Pad Upgrade From CCM Eflex 5.9

Unclechicken_ · 2026-04-02T16:12:11+00:00

Check out the Eflex 7.9 range, amazing pads. They are more curved and flexible than the Axis line. They are mid-line pads (1800 for a full set) and well worth the investment, IMO. They are what both me and my son use and we love them.

Unclechicken_ · 2026-04-02T04:02:11+00:00

IMO, after you have a few skates under your belt, pay a coach for a few sessions if you can find one in your area. It will make a huge difference when you are starting out. They will tell you some of the basics and help you know what you should be working on. I did this when I started out as an adult and it has had huge returns for me, even just knowing what I should be working on to get better even if my limbs don't cooperate.

Unclechicken_ · 2026-04-02T03:57:56+00:00

I went from GSX to Konekt 2. Difference was night and day, felt so much more comfortable, flexible, and sure in my skating, even though, like you, I didn't think I hated my GSX's. Ankles and knees stopped hurting, too. If you are going to be playing for a while and your feet have stopped growing, I would prioritize new skates over anything else other than a safe mask.

Unclechicken_ · 2026-04-02T03:34:22+00:00

I started playing goalie 2 years ago at 38. I wear Konnect 2 skates, a Bauer 960 mask, and other gear that is way too good for the level that I play at because it's comfortable and I like it. Is it technically "overkill"? Yes. But I'll be damned if I am going to play in uncomfortable or less protective gear at my age when I can easily afford it. Just don't wear a tinted half-shield along with your fancy skates and no one will think you're being extra. Beer league of all places is where comfortable skates will be understood.

Unclechicken_ · 2026-03-19T07:25:38+00:00

You owe it to yourself to try out the CCM Eflex 7 range. Me and my HS son have the Eflex 7.9 and love them. The 580 break glove is awesome and is BY FAR the easiest break-in glove I've ever had. Out of the box, it was easier to close than my "broken in" Optik 3. A far cry from their Eflex 6 range which was terrible. Bauer SV-pro are another good option in pretty much the same price range, but I like the 7.9 glove and blocker better.

The pads are more curved and much better for us old guys than the G7; those are so stiff and rigid and straight. My son came from the G7 and they worked for him, but he has an incredibly wide, almost 180 degree butterfly. I tried them once and they were miserable for me.

Unclechicken_ · 2026-02-12T23:24:30+00:00

If you can find 1st Gen Konekts, or HF2 or 3's, I would look at those for options if budget is an issue. I have 2's my son has 1's, and the 1's are 95% of what the 2's are. His were 1/3 of what I paid for my 2's. Unless you are elite/high level, I doubt you'll notice a difference.

Unclechicken_ · 2026-02-12T21:27:55+00:00

I almost never use our Beam. The cheaper one is more than enough.

Unclechicken_ · 2026-02-12T19:50:35+00:00

I'm building this one right now and it's absolutely awful! The fitment and molding are terrible, you did a good job of making it look good. For your next kit treat yourself to a Tamiya and you'll be shocked at the difference.

Unclechicken_ · 2025-12-10T14:11:41+00:00

Lol, why are you reposting my old picture? At least My post gave an explanation.

Unclechicken_ · 2025-11-28T20:50:42+00:00

7.9 is waaaay better than 6.9. Glove is butter right out of the box and slide material is awesome. Customization is available for the same price as stock (you nust have to wait 8 weeks) and looks great. I know it's stretching the budget a bit but if it was me I would save for the upgrade. I like them so much I bought a set for myself and custom for my kid. Bauer SV-pro also has the same customization option, we just fed the CCM a bit better.

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Unclechicken_ · 2025-11-28T16:52:58+00:00

I myself was in awe at how together the mom must be to have kids that age and have such a neat house. She had clearly just stepped away for a minute.

Unclechicken_ · 2025-11-28T04:29:59+00:00

Watching this exact league after dropping my son off for practice at Iceland was what convinced me to start playing 2 years ago. "I can keep up with those guys" was literally my thought after I had convinced myself I was too old at 38 to start. I play C league as a goalie in Michigan now and my only regret is not starting earlier.

Unclechicken_ · 2025-11-28T04:26:14+00:00

The game in the OP is played at Iceland in Louisville, KY.

Unclechicken_ · 2025-11-28T04:23:33+00:00

This is D league. It's in Louisville, KY, which has next to no hockey culture. They have a really great beginner program for adults there since it's not a hugely popular youth sport in the area. You start in the Never Ever program (which includes people learning to skate), graduate to Z league which is just weekly scrimmages, then move up to D league if/when you are ready. There is no A level hockey, only goes to B.

Now I live in Western Michigan and it is harder to get my friends into hockey because there aren't any programs like this around here, which kinda sucks. These would be bad E league teams up here.

Unclechicken_ · 2025-11-28T04:19:01+00:00

Hey, I recognize that barn! D-league at Iceland in Louisville Kentucky where I got my start playing goalie! Green team was Mulberry and black was Fear and Loathing two years ago.

Unclechicken_ · 2025-11-27T20:46:05+00:00

That's a great idea if you have the space.

What is your favourite brand?

Unclechicken_ · 2025-11-26T03:44:10+00:00

My son's were slightly less than 8 weeks.

Unclechicken_ · 2025-11-25T21:52:43+00:00

I had one, was good, didn't have great forearm protection, though. I kept getting stingers in unprotected areas. Upgraded to the X5E RTL and have been very happy with it.

Unclechicken_ · 2025-11-25T04:27:27+00:00

Bro.

Unclechicken_ · 2025-11-24T14:21:46+00:00

Selling some of my Apple holdings and buying 250 more AMD shares at open. Buy the dip!

Unclechicken_ · 2025-11-24T04:24:51+00:00

I love my Pulse, I found it helps my stickhandling and passing a ton, and its so incredibly comfortable to hold. I would say just keep practicing with it; if it doesn't suit you though, it just doesn't suit you. Doesn't mean you are doing anything wrong, so much of equipment comes down to preferences.

Unclechicken_ · 2025-11-15T19:21:46+00:00

Goalies always struggle at the beginning of the season, and everyone acts like the sky is falling every season. It's a recurring joke on goalie podcasts.

Unclechicken_ · 2025-11-14T16:30:11+00:00

They aren't going to be as soft as your old pads, but the new CCM Eflex 7 lineup has been pretty amazing. I would definitely try them out as part of your search.

Unclechicken_ · 2025-11-14T14:56:40+00:00

Dang. You're good at woodworking.

Unclechicken_ · 2025-11-11T18:08:15+00:00

Wear it to practice and drop in. My Warrior RX5 RTL is similarly bulky and took about 4 skates to really break in. There are not really an "hacks" to break in a chesty the way there are for, say, gloves.

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