SP5000 Goalie Pad review-Oct 29th, 2007
Who is Pete Smith? My best guess is that he's the guy who's solely responsible for the modern style box pad that every goalie is covering their legs with today. The former designer for Vic and Vaughn has been-much like every goalie-an unsung hero of sorts, making top level goalie equipment from his private shop for years now. His pads have been on the legs of Stanley cup winner Tom Barrasso and most recently Bruin Tim Thomas.
I picked up the set of the 5000 model of Smith pads because of all the new upgrades and enhancements offered. This is my second experience with Smith equipment and I didnÕt think it could get any better BUT:
The GLOVE-This glove is second to none when compared to anything else on the market. The pocket is perfectly made and not excessively or disgustingly deep like others on the market. The workmanship is so unbelievably tight that this piece feels like it was sewn according to your own hand. A look at the shape of the catching face will send chills down your spine-it's a classic cut that speaks volumes of Pete's no nonsense approach to craftsmanship. And I'm beyond picky when it comes to catchers!
The fact that the back of this glove OPENS UP COMPLETELY is something I've been dying for for years. This allows for complete drying between games.
The thing I noticed on this glove that was different than the last model I had is the sharper break in the palm. This allows for better grip on the stick when shooting while maintaining a deep pocket. ItÕs especially good for the modern "overhand" style of shooting.
The BLOCKER-I thought IÕd be disappointed going from a thin board back to a traditional "thick" blocker, but this piece is extremely lightweight and feels modern as any thin blocker. The palm is super comfortable and there's ample flexibility in the wrist area.
The PADS-Wow. Super flexible in the knees and loaded with new features. The knee and calf lift system works amazingly well, and these pads are so comfortable you forget that you're wearing them. The break-in, or more accurately the adjustment time is 2-5 hours. These pads are ready to go the minute you get them out of the box. Straps can be removed in seconds and there are extra slots to allow customized options for strap placement. Thigh boards have adjustment straps to control the "swing" or can be removed completely. I do find that the thigh boards are cut a little bit high but I'm going to give them a chance this time out (I had them cut down an inch on my last set.
The most remarkable feature of this model is how squared up the knee/calf wrap is to the pad face. This is totally conducive to the modern butterfly technique, and the pads instantly square up in the butterfly position.
A testament to these pads is that I actually felt slightly awkward when I switched back to my old set for a league game (we won the game, my last in those pads!)
Kudos to Pete Smith on making his great pads even better.
Check out all his equipment here: Smith Hockey
~Steve Zinger, Puck Proof Apparel.
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