Shin Gaurds

[Kirsch 1]

Hi guys,

I need to order some new shin gaurds and have been looking around guite abit. I saw the '03 Easton Airs on Peranis and thought they looked pretty nice. Then I saw the '04 Easton Air's on HockeyandSkateOutlet and thought they looked even nicer, but the '04s don't have the calf gaurd that I would kind of like to have on the shin gaurds. When looking at the two pairs I thought that it looked like the '04s had a lot more padding than the '03s is this true or is it just the color of the pads playing tricks with my eyes. If I get the '03 Airs I can order them from Perani's which is where I am getting all my other stuff so it would save on shipping.

Here are some links:

'03 Easton Air Shin Gaurds: http://www.peranis.net/prodHome.ihtml?sid=...cid=35&pid=2282

'04 Easton Air Shin Gaurds: http://www.hockeyandskateoutlet.com/Mercha...y_Code=SGEaston

So to summarize my question: Which pair of shin gaurds would you guys recommend?

[kosydar 0]

My friend has the 03 Airs and really likes them. I know nothing about the 04s, but the 03s seem to be good.

[Guest phillyfan]

I have had the 2003 Eastons, comfortable, light, and affordable. I'd suggest these, but as kosydar, cannot comment regarding the 2004's.

[Miserable 6]

I haven't used Easton shin guards so I can't comment on the padding but if you really like Eastons and want the calf protection, check out the Synergy shin guard.

http://www.epuck.com/webapp/wcs/stores/ser...tegory_rn=1786#

Looks to be a lot closer to the 2003 model you posted. It has the calf guard and is only 10.00 more then the 04 Air.

[GekigangarIII 0]

Myself I'd get the '04 model. There's a reason the '04 doesn't have the calf protector. Unless you're ethiopian you won't be able to use it. I have the '03 z-airs and I could never get them on with the calf protector on, I always leave it off.

[Dan_The_Man_16 0]

Go with the '03 or Synergy. I think that no calf protection would suck, and is the main reason I use my shinpads (REALLY old Vics. Basically felt and plastic, but have more protection then any other shinpads I've owned.)

[Chadd 916]

Go with the '03 or Synergy. I think that no calf protection would suck, and is the main reason I use my shinpads (REALLY old Vics. Basically felt and plastic, but have more protection then any other shinpads I've owned.)

Goalie Heaven has a bunch of new ones that are pretty similar.

[Miserable 6]

Go with the '03 or Synergy. I think that no calf protection would suck, and is the main reason I use my shinpads (REALLY old Vics. Basically felt and plastic, but have more protection then any other shinpads I've owned.)

I had those same Vic shin guards for about 10 years. They finally started to really fall apart so I had to replace them. The sucky part is my buddy gave a pair of the same pads that he bought and only used once but they are 14.5's I think and are a little too small so I'm kinda stuck with them.

[Dan_The_Man_16 0]

The ones with the little flaps that cover the top part of your laces right?

[Miserable 6]

The ones with the little flaps that cover the top part of your laces right?

These don't have that. They have a once piece flap that covers the calf but no lace protection. The liner is navy blue.

[Dan_The_Man_16 0]

No no no....I'd post picsof these if I knew how to. They are like really old, older than me for sure, and I'm 15.

[Miserable 6]

They must not be the same pad then, I got these in like 91 so they're not quite that old but pretty darn close. B) I should put the new pair up on Ebay though, I kinda forgot I had them.

[Kirsch 1]

With my shinpads I want Comfort, Protection, and Weight. Durability I'm not worried about with gaurds in this price range.

I messed up my knee in gym class a couple weeks ago and it has been giving me troubles. I really want pads that are going to give me ample protection on my knees and shins so that if I do take a shot to the knee or fall on them I won't have to limp off because I aggravted the injury.

Also the pads I have now nearly cut into the sides of my legs and if I play for a while make me bleed. So I really want something that I am not going to notice are even there after skating for a while.

So in saying that which is the best for me '04 Synergy, '04 Air, '03 Air, or '03 Z-Air. Also has anyone else had a problem with the calf protectors?

[Kirsch 1]

Well since I am not getting a stick bag (note the other thread :D ) I have some more money to spend. Should I get a pair of '03 Z-Air or '04 Synergy?

[Dave 1]

I'd say Synergy. Somewhere Easton said that the 04 has a deeper fitting knee-cap (compared to the 03). As you want good knee protection, you should thus get the 04 Syergy.