Nexus & C/A review

[Masked]

Hi everyone...I'm known as Masked almost everywhere so...Let's start with some credentials.

I've been a goalie for 20 years...Been in net since I was 4...I've been to most goalie camps out there, Tretiak to Roy, from Potvin's to Brodeurs...I've done some work with Allaire...Exeter Goalie School as well...Bla bla bla bla bla.

Anyway, I've worn almost everything out there but, after a long time ended up always going with Brian's or Reebok.

Reebok and I had our last "stint" when I ordered a pro-spec C/A and a set of pads there were supposed to be 35+3...Etc etc...Let's just say the set that came was 38" and yeah...So after a full refund, I moved on.

It was a week later that my Pro-PS2 gave out and I took a 102mph shot directly in my ribs because the foam had decided to shift over 1-2inches (Thanks again Reebok).

So, immediately I tossed that out the door...and started my search for new gear.

I gave Scott a call on a whim and explained my situation...The first call was very comforting and after that I just decided to order my C/A.

Immediately after that I said, Screw it; let's get the set.

I decided what I wanted on my C/A and away we went...I wanted a spartan...Camo and some foam taken out for mobility purposes...Done done and done.

It was shipped within a few days and unfortunately, due to the USPS, it took about 3 weeks to arrive at my door...Even though I live a flabbergasting 8 hours from Scott!...

I wore it to my first practice the other day and mobility out of the box was already better than my PS2, it was more comfortable and breathed a lot better...

Shots came in and I took 2 off the chest that were point blank slap shots...In the Reebok after the rib incedent I found myself bracing for pain...After the first shot went off my chest and I didn't feel a thing I actually started laughing...I haven't blinked since.

I also took a 100mph+ to my left shoulder...Clavacle area...I actually barely felt it at all and had to search for the rebound (It had gone over me and into the netting...)...So, that was cool.

Pictures:
Http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v335/sbattram/bensmithupper.jpg

Then I ordered my Nexus set a few days later.

This was Scott's first NHL legal set of equipment so, we took the process a bit slow, bounced ideas off eachother for a while but, eventually came up with something that I was very excited for.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/Cosmonov/DSC_6685.jpg

The pads:

The pads are a 35+1.5 I guess, in Scott's size ~ They are just shy of my Zero-G's and are already more flexable than any pad I've worn before.

They are NHL legal, Turco Break, all leather "fleury" strapping.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/Cosmonov/DSC_6693.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/Cosmonov/DSC_6694.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/Cosmonov/DSC_6695.jpg



The Catcher:

Again, NHL legal...

By far one of the best catchers I've worn in a long time, I'm very glad we decided to do the nash palm and I have yet to feel a stinger.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/Cosmonov/DSC_6683.jpg



The Blocker:

NHL legal.

We went with a more durable palm considering how many times I play a week and I'm very glad we did.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/Cosmonov/DSC_6687.jpg



Overall:

I really can't give this set a number rating as it's performed beyond any expectations I had.

The C/A is better than any Reebok, Brown or Vaughn I've ever worn and I will continue to wear one as long as Scott supports them.

Pad wise, these are already broken in like butter and the quality is beyond that of even Brian's...I can't wait to rock these for as long as possible.

The Catcher is perfect, no stingers yet what-so ever and the blocker is very well balanced.

Overall, I'd reccomend this product line or any of Scott's to absolutely anyone without question.

Thanks again Scott for an amazing set.

[king tut]

Masked, What Mods to the C/A did you have done?????

Thanks, Bruno...

[Masked]

Masked, What Mods to the C/A did you have done?????

Thanks, Bruno...
I had the blocker side shortened and the foam taken out behind the floaters...

I'm most likely sending it back to get both arms shortened though but, haven't decided yet.

[acmeguy]

I like your review Masked and agree with it. No CA for me yet though.

But how exactly do know that shot was 102 mph? I only face guys with 93.7 mph abilities :p.

Just messin' wit ya!

[goaliejet128]

I took another members advice, and snagged a C&A, used, but it fit me perfectly. I had the same results you did. I just have look down since pucks die on impact, unlike my older Heaton.

The unit came with no padding at the wrists on both arms for little to no interference with the gloves.

Love mine, it's a winner. I was hit at the collarbone 2 games ago, and felt nothing, unlike before.

Nice lookin set! How do you like the pads performance so far?

[Frozendisc]

Masked....How do you like the built in knee protection that comes with the pads? How do they function or interact with the pant? Thanks.....Disc

[Scott Battram]

Glad the set made it to you Masked! Best of luck at the NHL camps as well!

