Smith Reviews

Arthriticbutterflystyle · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 7:53 pm Post subject:

Personally I think they look like the second best pads on the market. IMO it's Vaughn-Smith's-Rbk-TPS-Brian's. That's just me though, but the fact that they're less expensive with the same or higher quality then the velo's makes Smith's>Vaughn

goalieboy#1 · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 7:58 pm Post subject:

Just wondering... but have you ever used a Brians glove? They went from the bottom of the totem pole (in my mind) to one of the top, just because i loved that glove so much.... i cant comment on any of their other gear though.
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flyersjew727 · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 8:00 pm Post subject:

fedtime · High School Joined: 10 Sep 2008 Posts: 19

Hey - I've been in nets since the late 1970s and have used just about every brand of gear and most styles and played as high as junior. The league I play in now has mostly former junior players and one or two ex-NHL farm-team/draft pick guys, so it is highly competitive. We play 3-4 times per week. I ordered a set of Smith 5000 pads last summer after trying a pair and I would say this: so far, the quality of the pads is as good as I've seen from top companies. They have taken some extreme abuse in the 80 or 90 games I've played so far (I play a very aggressive style), with no signs of wear. The ordering process does require patience. Bottom line: order Smith pads if you think they are right for you. If not, go with the brand that is.

Arthriticbutterflystyle · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 11:53 pm Post subject:

Awesome. Can you give some ratings on construction, style, cost, durability? I know you SAID about it...but I'd like to see numbers cause that's how my mind works, and it might be beneficial for someone else later.

goalieboy#1 · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 3:12 am Post subject:

I thought you didnt like math (numbers)
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Arthriticbutterflystyle · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 3:15 am Post subject:

I hate math, I like numbers. It's easier to see 9 out of 10 as opposed to they felt really nice.

goalieboy#1 · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 3:32 am Post subject:

Haha, good point.
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fedtime · High School Joined: 10 Sep 2008 Posts: 19

I'm not much of a numbers guy, and I've always believed that if you are a crap goalie, good gear will not make you any better. What is important is this: is the piece of gear right for you; does it suit your style, does it fit right, does it provide the protection you need, etc. The point of my first post to say that in my experience, my Smith pads have proven to be high quality, particularly in light of the price. They are at least equal to my old Vaughns. For the Smiths, I paid $895, then added the adjustable thigh rise ($25 well spent). I'll kill a set of pads in 2 years or so, and rarely get 3 seasons, so cost is a factor. So far, it looks like the Smiths will go the distance, but I won't know until I get another 100 games or so in.

Check out the Smith website. Smith makes 4 models. Even though I play more of a hybrid style, I chose the 5000 because I felt I could play it as a hybrid pad, and I can. Also, I wanted an 11" pad. There are loads of adjustment, but I played them right out of the box without any changes.

So, if you want numbers: construction and durability is a 10 - what can I say - 90 or so hard games, maybe a dozen mid-ice collisions and not even a loose thread. At $895 for custom pads, you have to say 10. Price up a set of custom Vaughns and you'll see what I mean.

But like I said: pick the pad that is right for you.

canadian_man_44 · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 12:49 pm Post subject:

This may come as a surprise to some, but......there is one thing about my Smith pads that I would change for my next set. Shocked

That's right....one thing I don't like. The sewn logo on the thigh rise. I've been playing on an ice surface that is a little soft and the crease is definitely rougher then I'd like due to a high school practice right before us. Anyway, a couple times I noticed a little bit of fraying on that particular logo after games. Granted, it was at a point where I was trying some adjustments with the straps to get my pad rotation right so a few times the face of one pad or the other was sliding across that rough ice. No issues now that I've got everything adjusted properly and the fraying was easily fixed in about 2 seconds with a lighter, but still, this is something I won't be getting on my next set..........whenever that may be. Wink

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Arthriticbutterflystyle · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 3:09 pm Post subject:

That is cosmetics though. I was just curious about how the threading for all the materials holds together which was already answered.

On that note, I'm a low-mid intensity goalie only playing pick up hockey 3 times a week for 2 hours. I face anywhere between 40-60 shots a day and I'm currently wearing rbk catch/blocker and chest that are the lovely "Made in China" type. They're already getting sloppy as far as comfort and fit go. Word of warning, if you play more then once a week, spend the extra money.

hockeyguy1594 · Minors Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 237

Arthriticbutterflystyle · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 9:10 pm Post subject:

Make yourself feel better?

hockeyguy1594 · Minors Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 237

Arthriticbutterflystyle · Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2009 12:46 am Post subject:

ON that note...lol...monty is gonna laugh his a$$ off at this...I'm getting $2500 for my bike, so I'm trying to decide if I should go with the velos that I can just pick up now and start using next week, or buy the Smith's which are cheaper but will take 8 weeks to get here...any suggestions?

http://goaliestore.com/GoalieDoctorSmithPadsReview.php

I found this on Goaliestore (obviously) and thought it'd be interesting to throw on here.

By the way monty...no suggestion on the 3s or Smiths?