"Official" Vortek thread

[David Agatone]

Originally Posted by Hero 34

Smith pads are all similiar/based on the original design of the Velocity, they all use the basic design although all the different models have slight differences from one another.

Vortek creates several different design pads, for example I own an original VK5 pad set which is similiar to the Koho 580/590 design crafted with Mark Agatone's own touches. The new VK5 Oracle pads are similiar to the CCM Gatekeeper pads with Mark's lovely touches. Vortek has several other past designs, Smith focuses on one basic design.

It comes down to actual design of the pads between the brands rather than simply how they perform

Just so you have your information correct, there is no 'Marc Agatone" it's David Agatone. Marc put together a group of people with a little money. I design the product line, Glenn runs the production schedule.

Dave

[SirSavesAlot]

Originally Posted by Hero 34

Vortek creates several different design pads, for example I own an original VK5 pad set which is similiar to the Koho 580/590 design crafted with Mark Agatone's own touches. The new VK5 Oracle pads are similiar to the CCM Gatekeeper pads with Mark's lovely touches.

I seriously disagree that they are like a Gatekeeper. I have been so privelaged to use a lot of different pads. Although the Vortek pads may look similar to a certain pad does not mean in any way that they perform that way. The Vortek pads are an original design that is different than any pad from any maker.

[David Agatone]

Originally Posted by sean 38

Dave Agatone. Dave. Not Mark. Though I'm sure Marc Wells contributed something...

Yep! The need for a lot of North of the Border suds!LOL

[Colonial]

Got to be honest, I contributed absolutely nothing to the design. I would not even know where to start. It is a team effort, everyone does there own thing.

Marc

[az]

I have played in both a Velocity (clone), and I currently use an older Vortek design pad, the vk2. I have written extensively on the different performance that a Smith-styled box pad gives versus a more traditional pad. Here is my comparison of the two designers:

Dave can make a pad that has Velocity-like internals but have the fit, feel, and flexibility of a traditional pad. Dave can also make a pad that plays "stiff" like a pure box. He is a little more versatile in making a pad that may work for your game, provided that you have a clear idea of what kind of pad works well for you. Dave doesn't do full custom work like a Battram or a Miller, but Dave will try to adapt one of his basic designs to work with your game.

Pete Smith is one of the pioneers of goalie gear design. He ranks at the very top with leading designers like Brian Heaton. Smith's speciality from the beginning of his career is the box pad design. If you want a pure box, a box that is at the cutting edge of current design and material technology, then the choice is simply Pete Smith.

I hold both designers at the highest level of respect, even though each is talented in a very different fashion. The gear that they produce is among the very, VERY best in performance, and certainly among the most affordable options in the market.

[Vision]

This set of junior pads was just delivered for one of my students.



Really nice and turned out better then I expected.

::m

[MrMikeEMike]

ya know, I really don't understand why Velo's and such are referred to as Box Pads.





THESE are box pads.

kids....

MtA

[Gregan]

I think that Vortek, Smith, CCM blockades, Brian's DX2's etc. all look almost identical in shape to the box pads that you've just posted.

Thanks for the memories man... those images brought back a few!

[geojedi]

How could you forget Tom Barasso in those photos?

[Stephane Lawa]

Those all red junior pads look great, single color is a good option for those who don`t really like the graphic. Once again they look top notch.

Steph Lawa

[Gregan]

New vortek website eh? god damn! I can't wait!

[glude01]

Originally Posted by Vision

This set of junior pads was just delivered for one of my students.



Really nice and turned out better then I expected.

::m

man those are great pads...will you be doing a review?...

Craig

[glude01]

love seeing those old Nordiques uniforms....pretty sweet...one question though....what exactly is that symbol?...looks like a red igloo with a hockey stick coming out of it...weird...

[Vision]

Hadn't really planned on it as those are a set of junior pads and they really don't fit me that well.

::m

[MrMikeEMike]

Originally Posted by Gregan

I think that Vortek, Smith, CCM blockades, Brian's DX2's etc. all look almost identical in shape to the box pads that you've just posted.

From the front, yes, but the leg channel...THE LEG CHANNEL!...no flaps, no cradles, no thigh boards, no velcro, no dry weave...

JUST CHANNEL! DEEP...DEEP...CHANNEL...ON BOTH SIDES!!!

If the pad don't look like a cardboard box from ALL angles, it ain't a box. Just my opinion. (And I couldn't find any pics of Barasso, but his Smith's were kinda a different shape IIRC.)

MtA