Vaughn Velo Sizing

[PeteSmithStoppa]

I wear a Vaughn Velocity 1 34 inch, I have always worn 34 inch pads. But, I feel like they are short on top, leaving a five hole. Is there a diff between 34+1 and 35's ? A guy has a pair of 35s for sale, the 34's I have seem to smush down and I dont have alot of thigh rise. I am 5-10, maybe 5-10.5 on a good day.

Pete

[richardsevigny]

There is a difference between 34+1" and 35" pads ...obviously, the first one extends the five hole coverage of a standard 34" pad, and the second is for a longer/taller A2K.

However, it's true that velo's tend to "shrink" by a half inch to an inch after prolonged use as they get broken in. So, your current 34" pads have probably broken in to play more like 33.5" pads.

If this guy's 35" pads are broken in, they'll probably play like a 34.5" pad ...which isn't all that much larger than the 34" pads you're used to, and you'd probably not notice much of a difference ...all that would really happen is the pad would "crank down/over" at slightly more of an angle at your knee (in order for you to centre your knee in the slightly higher cradle), which would in turn bring the thighrises slightly closer together in the butterfly.

However, while the 35" pads would probably fit you fine, and not shrink below the 34" size you're used to wearing, you won't know how well you can close your five-hole with them until you try them on.

If you can, go to a pro shop and try on a pair of 35" pads (with skates) ...see how they fit your A2K and butterfly for you ...and then, imagine losing a half-inch to an inch off each pad due to shrinkage. Look at the imaginary gap that's left between these 35" pads in the butterfly, and imagine filling it with a couple inches of thighrise. You may actually find that a 35+1" pad would be better for closing your butterfly (assuming it's been broken in to 34.5+1" to fit your A2K). Then, be patient and keep your eyes open for that size of velo.

In short, a broken in 35" velocity pad (34.5") would probably fit you fine, but may not improve your butterfly at all. You may find an inch or two of extra thighrise is needed.

For example, in my situation I have an A2K of 18.5" (height of 6'1", not that that matters any). I've found I fit into a 35" velocity pad, but could go as high as 36". However, my relatively narrow butterfly wouldn't give me good five-hole coverage with either size of pad (which I found from trying both sizes on). I figured I'd need a good two inches of thighrise added on each pad to be safe. And, knowing velo's shrink, I figured I'd better look for a 36+2" pad, as opposed to 35.

I was patient and found a set of 36+2.5" pads that've shrunk down to 35.5+2.5", which fits my A2K and butterfly coverage needs perfectly.

[Keeps33]

yep they squish for sure. I have my 35+1's still (looking to move em) and they fit more like a regular 35 now.

[PeteSmithStoppa]

Thanks guys, so what would you rather have - velo 2's or summits? At first I hated the velo, but now that I am used to it I really like it. But, I always wonder how another pad would feel, Ilove the summit catch /block. I modified my v1's, but they dont have the calf stabilizer. I think that it would help me closeup my 5 hole, and slide, since it doesnt have that stupid nylon. What do you think I could get for these V1's you think, 3? I mean good shape / clean and modified landing gear, 3 seasons.

Pete

[richardsevigny]

They'll be burying me in my velos ...I'll never give them up!

Okay... maybe I'll eventually upgrade from V2's to V6's or something, but right now I love my V2's, which are modded like V3's anyway. And I love my V1 blocker and 5500 catch!

But hey man, try on a bunch of gear until you find what works for you. Same goes for dating as many girls as you can until you find the right one to marry!

[adavis]

I've tried to get out of Velos three times but they keep pulling me back.

[Keeps33]

Originally Posted by adavis

I've tried to get out of Velos three times but they keep pulling me back.

I hear ya, as much as i like my Vorteks the vaughns make me wanna go back.

[PeteSmithStoppa]

I think the reason why Vaughn is #1 in the nhl speaks a ton, these guys have access to everything, limitless time and money, and most guys use Vaughn velo's. RBK is a close second though.

[nik133]

vaughn is not number one in the nhl its rbk. What are you talking about #1 gloves,pads,chest protectors? If your talking about number 1 pad used in the nhl its rbk.

[hroark2112]

Originally Posted by Keeps33

I hear ya, as much as i like my Vorteks the vaughns make me wanna go back.

If they weren't those ghey-azz buffalo colors, I'd offer to buy them from you!!

[Keeps33]

i think theyre too tall for ya anyways, Frodo.

[PeteSmithStoppa]

Well, I got the V2 Velocity 35 inchers, and was able to play one game in them before my surgery.

Firstly, I could feel the extra inch as soon as I skated out there. I am hoping that the 3 game rule of new gear kicks in on this, because I felt like I moved and skated differently - especially in setting up for shots. When I dropped however, wow was it nice to feel that extra inch in the 5 hole. During the game, a few shots came down the pipe and the tops just came together nice and the puck died.

I was also pleasantly surprised to see that the calf stabilizers are a great improvement. The material also allowed me to slide (which the nylon on the V1 didnt do well) - almost too slippery but I know I will adjust to that. The stabilizers help to keep single leg butterflies nice and square, preventing over, or under, rotation. It also gave a nice touch with the ice, and I bet pucks can get trapped under there way more easily.

The thigh board design is also a great improvement. I would routinely get hit under the boards on the V1 due to the floppy mount job on the V1. Why they didnt stitch that across with the lace I will not know. Sometimes the design decisions at Vaughn almost seem intentional to build in obsolecence - I am not sure.

The tiger stripe on the V2 calf stabilizer is also dumb. What were they trying to accomplish? I can only think that it was to break up snow buildup, but the stitching on my set was shot, creating little pockets. I hot glued them down and they won't move again - a great fix. I see that goaliemonkey is now selling V2's sans stripe. Dumb move vaughn!

The v2 leg channel is a little different, especially near the boot where it is cut into two pieces, I guess to allow for more flexibility.

Overall I am pretty happy - took a magic eraser to them to really clean them up, and sealed it up with camp dry. Ill take pics if anyone is interested in the comparison.