Question about Tackla models and comparison to other brands

[Vuronov 18]

So I am currently wearing a pair of Tackla pants (I think 2500s sz 46-48 but the tags are so worn out I can't tell for sure anymore) that I've had for at least 15 years. Except for a very brief time when I first started playing hockey, these are literally the only hockey pants I've ever used. They are actually still holding up fairly well given their age, but the outer shell is starting to really show its age and the inner lining has gotten a bit sketchy as I didn't always do right by them and air them out after playing (ok I rarely did it for a very long time lol).

I am now looking to get a new pair of pants that if my previous luck holds out, might very well be the last pair I ever wear (assuming I don't balloon out significantly as I get older). I like the way my Tacks feel, but plan on trying some other brands just to see how they fit. But assuming I decide to stick with Tacklas, I was hoping for some advice on which model to get.

Looking around online, it seems I can get 1051s, 9000z, 5000x, EXPP 55s, and 951s for the same general price range (+/- $40 it seems). What I was wondering is just what the major differences are between all the different models? Do they fit differently? how does the protection vary between the models? and how do they compare to the top end models of the major NA brands? Has Tackla kept up with the NA brands in technological innovation like moisture resistance, more protection at less weight, etc? Excluding best personal fit, is there any reason to go Tackla over the top end models of NA brands?

From what I've read the 951s seem to be the least protective of the ones listed, more of a mid-tier pant maybe? I think the 5000x are top piece? I'm willing to pay since I plan on wearing these for another decade or more and was eyeing the 1051s as they seem to be the most recent model and "pro level". Are they notable better than the 9000z or 5000x? How would they compare to say the new CCM CL pants or Vapor APXs in features/technology etc?

I'm about 5'6" 145 lbs, waist in jeans 30" and 31" in dress pants (so yea kinda scrawny lol). Play in rec leagues, nothing hardcore, but don't mind getting the extra protection just in case.

Anyhow, sorry for the long post, just wanted to get it all out there and see what people had to say.

TL;DR version: Looking to get new Tackla pants, what's the difference between 1051s, 9000z, 5000x and 951s? Excluding fit, why get Tacklas over say the latest NA brands with her new tech?

Thanks!

[Chadd 916]

Personally, I think the 9000 is a great combination of protection and comfort. I've also been using them for about 8 years. The 5000 does have more padding and is a little stiffer when new, but the 9000 still has more than enough padding to be called a pro level pant.

[SirJW 207]

I've been in my Tackla 2500's for about 12 years and they gonna need replacing soon as well.

Do the 2400 fit the same what about the 9000? How much more protection does the 9000 offer over the 2400?

What pants on the market fit similar? What about the Warrior Bully? I know Warrior fits big what size would I go if my Tackla's are Size 48, 30"?

BTW remember back in the 80's when Tackla Pro were by far the best padded pants on the market. Tackla Pro ftw!

[Chadd 916]

9000 has significantly more padding than the 2400. I don't think anything on the market fits all that similarly to tackla. They tend to flare out below the waist while a lot of the new pants are a lot more snug or form fitting.

[SirJW 207]

Thanks Chadd, I'll need to check them out and compare the differences, are the 9000 much more bulkier? In the pics they look very similar.

[Chadd 916]

I don't think they're that much bulkier, but I haven't seen the 2400 in a while.