Buying shoulder pads after years of playing without one...Any recommendations?

[Amiroo39 121]

I'm buying shoulder pads after 7 years. I play pretty competitive hockey and my shoulders have been getting a beating. I can never get quite comfortable with it. first of all, i have never bought anything CCM since my first skates back in 96. regardless, what is a good pair that you guys could recommend in terms of lightness compared to the ccm u's. I want it light and small around the shoulders, nothing bulgy (like TO's). Any thoughts on high end warriors, bauer, sherwooud (5030?), rbk? thanks

[althoma1 575]

For me, the new grey and blue Warrior Projekts were the most comfortable and mobile pad out of the 2012 shoulders I tried on at Winterfest. The Reebok KFS hybrid pads also felt very mobile, but I only tried on the shoulder portion of the system (you'd wear it with a shirt too). Neither pad is as light as the U+ CL, but I did find the Projekts more comfortable - it could just be that the Warriors happened to fit my body type better.

Now, if want to sacrifice a bit of protection for mobility then you could try Farrells with the caps removed (that's what I use and it works for me in beer league - I use all of the plastic parts, but the cap. the foam cubes do a good job for minor bumps along the boards)http://www.modsquadh...-shoulder-pads/

Other options to consider are the Down Low pads http://www.modsquadh...-shoulder-pads/ and the new G form shirt http://www.modsquadh...hirt-and-short/

[Chadd 916]

5030s don't belong in the same discussion as top end shoulder pads, they offer no real protection of any kind. I'm not just trashing them, I actually wear them. If you want something light that offers some protection look at something like the 3k line from Reebok. If you want high end protection, the U+ or warrior pads are nice. Even the new Easton RS pads are good.

[chippa13 1844]

I'm a big fan of the 6K's that I currently wear.

[hunt3rsean 44]

If you're not looking to spend a lot of money I would suggest finding last years CCM Fit U+ 09 (or U+ PRO) shoulder pads. I went through a few different brands trying to find a more mobile/slimmer shoulder pad and LOVE these. I play in an adult A-level rec league that is non-contact, but have a bad left shoulder and also don't weigh a lot. So I like to have some protection but didn't want something bulky. They are pretty light and offer great protection at the shoulders, collar bone, and bicep areas. They lack in an abdomen protection and lower back protection being the only downside. However, depending on the type of league you play in...that may not be a huge issue. For my league it isn't. I think you can find them for pretty cheap too through some of the online retailers.

Edit: Oh and just for fit reference, I'm 5' 10" - 158lbs.

[IDoezIt 9]

Vote for U+ Pro Shoulders. I love mine. Very nice protection & low profile.

You can find some (if you can) some on closeout since the Crazy Light shoulders have released.

[Amiroo39 121]

5030s don't belong in the same discussion as top end shoulder pads, they offer no real protection of any kind. I'm not just trashing them, I actually wear them. If you want something light that offers some protection look at something like the 3k line from Reebok. If you want high end protection, the U+ or warrior pads are nice. Even the new Easton RS pads are good.

sorry I didn't make this clear. I meant similar to the 5030s in size/slimness. Didn't mean to compare them to the high end stuff. I don't know why I'm so reluctant to use ccm, but i'm going in today to try them on along with some projekts and rbk stuff. thanks a lot guys, keep the suggestions coming if something comes to mind.

[Stewie 721]

i use CCM fit05 shoulders, they were cheap and i like the low profile. they dont have the collarbone protector if your into that.

[Beflar 54]

i use CCM fit05 shoulders, they were cheap and i like the low profile. they dont have the collarbone protector if your into that.

+1 For CCM fit05. Does not get in your way AT ALL. Surprising protection.

[tdunleavy 0]

I use Sher-Wood 9950's. They have a little more protection (sternum) and the covering is an anti-microbial fabric so they don't get as gross as the 5030's. A nice update.

[SirJW 207]

If you are just looking for shoulder protection these have worked fine for me.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5ztAGmoOHv0/S_36Os78HiI/AAAAAAAAAB8/N7-JiOXVZyA/s1600/IMG00076.jpg

I never notice them and have taken more than a few shoulders into the boards w/ out any notice.

These below all look similar.

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/ccm-hockey-shoulder-pad-uplus04-le-sr.html

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/ccm-hockey-shoulder-pad-uplus04-sr.html

Pretty sure these are the same as the Itech's above (Bauer bought them out )

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/bauer-hockey-shoulder-pads-vapor-x20-sr.html

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/bauer-hockey-shoulder-pads-vapor-x30-sr.html

[Chris Gent 7]

Have you tried looking at Farrells? Take the shoulder caps off and they are exactly what you're looking for. I doubt you'd ever feel the average beer leaguer's shot...

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Another for the CCM Fit series. Great fit, decent weight, and as low profile as you're gonna get.

[Amiroo39 121]

Have you tried looking at Farrells? Take the shoulder caps off and they are exactly what you're looking for. I doubt you'd ever feel the average beer leaguer's shot...

I can't find their stuff anywhere. I'd like to try it on before making a purchase, but i think right now my only choice is an online order at best.

[Amiroo39 121]

Tried the projekts and the crazy light. going in i knew that the CL would have the low profile look/feel i wanted but i wasn't expecting the warrios to be so bulgy. the projekts also looked bad under a jersey, maybe just on me. At the end, i had to spend the extra 100 and get the CL. I didn't think id be buying ccm anything for a long time but these shoulder pads feel amazing, look good, and weigh next to nothing. Hella expensive yes, but couldn't be happier with them.

[tmw1582 6]

I'll put in another vote for CCM U+. I have the fit 09 and I'm a big fan.

[mhkehoe 1]

I vote for either the Sherwood 9950 or the CCM Fit 05.

The Sherwood are very light, low profile caps. They don't offer a ton of protection, but enough for a guy who hasn't been wearing anything. They also have the anti-microbial lining and seem to dry out quickly.

The Fit 05 are a bit heavier, but have low profile caps for newer shoulder pads but still have great protection and wrap fairly well. The chest protection is a bit thicker and comes lower than the Sherwoods. I feel like the bicep guards don't interfere as much with the shoulder caps since they are a separate hanging piece in comparison to the Sherwood in which is is attached.

I use the Sherwood most of the time because I don't need the extra protection and the weight of the CCM, but that is when I am using them for non-check beer league.

[Stewie 721]

yeah, i dont like the fit of warrior pads at all, they are all very bulky, but i am sure also very protective