how can you tell if shins and elbows are going bad?

[akravetz 29]

My shins and elbows are both X:30 Vapors from maybe 2010 or so. They are okay but I worry that they are starting to break down. My question. How can you tell if the elbow pad or the shin guard is breaking down foam wise or protective wise before you take a spill. I'm 48. I don't really wanna wind up with a swollen elbow or blown out knee. Thoughts from the gear gurus. 

 

Andy in Peoria

[IPv6Freely 2096]

For shins I knew it was time when the plastics started digging into the top of my shins. Sucks too because I LOVED those shin pads.

[akravetz 29]

Okay, that makes sense. My have the plastic piece in the calf or the bicep guard starting to eat its way through the fabric. Plus, they stink like holy hell. 🙂

 

Andy in Peoria

[dlwst44 0]

On ‎11‎/‎29‎/‎2018 at 10:03 PM, akravetz said:

Okay, that makes sense. My have the plastic piece in the calf or the bicep guard starting to eat its way through the fabric. Plus, they stink like holy hell. 🙂

 

Andy in Peoria

Wash them in your washing machine with detergent and Borax powder. It works good for elbow pads, shoulder pads, and pants too. Must have either a front loader or a top loader without an agitator.

[akravetz 29]

Sadly, I have neither. :) I take the padding out and let it air out. I have washed that but I think after 10 years or so of use (40 to 60 games a year plus stick and puck), the stench is engrained. 

[dlwst44 0]

18 minutes ago, akravetz said:

Sadly, I have neither. 🙂 I take the padding out and let it air out. I have washed that but I think after 10 years or so of use (40 to 60 games a year plus stick and puck), the stench is engrained. 

Borax will neutralize anything, I use it to wash my dogs blankets, beds, collars, harnesses, she's a very gross oily and sweaty pit bull. It cuts through all of her funk and makes it like new again. I wash all my gear in it, it even detoxes my goalie stuff, and that takes more sweat than anything.

[akravetz 29]

Thanks. I'll try it but I think I'll try it on a old, used pair. The idea of soaking my gear just scares me.