Throughout the years I’ve always bought middle of the road type of equipment with the exception of a helmet. It was that time when I was in need of virtually almost all new equipment, I figured this time around I would spend the extra coin and pick up a ‘top of the line’ set of equipment for once in hopes it might last a little longer than cheaper products and provide additional protection and mobility over the cheaper line of comparable gear.
These shoulder pads have turned out to be absolutely awesome. First practice I wore them we practiced pinching off forwards on the boards entering the zone with hits. We alternated between giving the hits and receiving the hits. These shoulder pads protected me perfectly, never felt a thing absorbing hits by guys 6’4 225 giving the boom on my 5’8 170 body.
What really made these shoulder pads different than any I’ve owned is I didn’t notice they were there because they weigh next to nothing and there was no annoying strap or cheap material rubbing a piece of my skin raw from wearing them and having them shift around. All quality pieces were used constructing the shoulder pads where they contact the skin. There was not a single red mark on my body after using them. The mobility I got from them is unmatched by any shoulder pad I’ve worn, never felt like my movement was restricted while stick handling. I’m so amped up about these shoulder pads used them a few times now and have nothing but rave reviews about everything pertaining to them.
For the money they will cost 30-40$ over a middle of the road pair of shoulder pads but they are worth it. I would be surprised if anyone every regretted spending the extra cash on these. My stick handling is better, am more protected and couldn’t be more comfortable wearing shoulder pads, these should last me I’m hoping a couple years possibly a 3rd I play adult ice hockey. Only thing I will add is I’m 5’8 went to a store prior to buying them, which I would recommend you do as well if that is an option, and tried on a pair of Easton shoulder pads and found the medium to be a little small for me. My upper body is fairly thick from upper body lifting perhaps that is why the fitment was small. I ended up going with a large and feel it fits my frame perfectly. All in all I give these shoulder pads A++.