Masked
08-14-2009, 11:28 AM
I've posted my story but, just a refresher and into my review, here's a re-hash...
These are my observations...Told from MY perspective...Everything that's said; I can provide "evidence" of and I stand behind what I say in pure and utter totallity.
Basically it all started when I had 5 or so Itech 9601's...I had ordered them through a friend of mine in the NHL...He had 10 or so "stocked up" and didn't need them so, of course I jumped at this opportunity.
Well, a fractured jaw and 3 masks later; I gave up (3 masks in @6 months)...I called Bauer, told them what had happened and I was told no refund would be available to me as there was no record of them being "made" 8 months ago...So after a long and arduous argument with someone who had absolutely no prior mask knowledge; I shipped them off to Bauer. (I've still heard...nothing)
In my 20 years of tending; I've been through about 40-50 masks...Most due to outgrowing them...A few I purchased at the beginning of the season and they just weren't up to snuff for the level I was playing at...So generally, when it comes to masks; I know my ****.
Without my 9601's ~ I was left with my Eddy Pro Custom...This mask has seen more drama than any other lid I've ever worn...It's survived 2-3 years of absolute hell; that being said...I came to the conclusion; I needed a new primary.
The teams I'm affiliated with (I use that word loosely but, to make explaining this easier, it stays) decided that, because I had purchased the 9601's of my own accord and broken them there, they owed me a lid. I had roughly 1k to spend on a new lid, their treat.
I looked around for masks...Took my time to really delve into what was being put into my helmet as; I'm 25...my brain actually matters now and I want to protect myself...Above all; my noodle actually matters to me now.
Around this time a thread had occured on the **** forum and mid-search; I discovered Tony (Sportmask) so, I decided to check him out...I supported Tony because, he stood behind his product completely and utterly.
I play at a level where I need a mask that can take a 102mph shot because, on occasion; I get one. (After playing for 20 years, I can tell the difference between an 80 and a 102 so, just take my word for it)...That left me with one option; Pro.
I called a pro or two, some equipment managers and decided that I'd take an interest in Tony. So, I called a guy I had been talking to on the forums (Dana) and attempted to order one, cash in hand.
Dana contacted me back saying the wait time was 3 months... ~ The first immediate thought was...3 months? ~ For a guy that has maybe 2-3 NHL pro's ~ 3 months to make their masks and mine? ~ That doesn't make sense to me.
I called around; I won't say what information was discovered or not discovered but, I emailed Dana back, in appreciation for assisting me...But, I wasn't getting a Sportmask...I just didn't feel safe//comfortable after talking to several people and I felt I should move on...obviously, I did.
During this time, I had sold some gear and had 1200$ of my own...and after looking around, I wanted a Stacey...I had contacted him a year ago in regards to a Ballistic but, I ended up just getting an Eddy custom kevlar.
I fired off the basic stuff: My ****ty experience with Itech; I was looking for a new lid and I had cash in hand.
The response I recieved was one that...Shocked me quite a bit...I was basically told: Good luck in my Sportmask.
I replied; with a kinder version of my being slightly an ass; asking for more information about a Ballistic. (Again, cash in hand)
I recieved a very blunt message which more than got his point accross: I'm not doing business with you.
Keep in mind; all of the above was for a simple: "I'll trust my head in a Sportmask" (Even though I now, didn't...Stacey didn't seem to care)
I honestly, was angered by this...Considering my stance on protection...I was being denied safety so, I compared myself to a McDonald's worker ordering from Burgerking...I know, so hateful...In any event; I regret sending the last email.
Basically at this point, I had 2600$ and absolutely no helmet...I was "scared" to the effect that I had been "denied" proper protection by a manufacturer and I didn't know what to tell "my" equipment manager.
I contacted another manufacturer and recieved a very similar chain of events as was recieved from Stacey.
I didn't know what to say to "my" equipment manager so, I just shot out with it...The other goalie overheard our conversation and decided he'd like to cancel his order as well; based on my observations, it wasn't even worth trying. (Again, I can't exactly get into detail; my apologies)
Left with very few options, I decided to give Pro's Choice a call...I had contacted Dom a year ago as well, circa when I had originally contacted Stacey...but, his price back then was around 1400$ and it was a bit daunting.
I bit the bullet and gave Dom a call...Dom had been "warned" I was coming...by whom; I'm not sure but, a "warning of sorts" had been sent around...This "warning" made me very upset...I'm a guy looking for a mask...I want my head to protected and the only forseeable mistake I had made was trying to place an order with a rival manufacturer...SERIOUSLY?
Well, thankfully, Dom assured me there was absolutely no problem with my getting a helmet as it's his firm belief; we all deserve to be properly protected.
He invited me up there and I went.
I'll be honest; at this point I was desperate...I needed a lid...Yesterday...and Dom was the last option before retail (A route I'll never go after my experiences)...
