Battram C/A Review

[ScJeff]

Well i just got this yesterday. But have time. So ill write a preliminary teview. Ill update this later on.

What was ordered;
C/A with IPU logo as graphic on chest.
Extra Rib Padding.
Rest stock, Camo coloured.

Customer Service;(10/10)
Does that even need to be said anymore? Scott was creat to deal with. He did my custom graphic to perfection, and called em to discuss it breifly. He did wake me up...but it was worth it. Turned out very well. Communication was alot as im impatient. I ordered my chest protector on a monday i beleive and it was started that wensday or thursday, sent friday, at my door monday. It was amazing speed, and quality. The sizing was made to perfection for my specs... but if i were to order again id ask for mayeb 1/2 inch or and inch shorter arms.

First ice time;
When i first put it on, and my jersey over top i felt horrible. im coming frmo a DR 5.2 with aslot fo the padding ripped off(many areas with a puck hitting me would end up hitting bone right one). So i wasnt used toa fair sized chest protector. I tried to fidgit witht he straps at home, but realized i failed miserably.

When i got on the ice the first thing i did was test my shot. I play the puck... ALOT. So this was key. Actually my acurracy was better when i was playing around in practice. was making 40%-50% of my shots in the net(from one side of rink to other simulating me scoring a goal). The height was perfect to, if i had any room i feel confident i can score. ive only had one chance in my life and hit the post. My teammate put it in though so i still got an assist! I think i had less power but mroe accuracy.

When i got in the net in warmups, i felt over bulky. My legs and trapper/blocker felt smaller because my chest felt bigger. THe straping was horrible. When i got into the game(well pickup hockey in summer), my team got dominated. I faced probably 40-45 shots in the hour. The other goalie maybe 5. I gave up a goal or two early, i think i just felt unconfident. THe chest really stuck out and affected my vision when looking down. Throughout the hour i gave up horrible rebounds. I gave up 6 or 7 goals, and played pretty bad. After the first 10 minutes it wasnt the first shot that was the issue, it was poor rebounds and rebound control.

Since i had two hours i hustled off the ice to take advantage of my 10 minutes. I fidgited more, tightened a few straps, removed a small peice, just tweeked it out. When i put my jersey back on it felt alot better. I got back on the ice, and i think i felt better which made me more confident. My vision was better looking down as the chest protector didnt interfere with my mask. I got around 15 shots this hour, and only gave up one goal which i still got a peice of. I felt alot more mobile. Near the end since I did not get much action i started doign what i do WAY to much... deeking. When I play teh puck adn have 1 agreasive forchecker on me, with room behind him, i put a small move on him to get it past him and give me more options. I know i sholdnt, but ive honestly never given up a goal as a result of this. Ive set up a few. So i did this about three times and felt good, getting it past them everytime. So i felt good.

I still had issue with mobility and range in some of my movements. Im associatign those with the fact i have not broken this in yet. Merely played two hours,and wore it a half hour at home. Im thinking this will be a good unit. Arms i still dont like as i feel them too long but i can live with that.

I do strongly suggest the rib padding, i havnt gotten hit there but i see how it can help, and doesnt abstuct mobility. It isnt the most mobile unit but worth it for protection.

OVERALL SO FAR IMPRESSIONS;
Cusotomer service;10/10

Protection; Before i messed around with it 11/10, after messing aroudn with it 9/10(it made it more mobile, but i see a place where if im hit off a deflection padding is less... but thats my choice, my pant will normally cover it)

Mobility; First hour;4/10, second hour 6/10, When broken in i can see it going to 7 or 8.

Graphic; 9/10, very nicely done.

I wont place pics here... scott can you do that? I really want them to see real pcis not my cameras pics!:P lol.

[Jim**]

what piece did you remove? any pics?
Congrats on the new CA
cheers
Jim

[ScJeff]

Theres pics in "scott!....pm clear"? And it is really bad pics. Scott says he has beter ones hopefully he'll post em.

i removed teh bottom part of the chest protector thats laced in. was interfering with my pants/pads.

[Jim**]

Theres pics in "scott!....pm clear"? And it is really bad pics. Scott says he has beter ones hopefully he'll post em.

i removed teh bottom part of the chest protector thats laced in. was interfering with my pants/pads.

Ok. i see the pics.. nice looking CA!
congrats
:D

[ScJeff]

Looks better when pics are taken by a non-**** camera:)

Thanks im glad to have it.

used it again today. played bad. THe breathabiltiy of the c/a is worse then my old one, so im thinking of goign topless underneath to see how that works.

[Ryano42]

My 5000 C/A was on the hot side for a while till I either got used to it or it broke in.

