BoltThrower
09-07-2007, 03:03 AM
I recently received the newest addition to my equipment family, a new Battram 5000 Upper Body Pad.
I have been using a Vaughn VP3500 unit which was approximately 10 or more years old up until the arrival of the Battram unit. In the interim I purchased an Itech CPPRO which I sold after three uses because it was just too bulky for me and the belly pad was a bit short. I had also tried on most of the big name companies units. Of those, only the Vaughn Epic was even ever in consideration. Most of the off-shelf units were either entirely too bulky, entirely too hot, or I felt the time needed to break them in adequately was more than I wanted to struggle with. Only the Epic felt somewhat "game ready" off the shelf.
I had all but made a decision to purchase the Epic unit but had a conversation with Scott Battram about his 5000 Upper Body Pad. I already own a set of pads and gloves from Scott and they are top notch. At this time Scott made me aware of his "Pro Finish" option for the unit (though I wasn't aware that's what he was calling it at the time). Covered in a different nylon material (Scott can elaborate on specific materials) and with a different lining that would reduce weight and heat, and breakin time for the unit, as well as a lace in extension for the belly pad and "pro" rib protection. After hearing turnaround time, I was convinced, and the only extras I asked for were that the unit be as "game ready" as possible and that the belly pad be nice and long. Anyone here who has done business with Scott before knows his customer service is second to none and he discussed everything in detail with me regarding the unit, making sure I was getting exactly what I wanted.
The unit arrived at my door a little under 3 weeks after I had placed my order. I pulled it out of the box and was amazed and how well crafted the product was. Not a stitch out of place, the work of a true craftsman. Still I had some concerns though. The units looks bulky to the naked eye just as it does in photos.
Trying it on the first thing I notice in a word - comfort! The soft lining (which is even inside the arms!) made putting the unit on feel akin to wearing a comfortable jacket - albeit a very well padded one! The belly pad length was more than adequate. My biggest concern was that the arms seemed stiff and I was concerned this would hinder mobility on the ice. Also, compared to the 10+ year old Vaughn unit I'd been wearing, anything would seem a little bulky. It didn't seem like breakin would be such a chore as with most of the other units I tried on though. My real impression would come from wearing it on ice.
After the first on-ice session with it, all my concerns were put to bed within 5 minutes. I had difficulty putting my jersey and mask on at first and foresaw that being an issue on ice, but within literally minutes of wear the unit felt like an extension of my body. Again my first thought was comfort but that was immediately followed by "cool", literally not figuratively. The unit is at least 100% cooler than my old Vaughn, which takes up literally 25% less surface area than the Battram unit. At the end of the night, I was amazed to find the unit virtually dry as I took it off - apparently the covering and lining materials have moisture wicking properties as well. The belly pad provided significant overlap with the top of my pants (I wear the C/A outside the pant rather than in), providing additional protection which translated to confidence.
As far as protection goes, this is absolutely the most protective Upper Body unit I have seen with my own eyes. I felt literally nothing that hit me. The pro ribs provide a substantial wrap around the torso, giving additional protection and comfort.
Mobility wasn't really an issue though I thought it would be. The arms loosened up quickly with a little sweat. The only awkward motion was stickhandling and I am certain this will improve with continued wear of the unit. Arms integrate into gloves easily and provide full range of motion.
The only thing I would consider changing on the unit is to make the neck guard lace in as I prefer not to have it there, however it certainly isn't in the way and wouldn't be difficult to cut out if I decided to do so.
In closing, this is easily the best Upper Body unit I have ever owned, the ultimate balance of comfort and protection available right now. I would send literally anyone looking for a new C/A unit to Scott without hesitation. His great customer service and the quality of the product make for a great experience.
