MY NEW PRO’S CHOICE MASK IS HERE!!!!
First impression out of the box……WOW!
Before I get too far into this, let me first thank my wonderful wife for allowing me to make this investment in the first place. Thank you so much, my love, for this great birthday/anniversary/etc. gift!
Next, I want to thank Dom Malerba, who made the mask. Thanks, Dom, for being so patient with me during this process, and for answering every question I ever threw at you. You’re excellent to deal with, and a credit to your profession.
Please Note: I’m not going to discuss price in this or any other thread about this mask. If you want to know prices, give Dom a call. As I stated above, he’s a great guy to deal with, and will answer any question you may have. Also, please be aware that this is the “standard” Pro’s Choice mask, not the Vapor. This was THE Pro’s Choice mask until Dom came out with the Vapor.
I’ve been familiar with Dom’s work for many years. Dom made a mask for a good friend of mine a number of years ago, and I’ve always been impressed with the workmanship and quality of that mask. My friend always spoke highly of how well protected he was in the mask, as well as of his experience with Dom. Since then, I’ve wanted one for myself, but it wasn’t in the cards for me until now (again, thanks to my wife!).
As impressed as I was with my friend’s mask, this one is far better! Dom has truly honed his craft in the ensuing years. The overall uniformity of shell thickness, as well as over-all finish quality, exceed the levels of the older mask I’ve seen. The Candy Apple Red paint on this mask is smooth and very glossy. I’m fully aware that candy paints can be delicate, so unless the paint simply falls apart after the first shot, I expect that I’ll get the occasional chip here and there.
While I haven’t had a chance to actually weigh it, this mask feels slightly lighter than my ******* (Van Veldon) PM1000, and is better balanced than the PM1000. The sight lines are also better, because the cage is closer to my face, one of the many benefits of having a mask custom-made. Of course, because it’s full-custom, the fit is right on the money. It’ll only need a little strap tweaking to get the backplate properly centered.
The shell is very stiff, stiffer than my old mask. It has the full, smooth, “pro” finish on the inside. Dom told me that the mask comprises 17 layers of fiberglass and carbon fiber, with Kevlar reinforcements. It has the chrome “Tri-Cat” cage (triangular center bar), which nicely complements the Candy Apple Red paint.
I just received it on Wednesday (2/28/07), so I haven’t worn it on the ice yet. I’ll follow up later with my on-ice impressions. Until then, here are some pictures. The last picture shows the two custom masks I’ve had in my life (separated by 30 years).
If anyone has any questions I might be able to answer, feel free to PM me.
Update: I got it weighed today (3/3/07). It's 2 lb. 14 oz./ 1.304 kg
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