Break in process for C/A's is never fun and really scews with your game for a while. I usually try to do it in the offseason so fewer people will hear me swearin'! ;)

[BoltThrower]

Looks better when pics are taken by a non-**** camera:)

Thanks im glad to have it.

used it again today. played bad. THe breathabiltiy of the c/a is worse then my old one, so im thinking of goign topless underneath to see how that works.

RE: Heat - get one of those RBK Play-Dri undershirts. Even better than the UnderArmour ones. I stay 100% cooler since I switched from a t-shirt to one of these.

[Beccaraptor]

Yeah I wear one of those WSI heat dispersing shirts under my Brown unit and it helps tremendously. On the ice it isn't too bad but in roller hockey OMG! I feel like I am going to die out there! I try to let the air flow through the unit when the play is at the other end of the rink. Moving around a bit helps, just skate out to the side of the rink and back.

I bet that C/A feels like a tank compared to your former C/A!

[chakal]

I never talked about it because I made a review when I got my first Battram c/a 1.5 year ago. But I still like it a lot. I got a new one last January, this one:
http://www.battram.com/images/upper/upper051.jpg

I removed the red padding sticking out from under the main shoulder floaters. It gives me better arms movement and it flattens the chest. The unit is light and breaths well.

[king tut]

I never talked about it because I made a review when I got my first Battram c/a 1.5 year ago. But I still like it a lot. I got a new one last January, this one:
http://www.battram.com/images/upper/upper051.jpg

I removed the red padding sticking out from under the main shoulder floaters. It gives me better arms movement and it flattens the chest. The unit is light and breaths well.

Dave, Can you tell me how you removed the Red padding and is it a hard job to do and did you loose any protection by doing this????? Please let me know because I want to do the same thing to mine.

Thanks, Bruno...

kingtut400@yahoo.com

[chakal]

Dave, Can you tell me how you removed the Red padding and is it a hard job to do and did you loose any protection by doing this????? Please let me know because I want to do the same thing to mine.

Thanks, Bruno...

kingtut400@yahoo.com

Just need a good X-Acto or good cisors. The things are sewn under the main floaters. Just need to cut them there. They're just made of soft foam, so it's easy. Nothing was loose after that. It's working very well for me.

[king tut]

Dave, If you could possibly show me a pic, I would appreciate it very much. I just dont want to screw anything up. Id also like to see how yours looks.Are you going to sell your current Battram Set now that you got the new Eagles??????

Thanks Much, Bruno...

[chakal]

Dave, If you could possibly show me a pic, I would appreciate it very much. I just dont want to screw anything up. Id also like to see how yours looks.Are you going to sell your current Battram Set now that you got the new Eagles??????

Thanks Much, Bruno...

I think I'll be keeping both for a little while. Just in case I can't get use to the new one or I don't know. I feel safer with both for now. But for sure, one of them will go since I'm planning for something new around christmas.

I'll take pictures of my c/a at home tonight.

[king tut]

Dave, Appreciate that very much. Ill be looking forward to seeing the pics.

Thanks Again, Bruno...

[Scott Battram]

Its going to be hard to top the Chakal graphics set David... but we will do our best! hahah I know that I always make David a happy guy at Christmas time!!

[chakal]

Its going to be hard to top the Chakal graphics set David... but we will do our best! hahah I know that I always make David a happy guy at Christmas time!!

Well, for now (and who knows how many time I'll change my mind until then) I tweaked to Fury stock graphic a bit. I really like what I came up with. For now, it's more of Royal and white with red and sport gold accents.

But, it will probably change since I'm usually making up my mind just before the final day! LOL

[Cujo_64]

Chakal, that c/a looks like a tank.... I have made my decision that when I get a new C/A I will be calling Scott, as he does custom and Im hearing nothing but good things about protection, now just to choose which one and go from there on price.... Im not used to paying more than 250 for a C.A but I know its a good investment.

rob

[Jim**]

Dave, Can you tell me how you removed the Red padding and is it a hard job to do and did you loose any protection by doing this????? Please let me know because I want to do the same thing to mine.

Thanks, Bruno...

kingtut400@yahoo.com

Bruno,
keep me posted.. because i just got a new Battram and may want to perform the same mod.. let me know how it goes.
cheers
Jim

[chakal]

Here are some pictures. On the one of them I drew in green where the removed pieces were. On the other one, you can see how I cut it.

What I didn't said yet, is that it adds a bit of arm movement.
http://ncw.qc.ca/accesinterdit/hockey-gear/BrownC-a/DSC00152.jpg
http://ncw.qc.ca/accesinterdit/hockey-gear/BrownC-a/DSC00153.jpg

[ScJeff]

http://www.goaliestore.com/board/equipment-reviews/68234-battram-c.html#post1049882

Scott like my goalie life plug?;)


....."What I didn't said yet, is that it adds a bit of harm movement and freedom.".... im really tired so it might jsut be me. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THAT SENTENCE MEANS! lol.

