Timmaayy
04-02-2008, 11:07 PM
Well, I got a new C/A today ( Thanks Sean and Dave! ). It's an Itech RX-9. :)
I've always worn Vaughn C/A's, all three previous units have been the 5500. The first was a pro return that I donated to Three for his hockey program for kids, the second and third have been light to moderately used units I picked up on ebay.
Here is my current 5500.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/timmyh911/5500Front.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/timmyh911/5500Back2.jpg
The main problems I have with it are:
1) the length of the belly... it's just too short
2) the rib protection is scant at best, upper and lower
3) shots to the bicep sting like a mother
It rides fairly high on the neck, and is a size medium. I like the way it fits overall, with the exception of the short belly. The arm length is perfect and the protection around the neck and collar are great.
But after three in a row of the same thing, I thought I'd mix it up a bit and check out the new Itech RX-9. Sean on the GSBB had a brand new one in Large size, and I've seen the X-Wing model in the pro shop, so I had a little bit of an idea about them.
Here are the pix of the new unit:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/timmyh911/RX9Front.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/timmyh911/RX9Back.jpg
The arms a bit long right out of the bag. I'm going to have to shorten them by an inch or so. It also sits a little lower around collar when I'm just standing straight up, but when I'm playing and in stance, there is no gap between my chin and the C/A at all.
Protection wise, I haven't really tested it yet. Had a game tonite where I only saw maybe 20 shots, and none of them had much heat on them.
As far as comfort, well, it's brand new and it's a little stiff, but I can tell that it's going to break in fairly easily after only playing one game in it. The arms are the worst part, mostly because they are too long in their stock position. I think I can relace them in with about an inch less of length.
The nicest part is it's about 4 inches longer in the belly, and two inches more on each side on the ribs. That will certainly cover that nasty gap I've had for the last 3 years. Every now and then I would take one right between the C/A and the pants, and damn that would sting. This should leave no weak spots at all.
Weightwise, I think it's a tad lighter, but not much. It is bigger though, so I imagine a direct size to size comparison would prove it lighter than it's Vaughn counterpart that I have been wearing for so long. On the ice, it's hard to tell whether or not it's better ventilated yet... just one game in and it's been pretty warm here, so it's pretty humid in the rink, more than normal.
If anyone wants any other closeups, please let me know. Glad to oblige.
I'll update with some full gear pics when I get a chance, to show how it compares and covers the gaps better. :cool:
I've always worn Vaughn C/A's, all three previous units have been the 5500. The first was a pro return that I donated to Three for his hockey program for kids, the second and third have been light to moderately used units I picked up on ebay.
Here is my current 5500.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/timmyh911/5500Front.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/timmyh911/5500Back2.jpg
The main problems I have with it are:
1) the length of the belly... it's just too short
2) the rib protection is scant at best, upper and lower
3) shots to the bicep sting like a mother
It rides fairly high on the neck, and is a size medium. I like the way it fits overall, with the exception of the short belly. The arm length is perfect and the protection around the neck and collar are great.
But after three in a row of the same thing, I thought I'd mix it up a bit and check out the new Itech RX-9. Sean on the GSBB had a brand new one in Large size, and I've seen the X-Wing model in the pro shop, so I had a little bit of an idea about them.
Here are the pix of the new unit:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/timmyh911/RX9Front.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/timmyh911/RX9Back.jpg
The arms a bit long right out of the bag. I'm going to have to shorten them by an inch or so. It also sits a little lower around collar when I'm just standing straight up, but when I'm playing and in stance, there is no gap between my chin and the C/A at all.
Protection wise, I haven't really tested it yet. Had a game tonite where I only saw maybe 20 shots, and none of them had much heat on them.
As far as comfort, well, it's brand new and it's a little stiff, but I can tell that it's going to break in fairly easily after only playing one game in it. The arms are the worst part, mostly because they are too long in their stock position. I think I can relace them in with about an inch less of length.
The nicest part is it's about 4 inches longer in the belly, and two inches more on each side on the ribs. That will certainly cover that nasty gap I've had for the last 3 years. Every now and then I would take one right between the C/A and the pants, and damn that would sting. This should leave no weak spots at all.
Weightwise, I think it's a tad lighter, but not much. It is bigger though, so I imagine a direct size to size comparison would prove it lighter than it's Vaughn counterpart that I have been wearing for so long. On the ice, it's hard to tell whether or not it's better ventilated yet... just one game in and it's been pretty warm here, so it's pretty humid in the rink, more than normal.
If anyone wants any other closeups, please let me know. Glad to oblige.
I'll update with some full gear pics when I get a chance, to show how it compares and covers the gaps better. :cool: