Looking to get shoulder pads

[z1ggy 81]

I don't normally wear shoulders when I play because I usually just played casual pick up. However, I am now in a fairly competitive men's league and guys are letting slappers rip from the point. Needless to say I got drilled with one, and learned my lesson...I need shoulder pads.

With that said, I'm not looking to spend more than like $80 bucks. I want something quality that will last me a good while, as I only replace gear once every 5 years or so. The two I've been looking at are Easton RS II (on sale right now @ hockey monkey) and the Supreme One.8 (not on sale, but newer I think). I'm looking for mobility and light weight, with good protection on the chest/stomach area. Im guessing the RS's will be better seeing as they are normally $150, but I'm worried they will be bulkier too since they are meant for high level play that involves hitting.

Any advice?

[bunnyman666 445]

Many guys here say CCM CL. I use Winnwells that I have heavily modified.

[Stewie 721]

i would say CL, but its above his price range (although can be had on clearance around 100) and he specifically seems to be looking for some stomach coverage which is one way they dont excel.

[bunnyman666 445]

I admit- I know not much about the CL. I have heavily modded my Winnwell with smaller caps and more chest/stomach protection because I play D and get into the shooting lane even when a guy winds up.

[z1ggy 81]

Yeah I want stomach protection for guys that take those hard rising shots. It looks like the CL has solid chest protection... But the two I listed above seem to go down all the way to the stomach. Also, I've read the Supreme line up for protection is more for D, and the Vapor stuff is more for offense, as it it's tapered and lighter. I know there was a pretty big dif between the Vapor shins I tried and the Supremes that I ended up getting.

One thing I don't want though is giant hulking shoulder pads. I don't want to feel like a line backer out there. Looking for a good mix of chest/stomach protection, but still light. Hockey monkey doesn't list the weight of these like they do for skates and sticks.

[Stewie 721]

total hockey and ice warehouse are pretty decent options too if your looking for weight comparisons. another thing i have had success with when its not listed is to ask their customer service in chat.

[kyleo29 58]

Padded shirt with some Sherwood 5030s

[z1ggy 81]

I have a padded shirt now. I got cranked with a shot and it still killed me. Even getting hit with a hard shot using the roller hockey puck hurts. I know it's hockey and all but I've gotted hit in the shin & legs by slappers and it was just a faint pressure basically. I can't risk cracking a rib or something.. I'm not getting paid for this ;-P

And okay I'll check those other stores out. I just generally liked hockeymonkey the best.

[bunnyman666 445]

Yeah I want stomach protection for guys that take those hard rising shots. It looks like the CL has solid chest protection... But the two I listed above seem to go down all the way to the stomach. Also, I've read the Supreme line up for protection is more for D, and the Vapor stuff is more for offense, as it it's tapered and lighter. I know there was a pretty big dif between the Vapor shins I tried and the Supremes that I ended up getting.

One thing I don't want though is giant hulking shoulder pads. I don't want to feel like a line backer out there. Looking for a good mix of chest/stomach protection, but still light. Hockey monkey doesn't list the weight of these like they do for skates and sticks.

That's why my Winnwells met with the seam ripper and Speedystitcher. The caps on my Winnwells were HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE!!! I am actually rigging up an old school system with the Winnwell caps where the braces (suspenders to you North Americans) hold my caps on and I wear a padded shirt for those days I play forward.

But back to the Winwell shoulders- I put Tron caps on and have sewn on more chest and stomach padding. I am also adding some stuff to my pants, as well.

[z1ggy 81]

Yeah I'd prefer smaller shoulder caps as well. I don't go crashing into the boards or hitting guys (on purpose... ).

Sounds like a lot of work. Awesome customization for you, but not something I'd do. I guess I'll have to just call up HM or IW and see what they'd suggest. I'm not close enough to a pro shop to try any of these on.

Im leaning the RS II just because they are [old] top of the line gear. I know it'll be able to take hard slappers.

[MarsB 33]

I upgraded my pads after fracturing my sternum two seasons ago. I play no check beer league and don't need bulky pads, but wanted more chest protection than my old zip-up DRs. I would look to the Vapor line - they have solid chest protection with minimal bulk. I ended up with the x:30s (the equivalent of the current x5.0s) and have been very pleased with the protection/mobility tradeoff. You can find them on closeout right now in the $50-60 range.