I went (It's a good 4 hour huff from NYC) and Dom has this aura of no bull**** that surrounds him...My experience was, perfect...Immediately, we began talking about acquantences (He knows a lot of the same guys I do) and my situation...(He was as upset about it as I was)...We just hit it off hardcore.
I did the mold on site...Dom's wife even stopped by (She's hilarious btw) and it was a very laid back, professional, familiar experience...Everything I had wanted in the first place...
Dom gave me a month long wait time at first; then said you know what, 2 weeks...2 weeks for a pro mask is unheard of so, I was really suprised.
After some calls and late decisions, wait time was 3 weeks to the day.
I drove up to recieve it and do a final fit...All I can say is, I was very very impressed...The mask itself reeked of professionalism...It had come together perfectly.
The Tri-Bar is very sturdy and I don't see myself going through 4-5 cages a season like I normally do!
I've worn the mask 3-4 times since it's incarnation so, it's more than time for a mask review. Each session was about 3 hours so, it's got over 12 hours of worn time.
It's "broken in" very well, the foam has molded to my head and I prefer my
face pressed into the mask, it's a perfect fit.
This morning, I took my 3rd or 4th shot off the lid, it was from the point...about a good 75-80mph snap shot...I was late in my slide over and instead of hitting my blocker as it should've ~ I took it on the crown.
There was no ring, perhaps it was the angle; perhaps it was the speed but, I felt absolutely nothing and was already across the ice for the rebound, unscathed...
Breathability is beyond excellent, my peripheral vision has improved greatly...So much so, it actually took a slight "adjustment" period to get used to the "new world" as I saw it.
It's the lightest mask I've yet to wear...In 20 years I've never worn a mask this light...the cage is almost 1.5times the weight of the lid itself and it's very well balanced.
Protection...Wow...Beyond the fact that every single Pro's Choice user I've spoken to supports this helmet unquestionably...I can't speak enough for it...I could do a review in a year, 2 years, 3 years...nothing would change...
I actually have 100% confidence in the fact that if 3/4 years down the line...this cracks, Dom will be the first one there working out a deal for a new one...No doubt in my mind. Regardless of what happened. (This goes against the current practices of other manufacturers...obviously)
Overall, buy a Pro's Choice...It'll be the last 1300$ish you spend on a helmet...Believe me.
I've never felt safer.
Now for the candeh:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/Cosmonov/Straighton.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/Cosmonov/Back.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/Cosmonov/FrontLeft.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/Cosmonov/FrontRight.jpg
Any questions//comments...Feel free to send them my way :)
Ben
These are my observations...Told from MY perspective...Everything that's said; I can provide "evidence" of and I stand behind what I say in pure and utter totallity.
Basically it all started when I had 5 or so Itech 9601's...I had ordered them through a friend of mine in the NHL...He had 10 or so "stocked up" and didn't need them so, of course I jumped at this opportunity.
Well, a fractured jaw and 3 masks later; I gave up (3 masks in @6 months)...I called Bauer, told them what had happened and I was told no refund would be available to me as there was no record of them being "made" 8 months ago...So after a long and arduous argument with someone who had absolutely no prior mask knowledge; I shipped them off to Bauer. (I've still heard...nothing)
In my 20 years of tending; I've been through about 40-50 masks...Most due to outgrowing them...A few I purchased at the beginning of the season and they just weren't up to snuff for the level I was playing at...So generally, when it comes to masks; I know my ****.
Without my 9601's ~ I was left with my Eddy Pro Custom...This mask has seen more drama than any other lid I've ever worn...It's survived 2-3 years of absolute hell; that being said...I came to the conclusion; I needed a new primary.
The teams I'm affiliated with (I use that word loosely but, to make explaining this easier, it stays) decided that, because I had purchased the 9601's of my own accord and broken them there, they owed me a lid. I had roughly 1k to spend on a new lid, their treat.
I looked around for masks...Took my time to really delve into what was being put into my helmet as; I'm 25...my brain actually matters now and I want to protect myself...Above all; my noodle actually matters to me now.
Around this time a thread had occured on the **** forum and mid-search; I discovered Tony (Sportmask) so, I decided to check him out...I supported Tony because, he stood behind his product completely and utterly.
I play at a level where I need a mask that can take a 102mph shot because, on occasion; I get one. (After playing for 20 years, I can tell the difference between an 80 and a 102 so, just take my word for it)...That left me with one option; Pro.
I called a pro or two, some equipment managers and decided that I'd take an interest in Tony. So, I called a guy I had been talking to on the forums (Dana) and attempted to order one, cash in hand.
Dana contacted me back saying the wait time was 3 months... ~ The first immediate thought was...3 months? ~ For a guy that has maybe 2-3 NHL pro's ~ 3 months to make their masks and mine? ~ That doesn't make sense to me.
I called around; I won't say what information was discovered or not discovered but, I emailed Dana back, in appreciation for assisting me...But, I wasn't getting a Sportmask...I just didn't feel safe//comfortable after talking to several people and I felt I should move on...obviously, I did.
