Shoulders: CCM U+CL or Easton Mako?

[bradd94 5]

I'm trying to find the most snug and low profile shoulder cap and have narrowed it down between the Mako and the CL

I already went Sherwood 9950 but it simply feels like wearing a rain jacket: no protection at all for an adult league. I know the CL are lighter than the Mako (by a good amount) but what in your opinion has the better shoulder caps/overall fit for a forward?

I will try them both on, but I tend to make abrupt purchases and would like some input. Thanks.

[Chadd 916]

I like them both but they're very different. It's really going to come down to what feels better to you. The CLs are a little on the short side and the chest piece really sticks out on me. The only Mako I tried wasn't my size, so I can't help too much there.

[guitarfreek92 7]

the caps on the cl are way slimmer but has a huge lack of protection compared to the eastons.

[althoma1 575]

I've tried them both on - the CLs are lighter and seem more breathable. The mobility seemed similar from trying them on, but I couldn't properly do up the chest in a large Mako (I have about a 44-45" chest can fit into a large in most pads including my current Farrells and the CLs). When I put on an XL mako the chest felt fine, but the shoulder/bicep area felt a little big (it can be adjusted tighter though). The Mako vest/chest piece felt a little bulky.

If I had to choose between those two I'd likely go with the CLs, however; I preferred the Blue and Grey Warrior Projekts to both of them as far as comfort and shoulder mobility when lifting my arms over my shoulders go. The Projekts also have lower profile caps and it seems like more chest and rib protection that the CLs. I haven't tried on the new Warrior Dynasty AX1 shoulders in my size, but they should be similar to the Projekts as well - I'd try those on along with the CLs and see which one you like best.

[Amiroo39 121]

the caps on the cl are way slimmer but has a huge lack of protection compared to the eastons.

I'd say more pros rock CL's thank makos, and they definetly look for protection. so not sure where ur getting that from.

[AIREAYE 248]

the caps on the cl are way slimmer but has a huge lack of protection compared to the eastons.

Completely disagree, I think that the caps on the CLs are among the best out there in terms of protection.

[Monty22 834]

I'd say more pros rock CL's thank makos, and they definetly look for protection. so not sure where ur getting that from.

It's a bad idea to look to the pros to help make gear choices. Their are also a lot of guys wearing Sherwood 5030's - just because a guy in the show is wearing them doesn't mean they are the most protective or even decent for that matter.

[icewalker_bg 126]

It's a bad idea to look to the pros to help make gear choices. Their are also a lot of guys wearing Sherwood 5030's - just because a guy in the show is wearing them doesn't mean they are the most protective or even decent for that matter.

x2

Just get whatever fits best.

[Beflar 53]

People are a bit too politically correct on this site. Seriously, the CL shoulder pads are the best thing out there at the moment.

Do they protect you? Yes

Are they mobile? Yes

You can say that with alot of stuff.

Are they light? YES

Do they stay light at the end of the game? YES

Do they make your whole hockey bag drier because they absorb no moisture? Yes

Does having more CL equipment in my bag make my bag less of a biohazard because of less moisture? Yes

Do I love my CL shoulder pads so much that I want to share this info to all my friends? Yes

Will they protect you? Yes

They are made of Ufoam so they will feel different then anything you have tried in the past. But with time they will become the new normal. Also they get better with time as you break them in.

Cheers

[althoma1 575]

Completely disagree, I think that the caps on the CLs are among the best out there in terms of protection.

I don't think guitarfreak meant the CL caps weren't protective - I think perhaps he meant other parts of the pads where there's only thin U foam like the chest ect. As you and others mentioned in other threads - most other shoulder pads don't offer a lot of protection in those areas either, but they're covered with fabric so may give the appearance of being more protective. The padding at the edges of the chest on the Makos aren't too thick, but the thicker mid-torso padding covers more area (it's probably also what made that area feel a little bulky for me when I tried them on) than most pads including the CLs.

[AIREAYE 248]

I don't think guitarfreak meant the CL caps weren't protective - I think perhaps he meant other parts of the pads where there's only thin U foam like the chest ect. As you and others mentioned in other threads - most other shoulder pads don't offer a lot of protection in those areas either, but they're covered with fabric so may give the appearance of being more protective. The padding at the edges of the chest on the Makos aren't too thick, but the thicker mid-torso padding covers more area (it's probably also what made that area feel a little bulky for me when I tried them on) than most pads including the CLs.

If that's the case, then I completely agree with him LOL.

[Cosmic 178]

CCM CL vs. Easton Mako was what my decision came down to for shoulder pads (with alot of consideration for Warrior Projekt 2012), after having ruled out everything else for various reasons. I went with CCM CL simply because of how much I sweat (an awful lot), and how I hate putting on cold, wet shoulder pads when I will be playing 2 games in a day. Sure, the other pads (Mako, Projekt, APX, etc.) have advanced moisture wicking and quick drying and all that good stuff, but the CLs repel the water, which is infinitely better than moisture wicking (for me). The U foam also seems like it will be alot more durable than a traditional pad/ cover combo, but this is just my instinct talking. Just for the simple fact that it is not absoring water and then wicking it ou, would seem to make the CCM CL stand the test of time better. (And if I am gonna pay >$100 for any piece of equipment, then it best last). I do not like the short chest protector of the CCM CL, so I will be rigging something up with a belly guard extension from another pad.

Low profile or not does not really matter much to me. I think that the CCM CL caps sit a bit higher profile than the others, but I care not how these details appear on the ice.

[bradd94 5]

Thanks guys, just wanted some input going in.

Yeah I mean, I just hate having the bulky caps since I feel it restricts movement pretty bad. I had a hybrid shoulder pad in the works but I felt it would be too hot. Was going to use the Easton Stealth lacrosse shoulder pad liner over a padded shirt (to help protection in shoulders) for an adult no contact league.

I also looked at the Down Low pads and sent them an email but never got a response. Don't like how the caps are uncovered. I'll re-post when I try both of these on, since apparently people have similar questions that I do.

[Amiroo39 121]

It's a bad idea to look to the pros to help make gear choices. Their are also a lot of guys wearing Sherwood 5030's - just because a guy in the show is wearing them doesn't mean they are the most protective or even decent for that matter.

You're absolutely right, but since we are talking about two of the most protective shoulder pads in each company's respectable line of gear, then it becomes relevant. Im just not sure where this "Huge" lack of protection is coming from when comparing two products: A to B, who represent the utmost protection in their brand (easton vs ccm).

ps.gotta be boss to rock 5030s in the show.

[Chadd 916]

ps.gotta be boss to rock 5030s in the show.

No, you just have to be the one throwing the hits and not the one getting drilled.

[romdj 26]

@bradd94 What level/league do you play? what are you looking for? I believe there's a world of difference between the makos and the cl

CL would be more comparable to bauer vapors and RS while makos would be more comparable to supreme.

It all depends on what you're in for.

From what I see, you said that sherwood 5030 simply doesn't offer enough protections, but going to the makos from there is a lot of change.

If you're just looking for mobile yet quite protective shouldies, I'd seriously look into lacrosse gear.

[Cavs019 710]

No, you just have to be the one throwing the hits and not the one getting drilled.

...or the one hitting people in the sternum with shots from the point, instead of being the one blocking them ;)