rpringle
12-31-2007, 10:40 AM
Background
I started playing goal a few years ago and bought a used McKenney 755 C/A (size M) from the GSBB board. Initially, I was thrilled with it but over time, I learned both the good and bad of the unit. In short, it offered great protection to the body and was very mobile but it lacked protection in the arms - I received more than my fair share of bruises and stingers on my forearms and biceps. As a result, I then bought a highly customized McKenney 855 (size L) from Speedwing, also on the GSBB. The 855 offered much better protection but it was heavy, bulky and was too big on me. I had been toying with ordering a new C/A from Scott Battram based on excellent reviews on this board and my previous satisfaction dealing with Scott. When I read about Scott's new "Pro Finish" C/A, that pretty much sealed it for me.
The ordering process
Having dealt with Scott before, I knew to expect prompt responses to my questions and fast action in dealing with my order. I wasn't disappointed. I exchanged a few emails with Scott and Tischa, discussing various aspects and features of the C/A. Scott / Tischa were always prompt in replying to my questions in a comprehensive manner.
After discussion, here's what I ordered:
Pro finish materials
Custom graphics: Duff beer can on chest plate; my name embroidered on the shoulder
Lace in arms
Neoprene throat collar
I inquired about NHL spec elbow floaters but Scott said that the difference was only half an inch (smaller) so I opted to stay with the standard (slightly wider) floaters.
I won't dwell on the specifications of Battram's "pro finish" (you can read about it in other reviews) but suffice to say that the materials used are intended to make the unit cooler and somewhat lighter.
Assessment: 10 out of 10
The Build
I received a couple of emails from Scott and Tischa clarifying certain details and, in one instance, explaining that due to illness, the build would be slightly delayed. Since I had no deadline for delivery (other than the one Tischa had provided), it was no big deal.
Assessment: 9.9 out of 10
The Pick Up
I received an email from Tischa letting me know the unit was ready for pick up (I live about an hour from Scott so I prefer to pick things up from him directly rather than pay for (and wait for) shipping). As usual, Scott assured me I could pick it up anytime and so I drove to Woodstock on a weekday afternoon. Scott welcomed me in and I tried on the unit. Scott helped me to adjust it and we completed the transaction. (Scott also showed me his first set of Nexus pads - very cool)
Assessment: 10 out of 10
Fit and Finish
It's a beautiful unit - the quality of the build is apparent from first glance. All the stitching and pieces are aligned and the attention to detail is impeccable. My Duff beer can is a nice complement to my pads and gloves. It compares favourably with off-the-shelf gear from other manufacturers and is as good as the McKenney C/As I am most familiar with.
In putting the unit on for the first time, I found the unit surprisingly mobile. I was expecting more stiffness and limited movement because it was brand new but that was not the case. The old "touch your nose" and "touch your opposite ear" tests showed that the unit was very flexible right off the bat(tram - sorry, couldn't resist;)). In comparison, the McKenney 855 unit is much bulkier and limits my movement more - I cannot touch my opposite ear with it on.
While the unit is bulkier than the McKenney 755, it also offers much more protection so I had no issues with that.
I was initially dismayed by how low the collar / neck opening is on the Battram. I was used to the higher necks on the McKenney units so the Battram felt like I was exposing my neck. This wasn't a huge concern since I use a Maltese Combo (another excellent product) but I knew it was going to take some getting used to.
The neoprene collar on the unit is very soft and comfortable and does not restrict my "look down" ability with my mask on. The unit also offers excellent rib and back protection.
The arms on the Battram are solid, well built and protective. There is considerable padding underneath the armour so it has a snug comfy feeling without being overly tight or restrictive.
In general sizing terms, the unit falls between my two McKenney units - not as compact as the 755 but nowhere near as massive as the 855.
Assessment: 9.5 out of 10
Game Experience
I have been wearing the unit now for about 2.5 months and I am on the ice roughly three times per week. I play at a low level of hockey but some of the guys can get pretty decent shots away. Certainly not pro level but enough to make you sit up and take notice if your gear isn't up to the challenge.
