New C/A and pants

[phonak 0]

I've been looking to update my gear for some time, and I thought it was a good idea to maybe get some while there are some good laborday deals out there. The two pieces of equipment that I'm looking at is the Sherwood T95 C/A and the T90 pants. The C/A is about 170 on goaliemonkey and the pants are 69. Based on the price alone it doesn't look like it's the best stuff out there, but I wanted to see if anybody have used their stuff and can help me out with some advice. I'm currently using a Itech 4.8 C/A that keep giving me some serious bruises so I want to make sure this C/A is a step up.

Thanks

[phonak 0]

Any advice?

[Axxion89 32]

I wouldnt wear a 4.8 if it was the last thing on earth. That said, the Sherwood stuff should be better but I never used it so I can't tell you how much better. If you want a pure protective CA get a Reebok some can be found on clearance, if you want more mobility with some arm stingers here or there, look at Vaughn, I have a V3 and love it. For me pants are pants, if they fit, they will be fine.

[phonak 0]

Thanks,

Yes I was looking for advice on C/A, I'm with you about the pants.

The 4.8 is at least a size too small, and every game I get at least one new bruise. Since I never tried anything else, I didn't know if it was to be expected. I play C∼ level beer league so except for the occasional good players it's pretty average/intermediate. I'm not looking for top of the line, just something that would protect me against, at the most, B level shooters.

[EvilPepe 24]

Both pieces are pretty good for the money. I've got T100 pants and they've been pretty good, and I don't feel there was a HUGE difference between those and the T90s. Only thing I don't like about them is they don't have tabs sewn into the legs to string kneepads to.

The T95 C/A is probably the best sub-$250 you are going to find (excluding any good sale scores, that is).

[docar15 1]

Adding my 25c, I tried both the T95 CA and Reebok 9K. I ended up keeping the 9K. Took two skates to feel comfortable with it, very protective unit.

Definitely a step up from the Premier senior units of old in terms of mobility. My biggest concern was with the arms and 9k did not disappoint.

[HBPuckstopper 0]

I have to agree with ^^^. go with the 9k over the Sherwood. None of their gear has impressed me whatsoever in the last few years and working at GoalieMonkey i have had many customers choose the 9k over anything else. Protection will be better than anything else at that price point. Will take a little bit of time breaking it in and getting used to it coming from the 4.8.

As for pants, the Sherwoods would be a good choice, i had a pair of 7000s which these ware based on. Solid pant, especially for the price. Only other suggestion i would give is take a look at the Warrior swaggers. Normally you don't think pants when you hear warrior, but i have had so many customers rave about those particular pants, i would have never guessed! Also on clearance at most places, these would be another solid option.

-Andrew

[phonak 0]

Thanks for the replies guys. I ended up getting the Rbk 9k chest protector that some of you recommended. Normally I wear a size large, but after reading some reviews saying they run rather large I decided to go with a medium. The unit fit perfectly, arms end where I would normally wear a watch and the belly protection extends below my waist. On occasion I play with some former(and current) college players and face some pretty good shots and after using the unit for around 10 sessions I still haven't gotten a stinger or bruise. The bulkier size now feels great and i couldn't imagine going back to something like the 4.8.

I also picked up a used pair of Vaughn Epic 6808 pants lightly used off Ebay. While they fit much better than my old pants and are very mobile, the protection is not really too good. I've gotten a couple of bruises, but overall it's still a step up from my old pants.

[Law Goalie 147]

Assuming you mean the 8606, yeah, they're paper thin in most places. I would definitely consider an upgrade there.

The one thing to watch with the 9K C/A is that much of its construction (in the blocks of the chest/belly, the shoulder-floaters, etc.) is faced with high-density foam rather than plastic, and it will break down over time.

[Iron Mike 1]

What's the word on the Vaugn Vision 9400 C/A? I'm considering it. I hear it's light and flexible but still tough. Another comment said it might have rib protection issues, but maybe they bought a size too small? Thoughts? Rumors?

Law, now that I look back to some advice you gave to a beginner in 2009 (not exactly fair of me to pull that up huh? :P), I see that you recommend first Brown C/A's and then McKenneys (calling them "poor man's Browns"). You said these are the only brands you would recommend buying used. That was four years ago, would you advise the same today?

[SBRH1 1]

What's the word on the Vaugn Vision 9400 C/A? I'm considering it. I hear it's light and flexible but still tough. Another comment said it might have rib protection issues, but maybe they bought a size too small? Thoughts? Rumors?

Law, now that I look back to some advice you gave to a beginner in 2009 (not exactly fair of me to pull that up huh? :P), I see that you recommend first Brown C/A's and then McKenneys (calling them "poor man's Browns"). You said these are the only brands you would recommend buying used. That was four years ago, would you advise the same today?

I've heard the Vaughn Vision 9400 lacks protection on the arms. I was considering that c/a and ended up going with the Bauer Elite. I love the Bauer, I can't see myself switching to something else anytime soon.