said earlier, I am not worried about pro level protection, I am just looking for pro level durability. Case and point: Tackla 5000's/Eagle PPF/Reebok 11k's? Any other suggestions? Sorry for the length. Thanks for any info. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cooperalls 4 Report post Posted May 1, 2012 I think all the pants you've suggested offer a lot of protection, and are fairly bulky. Unfortunately, bulk and durability usually go hand-in-hand when it comes to pants. Meaning anything made with top-end materials and construction is usually a pro-level protection pant, and therefore pretty bulky. While the 5000 and the PPF are two piece pants, they won't fit or feel the same as a two piece girdle/shell.I'd suggest the Eagle X88. Lighter weight pant but still made in Canada. You'll likely get the longest life/durability out of the X88/X95/PPF, but if what you're looking for is mobility/light weight you probably don't want a 5000/PPF/11K.Another option is got get a light weight pant and wear and extra nylon shell over them. A low level pant will give you the streamlined fit and mobility you want, and for the cost of the shell you'll avoid the vast majority of the cuts/abrasions that will shorten the life of a pant. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
confusedinATL 0 Report post Posted May 1, 2012 Yeah, I was worried about the bulk with the pro level pants, which is why I was still considering a girdle/shell set up. Any way, I still have some research to do, thanks for the input.I'd suggest the Eagle X88. Lighter weight pant but still made in Canada. You'll likely get the longest life/durability out of the X88/X95/PPF, but if what you're looking for is mobility/light weight you probably don't want a 5000/PPF/11K.I will try and find out on my own, but do you know if the X88 pant leg zippers have the elastic material between them or if the pant legs just open up? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cooperalls 4 Report post Posted May 1, 2012 The X88's do not have a curtain behind the zipper. The zippers are offset from the stretch material, and don't run the full length of the inseam. I think the X88 would work really well for your needs if you like a traditional pant/breezer.A girdle/shell might be a good solution. They're just a different kind of fit. It's a compression pant and the pads all pretty much stay in place, then the shell fits as loose or tight as you choose over the top. If you air out the girdle and keep it in good shape it'll last a long time, and you can replace shells as needed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
confusedinATL 0 Report post Posted May 1, 2012 A girdle/shell might be a good solution. They're just a different kind of fit. It's a compression pant and the pads all pretty much stay in place, then the shell fits as loose or tight as you choose over the top. If you air out the girdle and keep it in good shape it'll last a long time, and you can replace shells as needed.Well it looks like I am going to decide between the X88's and the girdle/shell combo. I don't think I mind "bulkiness" concerning the thickness of the pads, what bugged me about my Hitman pants was the width of the legs on the pants. I've heard some pants taper at the legs, or have legs that aren't really wide, and that is what I am trying to find. Also, do you know anything about the eagle x95's ? If the leg zippers have the curtain behind them, that is pretty much a deal breaker. ha. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cooperalls 4 Report post Posted May 1, 2012 The X95's have a curtain, the PPF does not.I'm a big fan of the Supreme One80 pants. Great protection and mobility.Keep in mind you could always cut the curtains out, or just try them open. It would add quite a bit of mobility, without allowing the thigh pads to rotate out of position. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
th6252 25 Report post Posted May 1, 2012 Well it looks like I am going to decide between the X88's and the girdle/shell combo. I don't think I mind "bulkiness" concerning the thickness of the pads, what bugged me about my Hitman pants was the width of the legs on the pants. I've heard some pants taper at the legs, or have legs that aren't really wide, and that is what I am trying to find. Also, do you know anything about the eagle x95's ? If the leg zippers have the curtain behind them, that is pretty much a deal breaker. ha.imo, tacklas and eagles have some of the widest pant legs on the market along with easton. so if that's a big part of your decision, you can pretty much rule out tackla/eagle. sounds like you may just be better off going with a girdle/shell combo...and btw, imo, there is little to no similarity between 2-piece pants and girdles. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chadd 916 Report post Posted May 1, 2012 I don't understand why having the material behind the zipper is such a major issue, it's a complete non-factor. Especially since you managed to shred your Warriors. As for leg width, the wider legs actually allow a longer stride without restriction. The hitman has a one piece thigh pad though, unlike the two piece or hinged pad in the higher end Tacklas. The two piece pad breaks in quickly and moves much more easily. I prefer the 9000 to the 5000, as it's still extremely protective without being as bulky. You could even drop to something like a 4400 and still have more protection than you get in any girdle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
confusedinATL 0 Report post Posted May 2, 2012 I don't understand why having the material behind the zipper is such a major issue, it's a complete non-factor. Especially since you managed to shred your Warriors. My hang up on leg zippers has to do with not wanting to rip through another pair of pants. I just imagined that if I got pants with leg zippers, there would be nothing (well, less of a likelihood) to rip. Anyway, I have just decided to go with a girdle/shell combo. In C level hockey, I'm not afraid or worried about the lost protection. I found two brands of shells with leg zippers, my only choice now is the girdle. I am looking at either the Bauer Vapor x60 or Supreme TotalOne. I'm probably just going to go with whichever I can find cheaper, unless you guys strongly recommend one over the other. Do you guys like one over the other? Or know another girdle that you think is better? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wrangler 157 Report post Posted May 2, 2012 They fit differently. Try them on; it comes down to personal preference on the fit and protection. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