Since I've started wearing it, I can say that I am highly satisfied with the unit. It is a good marriage of protection and mobility. While I am sure that the unit has loosened up somewhat, I can truthfully say that I haven't been able to detect a huge difference in mobility from the time I started wearing it to now. The C/A was great to play in from my first game - no problems whatsoever.
If you have read other reviews / comments of Battram C/As, words such as "bulletproof" and "incredibly protective" are commonly used. I have to admit that I find those to be overstatements. While my C/A is very protective, I do feel shots through it and while I don't believe that I have had any bruises, I have had a few (very rare) shots that have hurt (mildly). I should add that I do NOT see this as a flaw in the unit...I see this as a reasonable balance between protection and mobility.
In my McKenney 855, I have not taken any shots that have hurt me BUT the unit is big, bulky and lacks mobility - thus my desire for a unit that was a better balance. I believe I have found it in the Battram.
As for the cut of the neck in the Battram, I have not found it to be a problem. I got used to it quickly and I am not aware of it anymore. While I have caught a couple of shots on my Maltese Combo, I do NOT attribute them to the Battram unit (I also took a few throat shots in the McKenney C/As too; note - I do not wear a dangler)
In regards to the "Pro Finish", I cannot say that I have noticed a huge difference in the heat of the unit. It sometimes occurs to me that I have not sweated as much in the Battram as in the McKenney units but if there is a difference, it is a relatively small one. To be honest, I have not typically been bothered by excess heat in any C/A I have worn - the Battram may be marginally cooler but it's not something I can say with certainty.
Assessment: 9.9 out of 10
Summary
The Battram Pro Finish C/A is a great product that delivers an excellent balance of protection and mobility - the key thing I was looking for in a new C/A. While the unit is not "bulletproof", it is highly protective and offers great mobility even brand new. The quality of the build is excellent and the ordering and purchase process was exemplary. Overall, I highly recommend this C/A for people who are seeking a C/A that offers solid protection married to good mobility. This unit offers great value for the money, especially since it is a custom unit.
Overall assessment: 9.9 out of 10
I started playing goal a few years ago and bought a used McKenney 755 C/A (size M) from the GSBB board. Initially, I was thrilled with it but over time, I learned both the good and bad of the unit. In short, it offered great protection to the body and was very mobile but it lacked protection in the arms - I received more than my fair share of bruises and stingers on my forearms and biceps. As a result, I then bought a highly customized McKenney 855 (size L) from Speedwing, also on the GSBB. The 855 offered much better protection but it was heavy, bulky and was too big on me. I had been toying with ordering a new C/A from Scott Battram based on excellent reviews on this board and my previous satisfaction dealing with Scott. When I read about Scott's new "Pro Finish" C/A, that pretty much sealed it for me.
The ordering process
Having dealt with Scott before, I knew to expect prompt responses to my questions and fast action in dealing with my order. I wasn't disappointed. I exchanged a few emails with Scott and Tischa, discussing various aspects and features of the C/A. Scott / Tischa were always prompt in replying to my questions in a comprehensive manner.
After discussion, here's what I ordered:
Pro finish materials
Custom graphics: Duff beer can on chest plate; my name embroidered on the shoulder
Lace in arms
Neoprene throat collar
I inquired about NHL spec elbow floaters but Scott said that the difference was only half an inch (smaller) so I opted to stay with the standard (slightly wider) floaters.
I won't dwell on the specifications of Battram's "pro finish" (you can read about it in other reviews) but suffice to say that the materials used are intended to make the unit cooler and somewhat lighter.
Assessment: 10 out of 10
The Build
I received a couple of emails from Scott and Tischa clarifying certain details and, in one instance, explaining that due to illness, the build would be slightly delayed. Since I had no deadline for delivery (other than the one Tischa had provided), it was no big deal.