[chakal]

http://www.goaliestore.com/board/equipment-reviews/68234-battram-c.html#post1049882
....."What I didn't said yet, is that it adds a bit of harm movement and freedom.".... im really tired so it might jsut be me. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THAT SENTENCE MEANS! lol.

I corrected it (I think). It means that without the under-floaters padding, you're less restricted, bringing your arms in front of you is easier. In my stance, I got my hands way in front of me, by taking out the extra pieces, it's now more comfortable.

[king tut]

Dave, How many pieces did you remove???? Ill look at mine tomorrow and perform the surgery. Ive been working nights lately. Will keep you informed.

Thanks Again, Bruno...

[chakal]

I removed one piece on each side only. Just the one who's sewn under the floater.

[king tut]

Dave, Got it!!!!

thanks, Bruno...

[Jim**]

Here are some pictures. On the one of them I drew in green where the removed pieces were. On the other one, you can see how I cut it.

What I didn't said yet, is that it adds a bit of arm movement.
http://ncw.qc.ca/accesinterdit/hockey-gear/BrownC-a/DSC00152.jpg
http://ncw.qc.ca/accesinterdit/hockey-gear/BrownC-a/DSC00153.jpg

Awesome CA David,
I will be strongly considering this mod. it is tough to cut into a brand new
CA. I will use a few more times b4 surgery.
Also seeing that my new Battramize Maltese combo is enroute i may take off the neck guard.
pics to follow.
thank you for the pics!!
It is sharp looking!!
congrats
Jim

[Sprawl]

here's an idea.as i've seen this similar mod done many times now as people are tryign to trim up their shoulder floaters

instead of sewing that one peice in, Perhaps scott can
use Velcro to attach it. That way it's removable and addable easily?

[chakal]

here's an idea.as i've seen this similar mod done many times now as people are tryign to trim up their shoulder floaters

instead of sewing that one peice in, Perhaps scott can
use Velcro to attach it. That way it's removable and addable easily?

Personally, I would put eyelets and a small lace to hold them. I would fear velcro wouldn't have a strong enough hold.

[Moving Target]

Personally, I would put eyelets and a small lace to hold them......

agreed...my new CA will hopefully arrive in a few days time.

I talked to Scott about making an 'adaptable CA' (for ice roller and field hockey).

He's hopefully managed to add some customizations (extra wrist guards and kidney pads) but I intend to Mod the rest of it myself (following same Chaks idea)

I just want it to arrive now:mad:

[Scott Battram]

What I did with the wrist guards, was to make the inners more padded for you, I tried the slash pad idea I had but it caught on the uppers arms and didnt allow them to rotate... You will find the padding in the forearm is probably more than enough!!

[Moving Target]

What I did with the wrist guards, was to make the inners more padded for you, I tried the slash pad idea I had but it caught on the uppers arms and didnt allow them to rotate... You will find the padding in the forearm is probably more than enough!!

great stuff...looking forward to it:D

(for the others: my field hockey 'blockers' ..(I don't have a catcher)... are made from high density foam .....and stress injuries are common after repeated impact to the lower arm (think: baseballs made from hard resin)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

edit: received its yesterday and its absolutely superb!

I got two factory Mods: pro-rib protectors and the thickend wrist guards (photos to come)

FYI: the average delivery time (door-to-door) seems to be 7 days....(that included customs etc)

Great work Scott and Tischa

:)

[RichMan]

David...do you still feel there's enough shoulder protection and bicep protection, especially with your arms close to the body when you're in the b-fly?

Rich


Here are some pictures. On the one of them I drew in green where the removed pieces were. On the other one, you can see how I cut it.

What I didn't said yet, is that it adds a bit of arm movement.
http://ncw.qc.ca/accesinterdit/hockey-gear/BrownC-a/DSC00152.jpg
http://ncw.qc.ca/accesinterdit/hockey-gear/BrownC-a/DSC00153.jpg

[Jase96]

Don't mean to revive an old thread but what I did instead of removing this under flap completely was to just fold it under the main shoulder wings. Has a similar effect, and it pushes the shoulder flap out more and results in the same protection without the movement restrictions.


Here are some pictures. On the one of them I drew in green where the removed pieces were. On the other one, you can see how I cut it.

