Itech 12.8 vs. 7.8

GoldenSieve · Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 1:00 pm Post subject:

Hello friends!
After posting my original question and getting great feedback on the intermediate Itech pads (7.8's) I decided to hold off and set my sights on the Pro-level gear. Turns out that my patience paid off and over the past few weeks I was able to purchase an amazing set of gear!

I've used a non-NHL legal set of 34" Itech 11.8 pads/gloves for the past 2+ years and have been pretty happy with them (the leg pads more so than the gloves - especially the trapper). However, I wanted to make the change for the following reasons -
1. Match my team colors (not a big deal but whatever)
2. Go from a 34" to a 35" (help close the 5-hole a little more)
3. My league will require NHL-legal gear starting next fall ('09-'10 season) and I wanted to get a jump start on it.
4. The 12.8 and RX-9 series is awesome!
5. Kind of wanted a change. We all like new toys, right?

After hunting eBay like a mad man for a few months, I was able to put together an awesome set of brand new RX-9 gloves and slightly used 12.8 pads (see pics). Last night was the first time I got to play with these pads and I was on cloud 9! These gloves/pads are amazing!!! Though I know it will be a few more skates before I get really familiar with the gear, I can already tell that this will be the best set of pads/gloves I've ever used. I am VERY happy with my new Itech set and have nothing but great things to say about both the RX9 and 12.8 series. I am SO happy that I held out for the Pro-level stuff versus settling for the 7.8 set (which would have obviously been MUCH cheaper).

As pumped as I am about the new gear, I have a couple questions and could use some feedback -

1. The RX9 trapper is awesome - I compared it to a 12.8 trapper and though they are very similar, I went with the newer series. I especially like the nash lining in the palm and pocket. Additionally, the cuff has a hinge in it and this is an awesome feature! It allows for way more natural movement of your hand/wrist. Honestly, it's almost like not having a cuff there - but of course it is there if/when you need it. Awesome feature! Anyways, I am wondering if any of you have broken in this particular glove and if so, if you have any suggestions for how to do it right. As it's right out of the box, it's obviously a little stiff but I can already tell that in a little while it's going to be smooth as butter! The smaller size takes some getting used to but it feels great on the hand!

Also, last night I noticed a small crease in the thumb hole - the leather 'bottom' - the part you push down on to close the glove. It's not a big deal but is a little annoying. Do you guys know if this is temporary and will go away as the gloves breaks in and expands? Any suggestions for getting the crease out? Again, not a big deal but figured I'd ask.

The pads are amazing and really a great improvement coming from the 11.8's. The reason I wanted the 12.8 was I figured it'd be a better transition coming from the 11.8. However, I have not ruled out going to the RX9 set eventually - especially if I can find a pair at a good price and the colors are good (I like as much white as possible). These pads are MUCH lighter than the 11.8's, the 11" wide makes skating and shifting around quite a bit easier and the added height really helps close any gaps between the legs. In fact, I stopped at least 2 or 3 shots last night that I am positive would have snuck through in my old set. I think I still need to tinker with my straps to get them to fit just right but so far, I'm quite impressed. Only complaint (and this is probably due to my poor strapping) is the V I am getting when in the BFly. Maybe I need to wear my top straps a little looser so they don't pull the bottoms down when I'm in the BFly so the pads form a better wall. Any thoughts? I'm sure there are posts about this exact problem elsewhere, and I'll look into it.

Anyway, enough babble, here are the pictures. Tell me what you think -
[URL=http://www.screenshots.cc/show.php/7879_Both2.JPG.html][IMG]http://s2.screenshots.cc/thumb/thumb_5279b268.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://www.screenshots.cc/show.php/7880_Gloves.JPG.html][IMG]http://s2.screenshots.cc/thumb/thumb_243cd0db.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

GoldenSieve · Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 1:33 pm Post subject:

Okay, so for a guy who works in IT, I sure am bad at this. Let me try to post the photos again -

[img] http://www.screenshots.cc/show.php/7880_Gloves.JPG.htmlhttp://www.screenshots.cc/show.php/7879_Both2.JPG.html [/img][/list]

I've read the topic on posting pictures but still can't figure out what the heck I'm doing wrong.

HawksGoalie33 · Pro Joined: 21 Apr 2008 Posts: 566

In your first attempt you do not need the whole [URL].... string, just the [IMG]...[/IMG] part and in the second attempt you had the same problem as the first with the addition of a [list] tag on the end of it..

Here are your pictures...

Side note... I am editing the picture tutorial thread. Screenshots used to be very straight forward in allowing you to copy the image tag but they redesigned the site and now they automatically shrink your images unless you really play with the coding... I would recommend creating a photobucket account. It is a little more work but still free and once you are set up it is easy.
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you're only as good as your last save

GoldenSieve · Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 3:35 pm Post subject:

Thanks Hawks! Yeah, I played around with it for a while but didn't have much luck. I'll try one of the other image hosting sites.

HawksGoalie33 · Pro Joined: 21 Apr 2008 Posts: 566

np

If you think you will be uploading and posting more images with any kind of frequency, or think you may want to use the same images in various forums, I would recommend making the Photobucket account.

It take a couple of minutes to set up, but once you are done it is pretty straight forward on how to upload them, save the images, and select if you want the direct link, forum code link, or thumbnail link, I believe it also gives an option to email directly from their site but I may be wrong. They also store the images and links in your album for quick easy reference.

You have to remember your log in, but that can be saved in your browser or del.icio.us can help with that.
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you're only as good as your last save

canadian_man_44 · Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 4:35 pm Post subject:

I would recommend www.blogger.com . Set an account up there and post your pics from your computer, then right click on the properties and copy the location here with [img] at the start and [/img] at the end. The pictures all end up being this size with no messing around with the preferences.

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FutureSuperstar93 · Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 6:49 pm Post subject:

X-wings rule

auburn goalie · Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 8:52 pm Post subject:

Re-Flexes kick a$$! Laughing

(although their almost the same thing)
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BISH00 · Hall of Fame Joined: 27 Jul 2007 Posts: 1543

wow this opened my eyes...an honest person who has good reviews on itechs...goes to show u there's a first time for everything doesn't it Shocked

lol jk guys that looks like a great set u got there sieve Smile

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Pads-Simmons 993. (995's are on the way)
C/A-Eagle
Glove-Vaughn Epic 8000
Blocker-Bauer One85
Skates-RBK
Pants-Itech
Helmet-Itech Envy 7
Stick-Vapor One75

auburn goalie · Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 9:39 pm Post subject:

i realize that you were just kidding, but WTF do people have against itech? Evil or Very Mad

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FutureSuperstar93 · Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 9:58 pm Post subject:

I'll use myself as an example:

I am so superior to goalies, people get mad and become jealous that they aren't me.

Itechs are so superior that people get mad that they don't own the pad and get jealous.

Laughing

montreal961 · Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:56 am Post subject:

ahh, the woderful world of sarcasm Very Happy

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canadian_man_44 · Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 4:20 pm Post subject:

FutureSuperstar93 · Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 5:18 pm Post subject:

Because of my first point Wink

auburn goalie · Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 9:16 pm Post subject:

well, dont bug me either Wink

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