I'll be happy to answer any questions, but here are some updated pics of the unit:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/dinerojp/battram/P1000101.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/dinerojp/battram/P1000102.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/dinerojp/battram/P1000104.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/dinerojp/battram/P1000103.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/dinerojp/battram/P1000105.jpg
And the comfy material that lines the C/A's arms and body:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/dinerojp/battram/P1000106.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/dinerojp/battram/Chest-extra.jpg
I have been using a Vaughn VP3500 unit which was approximately 10 or more years old up until the arrival of the Battram unit. In the interim I purchased an Itech CPPRO which I sold after three uses because it was just too bulky for me and the belly pad was a bit short. I had also tried on most of the big name companies units. Of those, only the Vaughn Epic was even ever in consideration. Most of the off-shelf units were either entirely too bulky, entirely too hot, or I felt the time needed to break them in adequately was more than I wanted to struggle with. Only the Epic felt somewhat "game ready" off the shelf.
I had all but made a decision to purchase the Epic unit but had a conversation with Scott Battram about his 5000 Upper Body Pad. I already own a set of pads and gloves from Scott and they are top notch. At this time Scott made me aware of his "Pro Finish" option for the unit (though I wasn't aware that's what he was calling it at the time). Covered in a different nylon material (Scott can elaborate on specific materials) and with a different lining that would reduce weight and heat, and breakin time for the unit, as well as a lace in extension for the belly pad and "pro" rib protection. After hearing turnaround time, I was convinced, and the only extras I asked for were that the unit be as "game ready" as possible and that the belly pad be nice and long. Anyone here who has done business with Scott before knows his customer service is second to none and he discussed everything in detail with me regarding the unit, making sure I was getting exactly what I wanted.
The unit arrived at my door a little under 3 weeks after I had placed my order. I pulled it out of the box and was amazed and how well crafted the product was. Not a stitch out of place, the work of a true craftsman. Still I had some concerns though. The units looks bulky to the naked eye just as it does in photos.
Trying it on the first thing I notice in a word - comfort! The soft lining (which is even inside the arms!) made putting the unit on feel akin to wearing a comfortable jacket - albeit a very well padded one! The belly pad length was more than adequate. My biggest concern was that the arms seemed stiff and I was concerned this would hinder mobility on the ice. Also, compared to the 10+ year old Vaughn unit I'd been wearing, anything would seem a little bulky. It didn't seem like breakin would be such a chore as with most of the other units I tried on though. My real impression would come from wearing it on ice.
After the first on-ice session with it, all my concerns were put to bed within 5 minutes. I had difficulty putting my jersey and mask on at first and foresaw that being an issue on ice, but within literally minutes of wear the unit felt like an extension of my body. Again my first thought was comfort but that was immediately followed by "cool", literally not figuratively. The unit is at least 100% cooler than my old Vaughn, which takes up literally 25% less surface area than the Battram unit. At the end of the night, I was amazed to find the unit virtually dry as I took it off - apparently the covering and lining materials have moisture wicking properties as well. The belly pad provided significant overlap with the top of my pants (I wear the C/A outside the pant rather than in), providing additional protection which translated to confidence.
As far as protection goes, this is absolutely the most protective Upper Body unit I have seen with my own eyes. I felt literally nothing that hit me. The pro ribs provide a substantial wrap around the torso, giving additional protection and comfort.
Mobility wasn't really an issue though I thought it would be. The arms loosened up quickly with a little sweat. The only awkward motion was stickhandling and I am certain this will improve with continued wear of the unit. Arms integrate into gloves easily and provide full range of motion.
The only thing I would consider changing on the unit is to make the neck guard lace in as I prefer not to have it there, however it certainly isn't in the way and wouldn't be difficult to cut out if I decided to do so.
In closing, this is easily the best Upper Body unit I have ever owned, the ultimate balance of comfort and protection available right now. I would send literally anyone looking for a new C/A unit to Scott without hesitation. His great customer service and the quality of the product make for a great experience.
I'll be happy to answer any questions, but here are some updated pics of the unit:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/dinerojp/battram/P1000101.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/dinerojp/battram/P1000102.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/dinerojp/battram/P1000104.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/dinerojp/battram/P1000103.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/dinerojp/battram/P1000105.jpg
And the comfy material that lines the C/A's arms and body:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/dinerojp/battram/P1000106.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/dinerojp/battram/Chest-extra.jpg