CM9 goal pad review

[Gman-29]

[img]http://content.communities.msn.com/isapi/fetch.dll?action=MyPhotos_GetPubPhoto&photoId=nJQD 7d94KtJwrG*9IJQV*TzenN972IQ72njK1B95ve9MK6Y!WCzM4o 02C!DmjGA20AyPViWOVtk4[/img]
Miller CM9 Goal Pads
Size: 35-36
Color: Navy/Gold


I have had the pads for a while now. I have waited to do a review until I was comfortable in them.
After giving Paul some specific measurements I sat by the mailbox for 2 weeks. The box arrived and I was a little shocked at how big they were. I am 5’11 and had been using 32” Vaughn 3500s. I always liked the smaller pads but my knee never hit the center of the knee rolls. Anyway I expected the CM9s to be an 1.5 to 2 inches bigger. These guys were about 36 inches. I called Paul in a panic and he reminded that pads ‘settle’ a bit. (However, he was more than ready to take them back).
The pads have a knee and calf lock system. I haven’t used pads that have them before and what I found was they allow me to keep my mid-calf and upper-calf strap a notch looser without feeling any ‘floppiness’. The boot channel was slightly deeper than the Vaughn 3500s. Paul also took into consideration my size 9 skate in building out the bottom section. Many of the bigger ‘off-the-shelf’ pads seem like they’re built for skates 10 and above. The workmanship is fantastic. It is well built.
There was virtually no break in time. Internally there are strategically placed slices in the foam that allow the pad to bend at the knee and ankle. I could crouch very low and not feel much resistance. I did wedge them under a drawer every night for about 2 weeks. It helped. Also they have settled a bit.
Now that I’m used to the bigger thigh rise I am extremely satisfied with the feel of the pads.
If I could change any thing on the pad I would get the straps through the pads. I would be more comfortable knowing that if a strap was damaged, I could replace it in 10 minutes on site at the rink.
With all that said I have owned only Cooper 95s (each pad weighed 27 pounds approx), Louisville TPS 300s and Vaughn 3500s. I certainly don’t consider myself an expert on all the nuances of the top pro pads that are out there so it is impossible for me to ‘Compare and contrast’.
Bottom line: A custom, pro quality pad in a very reasonable time frame, for a reasonable cost.


[This message has been edited by Gman-29 (edited April 06, 2001).]

[zoom]

Awsome looking pads Gman29! Those things look like they are full of big saves! The closest comparison I can see would be to the Reactor 6. Are they a stock 36"? The rise looks pretty long on those. I have been thinking about going to pads with an extra-long rise myself...Does it give you more 5-hole coverage in the butterfly? Enjoy the pads!

[Gman-29]

I play mainly a butterfly style and I think the design is perfect for that. I do think the coverage is better.

Hey Zoom do you give extra homework the day after a bad game?


[This message has been edited by Gman-29 (edited April 06, 2001).]

[Concrete5]

Hey man, those there are some damn sweet looking pads.

I was going to buy miller until I found the great deal on my Reactor 4 bauer pads. From everything I have heard, next time I buy pads, they will be Miller!!!

Concrete

[Gman-29]

All I have to do now is get on a team with Blue and yellow colors!

[sloth2946]

I think when I am in the market for a new set of couch cushions I think I am going to give miller a call. I like the idea of having a totally custom pad, in a reasonable timeframe with attentive customer service...At the rate I have been playing the last month or so, I may need a new set before Christmas....

[Ryano42]

They are some neato looking pads!

I bet they're awesome in the "Pro-Fly" position...

Any picks of the back; there isn't too many in the Goalie Store.

[Gman-29]

This is the only other shot I have. I did not find the pads bulky (aside from the extra height).
They are little heavier then the VPG3500s.
In the butterfly the bottom inside area barely touches the ice and doesn't hinder me at all.



[This message has been edited by Gman-29 (edited April 06, 2001).]

[JYoung]

Those are some really nice looking pads. How is the flex in them are they stiff or pretty bendy?

[Gman-29]

Pretty bendy right out of the box. Paul tells me that he places strategic slits in the foam that add to the flexibility.

[goalieguy]

Hey way2go man those pads look awesome! I have just one question tho: How come the outer roll by the knees looks all mushy and deformed? Maybe it's just the picture, or that's how they're supposed to be. I dunno, but those still look great!

Patrick

[Gman-29]

Good question Goalie Guy. I had not noticed that in the pic. I ran downstairs to look at them and that deformity is not there. The outer rolls are a little spongy. Also the pictures were taken 2 minutes after I took them out of the box so that dent was probably from being packed in there for 6-7 days.

[goalieguy]

Oh ok i c. They still look cool tho! I really like the way the graphics look, sewn on and everything.

Patrick

[Oddzilla51]

Gman, have you had a chance to play with those pads yet? I'm curious to find out how the rebound's are and over-all fit and feel of them after using them a few times.

[Gman-29]

Oddzilla, I have been on the ice with the about 10-12 times and have found that the re bounds were not quite as lively as the Vpg 3500's I was using. Which is good and bad as a few saves down in the butterfly used to sail off to side now sit about 3-4 away. But many drop in close for me to sweep away or cover up.
As far as fit and feel goes it was tough the 1st time in a pad this big after being in a 32". At this point I'm feel very comfortable and balanced.

[This message has been edited by Gman-29 (edited April 10, 2001).]