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stealth · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2001, 09:58 PM

Hi all, in case anyone is interested, I just thought I'd post my first impressions of my new pads, a set of Eagle TP21 37" pads, with full face Pro-glow. These are supposedly a set of Bob Essensa's vancouver pro-returns. Some background on me...I'm 6ft, 195 lbs, been wearing my 34" Koho Revolution Potvin's (orig. style) for a couple years now, and wanted to try something new. I play mostly half butterfly in a rec-league. First off, The Eagles are extremely light and flexy, although they have a lot of thigh rise, which some might not be comfortable with. They remain light after play as well, I suspect to the impenetrability of the Pro glow. They are a fairly flat pad, without a deep channel, reminiscent of the Bauer Reactor 6's. The knee has great protection with both a knee pad and a thigh board, and I think Ess may have knee problems, as on the outside area of the knee, a shoulder cap has been sewn on. Although it seems bulky, once its on, you never notice it. The inner knee could use some heavier padding for a butterflier. Adequate calf padding is provided.
The Pro glow, like it or not is an eye catcher, I receieved tons of comments on it, although I suspect a long time from now, I will still be getting asked "New pads?" (due to their constant shine) which can be annoying. I was promised that the material is resistant to skate cuts, although I have my doubts, as they had already had a couple nicks and one fairly large patch in the face material. I will report back when and if I put them to the test in this regard. What was especially striking was the ability to glide across the ice with Proglow as opposed to Clarino. As a bigger goalie, this tends to be more difficult, but I found myself effortlessly gliding into a butterfly right to the top of the crease. Even my teammates commented on this effect. I'm looking forward to experimenting with this combined with the Overdrives.
If anyone wants, I can continue updating my reviews as I get more comfortable with these pads. Sorry no pics yet, but working on it!
Thanks for reading.

Keith · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2001, 03:43 AM

Hey Stealth, did you get those pads at Toronto Hockey Repair? They had basically what you describe when I was in there last week.

Speaking of THR, they are expanding into what used to be a vitamin store next to them, and making that space all goalie equipment. They'll be bulking up on stock, getting plenty of new stuff in. All this a one minute walk from my house. Sweet.

pmgaff · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2001, 05:00 AM

Nicely written...

I know I'd be interested in updates, especially with regard to the durability issue.

Theif · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-2001, 05:21 AM

I'd love some updates too. Especially pics!

stealth · #5 (**permalink**) 10-31-2001, 09:25 AM

Keith, those could have been the ones...apparently THR had 2 sets from Ess. One I bought, and another that one of their staff bought. They also had a set of Neil Little's pro-glow Eagles (Philadelphia Phantoms), which looked nice, but the colors didnt go with my gear.
I'm sure I'll get some pics up in the next few weeks, and keep you all updated with my review. As I said before, I'm excited to see how the pro-glow's "glidieness" can be used with the overdrives. This could really speed me up in the crease...

Keith · #6 (**permalink**) 10-31-2001, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stealth:
They also had a set of Neil Little's pro-glow Eagles (Philadelphia Phantoms), which looked nice, but the colors didnt go with my gear.

Man, those colours don't go with anyone's gear, unless I guess you're a Phantom. I tried those pads out several weeks ago, and found them to be pretty good performance wise. A little short for me though, yet with way too big of a boot (Little wears a 14 skate, apparently).

Pretty lucky, actually - I was going to borrow the Essensa Eagles as well, but decided against it! So you got to scoop them. My impression was that they are built more solidily than the Littles are. They impressed me quite a bit.

Altramax30 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-31-2001, 03:11 PM

I PLAY FOR THE DELCO PHANTOMS (Jr. Affiliate team of the real Phantoms)! Does anyone have any pics of the pads?? I may, just may, want to try those suckers out!

stealth · #8 (**permalink**) 10-31-2001, 09:34 PM

Nope, and not likely to...but they were cool, mostly white, with a big phantoms logo on them. Contact Toronto Hockey repair for them, I think they were going for $1000-$1100 cdn.
Thanks Keith, I thought they were a tempting buy as well. I really wasnt in the market for pads, but.....you know! lol....

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