Itech 4.8 X-Wing Review

[Law Goalie]

Good review.

I have to say, though, that for the money the Sherwood C-5s are an NHL-spec and vastly superior set of pads and gloves; they can be got from The Goalie Crease on eBay for the same $400. There are differences, sure, and one person might prefer the 4.8s over the C-5s, but the Sherwood pads and especially gloves are undeniably better made and more bang-for-the-buck.

edit: I should also mention that HockeyGiant.com is blowing out their Mission Helium Elite (high-end roller, 1860 Denier nylon knee- and calf-wings) and Helium Pro (Canadian-made, all Jenpro) for $179 and $289 respectively.

[cdnredraider]

Originally Posted by Law Goalie

I have to say, though, that for the money the Sherwood C-5s are an NHL-spec and vastly superior set of pads and gloves; they can be got from The Goalie Crease on eBay for the same $400. There are differences, sure, and one person might prefer the 4.8s over the C-5s, but the Sherwood pads and especially gloves are undeniably better made and more bang-for-the-buck.

Your forgetting the vanity aspect thats so important to beginners

I fell for it to in getting some 4.8 x-factors

[rjweng]

Originally Posted by influenza

yeah that thigh board strap is WAY too loose, it's made for dudes with rugby legs.

I played Rugby, those straps are made for large guys.

[rjweng]

Originally Posted by cdnredraider

Your forgetting the vanity aspect thats so important to beginners

I fell for it to in getting some 4.8 x-factors

Actually I was trying to get some C-5's from ebay but kept getting out bid, so settled for the 4.8 x-wings. To me it was cost not looks, also I was not sure how much playing I would be doing. But since I am now on a league year round I will hold onto these until they die. Can't buy anymore equipment this year, saving up to take the wife on a surprise cruise for our 10 yr anniversary. Next year will get new pads, blocker, and skates.

For now they work for what level I play at.

just my 2¢ worth

[influenza]

Originally Posted by rjweng

I played Rugby, those straps are made for large guys.

I tried them today tucked in to another strap then they kept going under my pants. ARGH!!! Frustrating.

[influenza]

Originally Posted by rjweng

I played Rugby, those straps are made for large guys.

oh yeah, and just cause you play rugby doesn't mean you have rugby legs (tree trunks).

[rjweng]

your right I was a winger.

[foodsample]

Why dont you just cut off the strap, then re-sow it at a shorter length?

[rjweng]

actually I will just pinch or fold a little bit of it over and then sew it. That is what I did for the knee strap.

[influenza]

Originally Posted by foodsample

Why dont you just cut off the strap, then re-sow it at a shorter length?

Well I tried shortening it by tucking it behind another strap, then it just pulled under the pant leg that way. So I'm gonna have to play with it to figure it out.

[dukes]

If you're referring to the monster thighboard straps, I double-knot mine and it helps a lot. Adjust it so it doesn't go underneath your pants when you move though and you should be good to go...as for the other straps i just tuck then back into itself where the buckles are.

[brain42]

Hey Guys n' Gals, I'm new to the Boards here and happened across this review as I'm in the market for some new gear.
I've been playing off and on since '96-'97, when I got started in ball hockey on a tennis court. Switched to ice when I moved near a rink, and I've played with/owned a bunch; still remember my 1st set of "real" gear was some Heaton Helite IV pads and III gloves I used on the courts. Ah, fond memories...
Anyway, I'm back into the ball hockey thing now, as the ice rink closed down and ice time at the civic center is irratic and costly. My pads I'm using are old Cooper Reactor 1's I got from eBay for $30, but I'm finding it hard to get used to the old way of strapping on pads vs. the newer way that I'd gotten used to with my dearly departed 580's (miss them much...) so I'd like the modern pads, even though I'm playing on wood/concrete/tennis court surfaces and know I'll rough 'em up. So anyone have a any thoughts on how these Itech's will hold up as far durability goes? I don't need the extra padding/protection since i'm not on the ice, and wouldn't be above duck tapping the pad bottoms (as well as the blocker nose) to enhance the durability..
Also, a side note, I'm in school for occupational therapy, and there's atype of malleable plastic we use for splints that could add some protection. It's hard enough but not overly thick and can be shaped with hot water/heat gun. I know it's available from most home therapy catalogs, and if anyone's interested, I'll get some more info on it....

[Mattchu]

great review man, i had a similar feeling when i got my first set of Real Pads glad to see your mooching off us americans and our crappy economy hope they work out well for you and good luck in roller hockey!

[Mattchu]

Originally Posted by brain42

Hey Guys n' Gals, I'm new to the Boards here and happened across this review as I'm in the market for some new gear.
I've been playing off and on since '96-'97, when I got started in ball hockey on a tennis court. Switched to ice when I moved near a rink, and I've played with/owned a bunch; still remember my 1st set of "real" gear was some Heaton Helite IV pads and III gloves I used on the courts. Ah, fond memories...
Anyway, I'm back into the ball hockey thing now, as the ice rink closed down and ice time at the civic center is irratic and costly. My pads I'm using are old Cooper Reactor 1's I got from eBay for $30, but I'm finding it hard to get used to the old way of strapping on pads vs. the newer way that I'd gotten used to with my dearly departed 580's (miss them much...) so I'd like the modern pads, even though I'm playing on wood/concrete/tennis court surfaces and know I'll rough 'em up. So anyone have a any thoughts on how these Itech's will hold up as far durability goes? I don't need the extra padding/protection since i'm not on the ice, and wouldn't be above duck tapping the pad bottoms (as well as the blocker nose) to enhance the durability..
Also, a side note, I'm in school for occupational therapy, and there's atype of malleable plastic we use for splints that could add some protection. It's hard enough but not overly thick and can be shaped with hot water/heat gun. I know it's available from most home therapy catalogs, and if anyone's interested, I'll get some more info on it....

i would get the pads i have bro, mission motions, instead of the "jenpro/leather" side it has more of a nylon/cloth thing going on, it slides better on roller surfaces. i use them on roller and they slide really well, might wanna take a look at those for you

[DeeganJX]

I agree with Matt. I use a pair of 7.8's on ice and judging from the stiching of the design it looks like the "wings" would tear right off on a dry hard surface. I play Dek hockey on sport court as well. I use the glove and blocker with a seperate pair of pads (******* 992's i picked up on ebay and work beautifully) on this surface and after 1 season (15 games) i am noticing much wear on the bottom of the blocker and the outline of the glove pocket. So I wouldnt recommend using the itechs on any surface besides ice unless you plan on wearing them down fast