Vaughn c/a Review.

[Aussie_Goalie]

Well i just recently bought the 5500 Vaughn Vision c/a and i have to say its the most comfortable c/a i have eva worn.

Its very light weight only takes half a game to break in (Inline) extremely protective,keeps me fairly cool considering the temps we have here and is just an all round awesome piece of equipment.

I must recommend it to anyone looking for a new c/a but beware if the price.

If u have any other questions about it feel free to ask.

*Aussie*

[az]

How much did you pay for it?

How is the protection to the clavicle, shoulder and upper arms?

How is the mobility in the arms, both at the shoulder and at the elbow?

How is the protection on the blocker-side elbow? My Vaughn c/a isn't padded that great and those high-wide shots sting a bit.

[Bernie]

Right on, Dave.

I actually have found the Vaughn to be the WORST major brand C/A I've ever used. I wouldn't recommend it for anything but roller, and even then I wouldn't really recommend it highly.

Which ones do you recommend Bernie? I've heard the Brian's Alite is pretty nice-especially if you can afford to get it custom made.

[Kuzma]

If you can afford the Alite custom made, you can get a Miller custom made. I'm lead to believe that you can get almost any custom company to do it for the same price or less.

[This message has been edited by Kuzma (edited August 08, 2000).]

I have a Brians Alite chest and arm protector. It is the best one ive tried and ive put on a vaughn 4000, 5500, and Vlite. They are all as bulky and weigh more actually. Anywayz, id recommend it highly. As for the arms, they are not as bulky as ppl say they are. They are just as big as vaughns arms. All I did was take out the unnessisary 2nd shoulder caps and the c/a offers the mobility, protection, and flexibility along with lightness that a good c/a should. Post if you want more info about it.

[goaler]

I'm surprised to hear you say that about the Vaughn C&A, Bernie. What model did you have experience with? Any retail store I have ever spoken to say that Vaughn C&A are the best out there and that is why everyone tries to compare theirs to a Vaughn. I'm just wondering if you were using one of their low-end ones. I use the V-Lite because I couldn't afford the high end and I find it fine for the level I play. At what level do you play and how many times a week?

[badgerit]

I have the 5500, and I gotta say that I really don't like the elbows. The way it's made leaves plenty of room to get nasty stings where there's no padding at all. The elbows aren't very thick which is good for the flexibility, but the way it wraps around your elbow leaves big seams that the corner can easily get through to nail your arm. That is NOT fun.

[Chas]

I'm not happy with my Vaughn either. Although I only have the 1400, I come out with bruises after every game. I play in two rec leagues. One is much more competitive than the other. For instance, last game, I have a bruise on my shoulder and near my pec close to my armpit. I ahve been to the hospital once for a shot to the outside of my lower arm. This is the same spot others are talking about. No question, I'm going with Miller. I haven't heard one bad thing ever on this web or anywhere else about their C/A.

I've got that 1400 model too. I was looking for better clavicle protection and the Brown had it. Couldn't get my hands all the way in my gloves. Returned that and got the Vaughn -- PU! My arms take a beating all the time padding or not, I hate it.

So, which c/a has the best arm protection?

Keep in mind the 1400 is a rec level c/a.

[newgoalie]

I posted a response/question in Chas's "Miller c/a recommendation" post already, if some of you could be so kind as to read and reply. As far as this one, my local pro shop owner recommended the 1400 for me (a raw beginner) since he uses a V-Lite for his elite level ice league (full check and everything, way too hardcore for me) and he swears by it and all Vaughns. He's also told me that as a goalie, you've got to get used to the fact that you'll always have at least one bruise somewhere or another because NOTHING protects you 100%. Now that I've rambled enough, my question, does your style of play have anything to do to how vulnerable you are to particular injuries? He's says he's a standup type and a lot of you appear to be butterfly'ers. Will it make a difference? What do you think?

To be fair Vaughn makes one of the best pro chest and arm pads out there. The VP 1400 is their lowest end senior c/a.
Body armour is a balance of being flexible, light, and protective. In different areas it will vary depending on design and performance. Sometimes you're going to sacrifice some protection for being more mobile, and lighter. I have never expected to be completely invulnerable to some kind of injury. For that to happen you would have to stand behind the net, or not play.

[keywolf]

After reading the above posts I must say that although I have never played in the Vaughn C/A, I did try on a 5500 at the shop and did not like the fit or the many "holes" I found in different areas. I am currently using the Brown Elite pro C/A, and it is really bullet proof. I have used it for 3 years now and have never been hurt while using it, not even a bruise. I only play ice, and it may be too hot or too protective for roller, but for ice at all levels it cant be beat. It also has very large elbow floaters that took a little geting used to, but now I don't even notice any bulk and they have stopped may shots that almost skidded by. This is the same model that many pro's use including Vanbiesbrouck and Richter.