hrosenberg33
05-28-2007, 04:06 PM
(I decided against grades as my grading system is all relative to my taste, so it doesn't really help others. Also, because this is the first long-term review on a Verge set it is long and has lots of info.)
Purchase & Customer Service
After struggling mightily with pop-outs using a CCM Blockade glove, I realized that I was in need of a new glove. After much searching I decided to buy new gloves and for the first time ever purchase custom gloves. Since I have had previous experience with Battram gear, and Scott himself, it seemed like the obvious choice for me. I originally ordered a 5002 glove and a Myst blocker, since I had used a 5000 glove for a while and the Myst blocker was very similar to the CCM Blockade Blocker, which I was actually very happy with. After a few PM’s and conversations with Scott, he informed me there was a new blocker coming out, it was similar to the Vaughn Epic, with a different side-wall and also would be a little bit lighter. I figured it sounded and looked to be a good blocker (especially once I saw Chakal’s preview pics) so I changed my order to the new Verge blocker. Then, I asked Scott if there would be a new glove on it’s way and in fact there was. This was going to be a glove similar the Vaughn 5500/Epic, since I had heard so many raves regarding the 5500 I figured, might as well order this too.
All the ordering was officially through Tischa (all orders via the website and emails go through her, she's the brains of the operation, hehe) and unofficially through Scott via PM’s. Tischa was quick to get back to me, returning my emails promptly and ensuring the order was exactly the way I wanted. Scott was there to answer about 25-30 PM’s if not more, regarding everything from the colours to the wonderful finger ridge. Overall, a perfect buying experience.
Graphic
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/8683/gloveblocker6vf.th.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gloveblocker6vf.jpg)
Chakal Custom Graphic in White/Royal Blue/Silver all Weave.
I love the look of this graphic, I really think it makes the gloves look incredible, and in terms of a graphic for a glove and blocker I have yet to see a better one. I am ecstatic with how it turned out and am looking forward to my Vortek pads, which should match very nicely.
Design - Glove
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/5453/dsc001909mh.th.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc001909mh.jpg)
This glove is very similar in design to the Vaughn 5500/Epic gloves. The closure has a real natural feel with “palm” break, at about one inch below the line where your palm ends and fingers begin. I would say if anything it is in between a 45-60 degree break, although Scott does not really use/agree with that sort of classification.
Features
Finger Ridge
I ordered my glove with a finger ridge, for those of you that don’t know a finger ridge is a ridge that is placed along the palm side of the catch glove (internal to the glove) which aids in closing the glove and maintaining control of the glove. This adds to the ease of closing this glove by allowing me to really grip the love when I close it. If you can imagine, the ridge is a straight line “I”, this is a slight flaw, as my pinky and ring finger are much shorter than my index and middle finger. So the next gloves I order will certainly have the finger ridge, but I will order it in a “(“ shape so that my pinky can also grip the finger ridge.
T and Pocket
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/984/dsc001838cf.th.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc001838cf.jpg)
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/6066/dsc001827dy.th.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc001827dy.jpg)
It is a single T design, with a deep, but not ridiculously so, pocket.
Ability to Air Out
The glove opens at the cuff and across the back of the hand. It does not open 100% like the Smith gloves, and the design really looks like it could lend itself to 3 flaps which can open to allow for complete ventilation.
Internals
The inner palm area is made of a material called TECHNIWICKGRIP, its really a military grade developmental fabric which is being developed under the watchful eye of directors from the department of homeland security with input from the leading fabric suppliers, the idea is that it will wick away all of your sweat from your body so you can move in on your targets without letting off a stench to alert your target. The fabric can also be found in high end luxury cars, as well as on the space shuttle. Ok, just kidding, it’s called SUREGRIP which is incredible at wicking all moisture away, the palms don’t get sweaty and the glove is not even close to starting to smell at all. There is tones of palm padding (similar to the Gel-Tec) which also feels nice and soft against your hand. Your hand is held in place by a neoprene glove backing, which feels very comfortable, no awkward rubbing/scratching against the back of the glove.
Strapping
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/1712/dsc001794an.th.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc001794an.jpg)
The strapping allows for adjustment at the pinky and thumb with SUREGRIP type straps, then two nylon straps, one across your wrist and one across the knuckles and fingers. This strap acts in two areas, as you can see in the picture above, going across your knuckles and at a 45 degree angle across your fingers. In unison they all do a great job of making your hand feel secure in the glove. The wrist strap has a Jenpro wedge where it fits into, so that you can tighten it without removing the glove, yet there is no strap flapping around and annoying you.
Cheater
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/8206/dsc001805fz.th.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc001805fz.jpg)
This glove has a cheater that is at a 45 degree angle facing towards the play.
Eyelet Cover
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/4741/dsc001814ly.th.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc001814ly.jpg)
I absolutely HATE broken or rusted eyelets on a nice glove, so I asked Scott to place a cover over where the eyelets go, so far this area has received very little wear, but I know when it does start to look crappy, I can remove the cover and it will be good as new underneath.
Design - Blocker:
Board
This blocker has a board which is similar to the Vaughn Epic, the sides are angled, cutting down weight, and it is bindingless.
Sidewall
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/730/dsc001889cz.th.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc001889cz.jpg)
The sidewall has a helpful 1/2 inch cheater and lots of thumb and index protection. There is a lift (very similar to a knee lift) which keeps the sidewall perpendicular to the blocker board. When the blocker was new, it was difficult to hold my water bottle, but that is no longer an issue, just took a little working in.