What I didn't said yet, is that it adds a bit of arm movement.
http://ncw.qc.ca/accesinterdit/hockey-gear/BrownC-a/DSC00152.jpg
http://ncw.qc.ca/accesinterdit/hockey-gear/BrownC-a/DSC00153.jpg

[MC Lazysave]

I'm looking into getting a Battram Pro C/A. I know that when it comes to protection, quality, and craftmanship Battram is as good as it gets, so that isn't an issue. What I honestly need to know is the following:

1- How flexible is it, espeacially the arms? Will it take a long time to break in?
2-How light is it?
3- How bulky is it, is it over kill (too big)? I know that looks are n't everything, but I don't want to look like a big fat sumo wrestler either.

Would appreciate as much feed back as possible
Thanks!!!!!

[baronvonnekots]

I'm looking into getting a Battram Pro C/A. I know that when it comes to protection, quality, and craftmanship Battram is as good as it gets, so that isn't an issue. What I honestly need to know is the following:

1- How flexible is it, espeacially the arms? Will it take a long time to break in?
2-How light is it?
3- How bulky is it, is it over kill (too big)? I know that looks are n't everything, but I don't want to look like a big fat sumo wrestler either.

Would appreciate as much feed back as possible
Thanks!!!!!

1) I dont know if it is just me, but the unit when i got it seemed really flexible out of the box, i might be the exception not the rule. As many have said it is stiff out of the box, But i was able to function properly with the unit on (throw helmet on and off touch ears etc etc) with the first use. The first time I used it, after adjusting a bit and waving my arms like a lunatic, it felt similar to my year old Simmons 993

2) It is a front heavy unit, but mine iirc was 8 pounds shipped, and I am in an XL

3) I dont think it gets in my way in terms of bulkiness. I actually think it is less bulky in the chest compared to a simmons 993 (at least it doesnt stick out as far). I dont think its overkill at all, it is also really comfy, like if you were wearing an armor plated cloud

[Irishry39]

They break in very fast. I didn't think it was particularly stiff out of the box. Earlier generation were but maybe they are being built different now? It is bulky. Mine sits on my shoulders and kind of hangs off them. Which is what I like. I also wear mine outside of my pants. If you get the Pro Finnish the extended belly flap will push the unit out some so you might want to take it off for a more form fitted feeling. I'm sure if you talked to Scott he could cut it slightly smaller for a slimmer feel.

[chakal]

David...do you still feel there's enough shoulder protection and bicep protection, especially with your arms close to the body when you're in the b-fly?

Rich

Never had a stinger yet there, and I've played with stronger player.


Don't mean to revive an old thread but what I did instead of removing this under flap completely was to just fold it under the main shoulder wings. Has a similar effect, and it pushes the shoulder flap out more and results in the same protection without the movement restrictions.

My goal was to make the c/a as flat as possible on me. With my chest and traps, the c/a becomes bulky and downward vision was a bit harder. But that happens to me with every c/a. Your solution would give me more arm movement, but it would would make the original problem worst. I wasn't seeking for more mobility, it was just a surprise bonus.

Again, it is not something I recommend, it's just that with my body type, I have to mod my c/a's in the chest area.

[acmeguy]

I would fear velcro wouldn't have a strong enough hold.

I heard somewhere that velcro holds about 9 lbs per square inch. With this knowledge in hand I once attached a pair of small speakers to the wall - no problems.

[chakal]

I heard somewhere that velcro holds about 9 lbs per square inch. With this knowledge in hand I once attached a pair of small speakers to the wall - no problems.

Yeah, but with the sweat and humidity, I would fear the soft part of the velcro would get fuzzy and not hold as much in the future.

[acmeguy]

No doubt, its strength does wear out as the hook portion collects lint etc.

Not to mention how abrasive the hook section is - you ever forgot your mask sweat band at home? Me, just once.

[ScJeff]

I'm looking into getting a Battram Pro C/A. I know that when it comes to protection, quality, and craftmanship Battram is as good as it gets, so that isn't an issue. What I honestly need to know is the following:

1- How flexible is it, espeacially the arms? Will it take a long time to break in?
2-How light is it?
3- How bulky is it, is it over kill (too big)? I know that looks are n't everything, but I don't want to look like a big fat sumo wrestler either.

Would appreciate as much feed back as possible
Thanks!!!!!

1- Now- AMAZINGLY flexible.
Out of box- Stiff. Took longer tehn any other chest to break in for me. However this is teh first "pro" one i used. Probably 8-10 ice times till it felt perfect.
2- Fairly light. Compared to units in my store (PHL) it is slightly lighter then most pro ones.
3- I look fat in mine. However when i ordered i was 240 pounds. Now i'm 198 so that is a bit of a difference. It felt bulky the first few times out, now its awesome.

