Shins and Bag?

[LearDriver 1]

I've searched this forum for shin guards, but you can imagine how many hits I got. I need to get a new bag as well (saw a Backpack vs Bag thread in Roller), so I don't have a lot of money to spend between the two.

My old CCM 452 Tacks are still hanging in there, but I've started playing Defense a lot more and recently took a decent shot (wrist shot at that) and felt it a bit on the shin. Didn't really hurt, but left a bruise. Not looking forward to a connecting slap shot. The shins were great for roller, but a little light on protection for ice IMHO. At the same time, without being able to actually SEE these pads in person there's no real way to see how much more/less protection there is from what I have now...maybe you guys will remember what these old 452's are like??

The price point I've been researching for shins has been around $70 or so. I looked at the Clearance selection on HM and others, but really couldn't find anything in my size (15").

I'm leaning towards the following:

1. Sher-Wood T90 Undercover
2. Bauer Supreme One.6
3. CCM U+12

My shins and calves are pretty thin, so something that's a bit more narrow is what I've been looking for (hence the Supreme selection and lack of Reeboks), but I really don't know how these selections fit. My local shop had nothing in my size, nor close to it, except for a CCM U+04.

I'm playing in a Rec League and Level 5 Noob league. Most guys don't have decent shots, but there are a few good players spread around that makes me want to switch to something else.

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Bag?? I don't think I want a roller bag, nor a back pack. I kinda like the traditional setup, which all I've ever had (CCM Supra from ~17 yrs ago). I love having external pockets on the ends, like mine has now, but not opposed to something different. Mainly looking for durability feedback, if able. FWIW I play games 2x a week, possibly a drop-in or stick & puck once a week, and I hang all equipment every night.

I'm considering the following:

1. Sher-Wood Nexon 40"
2. Bauer Core 37" (lacks the end pockets)
3. Bauer Premium 37" (has end pockets, but a bit on the higher $ side)

I think I'm going to stay away from the Easton products based on some reviews I've read; seems like they fall apart quickly. The Bauer gear seems to have decent reviews. Really interested in the durability of that Sher-Wood as it has what I'm looking for and is in the price range I'm trying to stay within.

So, what do you guys like or dislike (stay away from)?? Goal is probably ~$130 between the two...doubt my wife will let me spend more, if even that, for my birthday.

[McDugan 89]

I can't really speak to any current shins, since all the ones I've used have been stuff I picked up well after it was current-line. I do have some Koho 4440's that are nice and on the narrow side, but my guess is that you'd probably want to be a step higher in terms of protection. Like you I sometimes take pucks off them and am surprised to find a bruise, since I didn't feel any pain.

The bag, though... I have the SherWood T70 bag, which isn't the same design as the Nexon, but it's also 40 inches. I bought it after getting really frustrated with the old Itech bag I had that I had to play Tetris with every time I packed it. I measured the Itech bag at 36" and so I figured the 40" bag would give me enough room. Well I must have measured sloppily, because it turned out the Itech bag is actually 33" and the Sherwood 40" bag I have now is way more than I need. I love being able to just toss stuff in, but it's honestly a nuisance to get it out of my house without scratching the wall or a door frame and pissing off my wife. In a few years when my two-year-old is ready to play, maybe it'l; be good for carrying both of our gear together, but for one set of player gear, it's way more than you need. It could easily be a goalie bag. So I recommend that you stick with one of the 37" bags, unless you carry lots of spare gear or something.

[LearDriver 1]

Man, I'm so glad you replied!! I can't believe I forgot to even measure the bag I have right now! Didn't really cross my mind that I could buy something that would be too big. Right now I can barely get all my crap in this bag at times. How has your SherWood been holding up?

Will go measure. Thanks for taking the time to reply!

ETA: Quick, sloppy measure and it looks to be 37". Anyone know if I should be measuring the overall length or just the internal cavern?

[McDugan 89]

No problem, I've only had the Sherwood since the New Year, and it hasn't seen heavy use (once a week with some weeks off) but other than the overall mammoth size of it, I love everything about it.

It's got two big end pockets (I use one for my skates even though it also has side skate pockets - that helps with getting through doors), two skate pockets (I use them for tape, etc.) and two mesh pockets on the sides. The bottom is rubberized which is great because it prevents wetness and wear being an issue there.

Honestly I wouldn't mind it being so big, except getting through doors really is a task.

[LearDriver 1]

Thanks. Getting through doors can be tough with this bag as well, so I can only imagine what it's like with yours, haha!

[wrangler 157]

Getting through doors is easier with a frameless bag that isn't stuffed tight. But I haven't really had any trouble with my S19 bag. Fortunately I never had to get it through the baggage door on a 172.

Don't forget to adjust bag size recommendations for player (and hence, equipment) size. I bought a size to fit my equipment, and there are players here who would fit inside my bag.

[Chadd 916]

For durability, I would look into one of the simple, heavy duty pro style bags. Both of the MSH series bags I have are holding up well, the only damage to them came from the bag smashers at the airport. Compared to what they do to normal hockey bags, I got off easy.

[AIREAYE 248]

I'll help with the shins. The T90s should offer you the most protection of the three while the U+12 should be the slimmest and most lightweight, while also the most anatomically fitting (narrow, curved to follow the natural shape of your shin). The One.6 is a decent mid-end pair that offer a straighter slightly wider fit that, protection-wise should slide in between the T90 and U+12.