[JoshV 20]

Easton RS II, CCM U+CS, Reebok Hybrid

Probably the top 3 shoulder pads under $80 IMO

I don't wear shoulder pads, but I would be fine in any of these

[bunnyman666 445]

Yeah I'd prefer smaller shoulder caps as well. I don't go crashing into the boards or hitting guys (on purpose... ).

Sounds like a lot of work. Awesome customization for you, but not something I'd do. I guess I'll have to just call up HM or IW and see what they'd suggest. I'm not close enough to a pro shop to try any of these on.

Im leaning the RS II just because they are [old] top of the line gear. I know it'll be able to take hard slappers.

Not as much work as it seems. These were just an uneducated purchase when re-entering ice hockey. I had old plastic/foam Jofas before back in the stone ages.

[Chadd 916]

Easton RS II, CCM U+CS, Reebok Hybrid

Probably the top 3 shoulder pads under $80 IMO

I don't wear shoulder pads, but I would be fine in any of these

I really like the RS and U+CS pads and I would suggest taking a look at the Mako pads. I hate it when people suggest products over the stated budget but........the M5 seem to be a good fit for what you want

[z1ggy 81]

Is the whole Velcro thing in the front odd though? Seems like for Easton's new line up for pads, they reverted back to the traditional style of securing pads. The Mako line in general seems like a failure because they now went back to the Synergy stuff.

[JoshV 20]

The Velcro in the front is a nice feature. Lots of sternum protection.

Mako line was a very underestimated product line.

Great gear, not enough marketing to push it on their own.

[z1ggy 81]

Interesting. Looks bulky though in the pics...Yeah must have been they didn't market it well because they took a step away from it.

I just checked out the Reebok hybrid. Very interesting...Im skeptical though. I have a reebok padded shirt and it can absorb roller balls fairly well, but a heavier puck.. idk. Although it was made for roller, so that's a very good reason as to why that is the case.

I'll read reviews on these all over the weekend, but my top pick is still the RS II.

And actually, toss the old APX shoulders in, too. They are $90, same as the One.6 which I am considering, too. Gaaaaah choices.

[JoshV 20]

RS II are more mobile than the APX if you ask me

I would rule the One.6 out... not as good of pads as APX or RS II

I would go with the RS II or the Hybrids myself. But yes, the padding on the ribs is not as much as normal pads with the Hybrids. Very mobile pads though

[JSK81 400]

I really like the CCM U+12 shoulders, very low profile with solid protection. They're also reasonably priced, especially with the current discounts.

[z1ggy 81]

Thanks for the info JoshV. I agree about the One.6 as well.

Okay I will look into those two more closely. I honestly don't get hit above the waist very often because most don't have the ability to take big shots that go above the waist.. but after taking just 1 shot, I want the comfort and the confidence to be able to step in front of a shot.

[wehojp84 5]

You should also check out the CCM RBZ 130 (nice low profile caps, a little over $80) and the Vapor X7.0 (clearance for $80.00) or Vapor X80 ($80.00).

[Stewie 721]

RBZ 130 seemed very good for price when I checked em out

[start_today 773]

Not trying to play mod, but there's a lot of info on shoulder pads here: http://modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/65317-shoulder-pads-for-mens-leagues/

[Rookie109 0]

I'd suggest the Easton EQ50 shoulder pads if you can find them since they are built like tanks.

I got a pair for $90 here in Canada even though the place I bought them didn't have them officially on thier website. I think they still have 2 pairs left (in Medium and XL, in fact I've seen them at another store in my city here as well.

[moreoutdoor 6]

I really like the RS and U+CS pads and I would suggest taking a look at the Mako pads. I hate it when people suggest products over the stated budget but........the M5 seem to be a good fit for what you want

Coming off 2 games with the Mako M5s, I like em...

Like the front closure - which gives a lot of sternum protection, like the neck structure, shoulder caps and layered upper arm coverage.

Lots of adjustment for the lower torso closure

almost too much front protection for non-check - but given the elbow I took into the sternum, a few weeks back, I'll go with them...

the arm mobility is really great.

getting jerseys on is quite a bit easier - must be the close fitting profile.