What shoulder pads should I get?

[Zjack38 46]

Hi guys, I'm going through the tough descision of which shoulder pads to get, I've narrowed it down to the warrior dynasty ax2, the reebok 18k, and the ccm crazy strong hockey monkey le. I'm trying to get the shoulder pad that has the most protection, but also it has to have really low-profile shoulder caps. Which would you guys recommend out of these?

-thanks

[IPv6Freely 2096]

CCM, no question. ESPECIALLY if low profile is one of your criteria.

[Amiroo39 121]

CCM makes great shouldies. I have the crazylights and their the only pads I can stand wearing, before I'd always play without shoulder pads. They're super light, low profile, and keep dry. The crazy strong is a very similar pad to the CL. My second choice from the pads you listed would be the AX2. Great pads, just a bit bulkier compared to the CCMs.

[SCOMPL 14]

I agree, CCM is making the best shoulder pads these days. Their material does not absorb sweat, therefore staying lighter (and smelling better).

I have the Crazy Lights, and suggest you compare them to the Crazy Strongs before making a final decision! The CL's have an elastic strap on the outside of the bicep guard that connects to the bottom of the shoulder cap, which ensures the shoulder cap stays as low profile as possible. Most images displayed by online retailers doesn't show this for some reason. Not sure if the CS's have that elastic strap.

[AIREAYE 248]

The CCMs have the best shoulder caps and a very solid sternum spine, but in terms of overall protection, I wouldn't discount the Warrior.

[beerleaguecaptain 999]

When you look at shoulder pad protection think about where your injury was and then type of impact you are likely to get. Shoulder caps help protect against impact to then shoulder - a hit from the side or into the boards is most likely here. Many shoulder injuries however, occurr on hits when you are facing the opposing player. The impact comes from the front in the upper chest and clavicle region. The shoulder joint is then driven back and the joint pushed out of place.

Look for pads that have enough protection in this region if you need to.

[SydNap 25]

+1 on the CLs

[Fire Walker 22]

I just picked up Reebok 20k's. They seemed like they offered the best shoulder protection of the ones I looked at. I separated my shoulder and had some rotator cuff damage from a hit in early November so protection was the priority for me. I wont be able to skate in the pads until January so I can't speak to their on ice performance yet.

[minnsy 15]

I went from a Jofa to a CCM. The CCM is definitely lower profile, and fits very tight to the body. But if you like low profile and form fitting, the CCM is great. Protection is definitely adequate for my level, but I play in a no-check league now, so who knows.

That being said, a lot of pros use the CCMs, so if that's worth any validation of their protective quality to you, there you go.

[thorbs 2]

Can anyone that uses the CLs in a higher level (read: contact) league weigh in on their protection level?

[gosinger 122]

Using the CS, not at a higher level but still full contact, they always served me well, no matter if I was hitting (or more often getting hit) or slashed. Very protective.

[MountainKing 10]

Last year I got to tour the Hawks locker and a local USHL team here. The USHL team wore exclusively CCM and all the players had CL pads, in the Hawks locker I was shocked to find about 1/3 the guys wearing CL shoulders (I've been told it's almost half now) which were all identical the the retail version. There were also a lot of guys wearing the U+12 elbow pads which were covered in the CL material to make them look like CL pads on TV.

If they're good enough at those levels then I'd say you're safe with them. I personal love my CL shoulders and elbows.

[BrondonZA 0]

I would rather get the CCM CL's they are on sale now so they would be a better choice

[Tailboard Jockey 25]

My CCM CL shoulder pads are the absolute best fitting and lightest shoulder pads I have ever had. I like that they have a low profile, too. They are the 11th set of shoulder pads I have owned.

[burr14 17]

Last year I got to tour the Hawks locker and a local USHL team here. The USHL team wore exclusively CCM and all the players had CL pads, in the Hawks locker I was shocked to find about 1/3 the guys wearing CL shoulders (I've been told it's almost half now) which were all identical the the retail version. There were also a lot of guys wearing the U+12 elbow pads which were covered in the CL material to make them look like CL pads on TV.

If they're good enough at those levels then I'd say you're safe with them. I personal love my CL shoulders and elbows.

My CCM CL shoulder pads are the absolute best fitting and lightest shoulder pads I have ever had. I like that they have a low profile, too. They are the 11th set of shoulder pads I have owned.

Just wondering if you guys can tell me if the bicep guards on your Crazy light Shoulders are adjustable (Meaning they can adjust down your arm vertically closer to your elbow). I've heard some people say they are, and others say they aren't. I'm guessing CCM might have changed the pads...

[Beflar 53]

Just wondering if you guys can tell me if the bicep guards on your Crazy light Shoulders are adjustable (Meaning they can adjust down your arm vertically closer to your elbow). I've heard some people say they are, and others say they aren't. I'm guessing CCM might have changed the pads...

You can adjust them several inches for sure with the velcro strap. It has always been like that with the ones I have seen in my area. I remember people saying otherwise, which confused me at the time, not sure what they meant or if we are looking at something different.

[cjm305 0]

From what I understand, some of the lower CCM shouldies have unadjustable biceps, which resulted in some of the main hockey websites offering special editions of the lower end pads with the only difference being the addition of velcro adjustable bicep guard straps. The CL shouldies come with it standard from what I understand of the retail versions.I dont currently have $150 laying around to pick some up, so I am still using some 1998 Itech Junior-XL shouldies, but everytime I browse online to torture myself I find myself drooling about the CLs...

[Cosmic 178]

I wear CCM CLs. If I could do it again, then I would have bought the cheapest pair of Easton Makos (the $50 ones) when I was getting geared up, and then held out for the CCM RBZ shouldies. They look much improved compared to the CCM CLs with the anatomical wrap on the ribs, lower protection to the belly, and ditching the plastic sternum and spine guards.

[cjm305 0]

Where did you find a pick of the CCM RBZ shouldies?? I cant find any previews anywhere...

[Cosmic 178]

Where did you find a pick of the CCM RBZ shouldies?? I cant find any previews anywhere...

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/files/file/175-2014-reebokccm-catalogue/

[cjm305 0]

Wow... Glaring me in the face... haha Sorry for the silly question!

[beedee 227]

I need new low-profile ones for beer league and am waiting for the RBZ line to hit stores. The 110 model look like they'll be the right ones for me.

[thehomez 0]

Any estimates of price point for the new RBZ 130 shoulders? I'm kind of kicking myself for getting the U+12 last week...