RBK X-Pulse 6.0 Sr. Goal Pad; Review/Warning

[mash]

I recently purchased a pair of RBK X-pulse 6.0 Sr. Goal Pads through the online retailer, HockeyGiant.Com for $284.99 USD.


It was a quick(free) ship and I had the pads within a week. My first time in goal wearing the new set was a little disappointing.


By the end of warm-ups, I could already identify a small but significant issue with the strapping design. Both calf straps and both boot straps are made of leather, but the knee stack and thigh strap are made of nylon webbing and attach to the pad with buckles. The flaw is that the strap adjuster on the nylon straps does not keep the strap from adjusting in length when the pad is flexed. (See picture) It ended up unthreading during play causing the pad to flap wildly and ultimately causing me to go down on the floor surface, rather than the knee stack. I changed this setup during period break by knotting the strap to prevent it from slipping through. It solved the issue, but I shouldn’t have had to do that… and my knee was already significantly bruised.

Three nights later during a scrimmage game, the nylon strap on the thighboard of my left pad completely ripped out of its seam. I ended up having to ghetto rig it with tape to get it to stay for the rest of that particular session.


A week and a half later, again during a game, the nylon knee strap that is sewn into the edge of the inner knee wing, completely tore out from it’s seam on my right pad. This was not fixable during play so I had to finish out the game, minus a very important strap.

I modified the pad when I got home and I must say, my rigging was very solid and probably better crafted than the original design



The next morning, I called hockeygiant and complained of the issue. I must say that they were more than willing to make it right and stood behind the sale 100%. They shipped me a new set and allowed me to use the old set, til the new ones arrived… and they agreed to pay for all the shipping (rightly so).

The new set looks almost identical with one small exception, the plastic strap adjuster on the nylon straps now has small gripping teeth within it to keep the strap from unthreading when the pad is flexed and the strap is pulled taut. The stap contact points with the pads seem to be a little better as well. For now, they appear to be holding up… but we’ll see how they last during continued play.

Overall, the pad would not be a bad buy if it were not for these craftsmanship problems. They would be just fine for recreational play in terms of protection and functionality. But, I guess you get what you pay for. Unfortunately, when I bought these, I needed a cheap 37’ pad and I couldn’t find anything anywhere else that fit my budget (got a baby on the way). I didn’t find out about the GoalieStore Classified ads until after the fact. I’m posting this on the board as a buyer beware since there are limited reviews out there about this set.

-mathew

[EdwardL]

How hard do you guys beat on your gear? I've used my x-pulse 6.0s probably 10 times so far and haven't had any of these problems. And I bought them very used.

How did you get your thigh board strap to rip? It's elastic and like over 2 feet long.

[_PRODIGY_]

I've heard of a lot of issues with the nylon ripping on RBK pads.
At least they shipped you a new pair and let you use them.. but personally I'd sell those ASAP (to an unknowing customer ) and just put that money to getting a better pair of pads.

[TAS33]

If you worry about it coming loose, just tape the strap after you move it to desired length. I did this with my Blockades and am yet to have a problem in my fourth year with the pads. Minus the strap ripping off they should be fine.

[mash]

EdwardNL... not sure how the thighboard strap got yanked out, it was one of those things that happened during play and i never noticed it until after the fact.

As far as the knee strap tearing out, i am guessing that when the manufacturer (in china) sewed it into the knee wing, they did not get the entire edge of the nylon under the stitch so it pulled out very easily.

You havent experienced any real issues yet?

Prodigy... man i wish i could dump em and get a better set but i gotta think about my baby girl on the way. I am hoping this second set wont be so flawed and hold up a little better. I only play a couple of times a week in ice and roller rec leagues so the wear shouldnt be too intense.

[mash]

Originally Posted by TAS33

If you worry about it coming loose, just tape the strap after you move it to desired length. I did this with my Blockades and am yet to have a problem in my fourth year with the pads. Minus the strap ripping off they should be fine.

the strap issue seems to be resolved with this second set... the sliding adjusters now have little gripping teeth that hold the nylon webbing in place.

[TAS33]

Yes but I would not risk the possibility of it slipping as you already know the consequences. Up to you though I just see know harm in doubling up. I can get pics to show what I mean if not fully understood.

[bbnmcas]

I got the exact same pad. I was going to play in the Sat. morning but I think I'll go to the store and exchange them for a 38" pair of the Xceed II pads.

[CADMonkey]

I also have these pads. I haven't had any issues with them yet except for the nylon straps slipping but I just tapped them and they have been fine since. One of the screws on the toe tie fell out during play but i just threaded it back on and put some locktight on them when I got home. I really don't know what people expect for a pad that is less than $300 bucks. It is great that the store you bought them from stood behind them.

[mash]

Originally Posted by CADMonkey

I really don't know what people expect for a pad that is less than $300 bucks.

Not sure what you mean... If you paid $300 for something wouldnt you be pissed it was defective??? $300 may not be much for goal pads, but they should at least last more than three games... Obviously HockeyGiant.com agreed.

[mash]

Originally Posted by TAS33

Yes but I would not risk the possibility of it slipping as you already know the consequences. Up to you though I just see know harm in doubling up. I can get pics to show what I mean if not fully understood.

yeah...definitely know the consequences and i guess i should pre-empt. did you just tape around the strap to make it thicker?

[Bishnou]

I have these pads too, I took out the boards and the top strap on them and it helps, I also raised the knee strap buckle to the top strap. I took out the calf wrap inside to get them closer to my previous pads.
The knee pading is also really hard, I hurt my knees from time to time going into butterfly.
so far so good but I know what you mean by poor craftmanship, my pre-ks were made slightly beter but still I needed taller pads. went frm a 32" rebok senior to 35" 6.0s
I also superglued the stitching on the toes so it doesn't fray as quickly, really is the best mod I did on any pads.
By the way, I personally don't like the knee setup. If Icould I would change it to the premier's knees, knee locks and everything.
Sliding in these is harder because of all the stitching and the binding.

[Bengal34]

All you have to do to fix the nylon straps is to make a clean cut at the end and then wave the edge of the strap over a flame. The heat will melt the nylon and it won't fray. Also, if you want the straps to stay more secure all you have to do is double back the nylon stray through the bracket. I had to do the same with my blockades.

[oldgoalie]

ON STRAP ADJUSTERS:


I see these all the time with knots and tape and hanging loose.

Set the buckle to desired length.

Move the adjuster to a position where it doesnt rub or pinch

Double the strap back through the adjuster and if length allows tuck the end back into the end of the buckle

they are neat and will NEVER move

[CADMonkey]

Originally Posted by mash

Not sure what you mean... If you paid $300 for something wouldnt you be pissed it was defective??? $300 may not be much for goal pads, but they should at least last more than three games... Obviously HockeyGiant.com agreed.

No disrespect intended. I just wasn't expecting much out of mine and have been pleasantly surprised. I personally expected things like that to happen. They didn't happen to me but if they did I would have wated them fixed or replaced as well. All I meant is that I sort of expected it.