Itech 4.8 X-Wing Review

[Jimbo9907]

Ok So let me preface this review with a couple things.

A) I've been playing "street" hockey for almost 10 years on and off in goal. I was looking to make the transition into roller/ice and needed new gear as my street gear wasn't sufficient. Being a Student who lives alone this meant I was on a budget, I would have loved nothing more than dropping 2K on gear but it simply wasn't realistic, I had to keep my entire budget head to toe (Pads, Blocker, Glove, Stick, C/A, Jock, Goalie Pants, Helmet, Accessories, Jersey, Sports Wear etc..) under 1k.

B) With that budget in mind and knowing I would be starting in a lower level Roller League I went about finding equipment. I took some time searching for used stuff but only found partial sets and things that would take a few weeks to arrive (ebay etc) and I needed this all within 1.5 weeks for the upcoming roller season.

C) Being the Vain guy I am, I also needed to naturally look good, so I wanted a complete set of matching gear, not a hodgepodge collection of used stuff.

D) I knew I wouldnt need Pro level gear because I would be playing in the lower tiers of my roller league(PICH and VIHL) thankfully I had blades w/Goalie Wheels etc so that was one expense I could avoid.

E) This is my first set of "Real" gear so I'm just basing my opinion on what I think, not in comparision to other gear I've had.



I ended up looking at a lot of online retailers and settled on something from IW (can I say that?) I had dealt with them in the past and knew they had fast shipping, plus with the Canadian Dollar so good, it was my benefit to buy from the US. The Equivalent gear in the local store was about $650, I got this set for about 400.



Pads:

I had never owned a real set of ice/roller Pads. Holy crap was I in for a treat. With all the leather straps, knee stacks, cradles, thighboards etc I was definitely taken aback at how complicated these babies were. I Did a quick check of the stiching and noticed the only issues were on the very corners of the "X" parts where the end wasn't stiched down as well as it could have been. I think this is a minor issue as I plan to get pad covers anyways. I tried them on with blades, keeping the bottom straps/boot strap fairly tight with the straps loosening as I went up. The top straps are barely on and if they were removed I probably wouldnt notice.

My one complaint is the velcro elastic strap for the adjustable knee lock is a bit too long and I can't get it to hold my knee firm to the landing gear/block without it falling off. In the few games I've played the friction of Floor + Pad has held my pad in place while my knee comes off as I try to slide over. The other issue I have is with the straps for the thighboards which are super long and pretty useless, I mean I understand they are supposed to go around your pants but I could fit 3 legs in the strap no problem.

The pads otherwise rotate like a dream, with a little bit of adjustment to have them the way I like I managed to get a good seal against the floor in BFLY and they rotate fairly well. Theirs toeties which I do use to tie them to my blades.

FYI their are 3 leather straps including the boot strap, the rest are nylon. I tied the pads up for 2 days and they have a nice S shape to them now.





After a few used on Sportcourt, Super Smooth Concrete and Gym Floor I noticed that some of the jenpro(?) where the pads rub is slowly starting to wear through although I believe this would happen to most pads on Wooden/Concrete floors. After the sportcourt game however I didn't notice any extra marks.

Overall they seem like a nice solid pad for a beginner like me and I'm fairly pleased with the investment, we'll see how they hold up under 2 games a week.



8/10


Blocker:

Well, what can I say about a blocker, their pretty much all the same. I doubt I will feel many stingers through this thing. The only complaints is how big the wing near the thumb is, and I'm concerned it could hinder picking up a dropped stick.


Also their is only one strap for the whole blocker, even my old CCM Blockade from Canadian Tire had 2. And it feels somewhat loose, this isn't a huge issue however as I like to wear my blocker Loose.

8/10

Catcher:

The catcher was really stiff when I first put it on, and I am slowly breaking it in over about 4 games it feels a lot softer but still pretty stiff. The mitt also feels somewhat odd/small but I think because it is NHL spec as far as sizing is concerned and that is why it feels so small compared to my old catcher.

I have 2 big issues with this catcher. First the wrist strap is not really velcro but rather the same kind of device found on nylon pad straps, so it is prone to looseneing up a bit from all the quick movements of your wrist. Unlike my blocker, I like to keep my catcher fairly tight.

Second, it seems that the protection on the back is somewhat lacking. Now this may be normal, but even my old CCM Blockade catcher from Crappy Tire seemed to have better protection. I can actually see my fingers from the top looking down and the leather wrap that protects them is fairly soft.



In this picture you can see the flesh of my hand right behind the mitt, I'm somewhat concerned if a stray stick or skate comes down on my hand while I'm covering the puck I could be facing some sore fingers.


6/10.





Overall I'm pleased with my purchases, I think it will serve me well for my first season until I can save up and buy some nicer gear and I think it looks really snazzy as well.

[dukes]

Good review, it's nice to see lower-level gear reviewed on this site since we all can't afford the good stuff and can't always find the "great deal" off ebay or the local stores. I have the 4.8 x-factors (just before x-wings) and it's pretty much the same situation. Superlong elastic strap for the thighboard that seems useless, you'll have to knot it (I did 2 or 3x) just so it's shorter and that it works properly without getting stuck in your pants.

However you will notice the more you play that things could be better and your eyes will start to wander over to the better stuff. I hope to get some 7.8's even though I play on the same surface as you and am a low-leveler as well. Once you feel how the good stuff is, you don't quite look at your own stuff in such a high regard lol

ps: i don't think it's jenpro on the pad, just leather and nylon

[rjweng]

I bought the 4.8 xwing pads for recreational ice hockey with my friends and now will see how they are for a novice summer ice hockey league. I have used them for practices and I don't feel a thing with them. Regarding the Knee strap, I use a pair of volleyball knee pads ( thin ones) this helps out. As my knee kept sliding off the knee stack also and my knees here getting bruised up. I plan on shorting up the strap for the thigh boards; like you said can fit like 5 legs in there.

