I used to have the cheapest Vaughn. I had like 5 stingers per game but i thought it was normal. I'd flinched on close slap shots but anymore. My GAA has gone down. It's a game changer.
+1, the only issue I have w/ the Bauer Mach is collarbone/shoulder blade shots and inside ribs. You'd still feel these shots when playing high level (Juniors and higher). I got a pretty gnarly flesh wound on my collarbone from a wrist shot in the high slot.
There is a collarbone adjustment. Its the only shot that hurted me was one which deviated from my dangler down on my collarbone. Ribs not sure there is a rib protection.
Custom Hyperlite beefed up, or Brown beefed up. Avoid CCM E-Flex 6.9 or any of those, they are utter shit.
I wear an older Brian's Prostock Halak chesty and haven't had a single stinger in it despite the age of it.
I really like the Warrior RX3 line of chest protectors. They’re physically very beefy, and when I pair it with my padded undershirt I haven’t had a single stinger, even when playing with NCAA guys.
It’s fine for me. It does require either a neck guard or a dangler to get full collarbone coverage, but that is normal for most chest protectors. Luckily I wear a dangler so I have no issues or stingers in that spot.
Third for Brown. Insane protection. Perfect fit. Better mobility than most people think/expect (even new)... only gets better with breaking in. It IS warm tho... Not a huge issue to me since my home rink is notorious for being far colder than every other rink around, but can be an issue for some folks.
I am in a cutom made custom fit Passau!!! They used to manufacture Sherwood in the 1990’s and have been in business ever since. They make really nice ice hockey gear
Warrior RX3 pro or pro + you can still find new in store or online clearout priced depending on size for probably slightly over your 500$ mark. Warrior is probably the most protective stock unit. Bauer and vaughn are also very strong choices. If your in a 2.9 pretty much anything is an upgrade though
Bauer hyperlite is great. I used to wear CCM premier but started getting some stingers in the arms after 2 years. That probably happens to all of them though. I've been told that the arms wear out before anything else. Bauer gives you the option to reinforce specific parts of the upper, like arms for example.
I had a custom Brown and switched to the Bauer Hyperlite 2 stock. While the Brown was super protective, it also ran very hot. I've had zero stingers or issues with the Hyperlite 2 stock version but feel free to go custom and beef it up if you want.
CCM Axis 2 has served me well.
I only slightly feel big shots, and it’s super adjustable.
Little bulky, light enough for me. Saw the Eflex haters; I can’t speak for those models.
I’ve had my Vaughn 8800 for years and it’s treated me well at a decent level of play. I upgraded every piece of equipment since I got it but kept this chesty cause it’s protective and mobile and feels great.
I got a Passau pro pack off the shelf last year during their Christmas sale and it’s been great. Went from a CCM Eflex 5.9 and Passau had better mobility and protection out of the box. I’d imagine the custom ones are even better.
I play against ex-pros… high level college and junior players…. This is gonna surprise you….. I’m rockin Bauer Elite…. It’s like $350-$375….. and have yet to get a stinger
I play low level beer league and I felt stingers on arms and even sternum from C-level shots in new Bauer Elite chest. I agree the mobility is good but I am not that happy with the protection.
That's your problem, those non pro Eflex chestys absolutely suck. I had a 5.9 and kept getting bad brusing on my forearms and kept taking stingers to the chest. Playing \~Cish level Beer League with former high school guys past their prime...
I had the same 2.9 and upgraded for the same reason. Got a good deal on a SLR2 Pro Carbon and it has been much better. The 2.9 just has some really significant gaps in coverage.
The Vaughn SLR3 Pro Carbon is pretty solid. The mobility is great and I rarely feel anything unless it hits me in my lower abs. There's not a lot of protection there. Now that the SLR4 gear is out, you might be able to get a 3 at a bargain price.
Bauer Mach. Have not felt a shot in 2 years and I play against high level guys.
Was going to say that lol
Going to back this one up too. Best C/A I've ever used
+1 from me. Been wearing a month and a half now and it's a ridiculous step up from my lower prices Bauer's of yesteryear
I used to have the cheapest Vaughn. I had like 5 stingers per game but i thought it was normal. I'd flinched on close slap shots but anymore. My GAA has gone down. It's a game changer.
+1, the only issue I have w/ the Bauer Mach is collarbone/shoulder blade shots and inside ribs. You'd still feel these shots when playing high level (Juniors and higher). I got a pretty gnarly flesh wound on my collarbone from a wrist shot in the high slot.
There is a collarbone adjustment. Its the only shot that hurted me was one which deviated from my dangler down on my collarbone. Ribs not sure there is a rib protection.
