defensemen....what shoulder pads? recommendations

[Zorlac 22]

Recently switched up from forward to playin' some D... As my team was short on defensemen. Currently I'm takin rather a tough beating blocking shots. Using CCM U+08 shoulder pads. They seem flimsy and don't fit real well, Considering a new set. I know they were fine playing center, but D is quite different. Easton's 85S looked pretty good....

[Chadd 916]

If you're blocking shots with your shoulder pads, you should probably just get out of the way. Anything that high will probably be sailing over the net. What areas of the pad are causing the problems?

[Zorlac 22]

only a few pucks have hit me in the upper chest area, but I felt em pretty good... Not alot of protection on the CCM 8s

The shoulder caps are humongous, and kinda uncomfortable, and the chest area feels flimsy.

[kklinder 0]

Couldn't be happier with my CCM U+ Pro

[AIREAYE 248]

If you thought the shoulder caps are big, you're not going to be wowed by the 85S. See if you can find some U+Pros or Fit 09s.

[Holmes_D_83 27]

I can vouch for the U fit + 09, great protection, mobility and lightweight. I've taken a slapshot to the clavicle with no ill effect (some morons in our league)

[Munsons 2]

I wore my U+12 for the first time yesterday and was really impressed. I hadn't been wearing shoulder pads for years, but after a few shifts I almost forgot they were there.

[stuie7 6]

Recently switched up from forward to playin' some D... As my team was short on defensemen. Currently I'm takin rather a tough beating blocking shots. Using CCM U+08 shoulder pads. They seem flimsy and don't fit real well, Considering a new set. I know they were fine playing center, but D is quite different. Easton's 85S looked pretty good....

If fit is a priority I would recommend Farrel L650's (or similar) if you can find any, that's what I wear but they certainly wont be any more protective than your CCM's.

To be fair, you're going to struggle to find anything more protective than you've already got. Best option would be to try as many on as you can to get the best fit.

[Zorlac 22]

Very well... Maybe it's got to do with my paranoia as I've NEVER played D before... I'm finding myself turning my head alot and covering my mid-section upper abs area during moron-induced non-controlled slappers... It's probably more ineptness on my part than a protection issue... But I do play in a level that most players aren't real skilled in control of their shots, hence the "new equipment" topic... I'll continue on for a bit and decide after the playoffs... thanks fellas!

[bagsbie 8]

Couldn't be happier with my CCM U+ Pro

these are pretty good, indeed.

[jimmy 194]

Fist of all, if you are blocking shots, you are going to feel them and they can hurt sometimes. Heck, even goalies with their most protective chest/arm protectors feel shots and get stingers and even bruises. Pretty much any high end shoulder that fits you well should provide adequate protection against injury. Just stay away from low-mid range ones, you know the ones people use for so-called "mobility", those do not offer a lot of protection and you will get bruised often.

[chippa13 1844]

Very well... Maybe it's got to do with my paranoia as I've NEVER played D before... I'm finding myself turning my head alot and covering my mid-section upper abs area during moron-induced non-controlled slappers... It's probably more ineptness on my part than a protection issue... But I do play in a level that most players aren't real skilled in control of their shots, hence the "new equipment" topic... I'll continue on for a bit and decide after the playoffs... thanks fellas!

If you can count on that little control from guys then you're smartest play is to just step aside when anyone is taking a slapper.

[squat 5]

If you're blocking shots with your shoulder pads, you should probably just get out of the way. Anything that high will probably be sailing over the net. What areas of the pad are causing the problems?

+1 and a big LOL.

I would add that shoulder pads really arent a goalie CnA. Its more built to save your shoulders in a hit. A lot of the pro gear has minimal chest protection. Now if you feel the need to lay out for a shot block, first ? is how much is the league paying you, B: what are you thinking?

[stuie7 6]

Now if you feel the need to lay out for a shot block, first ? is how much is the league paying you, B: what are you thinking?

I play beer league and I block shots. It's not really intentional, but you'll find playing D that it just happens sometimes.

Just cover you teeth with your bottom glove-hand and hope for the best. What's the worst that can happen...!