For a basic set of pads I would recoomend them to beginners and novices.

[clones]

I've had 4.8's for over a year now and I play in two competitive men's leagues (ice). I have done tons of mods to them, so I would have to say that out of the box, they're not the best of pads. However, I really like them now because of a few things you can do. One of the first things you need to do with these pads is to get the adjustable knee lock in one location. Don't bother trying to use just the velcro, it'll always come loose! I eventually found a spot I liked and sewed it in with kite string. I won't go into all the different things I've done cause I can't post pics right now and it would seem confusing without them. The good news is after a full season of about 60 games I can say that these pads break in wonderfully! They start to form themselves to your stance, even if you like them loose. They are very flexible, which I like, but that won't impress the RBK folks. I like how light they feel and have had no probs with protection. The best thing about them is the knee guards don't have that 2 inch gap between them and the top of the calve guard that the 7.8's have. This gives you total coverage and flexibility down the length of your leg. I would suggest to go for a larger size and just skip using the thigh boards (4.8 thigh boards were worthless!) I have noticed a lot of wear along the inner knee/calf area and the hard foam underneath the leather is starting to bulge out a little. But hey, for $260 and a some modifications you've got a pretty nice pad!

[BigDawgT]

Jimbo, I had the same problem with my X-Factor catcher being really stiff. I had used it for over a year and it still wasn't broken in. I started putting a softball in the pocket (so the pocket wouldn't collapse) and left the catcher closed in my bag. It made a HUGE difference after a couple weeks. It's perfect now. Hopefully this will help.

[influenza]

4.8 pads are ok, don't buy the glove and blocker, not worth it. save the money an invest in higher end gear. stingers, almost broken fingers, and few too many bruises prove to me that 4.8 gloves suck!

[rjweng]

I have the blocker and have not felt anything, but again I am playing with novices. So it depends on the level of play, or maybe I haven't stopped as many pucks with the blocker to notice.

[BigDawgT]

It's true, on occassion you may get stingers from the catcher. I've gotten a couple on the tips of my fingers. I think the equipment is GREAT for the cost. I play in a beer league with all skill levels for novices to ex junior players (A,B,C) and everything has held up over the past 2 years. HOWEVER, the inside of the thumb (close to the pocket) is cracked. Took a shot from an ex Junior A player. I think the pads are a good investment IF you are playing beer league or just starting out otherwise upgrade.

BTW, I'm looking into getting the Re-Flex RX7 for the start of next season. I'll post pics if/when I get them

[influenza]

Originally Posted by rjweng

I have the blocker and have not felt anything, but again I am playing with novices. So it depends on the level of play, or maybe I haven't stopped as many pucks with the blocker to notice.

where i found it weak, and how i had to modify it is.. on the glove, the top of the glove which covers your fingers from above is extremely weak. put your hand over the puck and get one guy hacking at the puck and hello broken digits. i modified mine by cutting some plastic trays to the shape of the protective piece, marking and drilling holes where the laces went, untying and restringing the glove with the protective plastic piece under the existing padding, then i took some 1/4 foam pieces and placed them between my fingers and the plastic piece. it added the protection i was missing, and barely added any weight or efficiency loss.

the blocker i find the padding on the outside of the wrist really weak, i've been hit with a puck 2 times just above my wrist, and my rbk C/A comes pretty low, and the blocker padding added no protection. i had a wicked bruise and couldn't hold my stick for about 10 minutes.

i've compared to 7.8, and 12.8, and they are FAR superior to it, and i think it's worth the extra cash to have that protection. i found a 12.8 glove on ebay that was barely used for under $200.

[rjweng]

I will have to keep that in mind when I get more involved with the hockey, but I think for a starter this will do. as I play more advanced player I know I will want better pads and blocker. I have a CCM catcher that was brand new from ebay for a great price then I don't feel a thing with. So when it comes time I will look at upgrading the blocker and pads. But for now they work and help to learn the art of goalie on ice.

[DeeganJX]

I looked at the 4.8's but decided on the 7.8's. I think the complete set for the 7.8 is only $630 right now on GM. Which is still in you budget. However, I do agree with you that the catcher seems smaller. My previous heaton catcher is definately larger. There are many equipment retailers out there that sell brand new equipment for discount prices because it is a season old. If you look in the right places you can find some good deals.

[influenza]

Originally Posted by rjweng

I will have to keep that in mind when I get more involved with the hockey, but I think for a starter this will do. as I play more advanced player I know I will want better pads and blocker. I have a CCM catcher that was brand new from ebay for a great price then I don't feel a thing with. So when it comes time I will look at upgrading the blocker and pads. But for now they work and help to learn the art of goalie on ice.

You've got to remember, the worse the guys are on the ice, the more likely you're going to get hacked in the hand. So reinforce that top of your glove hand somehow. I

[influenza]

strapping these pads, are you finding they rotate properly?

if so how are you tightening the straps? i have a feeling i'm doing it wrong.

[rjweng]

I find that they do, but again first real set of pads. I have the ankle snug, the next to straps all the way as I have skinny legs, so snug/ loose. The first quick release I have enough for 2-3 fingers and then everything else loose. Although I want to tighten up the thighboard strap some as it flops all over the place.

[influenza]

Originally Posted by rjweng

I find that they do, but again first real set of pads. I have the ankle snug, the next to straps all the way as I have skinny legs, so snug/ loose. The first quick release I have enough for 2-3 fingers and then everything else loose. Although I want to tighten up the thighboard strap some as it flops all over the place.

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