What c/a do you guys use?

[whalercane]

Hey, I'm in the market for a new c/a. I am still using my Vaughn 1400 from the late '90s and while it's in pristene condition (appearance-wise), I've been getting some stingers lately which leads me to the obvious conclusion that the padding's beginning to break down (or that composite sticks should be outlawed!!! ).

Anyway, here's my dilemma: because I play ice and roller and I like to use all the same equipment for both, I'm looking for a senior-level c/a that will suffice for house league roller and C-level ice.

Real quick, here's what I already know I DON'T want:

• something big and bulky
• anything over $200 (assuming the c/a's being bought new)

Here's what I DO want:

• lightweight
• good mobility
• good shoulder protection

Actually, I've been eyeing up the Itech CPElite Sr. model, but I don't know much about it.

Anyway- fire away guys...

Thanks,
Ryan

[JawzTerritory]

Currently I am playing with the RBK 6k (you know that hideous lime green one). The padding is excellent but I really dont like it because it is too heavy and bulky. I have had it for a couple months now and I am not sure if it is really all the way broken in. I know you said you are not looking for something to bulky, so just a note to stay away from this protector. I have heard some good things about the X Pulse however, padding is good and lighter then the 6k. Dont know if you were even looking at RBK but just to feed you some knowledge

[whalercane]

Currently I am playing with the RBK 6k (you know that hideous lime green one). The padding is excellent but I really dont like it because it is too heavy and bulky. I have had it for a couple months now and I am not sure if it is really all the way broken in. I know you said you are not looking for something to bulky, so just a note to stay away from this protector. I have heard some good things about the X Pulse however, padding is good and lighter then the 6k. Dont know if you were even looking at RBK but just to feed you some knowledge

Actually, that was really helpful because the 6k was one of the c/a's I was looking at since it seems to offer decent protection at a mid-level price. But, like you say, if it's too bulky (or even feels bulky), I probably ought to keep looking.

Thanks for the heads-up,
Ryan

[Tekkaman]

If your looking for great protection and great mobility, and you don't mind paying an extra 50 bucks (i know, you said you don't want over 200) But i heard great things about the Simmons 993 c/a. it's always good to invest in a good c/a, especially if you want to keep the bruises to a minimum. I think, it'd be great for you since your going to play both ice and inline. I have the itech cpPro c/a, its pretty much the last years model of the pro xwing this year. It's somewhat bulky, so i'm guessing the elite is similar. Hope this helps!

Tek

[whalercane]

If your looking for great protection and great mobility, and you don't mind paying an extra 50 bucks (i know, you said you don't want over 200) But i heard great things about the Simmons 993 c/a. it's always good to invest in a good c/a, especially if you want to keep the bruises to a minimum. I think, it'd be great for you since your going to play both ice and inline. I have the itech cpPro c/a, its pretty much the last years model of the pro xwing this year. It's somewhat bulky, so i'm guessing the elite is similar. Hope this helps!

Tek

Thanks- I'll look into that. I'm guessing I just go to Simmons website?

[MBurke]

Thanks- I'll look into that. I'm guessing I just go to Simmons website?

www.blairwitch.com

But seriously - that's a pretty solid CA from what I've heard, especially at the price point you're looking.

[Tekkaman]

Yeah, check it out! I have yet to hear bad things about it, you can go to Goaliestore.com and check out the huge thread on it, everyone say's its amazing. It's rather funny, its so mobile, the one guy said you can drink a beer while wearing it LOL. Now that's a great test of mobility

[whalercane]

Yep, all the 993 c/a reviews look good- thanks for the head's up on this one Tek.

[ProPIHAGoalie]

I wear the BROWN JB-2200CA Pro Elite, but that's just what I like.

http://brownhockey.com/?p=hockey&show=2200ca

[whalercane]

Hey, about the Brown c/a: Are the elbow floaters sewn in or tied? I had an old Brown c/a about 10yrs ago and the floaters were sewn in which was a pain in the arse for me because I have short arms, so my elbows never really sat right and there was nothing I could do about it unless I felt like breaking out grandma's old sewing machine.

The piece does really look mobile though- not very bulky from the pics on their site which is def good. Is it in the sub-$300 range, if you don't mind me asking??

-Ryan

[ProPIHAGoalie]

Hey, about the Brown c/a: Are the elbow floaters sewn in or tied? I had an old Brown c/a about 10yrs ago and the floaters were sewn in which was a pain in the arse for me because I have short arms, so my elbows never really sat right and there was nothing I could do about it unless I felt like breaking out grandma's old sewing machine.

The piece does really look mobile though- not very bulky from the pics on their site which is def good. Is it in the sub-$300 range, if you don't mind me asking??

-Ryan

Hey,

The elbows are actually adjustable via 4 velcro straps on each elbow. The price was actually $650 for it . You were just a little off...........

[Tekkaman]

Josh my man, you paid too much for that c/a. I just got a brown jb2100 from Wesco Sports for 399. Actually you can get all the brown series for 399. The website is wescosports.com if anyone needs to know. They have a great selection and at great prices. Josh, goodluck on your game on saturday against the bandits!!!!!

[Goaltndr48]

I really liked the feel of the Vaughn Vault, but now they are discontinued. Figures.

[whalercane]

I really liked the feel of the Vaughn Vault, but now they are discontinued. Figures.

I wouldn't recommend any Vaughn c/a, personally- the arm protection is inadequate at best...

-Ryan

[imasieve30]

I wouldn't recommend any Vaughn c/a, personally- the arm protection is inadequate at best...

-Ryan

To me, C/A's are the hardest piece of equipment to buy, period (next is gloves). I wore the same C/A for 8-9 years before I finally found the EXACT same model in a Pro Return and was able to snatch it up. I think it comes down to your style.

Some goaltenders may prefer to feel the puck a little more to help control rebounds and locate the puck after a save. I've always used a Vaughn for these reasons. Sure, I've taken a stinger here or there but in my opinion its worth it for the level of "puck awareness" it gives me. I suppose if you are a blocking style goaltender, you want the biggest widest suit of armor you can buy.

Here is the main reason I would suggest Vaughn. They are goalie company. I know several amateur goaltenders who have sent their C/A's to Vaughn to be rebuilt or add additional protection (ribs, biceps, collarbone area, ect.). Vaughn is willing to do modifications for customers.
If your Vaughn gear breaks down, they will rebuild it for you. I'm not sure what other companies offer that but I haven't heard of many. Their build quality is also second to none, so you should be able to get a lot of life out of their C/A before it does break down.

Just my opinion.

-Joe