do you really need top of the line gloves in a tier III bantam league?

[ulf 5]

how much of a difference does it make? my son is moving up to bantams in a pretty physical league. he has always preferred the lighter less bulkier low to mid $$$ models. last year we went w/ a reebok 26k over the one.4 because of a slightly better fit in peewee..but the one.4 would have been fine as well....i would buy the reebok 26k again if i could find it in the color..it's priced extremely low now.35/40

but since it's going to be a physical league we might want a little more. especially since he got slashed in the wrist this spring in the wrist.

thoughts?...how much of a difference does it make?

money is no object

the weight differential is the

bauer one.6 = 245g

bauer one.8 = 281

bauer total ones = 300g

[rawkstar 45]

In my experience the jump from low end to mid is pretty significant in terms of protection, but then going from mid level to top of the line its mostly just better materials and stuff like anti microbial liner and what not. I don't think its really worth it if you're looking at weight and protection.

Maybe look into ccm gloves also, the kfs are basically the reeboks with ccm logo on it and the tacks gloves look like they have more protection around the wrist. I tried them on recently at the local shop here and they felt really nice.

[jonesy9020 77]

I agree with rawkstar on this one. Your mid-high end gloves are going to offer you the most value for the money. Look for a glove with high density foams or plastic inserts or both in the backhand and cuff. It might not make a difference...if nothing happens and he's lucky. But if he takes a hard shot/slash to the glove, you're going to be grateful for the higher level of protection.

The weight difference is negligible. If you can't adjust to a 40g increase, hit the gym.

[hellaavangard 33]

As far as retail gloves go, Warrior models with their "bone system" inserts are the most protective I've seen/used. Something like this might be good bang for your buck http://www.hockeymonkey.com/warrior-hockey-gloves-covert-dt2-bonex-sr.html

[jonesy9020 77]

If anyone wants to make specific suggestions, Ulf's son is in 12" gloves.

[Vet88 674]

A lot depends on how he likes the glove to fit - loose, firm, anatomical, long or short fingers, tight across the back of the hand, wrist mobility etc etc. I always advocate on buying the best gear you can afford, everyone falls, gets slashed etc and when it happens that's when you need the protection, regardless of what league you are playing in.

[Chadd 916]

I would be ok with anything that has plastic inserts and I would consider slash guards for his wrists if slashing is that much of a problem. If the league is that bad at the bantam level, I would consider looking for another option. It's tier 3, there aren't going to be any scholarship offers coming in.

[ulf 5]

has to be contoured. either reebok or bauer supreme..i see plenty of deals on these gloves. and they fit the best. can;t seem to find reebok in red

really need to know first hand nuances and upgrades on the bauer line from those who wear them.and not just from the item description...primarily from one.8 to NXG.....can't find my color in the one.6...so .i;m looking at $55 to $75 new for those 2 models high end models..is the NXG more comfortable and worth the extra 20 bucks to the one.8?

[AIREAYE 248]

Good question and I would agree with above. Absolutely not. The top tier programs in my area (Marlboros, Rebels etc.) And almost all rep team great programs I've dealt with for that matter regularly use either the level below top end (ex.X100, 28K) or two down (X80, 26K)

[jonesy9020 77]

I doubt there are many people who have worn both long term, but I've tried both on and here are my thoughts. As far as protection goes, they're probably both equal. They both have plastic inserts, they're both good gloves. They both felt solid. Comfort wise, I like a softer palm, and the NXG palm is significantly softer than the One.8. That's a preference thing though, and at the end of the day it depends whether you're willing to spend the extra dough for that feature. Especially for your kid, who might grow out of them before the palms even wear out, I'd save the money and go with the One.8.

[CB1 8]

From the CCM line up try the CCM Ultra Tacks 6052, not contoured but tapered. They have them in red. They have the 4 rolls in red, but may be too much volume if he likes contoured fit. As you said the 30K - 24K series doesn't come in red, so that is ruled out.

My son has to have all red gloves as well. Seems we always have to find the color option first and then see what style/fit they have in that color. That can help narrow down the options. Seems Bauer offers the most options color wise (in the top of the line gloves).

[ulf 5]

as much as i wanted to get him the one.6 i just couldn't find it in red coupled w/ a good price. all the better deals were on the one.8 and total one.

ended up getting the total one nxg for 67 because it was the best deal

he's okay w. it, but he hasn't had it on in practice yet..but it's overkill imo..that pad inside the glove is unnecessary and the finger pads are really big as well...i tried it on..it;s bulky and heavier just about everywhere...on the plus side the palm seems really thin and responsive..and if he gets slashed just about anywhere on this glove it will be more protective.

on a side note i tried on a ccm cs 400 at my LHS. i thought the finger dexterity was amazing on that glove..although i don't know what fit it was, i just put it on because it was red.....no way i was paying 89+tax for it even if i didn't buy the nxg