[AL-E-Gator]

1- Now- AMAZINGLY flexible.
Out of box- Stiff. Took longer tehn any other chest to break in for me. However this is teh first "pro" one i used. Probably 8-10 ice times till it felt perfect.
2- Fairly light. Compared to units in my store (PHL) it is slightly lighter then most pro ones.
3- I look fat in mine. However when i ordered i was 240 pounds. Now i'm 198 so that is a bit of a difference. It felt bulky the first few times out, now its awesome.

Like all equipment, anything that is "Built Well" will take a bit of time to 'break in'. Something that breaks in too quickly will also (more than likely) wear down / break down more quickly - and have a shorter 'lifespan'.

Given that scenario - taking time to 'break in' is a given - and easy to accomplish - I just wore mine around the house and moved my arms the patterns of moving that would mimic 'saves'. This caused my wife to be quite amused - lucky me - she loves me anyway.

But for protection - and the fact that each is custom made according to our individual 'specs', the Battram C/A can't be beat.

As far as weight goes - it's about the same weight as any Pro Level C/A, maybe a slight bit heavier than some - but the protection is superior to anything I've seen / used.

As I've stated before, I've had two broken Clavicles with another brand that I thought was going to be great (. . . ahhhem...... Simmons .....), and a fractured sternum with an old Cooper back in my College days.
I've dropped and caught Cannon-Quality blasts on my C/A on a regular basis - and I can't tell you how pleased I've been. I absolutely have no fear (to the amazement of some of my teammates) dropping into a butterfly and catching one off the chest - but the fact is, with the Battram C/A, I've never been hurt in the past year that I've used it.

I've seen others here talk about removing pieces from their great Battram C/A, all for the sake of 'mobility', but I'm here to tell you that if you hang in there - it will break in like a glove, and offer superior protection to anything else on the market.

Costwise - for custom Pro level protection, it's less than any off the shelf model made by anyone else. How can you go wrong?

AL-E-Gator:D

[chakal]

As for weight, MarioMClazysave saw it, my Brown is way heavier than the Battram.

[MC Lazysave]

As for weight, MarioMClazysave saw it, my Brown is way heavier than the Battram.

That is correct, Its about the same weight as my crappy rbk xpulse6.0 (and that CA does n't seem to have any protection at all)

[Goalerguy]

In the next few months i plan on getting a new c/a (after selling my old pads.) I currently have a v3. int. I was thinking about getting a sr. v3 or a battram. My question is how similar is it to a v3? From the pictures i've seen the general shape of the floaters is the same as the v3, but the stomach has a different setup. Can anyone chip in on this? Do any locals know if you can go see equipment in person? I'm not really one that can buy something without seeing it in person, especially when it comes to goalie equipment! Last question, is it nhl regulation size because I'm most likely going to end up playing Major batam AAA next year and as you all know the rules, rules, and more rules when it comes to goalie equipment:p

[ScJeff]

In the next few months i plan on getting a new c/a (after selling my old pads.) I currently have a v3. int. I was thinking about getting a sr. v3 or a battram. My question is how similar is it to a v3? From the pictures i've seen the general shape of the floaters is the same as the v3, but the stomach has a different setup. Can anyone chip in on this? Do any locals know if you can go see equipment in person? I'm not really one that can buy something without seeing it in person, especially when it comes to goalie equipment! Last question, is it nhl regulation size because I'm most likely going to end up playing Major batam AAA next year and as you all know the rules, rules, and more rules when it comes to goalie equipment:p

Give scott a call about seeing it. Compated to a V3 it felt very similar to me(work at a store adn tried V3 on). battram is slightly heavier, V3 is better broken in at the start. If you go stock the V3 has better rib padding, id recomend asking for "pro finish" or "extra rib padding.

For NHL specs, i beleive it is 1/2" too big in a floater or something. I think scott will make it NHL spec if you want.

[Masked]

Give scott a call about seeing it. Compated to a V3 it felt very similar to me(work at a store adn tried V3 on). battram is slightly heavier, V3 is better broken in at the start. If you go stock the V3 has better rib padding, id recomend asking for "pro finish" or "extra rib padding.

For NHL specs, i beleive it is 1/2" too big in a floater or something. I think scott will make it NHL spec if you want.
The floaters just barely go above nhl legality by about 1/3 of an inch...This is a very easy "fix" for either us or Scott :)

[PatrickBateman]

So, to clarify, on the battram c/a the pro-finish option is more rib padding?
Might be worth it...

[Scott Battram]

More rib padding, airknit lining for comfort and also the extended belly blocks.

[AL-E-Gator]

So, to clarify, on the battram c/a the pro-finish option is more rib padding?
Might be worth it...

