TPS Summit C/A

[klemmer35]

Originally Posted by xsquared

I can see that the sides of the stomach are a bit exposed. That could be an issue depending on how the pad integrates with my pants. Looks like it offers nice rib protection, since the pad wraps around the body. May take the (adjustable/toggle) straps from my old C/A and have it sewn in. That will definitely cinch the pad a bit tighter to the stomach.

Thanks for the pics!

It also comes with removable flaps which will square up the front. Since I tuck it in, I don't have much of an issue. Ribs and back are well protected.

[klemmer35]

Originally Posted by xsquared

God bless you man-- sorry to read about your losses! Love the backplate! I too play with a pink ribbon tied to my C/A-- have since my MOL was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Thanks, man- and our prayers go to you and your MIL....

I think we'd be surprised at how many of us play for a charity or cause. My team, the Red Rockets of Overland Park and several friends helped me raise over $3K for PanCAN last year; not too bad for a soon to be 54 year goalie and his beer league buddies.

That just goes to show you that hockey players and their fans are the greatest people in the world.

[xsquared]

Thanks- fortunately, her cancer is in remission. But I know so many folks who have been effected. Yes, hockey players are a breed apart on so many levels- but they are typically great people. We play for some charity events around 9/11 with the NYPC/NYFF. It's a lot of fun and great to rally around something important.

[jase]

Originally Posted by xsquared

I can see that the sides of the stomach are a bit exposed. That could be an issue depending on how the pad integrates with my pants. Looks like it offers nice rib protection, since the pad wraps around the body. May take the (adjustable/toggle) straps from my old C/A and have it sewn in. That will definitely cinch the pad a bit tighter to the stomach.

Thanks for the pics!

Lots of my sides are exposed... I contacted TPS about this and they are making me some custom side pieces to attach to cover myself up.. I'll post pics when I get them... Dave at TPS should be making them sometime this or early next week

[Padstack]

Originally Posted by jase

Lots of my sides are exposed... I contacted TPS about this and they are making me some custom side pieces to attach to cover myself up.. I'll post pics when I get them... Dave at TPS should be making them sometime this or early next week

Any chance on letting us know what the costs for the custom pieces are?

[jase]

Originally Posted by Padstack

Any chance on letting us know what the costs for the custom pieces are?

As of now we have never discussed a price, I'll keep you all posted on how it unfolds...

[xsquared]

Yes, please let me know what the costs for such mods are. I got the pad today and while I have not yet played with it, have some general comments:

1. The C/A seems to be nicely constructed. We shall see just how the pad holds up.
2. Taking the pad on and off is a bit awkward. The shoulder caps seem to get twisted up pretty easily and adjusting the velcro wrap around is very awkward and difficult.
3. The clavicle area is TOTALLY exposed-- the square neck line of the pad leaves you very open and vulnerable to pucks. Not sure that even a dangler will cover the entire area.
4. Because the pad is designed like an exoskeleton, the arm movement is great, even out of the box. This will likely get better with time as the pad breaks in.
5. The C/A is pretty light and seems to contour the body pretty well, although the shoulder areas seem a bit bulky, and a little concerned about the lower rib area and the underarm, which can be exposed.
6. The C/A seems to sit over my pants nicely without interference. I don't like to tuck in, so this is a relief.
7. Sizing seems to be accurate. I ordered a large and am 6'0" 175 lbs. The stomach area does not seem to be too exposed and the pad does not seem to ride up on me when dropped into a butterfly position (although this would be somewhat contingent on the pant and how the pad is worn).

I will post more comments after I play (hoping Friday, injury permitting).

[xsquared]

OK, so after breaking my finger a couple of weeks ago, and battling food poisoning last week, FINALLY had a chance to play with the Summit C/A. To say that the experience was less than stellar would be an understatement. The C/A is WAY TOO BULKY (my 4XL jersey snug (I am 6'0" and 170 lbs.) and does not conform to the body at all -- a lot of gapping in the chest and back, and the clavicle totally exposed even with a dangler. Arms are too thick and limit movement, and shoulder caps seem to get twisted up too easily. Pad also gets hung up on the top of the pants, even when just standing on the ice. But worst of all, the pad offers terrible protection. Took a slapper in the front of the ribs where there's ample padding- took my breath away and will surely leave a bruise. I took the pad off after 15 mins of playing and went back to my old Vaughn. Luckily, the guys at Goalie Monkey will take it back for store credit-- thank you Goalie Monkey! Likely swapping out for an Itech X Wing Pro or Reflex 9-- anybody know anything about these C/As?

[psychoslink]

I've been playing with the X Wing Pro for about 3 months now and I'm very pleased. Some people on here complained about the neck hanging down, but I've had no problems with that(I also wear a dangler). As for protection - it's rock solid. I also like the mobility (and short break-in period).

[jase]

Originally Posted by xsquared

OK, so after breaking my finger a couple of weeks ago, and battling food poisoning last week, FINALLY had a chance to play with the Summit C/A. To say that the experience was less than stellar would be an understatement. The C/A is WAY TOO BULKY (my 4XL jersey snug (I am 6'0" and 170 lbs.) and does not conform to the body at all -- a lot of gapping in the chest and back, and the clavicle totally exposed even with a dangler. Arms are too thick and limit movement, and shoulder caps seem to get twisted up too easily. Pad also gets hung up on the top of the pants, even when just standing on the ice. But worst of all, the pad offers terrible protection. Took a slapper in the front of the ribs where there's ample padding- took my breath away and will surely leave a bruise. I took the pad off after 15 mins of playing and went back to my old Vaughn. Luckily, the guys at Goalie Monkey will take it back for store credit-- thank you Goalie Monkey! Likely swapping out for an Itech X Wing Pro or Reflex 9-- anybody know anything about these C/As?

