Shoulder Pads

[penguinpelts 7]

I've reached the point where I've lost enough weight that my shoulder pads are starting to shift a little too much. I'm also one of those people that thinks Bauer's three separate lines is more of a marketing technique, because I've checked out some gear from all three lines and can't tell a difference with any of it.

 

Question is: Does anyone have suggestions for a model of Bauer shoulder pads that offers the most protection? I've invested quite a few thousand dollars in shoulder surgeries, so I'm not afraid to spend some money on a top of the line pair, as long as it does its job.

[mc88 160]

Depends on your wants. For example, some of the "best" protection might be bulky and have blocky shoulders and you may not like the look.

 

Soooooo.... Try on a bunch of shoulder pads and see which one FEELS the best. Don't go in with a "must be Bauer" attitude, because you might find none of them even fit all that well to your body.

 

With that said, here are some of the most common shoulder pads you'll find in use around the NHL (if it's good enough for the Pros, should be more than plenty for rec. leagues):

 

Jofa/RBK

- 5k/6k/7k -- sometimes with Warrior caps

 

CCM

- U+ Pro (these are built like tanks)

- Crazy Light U+

 

NBH/Bauer

- APX2

- Pro Defendor

- Pro  Series (Nexus variant)

 

Warrior

- Pro Series

- AX1

 

Eagle

- X905 PPF Pro

 

 

Since I've separated the AC joint in my left shoulder, I decided to create some frankenpads. A variant of a small CCM CL U+ chest piece with some CCM Vector 08 medium caps. The advantage of having a lightweight chest piece with great, protective shoulder caps. However, I also have a pair of U+ Pros that are great too. They're low profile shoulder caps (so no football player look) and super protective; however, compared to my frankenpads, they're stiffer and a bit heavy.

[syinx 139]

Easton Pro 10s are absolute tanks.  HSX as well.

[penguinpelts 7]

Checking in on this thread because I've had some developments. I recently had a scare on the ice where I thought I tore my rotator cuff, but fortunately it was just a mild sprain and I won't need surgery.

 

So to change my original question, are there any brands of shoulder pads that boast more stability and doesn't allow you to reach outside of that comfort zone at all? I thought Supremes would be the route to go, because they are more form fitting, but was recently told Nexus would be best because they cover more area, which I don't necessarily think in this situation is what I need.

 

What are your guy's thoughts?

[Zorlac 22]

Bauer's fit DOES follow what they say, even in shoulder pads.   Not sure how you can't tell a difference in fit comparing say...MX3 shoulders to APX2 shoulders in the same size.

These two have a totally different fit and feel. Sure, you can adjust straps to make one more like the other, but the concept still applies.. 

All three top end shoulders from Bauer are great choices.  Maybe try them on again with a jersey over 'em, move around, adjust straps, etc...

 

Good luck, post back with your choice!

[Ps12 11]

On March 21, 2016 at 1:15 AM, syinx said:

Easton Pro 10s are absolute tanks.  HSX as well.

Can you elaborate on the Easton pro 10s?  

 

I have the  hsx and don't feel it's as protective for the shoulder compared to the eq50s which I currently use.  It is light and protective with the exo skeleton layers but I'm concerned about the shoulder. 

 

If I was to replace the eq50 I would lean towards the nexus line based on the shoulder cap design. 

 

It's hard to do testing for this but I have taken hits to the shoulder in eq50 that I feel would have hurt more with the hsx. 

 

I do like the look of the pro 10 and love that it has the rib wrap which I wish more shoulder pads would incorporate. The eq50 has something similar and has save me a few times going sideways into the goal.  The shoulder cap design looks very similar to the hsx so I'm curious what your thoughts are. 

[tpedersen3118 58]

I sufferered an AC separation 2 months ago. I now wear shoulder pads as I'm not interested in ever having that injury again. I looked all over and after 3 failed pads and found the Vapor X100's to be the best for me. I wanted protection, mobility, and a low profile fit. I did try some Easton Stealth S19's from HG that were great but a little too bulky for me, Easton Stealth C9.0's which were junk, and some Nexus 4000's which were ok, but not very mobile. 

 

If if you are looking for a stout pad, check out the Bauer Nexus line, Easton Pro10's, and Warrior pads. Make sure you can try them all on or end up like me shipping things back and forth.

[tpedersen3118 58]

5 hours ago, Ps12 said:

Can you elaborate on the Easton pro 10s?  

 

I have the  hsx and don't feel it's as protective for the shoulder compared to the eq50s which I currently use.  It is light and protective with the exo skeleton layers but I'm concerned about the shoulder. 

 

If I was to replace the eq50 I would lean towards the nexus line based on the shoulder cap design. 

 

It's hard to do testing for this but I have taken hits to the shoulder in eq50 that I feel would have hurt more with the hsx. 

 

I do like the look of the pro 10 and love that it has the rib wrap which I wish more shoulder pads would incorporate. The eq50 has something similar and has save me a few times going sideways into the goal.  The shoulder cap design looks very similar to the hsx so I'm curious what your thoughts are. 

 Pro 10's are designed after / are essentially a prostock pad. Shoulder caps have a plastic cap sandwiched between thicker foams which is a requirement for prostock pads, plus they just have more padding all around.

 

[vinprun71 61]

After playing a game this week with my Winnwell DZL shoulder pads, I had a little collision tweaking my left shoulder. Nothing serious, but enough for me to consider changing the shoulder caps on my pads. I finally decided to go the frankenpad route utilizing my speedy stitcher for the first time. I'm pretty pleased with the results. If you're considering frankenpads of your own, I highly recommend giving it a whirl. The sewing awl is much easier to use than you think. I feel like many people struggle to get the perfect set of pads. This is a great way to make the pads work for you instead of you working for the pads. Example links provided below.

https://ibb.co/na7k6Q
https://ibb.co/hg8smQ
https://ibb.co/icgCmQ

[tpedersen3118 58]

On 5/18/2017 at 10:15 AM, vinprun71 said:

After playing a game this week with my Winnwell DZL shoulder pads, I had a little collision tweaking my left shoulder. Nothing serious, but enough for me to consider changing the shoulder caps on my pads. I finally decided to go the frankenpad route utilizing my speedy stitcher for the first time. I'm pretty pleased with the results. If you're considering frankenpads of your own, I highly recommend giving it a whirl. The sewing awl is much easier to use than you think. I feel like many people struggle to get the perfect set of pads. This is a great way to make the pads work for you instead of you working for the pads. Example links provided below.

https://ibb.co/na7k6Q
https://ibb.co/hg8smQ
https://ibb.co/icgCmQ

I like these! Did you have the donor caps or have to buy them? I'm thinking of doing the same with some X100 caps and Pro Vintage shoulders. While there is nothing wrong with wearing just my X100 pads, they are a little warm and more protection than I need

[vinprun71 61]

On 5/20/2017 at 2:02 PM, tpedersen3118 said:

I like these! Did you have the donor caps or have to buy them? I'm thinking of doing the same with some X100 caps and Pro Vintage shoulders. While there is nothing wrong with wearing just my X100 pads, they are a little warm and more protection than I need

Thanks. I took the caps off a set of Bauer APX shoulder pads I held on to. I didn't care for the bulkiness of the chest piece of the APX. Glad I could make use of the caps for this project.