Smith gear owner reviews

canadian_man_44 · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 3:45 am Post subject: Smith gear owner reviews

This thread is for Smith gear owners to post pics of their pads, new or used and to tell us how they have performed for them from initial quality, to current state of repair, problems and repairs, to how they tighten their straps and wear the pads.

*The idea here is that when you make a post, your first review, you will enter a date just as would in a journal. then with each visit you do not make a new post, but find yours and edit it and add on with a new journal entry. Any other posts will be deleted or moved. Should you read something that stimulates a though or question, start a new topic.
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kristianmn · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 11:58 pm Post subject:

I have a pair of SP4000 pads and a matching catcher that I've been playing with for the past two seasons and they are nothing short of spectacular.

I've tried nearly every brand, as I usually will talk someone into letting me try their gear and I let them try mine. Hey, it's a great way to TRULY determine what works best for you. Most guys, after they drop a ton of money on their equipment, will claim its the best even though they haven't really tried other equipment to give an honest comparison.

Well, I have. Vaughn, TPS, Reebok, Brian's, Bauer, you name it, I've probably tried it.

I had a friend who wore Smith pads and I FINALLY got around to trying them. I was hooked after the first few shots. They were light, fit perfectly and I loved the quick clips instead of regular straps. They flared perfectly when I went down and made me look like a butterfly pro. I'm not. I play a VERY hybrid style between old-school and new school, because that's how I learned. I played back in high school and not again until a few years ago.

The quality of construction is simply flawless. There are lots of innovations that Pete Smith is known for, like the sliding toe bridge, the adjustable thigh rise, and the strap system, among others.

The catching glove is my favorite and I have three...a TPS, a Simmons Matrix and my Smith. I ALWAYS pick the Smith. The break is perfect for my hand and it's got enough adjustments to make it fit absolutely perfect.

When you order, you'll probably get an e-mail or call from Pete to get some crucial measurements which will ensure your pads will fit properly. Pete usually works about 8 to 10 weeks out, but it's worth the wait for pads that are made just for you.

Pads are a personal choice. I'm not telling you to rush out and buy Smith pads, but if you are looking for custom pads at a price WELL BELOW the others, give Pete a call or e-mail him. His website is www.smithhockey.com.

canadian_man_44 · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 4:06 am Post subject:

I was asked for some pictures of the pads, so here they are. I only took pictures of one of the pads because the member wanted pics of the outside, inside, face and boot/leg channel and they're the same on both pads. Laughing

First the face.

The outside edge.

The inside edge.

The outside edge flexed.

The back snapped.

And opened.

Adjustable thigh rise and the two laces you can tighten to get more of a curve on the pads. With the flexibility of these pads, I haven't really tightened those laces too much. My butterfly is pretty wide so I don't need much of a curve to close the five hole anyway.

The boot channel.

The goalie room. It's a storage room that obviously has the stairs going up so I utilize the underside of the stairs for hooks for my gear until I get a proper unit built with a separate compartment for each piece of gear.

And for those that are going to ask for a picture of the butterfly, I took these. I'm not in them, but you can see they're not straight like they were when I got them. I may end up tightening the laces in back to get a little more curve, but I'm gonna use them a few more games like they are first.

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37Goalie · High School Joined: 08 May 2008 Posts: 15

Nice Pads

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#37

gimbo726 · Pro Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 984 Location: Dallas, Texas

I can't wait for mine...

C-man, did you ask him for an estimated date of arrival or did he notify you when they were finished?
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That's what she said!
The Greatest Pads That Ever Lived

canadian_man_44 · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 1:14 am Post subject:

gimbo726 · Pro Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 984 Location: Dallas, Texas

I'm trying to be patient, but it gets harder with each passing day. Very Happy

I was estimated 4-5 weeks and the 15th will make 4 weeks since I ordered, if I'm not mistaken.
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The Greatest Pads That Ever Lived

gimbo726 · Pro Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 984 Location: Dallas, Texas

NOTE: This is an initial review after one ice time. I plan to update this after I spend some more time on the ice with this set.

The glove and blocker arrived on May 23rd and the pads on May 24th.

The Pads

Alright guys, let's start it off with the customer service, Pete is a great guy and will work with you to get any questions answered and get you the pad that's right for you. I called Pete on April 15, 2008 to set up my order. I gave him my measurements and he asked me what my previous pads were and I told him 34" TPS Countours. Pete was surprised that I was in such a big pad and concluded that the pads shrunk. This left me a bit skeptical as Pete was now going to put me in a technically smaller pad.

