Shin Guard Recommendation

[mc88 160]

I currently wear some 2011 CCM U+ 14 inch shin guards. The problem I'm having is that the shin guards are way too wide for my shins and they're about a ½ inch too large; The knee cap padding sits too high above my knee and often catches the topside of my pants and pins it underneath the shin guard as it moves around (I wear my shins behind the tongue -- I can't stand when they're over the tongue).

I've been looking into some Vapor APX 13 inch shins, but I think they may be a bit small. They leave part of my foot unprotected. Does anyone know of a place online or even a manufacturer that sells 13½ inch shin guards?

I'm 5'9, 170lbs, and my knee cap to top of ankle (behind skate tongue) measurement is exactly 13½ inches.

[gosinger 122]

Well, some manufacturers offer different fits (i.e. Bauer with Nexus (wide), Vapor (slim ankles, wide knees) and Supreme (haven't tried yet), CCM and Rbk, Warrior with the regular and intermediate (slim, otherwise the same) versions of their shin guards), with some of them differing in length. You could try cutting the knee padding from the pads (or the less destructive method: tape/sew them down), it is common practice to keep them from interfering with your pants.

[strosedefence34 178]

One thing you can do is bring your skates with you to a LHS and try on shins while you would think a 14" shin pad is 14" some brands tend to run long/ short. I have found easton to run longer than bauer in my own experiences. The other thing you can do is buy a pair of 14" shins and cut a 1/2" off. The last thing is you could try wearing a size that may be a 1/2" too short.

[Joonas #6 3]

I have found easton to run longer than bauer in my own experiences.

I just got new shins, Easton 75s and they are indeed a little longer than my previous CCM pads, too. Both are 14".

And I think Easton's Stealth line is one of the narrowest line out there so, maybe try them 13"? I'm as tall as you are mc88, and these shins are good for me, but I don't go tongues out like you.

[mc88 160]

Thanks guys. I think I'll try the Easton Stealth line in 13s. I prefer not to cut anything to reduce the effectiveness/durability of the product. Worse comes to worst, I'll just wear suck it up and wear shorter shins and hope I don't get hit.

[Joonas #6 3]

Awesome. Let us know how you like them, if you get them. I skated with my 75s shins yesterday, and I liked them. They obviously had a lot more padding compared to my old CCM's, so they felt a little weird, but I really liked them.

[mc88 160]

Unfortunately, both LHS nearby didn't have any in stock, so I went with some 13 APXs. Definitely a bit on the small side (part of my foot is exposed), but at the same time, more fitting than my current CCM U+ 14s.

[chrisehyoung 14]

I had a really old pair of 14.5" shins that fit me perfect. Now i'm trying to find a 14 that's long enough or a 15 that's short enough.