So this is my first review, so forgive any shortcomings.
I broke the same elbow twice on two slapshots from about the top of the circle this year, so I figured it was time to upgrade my protection from my old Brian's (no idea what model). I walked into United Cycle just as they were unpacking the new Pro-Spec C/A. McKenney is my personal choice for equipment after buying the Pro-Spec pads and loving them, so I decided to try on the C/A, loved it, bought it.
Initial Impression
It wasn't light by any means, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it heavy. It's average. Trying it on in the store felt really nice, hence why I bought it. When I got it home I tried it on some more with my pants and mask and it still felt great (not tucked into my pants. I didn't care about how it felt tucked in). The one thing I found was that the protection on the sternum was a little thick, and it made looking down at my feet uncomfortable. It was a little harder than my old C/A, but doable, but it took a slight bit of effort. I found that movement was as good as my old C/A despite it being significantly bigger. It made me feel like a tank.
Protection
I took a couple of shots to the same spot on my still injured elbow my first time out, and I felt that it had hit me, but even with a broken elbow it didn't hurt. I also took a few semi-hard shots to the biceps, which had also been a problem in the past and was not hurt, but I knew for sure I had been hit. I have yet to take a really hard shot to the bicep but I'm sure if I did it would sting, but never injure. I also found that the shoulder floaters were much larger and more protruding than my old C/A, which helped me make a few saves. The main weaknesses in my old C/A was the elbows and biceps (as mentioned), the hip area right above the pants, and the shoulder right at the outside edge of the floater. I took shots to all these places and felt very good about them, especially the shoulders and elbows. The hips were still quite good, and the bicep, as said, I'd classify as good. I never got too hard a shot to the sternum of my old C/A, but did get some in my Pro-Spec, and the air cushion made them like pillows. For all the trouble it caused with the looking down thing, the sternum protection was nice. I got my brother to punch me in the sternum with both and there is a huge difference.
Mobility
As I had mentioned, looking at my feet was awkward, but still possible. It took me the whole game to get used to it, and I'm still not where I was with my old C/A, but it's tolerable. Aside from that the mobility was excellent. Despite the dramatic increase in size, my mobility remained unchanged.
Temperature
I don't have a huge amount of experience in various C/A and their temperatures, but the Pro-Spec was notably warmer than my Brian's, especially around the lower part, which I'd imagine is largely due to the added protection above the hips. I do sweat just a little more, nothing big.
Other Points
The colours were nice...
It still smells great. I air it out every night and it dries very quickly. Even though I always aired it out, my Brian's would smell like hockey. Not bad stink, just that you knew it had been used. My Pro-Spec still smells unused.
I've only had it about a month, so I can't really give any review on the durability, but if it's anything like my Pro-Spec pads, I'll be using it for a long, long time.
Overall
Mobility: 8/10
Protection: 9/10
Value: 10/10
I'll post some pics later when I get home
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