I've been out here before touting Scott's work, and I'm here to tell you that the Battram C/A can't be beat. In my career I've had two (2) fractured Collar bones, a Cracked Sternum, and multiple rib injuries. Since I've had my Battram C/A I've not even gotten a stinger (ex-pro's, Div I, Jr. A shooters) that I would even think about. It's literally a suit of armour, and better than anything that I've ever used / seen

AL-E-Gator:D

[Serly35]

This is not a review only comment on some mods...

Well I have had my Battram C/A now on the ice since mid October... As with most of these posts, I too found that the unit was extremely bulky... Built like a tank but bulky... I got the pro-finish as Scott recommended and it's great.. Worn with an Under-Armour long sleeve top it's beauty!!

Taking some advice from Chakal, I removed the shoulder flys under the floaters... ( the ones in front of the shoulder caps) ( See Chakal's Post on this one) Tough to take a knife to new gear.. BUT.... it helped ... I found that the shoulder floaters were still in the wrong spot for me....

Solution... ( For Me )

I cut the bottom mounting strap that attaches the floater to the body of the c/a... I then moved the bottom attachment point over (to the outside) one block and reattached it... All other strapes were not touched.... This served a few purposes for me...

1) It gave me more mobility, flexibility and improved my sight lines downward... Not so much of the gear was pushed out in front of me.

2) It moved the floater over and gave back the shoulder cap coverage that I lost when removing the inner shoulder fly...

3) The heart/sernum plate remains in place....

Bottom line...

For me.... I repeat "For Me" these slight mods made all the difference in the world.. The C/A is like a second skin for me now...and all I can add is I have felt the puck with this unit, but never have I "FELT" the puck... Play 4 times weekly - Men's Slapshot leaque..

Keep kickin them out.. SERLY

picture is prior to mods...don't have one yet with mods

[Netbug]

picture is prior to mods...don't have one yet with mods

Would be interesting to see the gear with mods, so, please post a pic or two if it's not too much a hassle for you! :)

[Vinnie33]

Would be interesting to see the gear with mods, so, please post a pic or two if it's not too much a hassle for you! :)

Make that a double request...please :D

[Serly35]

Sorry for the delay... my camera wasn't working...

I have included three shots of the mods along side the stock... You can see that the front of the c/a is much flatter since I moved the bottom of the floaters over one block to the outside...

There is a shot of me in action with the c/a on... sorry for the bad resolution.. my wife grabbed this from the stands during a recent 4 or 4 tourny....

Again I want to repeat.. these mods worked great for me....removal of the extra shoulder fly under the shoulder cap and moving the floater bottom over one block was the ticket... excellent downward vision, excellent coverage, and excellent mobility... It worked for me....

Choa guys ... and keep kickin' them out... SERLY

[Vinnie33]

I cut off the shoulder fly as well right at where it bends (where it tucks under the main chest floater) and I found it much more mobile as well! Thanks for the pics!

[Scott Battram]

Vinnie, just letting you know your blocker will be leaving tonight!

[Vinnie33]

Thanks Scott!! Much appreciated! U da man!

[hollywood]

Scott, what is the weight of one of your large c/a's?

[Scott Battram]

not having one here with me in Florida to weight, I think off the top of my head they are around 5.5lb or in that neighbourhood.

[AL-E-Gator]

Sorry for the delay... my camera wasn't working...

I have included three shots of the mods along side the stock... You can see that the front of the c/a is much flatter since I moved the bottom of the floaters over one block to the outside...

There is a shot of me in action with the c/a on... sorry for the bad resolution.. my wife grabbed this from the stands during a recent 4 or 4 tourny....

Again I want to repeat.. these mods worked great for me....removal of the extra shoulder fly under the shoulder cap and moving the floater bottom over one block was the ticket... excellent downward vision, excellent coverage, and excellent mobility... It worked for me....

Choa guys ... and keep kickin' them out... SERLY

Like what I'm seeing here - and I love my Battram CA anyway . . .
Scott - do you have any of that GATOR SKIN left over that I could have to accent on a new CA for me? I've got an Idea . . .

AL-E-Gator:D

[Sprawl]

I cut the bottom mounting strap that attaches the floater to the body of the c/a...


This was the mod i did to mine that made the world of difference. and i had a har time adjusting before hand.

Maybe it's the way i wear my C/A. fully tucked, locked in place. I wear it like a tight shirt. everything form fitting. I also like to move around a lot.

I found by default the C/A was too bulky, especially when i've got gut in the way. I couldn't twist my upper body left to right at all with it, it would just block my arms. And i couldn't "scrunch" down at all. if i tried to look down in the butterfly or sit back,the chest woudl rid right up so close to my throat i couldn't even look down.
I did Chakals mods first. removed extra thin foam floaters. didnt help my problem

I removed the neck guard piece, helpd a little. Removed and replaced the foam on the backside to make it thinner and more flexy, didn't help that much.

finally i just cut the bottom strap that attached the heartguard to the body piece.