During this time, I had sold some gear and had 1200$ of my own...and after looking around, I wanted a Stacey...I had contacted him a year ago in regards to a Ballistic but, I ended up just getting an Eddy custom kevlar.
I fired off the basic stuff: My ****ty experience with Itech; I was looking for a new lid and I had cash in hand.
The response I recieved was one that...Shocked me quite a bit...I was basically told: Good luck in my Sportmask.
I replied; with a kinder version of my being slightly an ass; asking for more information about a Ballistic. (Again, cash in hand)
I recieved a very blunt message which more than got his point accross: I'm not doing business with you.
Keep in mind; all of the above was for a simple: "I'll trust my head in a Sportmask" (Even though I now, didn't...Stacey didn't seem to care)
I honestly, was angered by this...Considering my stance on protection...I was being denied safety so, I compared myself to a McDonald's worker ordering from Burgerking...I know, so hateful...In any event; I regret sending the last email.
Basically at this point, I had 2600$ and absolutely no helmet...I was "scared" to the effect that I had been "denied" proper protection by a manufacturer and I didn't know what to tell "my" equipment manager.
I contacted another manufacturer and recieved a very similar chain of events as was recieved from Stacey.
I didn't know what to say to "my" equipment manager so, I just shot out with it...The other goalie overheard our conversation and decided he'd like to cancel his order as well; based on my observations, it wasn't even worth trying. (Again, I can't exactly get into detail; my apologies)
Left with very few options, I decided to give Pro's Choice a call...I had contacted Dom a year ago as well, circa when I had originally contacted Stacey...but, his price back then was around 1400$ and it was a bit daunting.
I bit the bullet and gave Dom a call...Dom had been "warned" I was coming...by whom; I'm not sure but, a "warning of sorts" had been sent around...This "warning" made me very upset...I'm a guy looking for a mask...I want my head to protected and the only forseeable mistake I had made was trying to place an order with a rival manufacturer...SERIOUSLY?
Well, thankfully, Dom assured me there was absolutely no problem with my getting a helmet as it's his firm belief; we all deserve to be properly protected.
He invited me up there and I went.
I'll be honest; at this point I was desperate...I needed a lid...Yesterday...and Dom was the last option before retail (A route I'll never go after my experiences)...
I went (It's a good 4 hour huff from NYC) and Dom has this aura of no bull**** that surrounds him...My experience was, perfect...Immediately, we began talking about acquantences (He knows a lot of the same guys I do) and my situation...(He was as upset about it as I was)...We just hit it off hardcore.
I did the mold on site...Dom's wife even stopped by (She's hilarious btw) and it was a very laid back, professional, familiar experience...Everything I had wanted in the first place...
Dom gave me a month long wait time at first; then said you know what, 2 weeks...2 weeks for a pro mask is unheard of so, I was really suprised.
After some calls and late decisions, wait time was 3 weeks to the day.
I drove up to recieve it and do a final fit...All I can say is, I was very very impressed...The mask itself reeked of professionalism...It had come together perfectly.
The Tri-Bar is very sturdy and I don't see myself going through 4-5 cages a season like I normally do!
I've worn the mask 3-4 times since it's incarnation so, it's more than time for a mask review. Each session was about 3 hours so, it's got over 12 hours of worn time.
It's "broken in" very well, the foam has molded to my head and I prefer my
face pressed into the mask, it's a perfect fit.
This morning, I took my 3rd or 4th shot off the lid, it was from the point...about a good 75-80mph snap shot...I was late in my slide over and instead of hitting my blocker as it should've ~ I took it on the crown.
There was no ring, perhaps it was the angle; perhaps it was the speed but, I felt absolutely nothing and was already across the ice for the rebound, unscathed...
Breathability is beyond excellent, my peripheral vision has improved greatly...So much so, it actually took a slight "adjustment" period to get used to the "new world" as I saw it.
It's the lightest mask I've yet to wear...In 20 years I've never worn a mask this light...the cage is almost 1.5times the weight of the lid itself and it's very well balanced.
Protection...Wow...Beyond the fact that every single Pro's Choice user I've spoken to supports this helmet unquestionably...I can't speak enough for it...I could do a review in a year, 2 years, 3 years...nothing would change...
I actually have 100% confidence in the fact that if 3/4 years down the line...this cracks, Dom will be the first one there working out a deal for a new one...No doubt in my mind. Regardless of what happened. (This goes against the current practices of other manufacturers...obviously)
Overall, buy a Pro's Choice...It'll be the last 1300$ish you spend on a helmet...Believe me.
I've never felt safer.
Now for the candeh:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/Cosmonov/Straighton.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/Cosmonov/Back.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/Cosmonov/FrontLeft.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t175/Cosmonov/FrontRight.jpg
Any questions//comments...Feel free to send them my way :)
Ben