[LearDriver 1]

I'll help with the shins. The T90s should offer you the most protection of the three while the U+12 should be the slimmest and most lightweight, while also the most anatomically fitting (narrow, curved to follow the natural shape of your shin). The One.6 is a decent mid-end pair that offer a straighter slightly wider fit that, protection-wise should slide in between the T90 and U+12.

Awesome, thanks!! I found a shop near me (on a trip) that I'm going to swing by at some point if I get a chance. Hoping I'll be able to check some of this stuff out.

Getting through doors is easier with a frameless bag that isn't stuffed tight. But I haven't really had any trouble with my S19 bag. Fortunately I never had to get it through the baggage door on a 172.

Don't forget to adjust bag size recommendations for player (and hence, equipment) size. I bought a size to fit my equipment, and there are players here who would fit inside my bag.

Good points. I'm 6' 190 lb, and I have a 920 Combo on my helmet, so my stuff takes up a bit of room. My shoulders are rather bulky (Easton 85S) and take up a chunk of space. My CCM bag is pretty full by the time I'm done packing, but still has a little room (not much). Recently I threw in 2-3 extra jerseys in case I'd play for a short-handed team and that filled the bag up.

[Vet88 674]

I'm not sure why you would to leave Rbk shins out of the mix. I'm 5' 11" with matchstick legs and use Rbk 10k's and 11k's. They fit extremely well (never needed tape to hold them in place) and will stop a shot from hell without any pain. Downside is the bulk but after wearing them for a while I don't even notice now and my knees have thanked me countless times.

I've seen and tried on just about every top end shin pad out there over the last year or so and these would still be the one of the best I have come across. You can often pick them up off fleabay for around $60 - $70 in near to new condition but it can take a while before they turn up.

If you are after something right new and want a pad that is not top of the line but still very good, there are some Bauer one80's for sale on eBay in your size and price. I used these for a while and they are great pads before I got some one95's and then my Rbks.

ps sent you a pm on some I found on eBay that are exactly what I would be looking for in your circumstances, top of the line pad in great nick for a good price.

[LearDriver 1]

Vet, thanks for the PM. Got it, but a little on the late side as I was out all day. ;)

I had been looking at Reeboks and actually had them near the top of my list as so many people loved them. I decided not to include them though as I'd read where they might be a bit lose for us skinny-legged folk (since I can't try 'em on before purchase; didn't want to risk it). However, I think I'll keep them in the mix as you say yours fit pretty well.

I appreciate the input!

[beerleaguecaptain 1004]

For durability, I would look into one of the simple, heavy duty pro style bags. Both of the MSH series bags I have are holding up well, the only damage to them came from the bag smashers at the airport. Compared to what they do to normal hockey bags, I got off easy.

+1 for a basic no frills pro style bag. Had crazy pocket bags, roller bags, back pack bags, bags with pockets, bags with frames.... the simplest ended up being best.

[LearDriver 1]

I definitely don't want a rigid bag. I remember my dad making a PVC frame for the inside of his bag and just remember how much of a pain it was to carry it around. Simple is great. I just want something that will hold together reasonably well and have a pocket or two. I looked at the MSH Store, but couldn't find the bags. Are they listed somewhere else, discontinued, out of stock??

[TeamHonda401 54]

I believe the MSH bags were done by Junkyard Athletic in some type of made to order situation.

[LearDriver 1]

Junkyard Athletic got a hold of me via PM and sent me the details. Thanks, fellas.

[alex3 0]

Hey OP,

Try wearing your shin pads over the tongue of your skates instead of under it (if you don't already). That little change made all the difference for my protection on D!

[LearDriver 1]

No kidding? I guess I can give it a shot.

[start_today 778]

I think this CCM bag is similar to the older (2-3 years ago) Reebok pro bags, which I have one of- http://www.hockeyworld.com/index/page/product/product_id/10052/category_id/3/product_name/CCM+Pro+Carry+Hockey+Bag-+32%22

I really like it, and bought it after reading reviews on here (if you search bags, you can find a lot of recommendations. Even if the links are dead, you can find what people like and dislike about stuff). I have the 32", which seems small at first, but extra width and height more than make up for that. I have plenty of extra room, and the bag is really manageable. At the time, I thought I needed a bunch of zippered pockets and compartments, but simpler really is better. Not having 10 different compartments helped me reevaluate how much garbage I needed to carry with me. I just keep a small laundry bag to hold any extra equipment (extra socks, cup, some tools), and it fits out of the way fine.

General bag advice that I discovered on here: If you buy a lighter colored bag (probably anything but black/navy/maroon), its easier to find things in your bag, because darker materials (skating socks, shirts) won't get lost in in the corners.

[LearDriver 1]

Thanks for the recommendation, but I actually just placed an order a moment ago online. I ended up going with that Sherwood Nexon as it's in-stock now (had been forecasted out till July 30th) and was the one that originally caught my eye. Was never able to try on any of the shin guards, so I took a chance on the Sherwood T90s also.

You guys are great with all the feedback- much appreciated! If I remember I'll post some feedback on the two items in a month or two.

Thanks again.