Mix and Match?

[brianb 0]

It's been a while since I've bought new equipment, and I've always wondered this since the big brands started coming out with different fits, etc.

Do players mix and match lines? I'm not talking about say, a CCM helmet with Warrior gloves. NHL players wear what they like, what they prefer.

Let me explain.

Currently, I have a full set of Vapor 7 protective gear (shoulder, shin, elbow, pants) and nexus 600 sitting in my apartment. I keep going back and forth trying each on, trying to see what I like best. (BTW, in hindsight, the 800s would have probably stacked up better against the 7s, but I was simply just looking at price point then).

I'm pretty decided on the pants, the Vapors fit amazingly. The shin guards- I like the joints in the Vapors but like how firm the Nexus fits. Both shoulder pads are great, but again, I like how the Nexus hugs my sides. The joints and low profile on the Vapor is nice. Elbow pads- well, you get the idea.

Do NHL players wear, say, supreme pants with Vapor Shoulder pads? Again, skates, helmets, gloves, and sticks are a different animal. But your core equipment- do people wear different fits or kind of stick with one line?

[Hooah4 12]

IMO pros wear alot of different things. Sometimes it depends upon the ever changing rule book regarding protective equipment. some guys use whatever, some use what they've used for 20 yrs with modifications. I'm sure they would not use something that was not comfortable for them.

Regarding protective lines amongst a brand a lot of that is marketing. Use what you like and what fits and protects best in your eyes not someone else's.

[chippa13 1844]

Heck, some guys mix and match a particular piece of equipment.

[brianb 0]

You know, I think I knew what you're telling me, and ya, I just might have gotten sucked into the marketing thing.

I DO think that different brands and lines have very different things going for them, but you're right, it's always about what fits and feels best.

[Beleafer 14]

NHLers use tons of different brands and lines. Some even take chest pieces off their shoulder pads and the shoulder caps off another type of shoulder pad and combine them. Lots of crazy stuff. If you've seen ovechkin lately, he has the chest piece of some shoulder pads stitched onto the back of his pants as a back protector.

[brianb 0]

You know, I just thought it was because he had his shirt tucked in that his spine guard looked so prominent. I had no idea it was a frakenstein piece.

[t6lock 24]

when i first got my x60 skates i thought holy snap i love these so much im gonna get all vapor gear. so i got about 80% vapor gear but slowly switching to supreme. i love the vapor 7.0 pants and x60 gloves, but i like the TO shoulders and elbows more for sure. but ya im pretty sure there are some players that are really picky and only play with 1 type of gear

[Chadd 916]

I rarely wear two pieces of gear from the same company. Don't pay attention to brands or models, only pay attention to the fit.

[McDugan 89]

When you see those sets pictured together and sold together on sites, it looks great, probably appeals to kids, and to beginners who don't know how different fit can affect you) but yeah, most experienced players don't wear all stuff from the same line.

[gosinger 122]

For me it's pretty mixed, this is my current ice setup:

Helmet: Easton, Cage: CCM

Shoulders: CCM

Elbows: Bauer Vapor

Gloves: Sande, Warrior

Shins: JOFA or CCM

Skates: Bauer Vapor

Winner: Bauer Vapor (2 pieces from same company & line, but different years)

[danno25nh 3]

Yeah, I go for individual fit.

Easton shoulders

Bauer elbows

Reebok pants

Warrior gloves

Warrior shins

Bauer helmet

[strosedefence34 179]

ironically for me its all bauer stuff but it all fits really well

bauer 4500 helmet ccm cage

bauer classic shoulders

bauer supreme one 80 pants

bauer supreme one 80 shins

bauer supreme one 70 skates

then the odd ball is my warrior lacrosse elbows. Everything fits me really well and I'm not just a bauer gear whore.

[Chadd 916]

Guys, there is no need to list everything you use, we have another topic for that.