Reebok 9K Chest Protector Review

[GoaliePhil]

I've had this C/A for about 3 months now, playing once or twice a week, pickup and league games. I came from an Itech Prodigy 4.8 that was extremely light and tight fitting but lacked in the protection department, so this was a pretty big change. I do not tuck the c/a, suspenders underneath, and it hangs down below my waist. I am about 5'9", 160lbs, and am wearing an adult medium.

Out of the box impression:
It's big, beefy, and tank like. All stitching and padding looked great, I like the wrap around design, the arms are awesome and protect about 10 times better than my old Itech, and big should floaters.

Mobility:
This thing was stiff when I got it, mainly in the arms. I could barely get my helmet on and even squirting a water bottle into my mouth was difficult. It took a solid 4-5 skates before things started to loosen up. It took me about 2-3 skates to get used to the bigger and bulkier size, but now that I've gotten used to it and it's loosened a bit I don't even notice that it's any bigger than my old c/a. I have no problems with the stiffness now.

Protection:
I have now taken shots to almost every angle/spot. Shoulders, arms, upper arms, stomach, chest, etc. No stingers, no nothing. I can feel the thud of the puck and that's all. The neck line seems a bit low until I put my equipment on, then it snugs up and covers nicely. I do not have any problems turning my head or with my dangler.

Adjustability:
This thing has straps everywhere you need them. You can see in the pics the back straps and the elbow floater straps.

Overall Pros:
Low cost, great protection, feels pretty lightweight (I don't know the exact weight).

I feel a lot of the same things that Number 1 writes in her review of the 11K here:
http://www.goaliestore.com/board/equ...chest-arm.html

Feel free to ask any questions.

[Mission1972]

I just traded my Vaughn 9400 in for this guy this morning. I have been using the 8600 the last couple of years and although it's like wearing a sweater, you pay the price sometimes. I figured I was used to the 8600 so I got another 9400.

After playing around with it (9400) at home I figure I should of got the 9k since they are about the same price point and a side by side comparison, the 9k blows the 9400 away in terms of protection. One of the reasons I got the 9k is I found the neckline was actually higher than the 9400 and had much better protection around the collar bone. The arms are definetaly more solid with large flaps that cover the elbows as opposed to the two little discs that Vaughn uses.

Again from a price point, I think this thing is solid. I didn't find mine to stiff in the store today and can easily get my hands behind my head etc. Spritz it with a bit of water and toss it in the car to get some humidity at it to loosen it up, hang it while showering etc.

For the $230 I paid for it, I think it's a great buy. And before the 995 come in here. I had one, I didn't like it....

[AdamHauser]

Nice review. I´ve ordered the same C/A together with the 9k pants. I can´t wait to get the packet.

[Mission1972]

Anyone looking to order one of these, keep in mind they run a little big. I'm 6'1"ish and 182 lbs and fit into a large Vaughn c/a and could probably get away with an XL. The 9k in a medium fit me perfect. I have pretty long arms too and the length sits perfect as well.

They are a bit longer in the body than a typical Vaughn Epic c/a. I don't tuck and like to wear my pants lower so this is a good thing for me.

Although they were sitting side by side, I did not compare it to the 11k but it seems it has all of the same features, even the slash guard on the catching arm (for the normal goalies). I believe there is a brief Youtube video by GM comparing the two.

[JackFu]

Good review, very close to my thoughts on this! I have a set of this and the 9K goal pants. They do fit kind of large and are very stiff to begin with.
Now, having used them 5 times a week for 4 weeks, they are very mobile, but the protection is great (especially in the forearm area, where I used to get bruised often).
Overall a great buy. My favorite is the shoulder area =)

I meant to also ask, you know that little pad on the flip side of the protector on your glove side?
Did you take it out to hook up the plastic elbow pad? I didn't really like that little flap, and hated how it wasn't symmetrical haha.

[GoaliePhil]

Originally Posted by JackFu

Did you take it out to hook up the plastic elbow pad? I didn't really like that little flap, and hated how it wasn't symmetrical haha.