WORLD Of difference. the entire chest piece now felt flexible. I could twist and i bend whever i wanted without the front part of my chest getting in the way, it stayed exactly where I want it now!

Now i'm using my frankenC/A. needs some new padding in the back to make up for my gutting, but otherwise, even without it it's an extremely protective C/A. EVen without the extra foam on the chest, I haven't yet taken anything that has bruised. the arms are bulletproof. Unlike my old Itech, I have not once taken a stinger through the shoulder plate gaps (there are non on the battram) or elbow floater or anything. My shoulders and clavical have never been bruised or hurt and are always super protected.

Aside from the issue with the centre plate i had, i would recommend this C/A to anyone.

[Scott Battram]

One thing we started doing about 5 months ago is using a 1/2 inch thick piece of foam on the back of the belly pad over the 3/4" piece and it has seemed to make a world of difference for many goalies.

[MC Lazysave]

One thing we started doing about 5 months ago is using a 1/2 inch thick piece of foam on the back of the belly pad over the 3/4" piece and it has seemed to make a world of difference for many goalies.

Is this something that I can add on my existing C/A?

[PowerSteve]

Guys,

Following your tips, I removed (cut out) the 'extra' shoulder pad, and moved the bottom strap on the large vertical (clavicle?) pads.

Love it!

Better mobility bringing my arms across my chest, and I don't see/feel any reduction in protection. I only moved the clavicle pad strap outboard 1/2 a block - I tried a full block but it seemed to undo the gain in mobility from the shoulder pad removal, but 1/2 a block worked well.

I didn't cut the straps at the bottom of the sternum pad. The chest pad does fold out away from my body when I scrunch over, but I didn't see how cutting those straps would help so I left them.

Thanks for the help!

[goaliemedic]

Well guys, with all of the great reviews I have read on here, as well as on "the other board" I decided to give Battram a try. I am waiting on a stock model C/A to be done. I am afraid that I waited till the end of our season to order it, so it may be a while before I can do a review. Thus far, I have to say that customer service has been outstanding! Calls returned quickly, all questions answered, emails returned quickly.

[fortz]

i ordered mine this evening. summer league starts in 3 weeks. i'm pumped. pro finish, toronto blue w/ grey. my 5500 will hit ebizzle the day after i get the new one.

[2Four]

Wow, I really appreciate the GoalieLife threads. With the comments made in this thread and some others, I have just made up my mind. I am going to order a C/A from Scott. I have planned to buy a new set of Fury Pads and new gloves from Scott, and I was looking at the big names for a C/A, but after all of your reviews I think I am just avoiding the truth... stick to the best.

Now if I can just get my wife to increase my budget allowance I can get kitted out right the first time, and not have to wait. One order and it's all done :D.

Scott, you'll be hearing from me soon with my full order!

Have fun and keep your heads up.

[Goalerguy]

Wow, I really appreciate the GoalieLife threads. With the comments made in this thread and some others, I have just made up my mind. I am going to order a C/A from Scott. I have planned to buy a new set of Fury Pads and new gloves from Scott, and I was looking at the big names for a C/A, but after all of your reviews I think I am just avoiding the truth... stick to the best.

Now if I can just get my wife to increase my budget allowance I can get kitted out right the first time, and not have to wait. One order and it's all done :D.

Scott, you'll be hearing from me soon with my full order!

Have fun and keep your heads up.
Good choice bud you won't be dissapointed! Got mine last week and I used it once and I love the thing already. I can speak from experience when I say that it's 10 times the unit my old epic was. The protection is top notch, the performance is top notch, also the price and custom colors is soo sweet. :)
If I saw this unit in a store 10 times out of 10 I'd choose it.

[goaliemedic]

Scott sent me this yesterday, and told me that my new one is in the mail....I cannot wait for it to get here!!!!

[goaliemedic]

All right, so my C/A arrive a little later than I had hoped and I missed the first chance to test it. I took some time off of work and traveled for some ice time. Having had this thing on for 4 hours or so, and having spent a little bit of time trying to break this thing in, During warm ups I had a friend drill me with some shots to test it out. I took everything he could shoot and did not feel anything uncomfortable (This shooter was able to bruise me in my 995). As for the review, here goes.