Maybe you are not used to a pro level C/A... in terms of pro level C/A's the summit is not bulky at all, in fact I would find it rather flimsy for a pro level. At any rate, the protection does seem to be a bit lacking, as I wrote earlier, my immediate reaction was that it was eerily thin. I played only one game in it so far and I haven't had any problems... yet (not sure if I will or not). Apparently Lundqvist uses this (unless I read the emails incorrectly from the TPS guy who designed it). I did take a rocket to the arms and can testify that the arm protection is more than adequate. I took a few harder shots to the chest with not issues either. In terms of the belly/ribs, I am not sure how those would hold up as I have yet to take any rockets there (ideally I would be using my gloves to snag/deflect those shots anyway).

[xsquared]

I am a former semi-pro player and still play at a very competitive level, so very used to a pro-level C/A. I have been playing with the Sherwood 9980, and my 2 C/As before that were a Vaugn Epic 8800 (which I luckily had in my bag yesterday) and Reebok Premier Pro (the original). I also recently demoed the TPS Response R8 (which is actually the pad that Lundqvist now uses) and the Eagle Sentry Pro- ALL PRO PADS. Compared to these pads, the Summit is very bulky, especially in the arms. And the protection, especially for a pro pad is lacking. The stomach is cut too short and the clavicle area is totally exposed. The main padding is probably on par with other pads. But because of the way the pad is designed, there are a lot of seams in the pad, hence the shot to the ribs yesterday. The shot I took was a good shot through a screen (an 85 or so MPH shot taken from about 20 feet out), but should not feel it like that through the meat of the pad. I have a 6" bruise on my rib cage today. Unless I am hit where there is no padding, I have never bruised through a pad like that before. My advice is to spend the extra $$ and get a better pad, or even consider a high-end senior-level pad. In the end, I think most would be happier.

[jase]

Originally Posted by xsquared

I am a former semi-pro player and still play at a very competitive level, so very used to a pro-level C/A. I have been playing with the Sherwood 9980, and my 2 C/As before that were a Vaugn Epic 8800 (which I luckily had in my bag yesterday) and Reebok Premier Pro (the original). I also recently demoed the TPS Response R8 (which is actually the pad that Lundqvist now uses) and the Eagle Sentry Pro- ALL PRO PADS. Compared to these pads, the Summit is very bulky, especially in the arms. And the protection, especially for a pro pad is lacking. The stomach is cut too short and the clavicle area is totally exposed. The main padding is probably on par with other pads. But because of the way the pad is designed, there are a lot of seams in the pad, hence the shot to the ribs yesterday. The shot I took was a good shot through a screen (an 85 or so MPH shot taken from about 20 feet out), but should not feel it like that through the meat of the pad. I have a 6" bruise on my rib cage today. Unless I am hit where there is no padding, I have never bruised through a pad like that before. My advice is to spend the extra $$ and get a better pad, or even consider a high-end senior-level pad. In the end, I think most would be happier.

My apologies, shouldn't have made assumptions... fwit, in comparison to my battram and a brown i tried on, i found this unit to be less bulky than those 2. I also find this guy easier to move than the vaughn epic. I also find it lighter than all the aforementioned CA's I've tried. Protection-wise it is not up there, but for sheer mobility I have yet to find an upper-echelon CA that can move as easily, quickly, and comfortably as this one. Btw, I'm still waiting for TPS to make those side attachments for me. I'll be hounding them next week to follow up.

[sthbayguy]

This thing fits me like glove, a loose yet comfortable glove. I like how it moves with me, but the protection is definatly sub-pro level. Personally my roller league shouldn't pose much of a threat beyond the occasional stinger, so it should be fine for me at this level. The short stomach area is also perfect for me since I wear it out of my pants, and any more lenth would only interfere. The mobitlity is great as I can even tie my bandana quickly with no problems.

There are definatly coverage drawbacks, especially for the price, but for my needs it does just fine. For now...

[steelhmr]

i'm really glad i didn't buy this c/a. i really wanted to like this since everything else i own is tps(pads - xceed, pants - 104, glove/blocker - xceed 2), but something about it just didn't look right. saving a couple bucks to leave my clavicle exposed sounds like you'll end up paying more in the end. went with the ******* 994 instead, but it won't arrive for another week or so.

[bcamp34]

Originally Posted by steelhmr

i'm really glad i didn't buy this c/a. i really wanted to like this since everything else i own is tps(pads - xceed, pants - 104, glove/blocker - xceed 2), but something about it just didn't look right. saving a couple bucks to leave my clavicle exposed sounds like you'll end up paying more in the end. went with the ******* 994 instead, but it won't arrive for another week or so.

I've been wearing mine for almost 2 months and I've only had one real bad stinger with it....it happened to be on a redirected shot that ended up hitting me directly on my right bicept. hurt like a bitch for about 15 minutes and then numbed right up. Other than that this thing as been a tank.

the only thing that really pisses me off with it is the fact that the straps on the arms become loose after putting it on and using it in games/scrimmages/pickups. I have to retighten them on a regular basis when i get a chance, they don't stay. Other than that, I have no complaints about this product, I'd buy another one if i ever needed it. It's been good times with it so far.