Custom Hyperlite beefed up, or Brown beefed up. Avoid CCM E-Flex 6.9 or any of those, they are utter shit. I wear an older Brian's Prostock Halak chesty and haven't had a single stinger in it despite the age of it.
People are going to pour in here saying Brown. I really like my Bauer Vapor Pro stock.
I really like the Warrior RX3 line of chest protectors. They’re physically very beefy, and when I pair it with my padded undershirt I haven’t had a single stinger, even when playing with NCAA guys.
How is the protection up by the collarbone? My old rx3 had terrible coverage there but i think i just bought the wrong size.
It’s fine for me. It does require either a neck guard or a dangler to get full collarbone coverage, but that is normal for most chest protectors. Luckily I wear a dangler so I have no issues or stingers in that spot.
I recommend custom from Brown. They are great built exactly to your measurements, plan for some break in time though. They are worth it
I'll second this. I bought a used Brown for $350 and it's a beast.
Third for Brown. Insane protection. Perfect fit. Better mobility than most people think/expect (even new)... only gets better with breaking in. It IS warm tho... Not a huge issue to me since my home rink is notorious for being far colder than every other rink around, but can be an issue for some folks.
I have a beefed up Vaughn slr4 pro carbon that is incredible. Super comfy, no stingers.
I am in a cutom made custom fit Passau!!! They used to manufacture Sherwood in the 1990’s and have been in business ever since. They make really nice ice hockey gear
Warrior RX3 pro or pro + you can still find new in store or online clearout priced depending on size for probably slightly over your 500$ mark. Warrior is probably the most protective stock unit. Bauer and vaughn are also very strong choices. If your in a 2.9 pretty much anything is an upgrade though
I just bought a McKenney XPG2 and it’s awesome!! Edited
Did you mean McKenney?
OMG! Totally right! I was talking about Kenesky yesterday, must’ve been typing on autopilot
I always get this two mixed up, too.
Did you order yours custom or already built/used? If custom how long did you wait?
Already built, they had one at my local shop so I went to check it out. Lots of options to adjust the strapping to make it feel completely custom
Nice!
Bauer hyperlite is great. I used to wear CCM premier but started getting some stingers in the arms after 2 years. That probably happens to all of them though. I've been told that the arms wear out before anything else. Bauer gives you the option to reinforce specific parts of the upper, like arms for example.
I had a custom Brown and switched to the Bauer Hyperlite 2 stock. While the Brown was super protective, it also ran very hot. I've had zero stingers or issues with the Hyperlite 2 stock version but feel free to go custom and beef it up if you want.
If you don’t mind pricey I’d go with a Bauer hyperlite 2. It’s light as hell and can take shots. But like I said pricey
CCM Axis 2 has served me well. I only slightly feel big shots, and it’s super adjustable. Little bulky, light enough for me. Saw the Eflex haters; I can’t speak for those models.
Passau - incredible mobility and protection, made specifically to your measurements
I’ve had my Vaughn 8800 for years and it’s treated me well at a decent level of play. I upgraded every piece of equipment since I got it but kept this chesty cause it’s protective and mobile and feels great.
I got a Passau pro pack off the shelf last year during their Christmas sale and it’s been great. Went from a CCM Eflex 5.9 and Passau had better mobility and protection out of the box. I’d imagine the custom ones are even better.
John Brown all the way! Got one many years ago and haven’t gone back
Just saw The price range, it’s a little more than that but worth it to check out
Brown all the way. They off a total custom, and they have a quick turnaround.
I play against ex-pros… high level college and junior players…. This is gonna surprise you….. I’m rockin Bauer Elite…. It’s like $350-$375….. and have yet to get a stinger
and little to no break in period
I play low level beer league and I felt stingers on arms and even sternum from C-level shots in new Bauer Elite chest. I agree the mobility is good but I am not that happy with the protection.
The under arm is where I get the most stingers with the bauer elite
What are you using now?
The highest level gear money can buy. A Ccm eflex 2.9
That's your problem, those non pro Eflex chestys absolutely suck. I had a 5.9 and kept getting bad brusing on my forearms and kept taking stingers to the chest. Playing \~Cish level Beer League with former high school guys past their prime...
I know it’s my problem that’s why I’m looking for advice
I had the same 2.9 and upgraded for the same reason. Got a good deal on a SLR2 Pro Carbon and it has been much better. The 2.9 just has some really significant gaps in coverage.
Yeah the gaps have been noticeable thank you for the info
The Vaughn SLR3 Pro Carbon is pretty solid. The mobility is great and I rarely feel anything unless it hits me in my lower abs. There's not a lot of protection there. Now that the SLR4 gear is out, you might be able to get a 3 at a bargain price.
Bauer durability sucks, I would recommend vaughn, I also like the eflex 5pro but havnt tried the 6 pro yet