I will say that this is the most protective C/A I have ever owned. I have had many different models and makes over the years (TPS Xi, CCM V10pro, Brian's Alite, Simmons 993, RBK Prem 2 green/black, RBK Prem 2 white/silver, and a Simmons 995). The protection is bar none the best! With the extra protection there is a little bit of bulk, pretty close to the RBK Prem 2(Silver/white). It took me a little getting used too being that the last one I had was the 995 (which is really more of a reactionary type pad). I wanted more of a blocking unit, and added protection so it was a trade I was willing to make. Design wise, it is very similar to a Vaughn velocity, but that is where the similarity stops. Construction quality app rears to be off the charts here. Everything is well finished, picture perfect. I went ahead and went with the pro spec here and have to say that the added rib protection and the lining are great. I have played with and without the extra belly protection and have to say that I will most likely go without. I am short, and play with my C/A tucked in. With the added row, it is just a little too much. Shoulder design is not what I was expecting, but thus far the protection seems good. It is a very warm suit, so I am glad that I went with the pro lining, which I assume will help to keep it cooler. Most C/A's I have used have a dome shaped plate over the arms, this has an L shape which is taking some getting used too, but puts so much more protection on the medial aspect of the arm. I took a hit there on a glove save I tried for, and was amazed at the protection.

The customer service end of things are great. I talked with Scott and emailed a few times as well. Got everything just the way that I wanted. (Thank you). It took a little longer than I would have liked, but was worth the wait.

Plus: Fit, Protection, Customer service, quality
Minus: Hot, bulk, Wait. (all of which are more than surpassed with everything else)

There it is, I have to say that I am thrilled! I regret not having ordered one of these years ago! Thanks Scott, keep up the great work!

[Goalerguy]

Very nice unit, love mine to:)

[BoltThrower]

Selling mine was the dumbest decision I've ever made gear wise. I'm going to be ordering myself another one in the next month or so here.

[TQLAwilly]

Selling mine was the dumbest decision I've ever made gear wise. I'm going to be ordering myself another one in the next month or so here.

no the skullet would be your dumbest decision...:p

[BoltThrower]

no the skullet would be your dumbest decision...:p
Hahahaha :D!

[mike122976]

hahahahhah that was funny! lol
Skullet or not, his pads are one of the sweetest I have ever seen.

[BoltThrower]

hahahahhah that was funny! lol
Skullet or not, his pads are one of the sweetest I have ever seen.
Thanks! If only looking good counted for everything! LOL!

[mike122976]

it really does count for everything, except for people with skullets! lol

[BoltThrower]

it really does count for everything, except for people with skullets! lol
Good thing I don't one just yet them, LOL!

[mike122976]

love the practice jersey you have as well....
how much did your smith pads cost?

[BoltThrower]

love the practice jersey you have as well....
how much did your smith pads cost?
Nothing custom done to them, so they're the same price as the stock SP6000s. Dunno so what the site policy is about posting prices. I can PM you if you want, but the Smith website has the prices posted.

[mike122976]

i looked on smith...no prices/

[bc-30]

look harder, like directly above the picture of the pad.

http://smithhockey.com/Pads/6000PadSeries.aspx

[BoltThrower]

Top of page: http://www.smithhockey.com/Pads/6000PadSeries.aspx

[mike122976]

FOr the love of JESUS... hahahahaahah

my skullet got on the way! DAMN SKULLETS!

[TQLAwilly]

Have had my Pro Spec for over 2+ years now. I play between 2-5 times a week. Dry it outside in Dry California weather. Great protection. Only felt a few stingers, both were my fault for not tightening up arms. both clips on the body for the wrap broke but fixed with Electrical Wiring. Back shoulder strap came un-sewn, sewed back myself. Some minor wear on the ends of the arms. Still this is a very solid and tank of a C/A. My next C/A will be a Battram as well.

When I got it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/willyboy52/Mask/willbalianupper.jpg

Now

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/willyboy52/Mask/DSCN1395.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/willyboy52/Mask/DSCN1396.jpg

[Goalerguy]

After reading this thread for like the 32440th time i've decided to cut the foam reinforcer under the shoulder. I tried tuckin it in to get the basic feel for it and it was good but with it tucked it pushes the floaters out to much. I'm not going to cut the whole thing, just the outer part right before the seem. Is scisors better or an xacto knife? I'm also thinking of doing what serly did and getting the floaters stitched down tight. I'll deffinatly be getting those mods on my next one.

It's funny when the puck hits you when you're wearing it because it litterly just dies, and you can't even feel it.:D That little flap I'm removing won't harm the protection, I think it's 80% there to make you look bigger.

[Goalerguy]

I did my little "surgery" on my c/a removing the outter piece of the shoulder floater flap. I left the cushion underneth because it's not in the way. I'm happy with the cut, and mobility is better now! I still am thinking about getting the shoulder floater sewed down tighter.

If anyone wants pics I can take some.

Edit: I just found 2 more ways to maximize mobility, they're really easy too! Ill be posting pics and a new thread when my sister gets home with the camera.

The mobility has gone from say a 6 to an 8-8.5 IMO