Elbow Pad Recommendations

[tooomey 1]

Looking to get new Elbow pads and want your recommendations... I understand its all personal preference but its hard to know what your getting until you get out on the ice. I want something that has good protection and has minimal slippage. Slippage being most important. Price doesn't matter to me. So if you like what your using and it has these qualities let me know.

[AIREAYE 248]

Depends on your arm/elbow shape, muscle mass etc.

Try on different pairs, do them up and try to pull them off when your arm is bent at different angles. Also should include whatever baselayer you have as well as a bonus.

[AlphaSierra 1]

I picked up the Bauer Pro Series last Christmas, upgraded from some old Sherwoods that had some serious slippage (had to adjust at least one a shift). I am real happy with the protection and fit of the Bauers. It took a while getting used to my initial "mobility loss" impression, but I feel that is more from the upgrade in protection and correct sizing. On glancing at the Bauer line, it seems the top of the line APX and Nexus both have the same strap setup as the pro series so I imagine they would all be just as snug.

[althoma1 575]

I like the 2012 Warrior Projekt elbows (the blue and grey ones) I'm currently using. The forearm protection feels bulkier than the 2010 Projekts (white), but they're just as mobile in game situations yet stay in place better. They lock my elbow in better than any pad I've ever used, but are still comfortable and mobile.

[bolt91 31]

+1 for warrior

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Old (white) Warrior Projekt. I'm sure the 2012s are pretty close to the same, but I haven't used them. You can pick up a pair of the white projekts for cheap now too :)

[t6lock 24]

i was using some rbk 3k's for the longest time and slippage was the biggest problem. i tried on a bunch of different elbows and the best fitting one i found was bauer totalones. great mobility, comfortable, and most importantly no slippage at all

[Vet88 674]

Tried most top end pads from Easton, Bauer, Warrior, CCM - Rbk 9k platinum shield range, any top end Jofa or any of the 11k's remain the most comfortable and protective I have tried.

[JSK81 400]

Funny how much the opinions differ. For me the retail high end Reebok elbow pads are uncomfortable, bulky and by far the least mobile pads available. I also recommend the older Warrior Projekts, especially for the price you can get them now.

[ID Rollerpop 4]

I am really of fan of the EQ 50 elbows. The neoprene y strap and deep pocket have kept them solidly in place for both me and my son who is notorious for always jackin araound with his elbow pads during games to the point that it drives me crazy.

[Chadd 916]

The key to not sliding around is having two good straps on the forearm and a good fit. Remember that the pad and straps will both break-in a little bit as well. So, make sure you have a very good and snug fit when you try them on.

[fogelberg 9]

I was in the same boat recently and settled on a pair of Reebok 5K's. They took some getting used to at first, since I was coming from some old, blown out Sher-Wood 5030s, but now that I've gotten used to them and they have broken in a bit, I love them. They have solid protection without a lot of bulk and zero slippage for me.

[althoma1 575]

Old (white) Warrior Projekt. I'm sure the 2012s are pretty close to the same, but I haven't used them. You can pick up a pair of the white projekts for cheap now too :)

I've used both the old white and the now the new blue and grey projekts. I had to use mediums in the old ones and now use large in the new model so the sizing has been updated (I use large in most elbow pads). I found that the white ones feel a little more mobile when you first put them on and lock into place well at the start of a game, but once you're sweating they can be knocked out of place by a hook or a hold. The new Projekts feel a little bulkier in the forearm region, but are just as mobile in practice. More protection has been added to both the forearm and the elbow cap (based on taking spills in both the new ones are definitely more protective) and they really look your elbow in - the new projekts have never shifted on me even when I'm hooked or held.

In my opinion its worth it to pay a little more to get the new 2012 Projekts instead of the 2010 white ones especially if your key requirements are protection and minimal slippage.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

I've used both the old white and the now the new blue and grey projekts. I had to use mediums in the old ones and now use large in the new model so the sizing has been updated (I use large in most elbow pads). I found that the white ones feel a little more mobile when you first put them on and lock into place well at the start of a game, but once you're sweating they can be knocked out of place by a hook or a hold. The new Projekts feel a little bulkier in the forearm region, but are just as mobile in practice. More protection has been added to both the forearm and the elbow cap (based on taking spills in both the new ones are definitely more protective) and they really look your elbow in - the new projekts have never shifted on me even when I'm hooked or held.

In my opinion its worth it to pay a little more to get the new 2012 Projekts instead of the 2010 white ones especially if your key requirements are protection and minimal slippage.

Right on, maybe I'll try the new ones then! I'm definitely sold on the Projekt for elbow pads. I tried the shoulders and hated them.

Thanks for the insight!

[wrangler 157]

Depends on your arm/elbow shape, muscle mass etc.

Try on different pairs, do them up and try to pull them off when your arm is bent at different angles. Also should include whatever baselayer you have as well as a bonus.

I agree with that. I'd also consider personal preference as to the tradeoffs between weight, flexibility, and protection, as well as budget. And flexibility varies with the strength of the player's muscles. It's hard to help someone, without some information regarding all these things.