.......continued below......
Purchase & Customer Service
After struggling mightily with pop-outs using a CCM Blockade glove, I realized that I was in need of a new glove. After much searching I decided to buy new gloves and for the first time ever purchase custom gloves. Since I have had previous experience with Battram gear, and Scott himself, it seemed like the obvious choice for me. I originally ordered a 5002 glove and a Myst blocker, since I had used a 5000 glove for a while and the Myst blocker was very similar to the CCM Blockade Blocker, which I was actually very happy with. After a few PM’s and conversations with Scott, he informed me there was a new blocker coming out, it was similar to the Vaughn Epic, with a different side-wall and also would be a little bit lighter. I figured it sounded and looked to be a good blocker (especially once I saw Chakal’s preview pics) so I changed my order to the new Verge blocker. Then, I asked Scott if there would be a new glove on it’s way and in fact there was. This was going to be a glove similar the Vaughn 5500/Epic, since I had heard so many raves regarding the 5500 I figured, might as well order this too.
All the ordering was officially through Tischa (all orders via the website and emails go through her, she's the brains of the operation, hehe) and unofficially through Scott via PM’s. Tischa was quick to get back to me, returning my emails promptly and ensuring the order was exactly the way I wanted. Scott was there to answer about 25-30 PM’s if not more, regarding everything from the colours to the wonderful finger ridge. Overall, a perfect buying experience.
Graphic
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/8683/gloveblocker6vf.th.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gloveblocker6vf.jpg)
Chakal Custom Graphic in White/Royal Blue/Silver all Weave.
I love the look of this graphic, I really think it makes the gloves look incredible, and in terms of a graphic for a glove and blocker I have yet to see a better one. I am ecstatic with how it turned out and am looking forward to my Vortek pads, which should match very nicely.
Design - Glove
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/5453/dsc001909mh.th.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc001909mh.jpg)
This glove is very similar in design to the Vaughn 5500/Epic gloves. The closure has a real natural feel with “palm” break, at about one inch below the line where your palm ends and fingers begin. I would say if anything it is in between a 45-60 degree break, although Scott does not really use/agree with that sort of classification.
Features
Finger Ridge
I ordered my glove with a finger ridge, for those of you that don’t know a finger ridge is a ridge that is placed along the palm side of the catch glove (internal to the glove) which aids in closing the glove and maintaining control of the glove. This adds to the ease of closing this glove by allowing me to really grip the love when I close it. If you can imagine, the ridge is a straight line “I”, this is a slight flaw, as my pinky and ring finger are much shorter than my index and middle finger. So the next gloves I order will certainly have the finger ridge, but I will order it in a “(“ shape so that my pinky can also grip the finger ridge.
T and Pocket
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/984/dsc001838cf.th.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc001838cf.jpg)
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/6066/dsc001827dy.th.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc001827dy.jpg)
It is a single T design, with a deep, but not ridiculously so, pocket.
Ability to Air Out
The glove opens at the cuff and across the back of the hand. It does not open 100% like the Smith gloves, and the design really looks like it could lend itself to 3 flaps which can open to allow for complete ventilation.
Internals
The inner palm area is made of a material called TECHNIWICKGRIP, its really a military grade developmental fabric which is being developed under the watchful eye of directors from the department of homeland security with input from the leading fabric suppliers, the idea is that it will wick away all of your sweat from your body so you can move in on your targets without letting off a stench to alert your target. The fabric can also be found in high end luxury cars, as well as on the space shuttle. Ok, just kidding, it’s called SUREGRIP which is incredible at wicking all moisture away, the palms don’t get sweaty and the glove is not even close to starting to smell at all. There is tones of palm padding (similar to the Gel-Tec) which also feels nice and soft against your hand. Your hand is held in place by a neoprene glove backing, which feels very comfortable, no awkward rubbing/scratching against the back of the glove.
Strapping
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/1712/dsc001794an.th.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc001794an.jpg)
The strapping allows for adjustment at the pinky and thumb with SUREGRIP type straps, then two nylon straps, one across your wrist and one across the knuckles and fingers. This strap acts in two areas, as you can see in the picture above, going across your knuckles and at a 45 degree angle across your fingers. In unison they all do a great job of making your hand feel secure in the glove. The wrist strap has a Jenpro wedge where it fits into, so that you can tighten it without removing the glove, yet there is no strap flapping around and annoying you.
Cheater
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/8206/dsc001805fz.th.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc001805fz.jpg)
This glove has a cheater that is at a 45 degree angle facing towards the play.
Eyelet Cover
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/4741/dsc001814ly.th.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc001814ly.jpg)
I absolutely HATE broken or rusted eyelets on a nice glove, so I asked Scott to place a cover over where the eyelets go, so far this area has received very little wear, but I know when it does start to look crappy, I can remove the cover and it will be good as new underneath.
Design - Blocker:
Board
This blocker has a board which is similar to the Vaughn Epic, the sides are angled, cutting down weight, and it is bindingless.
Sidewall
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/730/dsc001889cz.th.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc001889cz.jpg)
The sidewall has a helpful 1/2 inch cheater and lots of thumb and index protection. There is a lift (very similar to a knee lift) which keeps the sidewall perpendicular to the blocker board. When the blocker was new, it was difficult to hold my water bottle, but that is no longer an issue, just took a little working in.
.......continued below......