Assessment: 9.9 out of 10
The Pick Up
I received an email from Tischa letting me know the unit was ready for pick up (I live about an hour from Scott so I prefer to pick things up from him directly rather than pay for (and wait for) shipping). As usual, Scott assured me I could pick it up anytime and so I drove to Woodstock on a weekday afternoon. Scott welcomed me in and I tried on the unit. Scott helped me to adjust it and we completed the transaction. (Scott also showed me his first set of Nexus pads - very cool)
Assessment: 10 out of 10
Fit and Finish
It's a beautiful unit - the quality of the build is apparent from first glance. All the stitching and pieces are aligned and the attention to detail is impeccable. My Duff beer can is a nice complement to my pads and gloves. It compares favourably with off-the-shelf gear from other manufacturers and is as good as the McKenney C/As I am most familiar with.
In putting the unit on for the first time, I found the unit surprisingly mobile. I was expecting more stiffness and limited movement because it was brand new but that was not the case. The old "touch your nose" and "touch your opposite ear" tests showed that the unit was very flexible right off the bat(tram - sorry, couldn't resist;)). In comparison, the McKenney 855 unit is much bulkier and limits my movement more - I cannot touch my opposite ear with it on.
While the unit is bulkier than the McKenney 755, it also offers much more protection so I had no issues with that.
I was initially dismayed by how low the collar / neck opening is on the Battram. I was used to the higher necks on the McKenney units so the Battram felt like I was exposing my neck. This wasn't a huge concern since I use a Maltese Combo (another excellent product) but I knew it was going to take some getting used to.
The neoprene collar on the unit is very soft and comfortable and does not restrict my "look down" ability with my mask on. The unit also offers excellent rib and back protection.
The arms on the Battram are solid, well built and protective. There is considerable padding underneath the armour so it has a snug comfy feeling without being overly tight or restrictive.
In general sizing terms, the unit falls between my two McKenney units - not as compact as the 755 but nowhere near as massive as the 855.
Assessment: 9.5 out of 10
Game Experience
I have been wearing the unit now for about 2.5 months and I am on the ice roughly three times per week. I play at a low level of hockey but some of the guys can get pretty decent shots away. Certainly not pro level but enough to make you sit up and take notice if your gear isn't up to the challenge.
Since I've started wearing it, I can say that I am highly satisfied with the unit. It is a good marriage of protection and mobility. While I am sure that the unit has loosened up somewhat, I can truthfully say that I haven't been able to detect a huge difference in mobility from the time I started wearing it to now. The C/A was great to play in from my first game - no problems whatsoever.
If you have read other reviews / comments of Battram C/As, words such as "bulletproof" and "incredibly protective" are commonly used. I have to admit that I find those to be overstatements. While my C/A is very protective, I do feel shots through it and while I don't believe that I have had any bruises, I have had a few (very rare) shots that have hurt (mildly). I should add that I do NOT see this as a flaw in the unit...I see this as a reasonable balance between protection and mobility.
In my McKenney 855, I have not taken any shots that have hurt me BUT the unit is big, bulky and lacks mobility - thus my desire for a unit that was a better balance. I believe I have found it in the Battram.
As for the cut of the neck in the Battram, I have not found it to be a problem. I got used to it quickly and I am not aware of it anymore. While I have caught a couple of shots on my Maltese Combo, I do NOT attribute them to the Battram unit (I also took a few throat shots in the McKenney C/As too; note - I do not wear a dangler)
In regards to the "Pro Finish", I cannot say that I have noticed a huge difference in the heat of the unit. It sometimes occurs to me that I have not sweated as much in the Battram as in the McKenney units but if there is a difference, it is a relatively small one. To be honest, I have not typically been bothered by excess heat in any C/A I have worn - the Battram may be marginally cooler but it's not something I can say with certainty.
Assessment: 9.9 out of 10
Summary
The Battram Pro Finish C/A is a great product that delivers an excellent balance of protection and mobility - the key thing I was looking for in a new C/A. While the unit is not "bulletproof", it is highly protective and offers great mobility even brand new. The quality of the build is excellent and the ordering and purchase process was exemplary. Overall, I highly recommend this C/A for people who are seeking a C/A that offers solid protection married to good mobility. This unit offers great value for the money, especially since it is a custom unit.
Overall assessment: 9.9 out of 10