Personally, I've been happy with my 10K pads. They don't seem to hinder me, and I don't feel any pain when I fall on them.

[raganblink 82]

If you don't have a price limit and can't try them on - 2012 Warrior Projekts. I think the amount of people saying to get that model confirms just how awesome they are.

Working in a pro-shop I have been able to try on everything over the last 4 years - I have not liked any elbow pads in that time frame, except for those, which I absolutely love. They don't slide at all, elbow stays in place, superior flexibility & protection. They are amazing. I don't recall that many people trying them on and getting a different top-end elbow pad. They are amazing.

[althoma1 575]

If you don't have a price limit and can't try them on - 2012 Warrior Projekts. I think the amount of people saying to get that model confirms just how awesome they are.

Working in a pro-shop I have been able to try on everything over the last 4 years - I have not liked any elbow pads in that time frame, except for those, which I absolutely love. They don't slide at all, elbow stays in place, superior flexibility & protection. They are amazing. I don't recall that many people trying them on and getting a different top-end elbow pad. They are amazing.

I went to 3 or 4 different stores (no one store had every brand in stock) and tried on every high end elbow pad available this spring before buying the 2012 projekts. I'm very happy with my decision. My second choice was the CCM U+ CLs, but the Projekts just felt more comfortable for my arms (especially the bicep guard area vs. the CLs).

Like you said, the projekts don't slide at all and are both mobile and protective. The stitching also seems to be better compared to the 2010 versions - I had to have the stitching on the middle strap resewn on the 2010 model after a few months and have had no stitching issues with the 2012 model.

[hornethockey21 3]

I have never worn Warriors as my LHS doesn't carry them but I love the CCM U+ CL. They have a grippy texture on the elbow that keeps them in place and they had good mobility.

[akravetz 29]

I have a set of Bauer X30s which are middle to low end compared to what you guys are talking. I lift weights a lot and while I am not Hulk Hogan, my arms are bigger than you would think for a guy who if 5'4. The pads have never slipped yet in two years of playing and seem to fit rather snug. I don't know how they protect in a checking league as our is no-check but as a newbie, I did fall a lot on my elbows and thanks to these guys lived to tell the tale. Anyway, my two cents

[Stodgy 8]

Have a pair of the 2010 white projekts and reinforced the straps with dental floss, stitching which came apart after 4 months usage. Also I did take a hard fall on my elbow that my orthopedic surgeon said "dented" my elbow like a beer can and has taken several months to get back to normal. Do these new projekts protect against a direct elbow hit better than the old ones or is there a better elbow pad that offers this protection?

[chilimax21 0]

Have a pair of the 2010 white projekts and reinforced the straps with dental floss, stitching which came apart after 4 months usage. Also I did take a hard fall on my elbow that my orthopedic surgeon said "dented" my elbow like a beer can and has taken several months to get back to normal. Do these new projekts protect against a direct elbow hit better than the old ones or is there a better elbow pad that offers this protection?

I too had them and felt pain when I landed on my elbow. Pretty comfortable, but still slipped since I have skinny arms. The ones that worked for me now are Graf GS IX elbow pads.

[althoma1 575]

Have a pair of the 2010 white projekts and reinforced the straps with dental floss, stitching which came apart after 4 months usage. Also I did take a hard fall on my elbow that my orthopedic surgeon said "dented" my elbow like a beer can and has taken several months to get back to normal. Do these new projekts protect against a direct elbow hit better than the old ones or is there a better elbow pad that offers this protection?

That's why I switched from the 2010 to the 2012 model. I took a hard fall in the white 2010 projekts and while I didn't dent anything it did hurt and leave my elbow tender and bruised. I took a hard fall in the 2012 version and didn't have any bruising or tenderness - the elbow protection has definitely been upgraded in the new models. The elbow area itself is more substantial, narrower and deeper - they aren't quite as comfortable when you first put them on, but they're more protective and are really locked into place.

[tooomey 1]

Thanks for all the good replies... I am using Easton S19's at the moment but I had enough of them slipping. I was considering the 11k sense I use the shins and love them and also the APX or 7.0. Didn't consider the Warriors but I will now. I hate buying new elbow pads because many of them feel OK in the shop but when you get out on the ice and start sweating all things change. I wear a short sleeve under armorer so I picky about the middle strap digging into me. Keep the replies coming.

[Stodgy 8]

Thank you althoma1. Glad to hear of the improvments. They are a very mobile pad that don't slip at all. The only thing I don't like is that the forearm strap is sewn over in a loop so the pads are harder to put together to place in a equipment bag.

That's why I switched from the 2010 to the 2012 model. I took a hard fall in the white 2010 projekts and while I didn't dent anything it did hurt and leave my elbow tender and bruised. I took a hard fall in the 2012 version and didn't have any bruising or tenderness - the elbow protection has definitely been upgraded in the new models. The elbow area itself is more substantial, narrower and deeper - they aren't quite as comfortable when you first put them on, but they're more protective and are really locked into place.

[jazz4all 9]

for me graf G700, warrior project or easton EQ line. For slippage problem, i might recommend Rbk too, but very restrictive in mobility.