References for understanding pro gear brands/names

[Paddy 11]

Only part you need to read: How can I identify and understand gear that is/was only available to pros?

 

Back story:

Beer league has been fun, and i got away with minimal padding for a while. Last week i learned that i think I'd rather lug around heavier protective gear for those once in a blue moon big spills.

Specifically, I'm looking into shoulder pads. My minimalist low end shoulders had been more than enough for the light contact up to this point. Most of what i know about my "crash" is based on what teammates told me. What i do know is the pain I've got in my ribs on one side, and shoulder on the opposite.

My research has me interested in retail shoulder pads that are now multiple generations discontinued. However, i see many members here talk about ebay and sidelineswap gems that are non-retail available pro shoulders. Reebok comes up a lot, even Jofa, but the naming conventions leave me lost.

 

Tldr: how can I identify and understand gear that is/was only available to pros?

[beerleaguecaptain 999]

You don’t need pro stock to get protective gear. 

[puckpilot 312]

If you're looking for more rib protection, you might have a better time just getting padded base layers, instead of trying to track down old gear.

 

 

 

[stick9 890]

13 hours ago, dkmiller3356 said:

You don’t need pro stock to get protective gear. 

...and you can't protect against every possible scenario. Spills happen, as do bumps and bruises. 

I wouldn't change things up for what may be a one time thing. If this were a reoccurring issue I may look to better protect that area.

[Goonsquad 209]

I hear @DKMiller3356 gets injured browsing gear...

[Monty22 832]

50 minutes ago, Goonsquad said:

I hear @DKMiller3356 gets injured browsing gear...

Only if he doesn't stretch beforehand.

[Paddy 11]

9 hours ago, stick9 said:

...and you can't protect against every possible scenario. Spills happen, as do bumps and bruises. 

I wouldn't change things up for what may be a one time thing. If this were a reoccurring issue I may look to better protect that area.

Yea, that was actually my initial thought. But if lightning strikes twice, I'm going to be one unhappy camper.