Interesting after I got off the phone with you today, I got a call from the producer of the TV show WORLDS BEST wanting to do a segment on goalie equipment and we were selected from a group of companies for them to feature. Unfortunately, they wanted 10,000 dollars. I politely declined, but said if it was on CBC Hockey Night In Canada, or ESPN I would be all over it, just not too sure how many goalies would be watching Worlds Best! I have seen a few episodes of the show and its a good show, just not the right marketing tool for us to use! But it still was an honor to be considered "the worlds best", I think it was our unique custom sets etc that perhaps led them to us, since they seem to be wanting "uniqueness" speaking of which I really need to get the monster set posted up here tonight, wait till you guys see this set, a collaboration with AcmeGuy, Chakal and myself... you know it will be great!

Masked was also great to work with on this set, and he has already told me some NHL goalies were pretty impressed with the set as well. Looking forward to seeing some in action photos from your camp!

[chakal]

The 2008-2009 new NHL rules legal pads look great. I like the clean look it gives with the wings and wraps sewn behind the binding in the inside gusset. Artistically speaking. It adds a graphic option, you can play with the binding's colour to add some effects to the pad, effect greatly used here in this 2-tone colour scheme.

[Masked]

So...I was changing today...Had on my new CCM pro pants...my Graf's were in the process of being laced up...and this rep walks into the locker room.

I can't really give details as to where I am...Who I'm with etc etc...but, the story is a good one.

This rep walks in and presents himself...he's got a bag full of gear...takes it out to show me.

Now, my gear is all around me but, he hasn't looked yet so, he hands me some Reebok stuff, the Revoke line...I check it out...Nod, close the catcher a few times...Put it down and reach for the new Vapor stuff, check that out for a few seconds...put it down and then I put on my Battram catcher for a few seconds and he gives me this...funny look.

I'm like..."Huh?" ~ Immediately he starts putting everything back in his tote along goalie bag and kinda huffs at me...and leaves.

I need my skates sharpened and i'm in the area so I stop by a store...I walk in to hear all about how some "semi-pro" rejected this Rep...How this new guy wears all white/blue Battram and how he wouldn't listen to a WORD the rep had to say...

Obviously I got to hear how I rejected this guy straight off...How I just employed such hate on this Rep when he walked in the locker room...All I did was compare the two gloves to my Battram...I literally only employed the sounds of: Hmmmmm mmmmm and hrmmmm...oh and huh?...

Once I told them it was me...an ackward silence endured and nobody would talk to me after that...

I feel like the borg just tried to assimilate me and like a good Captain Pikard, I screwed them in the poop shooter.

It seems like there's some heavy hating going on around here Scott ~ Some heavy hating.

I love my set...Wouldn't trade it for the world but, that's just me :)

[Frozendisc]

People fear competition for the most part, but they really fear quality competition.

Battram makes top shelf gear, at a price that scares the hell out of the others.....

[acmeguy]

Awesome story Masked, I too am unable to be brain washed and always root for the deserving underdog.

Best of luck to you!

[Masked]

So, I've been having an issue with the pad...Well, I should say had an issue.

I'm not a flopper but, I have a very narrow butterfly...I'd say I'm about 2-3 inches wider than my buddy Gig's but, I can do a split (explain that one...)...

So, the problem I've been having is when I do a slide forward, or a slide at a forward angle, my knee sinks into the corner of the block and puts the pad at an / angle.

Actually that's pretty much exactly it / ~

My knee pads are required to be part of my pants...I have a pair of CCM Pro pants...I guess the 620's would be the closest...but, anywhoo, they have the knee/thigh integrated.

At first it was annoying because it felt like I wasn't landing properly...Then I found out I was but, sliding forward after...

So, last night we had a full practice...I actually miss a puck by mere centimeters because of it...my trainer decided to go on a 20 minute rant and fix them on the spot...

I'm standing on the ice...in full gear, minus my pads...I'm sure I looked amazing.

He removes the top//middle stack, puts the top block back in and laces the whole thing back together on both pads.

So, now I'm about 1.5in off the ice ~ legally you're allowed like 2.5 but, whatever.

Go down into my butterfly and voilla, problem is fixed.

The knee stack was high enough so that my knee pads were sinking me forward instead of backward so...perrrrrfect now.

Wish I had thought of it sooner!

[Bassai]

Picard does what? :eek:

[Masked]

Picard does what? :eek:
Dude, if Jean-luc worked on my **** I'd have like a tazer dropped into my pants so I can shoot weird ass shots...
Or beam them to the other goalie's net...