Pros:
I feel bad that I ever doubted Pete, these fit fantastic. A bit on the stiffer side but I'm expecting them to break in nicely with some more ice time. They're extraordinarily light and I had no trouble getting used to them as I skated around the rink. The pads are stock other than the fact that I added on the adjustable thigh rise for $25. I highly suggest getting the adjustable thigh rise, as I was trying them out at home, I noticed that my 5-hole still wasn't fully covered. A minute later, an inch is added to each pad and the 5-hole is sealed. Butterflying in these pads is awesome, the bottom of the pads is completely sealed to the ice. Apparently I have fluid in my knee caps and they're kinda loose, my knees used to get tired whenever I butterflied in my Countours before, but the sliding toe bridge fixed this. No pain whatsoever, going down is a breeze and sliding from post to post is super easy. Predicting rebounds is always easy, these things protect your legs all over but you can still feel directly where the puck hits you. The pads are soooo comfortable, and you can adjust the channel to just the way you like it. Like I said before, maneuverability in these is top notch and I had no problem adjusting from my Countours.

Cons:
I had some problems with my thigh boards getting caught under my pants, once I mess around with the strapping this shouldn't be problem. If worse comes to worse, I'll just remove them and buy knee pads, no biggie. My only other gripe (and this is extremely minor) was that it's awkward carrying these over your shoulder. I haven't figured out a way yet to strap them together that doesn't either have the laces from the sliding to bridge or some straps dragging on the ground.

Overall:
10/10

These pads are PERFECT for a butterfly goalie. After one on ice session I'm ready for my game on wednesday. These felt like a dream, I couldn't believe how nice my butterfly looked.

The Glove

I am coming from a TPS Xhale glove which is a great glove. I almost didn't even buy a Smith glove because I felt so comfortable in this one, but the padding was starting to wear down and it was just getting old. I was a bit skeptical about this one, but it turned out to be the right decision.

Pros:
This glove still had a ways to go before I have it broken to just the way I like it, but even so, I had no pop-outs this morning. Protection is great as I took a few to palm and felt nothing. I've heard about some complaining that it's hard to play Turco-style in this glove but I had no problems at all, other than adjusting to the thicker palm.

Cons:
I've read in some reviews some people saying that this glove is game ready right out of the box. I strongly disagree with this, I've been playing with it all weekend and I'm still trying to get it to where I like it. However, nowhere on smithhocker.com does it say the glove should be game ready out of the box so I'm not blaming the glove at all.

Overall:
9.5/10

This glove is beautiful, and I'm sure I'm going to love it as time goes on. Right now, I'm still adjusting but I have nothing out of the ordinary to complain about.

The blocker:
I'm coming from a TPS X800 blocker which I think is crappy. I was scared that the board was going to fly off with every shot it took.

Pros:
The blocker is super lightweight and it felt great on my hand. It's easy to move around in and is built like a tank. No stingers and it's easy to deflect pucks to the boards.

Cons:
None.

The Bottom Line
As of right now, I'm a Smith customer for life. These things are wonderful, and the whole set cost me less than PII leg pads.

*I've created a separate thread with this review for questions/comments. I'll try to have pics up by tomorrow.
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The Greatest Pads That Ever Lived

montreal961 · Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 2:26 am Post subject:

Im sorry but i have to say something:

I was looking around on Smith Hockey today and noticed that all of the pads except for the SP5000 Are 12" wide. This is just gay. What if i want to get the SP3000? What if I just want one solid color, for a minimum price of 725$. Do i have to get 12" pad, and them in 2 weeks the league sais only 11" pads are good. Then what. And what are you going to do? Just get SP5000? No, the only reason i want to buy it is becuase the price is lower, and i just wont one design. Do i say " yeah, can i get the SP3000 design and specs on on the SP5000 pad? Just because i want 11"? Someone tell me you can get these pads in 11", if not, that is just stupid. Then the catchers and blockers are teh same thing.... CMan?
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gimbo726 · Pro Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 984 Location: Dallas, Texas

You say, "I want the 5000 pads with no graphics." Of course you still get charged for the 5000 because it has more features than the 3000. Or you can order the 3000 in 11". He can make any of the pads 11".
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netmind · Hall of Fame Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Posts: 1501

I think you should call him directly 961, as it is my understanding that he is not making those other pads at all any more, but can make similiar pads in 11 if you desire the basic style.

puckstopper35 · Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 12:34 pm Post subject:

I'm definately considering Smiths pads for my next set (which is about 2-3 years away)
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<.3

auburn goalie · Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 1:43 pm Post subject:

im defineantly considering anthing high end for my next set (2-3 years as well) right now, i have 4.8 x-wings, but im getting RX7's. in a few years, im going to get either V3, or a V4 if its there, or RX9's, or whatever the new model is

i wonder how many nhl goalies are going to wear smiths Question

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canadian_man_44 · Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 1:57 pm Post subject:

It is my understanding that you can get any of Pete's pads in NHL spec. If I'm remembering correctly, when I first started inquiring about Smith pads, I had emailed Pete about the 4000 series, which I wanted in 11" and was told it was no problem. I could be wrong on that, so I sent an email off to Pete to clear it up. I'll let you all know when I have the answer.
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auburn goalie · Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 2:51 pm Post subject:

thanks for answering the question, c-man
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