The slash guard that is on the glove side? No I did not take it out, I figure the more protection the better on that arm.

I agree 100% about the arm protection though, in my Itech I used to get stingers anywhere in the arms when hit with hard shots, now I don't feel a thing. That was one of the factors for me when I purchased this unit was the arm protection.

[Marques43]

Looks a lot like they modeled it off of the ever-famous PS1. I was lucky enough to get a Pro unit but looking at these pics, the 9K looks like a solid piece for guy not seeing 80+ MPH.

Do you guys find the elbow cup to be snug or have they finally widened it from past JDP parts?

[Vcolassi]

Does kinda resemble a P1. I wish my local Hockey Monkey would hurry up & get there shipment of these and the 11k pro version to try on. Until than i am on a journey for the Unicorn. Oh and thanks for the tip on that Marques.

I do have this & the 11k on my wanted next chesty list. Time will tell. Good review though & the 9k seems solid.

[bendertender33]

@GoaliePhil, I'm about the same height and weight as you. So might I be better suited getting a small? I'm considering the 9k and a Koho 586. I'm currently using an OLD 490 that I've had for close to 5 years and it's time to update. I really like them both, but unfortunately I don't live near a place where I could try either one on

[GoaliePhil]

Originally Posted by Marques43

Do you guys find the elbow cup to be snug or have they finally widened it from past JDP parts?

I would never have thought about it, but I have skinny arms and I have noticed that my elbow fits nicely into the cup and it doesn't feel like I'm swimming in it. So it is possible that these elbow cups are still snug. If a measurement would help let me know and I'll take a pic or just measure the width/length/depth and get back to you.

Originally Posted by bendertender33

@GoaliePhil, I'm about the same height and weight as you. So might I be better suited getting a small?

If you are shorter than 5'9" or maybe if you tuck the C/A, then you could try and get away with a small. I like having the extra stomach coverage and the arms are perfect length on me without adjusted them very much at all, every strap is pretty loose other than the back straps. If you order it from somewhere with a good return policy, maybe you could order a small and try it on, it might be a little tight though. Next time I'm at the LHS I'll see if they have any smalls to try on and let you know.

[GoaliePhil]

Just a quick update. After a full summer of use, 20 league games, and pickups mixed in here and there, the unit is holding together great.

Here are some more points that I've noticed over the last 4 months of use...

The white is starting to stain with sweat, I kind of wish I had held out until the black ones were available, no biggie I can wash it, but I'd go with non-white given the choice.

I've been popped pretty hard in the arms and shoulders and this thing is working out great. Not one stinger. My Itech would have left me with numerous stingers on the same shots.

The large elbow floaters forced me into a goalie cut jersey.

I can easily put on my helmet, wipe sweat from my brow, etc. I am very happy with the flexibility once it was broken in.

I have not noticed a single stitch coming undone, the unit is holding together nicely and I see no signs of wear/tear. I expect this thing to last me for years to come and it looks like it will.

bendertender, I looked at the shop and they did not have any smalls for me to try on when I was there, sorry.

[Vcolassi]

I just snagged one of these for inline & a backup ice chesty. All i can say is WOW. This thing has incredible protection for SR. model. I was comparing it to Vaughn Pro models in the store & it seemed to have more protection. Of course Vaughn was more mobile brand new. But wow, i can't even imagine the 11k. How much more protective can it get lol.

[NYRangers30]

Has anybody taken shots to the elbow/tricep area with this? (regular, stick side, while throwing the arm out for a save)....my Tour 590 left me with a pretty messed up elbow that I cant flex for two weeks due to crappy loose spots in the padding.

Please respond!!1 I need info!!

[heroic35]

awesome. i am looking for a new chest protector for a mens league and pick up games. this is in my price range on hockeygiant.com and will probably purchase this due to this review.

[Loganator]

I've got the 11k, it's just awesome! I'm 15 years old and i go and practice with guys that are 25 30 years old i dont feel anything! It's true i paid a little more fore the 11k, but i dont regret it at all!!!