Just recently picked up my new pair of X-Pulse Pro Specs, 35+1.
Out of the box, they feel great, pretty lightweight, but feel solid at the same time. Very soft faced, and flexible. The deep leg and boot channel gives great control over the pad face.
The pad is extremely responsive in game. Feels more like an extension of your leg than anything else (not to sound generic, but it really does.) Mobility is fantastic, it's very easy to bounce around the crease, whether you're shuffling, t-pushing, or b-fly sliding... Actually the lateral movement in these pads is phenomenal. Moving cross crease has always been an issue with me, but I've improved by leaps and bounds since I got these pads.
The face of this pad is incredibly soft, the rebounds can be kicked into the corners if you want, but normally they'll just stop dead, and you can do with the puck what you wish. The boot as well, is very soft, which makes rotation very smooth. The 35 degree angle on the outer roll actually makes a difference (I thought it was just codswallop at first). Shots that might normally hit the edge of the roll and skip over your leg and in, now hit the roll, and are deflected down to the ice, and are easily covered for a whistle.
More on the innards, the leg channel is nash, and is very soft. There are two velcro locks, a knee, and a calf, which makes the pad even more tight to your leg, and therefore, responsive. These pads are obviously designed to fit snugly. As far as the knee cradle goes, it is also very soft, like landing on a pillow or marshmallow or whatever... The knee cradle is adjustable, to within an inch of the pads designated height. (0.5 of an inch upward or downward. So this pad is effectively a 34.5+1, 35+1, or 35.5+1, whichever feels best for you. This is great because you can buy it, and grow into it, or if you buy it and you find it's a little too short, you can just adjust it upward to fit your needs.
On the thigh boards/wraps. These I haven't decided whether I'm a fan of yet, They are very protective, although they have a tendency to pop out from under my pants, as there are no breaks in them. They are softer than thigh boards, but are not fitted, like thigh wraps. They also have a velcro patch, that velcros into the knee. I'm not sure what the purpose is of it, when they are attached, they are more stiff, and don't rotate as much. When they are out, they float freely on the strings, and move more easily with your legs. I don't understand why anyone would have them in as opposed to out, but whatever.
I know that style is completely subjective, but I will go over it briefly here. I love the design of the X-Pulses, and I always have. It's very slick, and thankfully not tribal in any way. I also love how it continues over the calf and knee, (And it doesn't harm your ability to slide at all, don't worry). Also, there is a small white area in the five hole, for all you "White makes it harder for the shooter" theorists. Other than the Reebok log on the outer roll, all designs are stitched, so there's no fear of wear on them. These pads also don't mark nearly as much as a flat faced pad, I'm guessing because of the softness, I personally don't care marks or no marks, but I know there are some people who love/hate puck marks, so there you have it.
All in all, I love these pads, best set I've ever owned IMO.
Mobility 10/10
Protection 10/10
Style 10/10
Durability (Too soon to rate)
This being my first review, I would appreciate leanience in your criticism
, though if I've missed anything, feel free to point it out, I always appreciate your advice.
Oh I'll also explain the pics... Pic 1, is just the pads...
Pic 2, is a shot of the boot and down the leg channel
Pic 3, a shot of the knee and calf wings
Pic 4, reversed, from the above. The outside edge of the pad, and the innards
Pic 5, This one, I'm trying to show the vlecro parts on the thighboards, as mentioned above, the one on the left is velcroed, and the one on the right is not.
Pic 6, Just a shot of the [pads, showing off the great design etc.
Cheers!
Reebok X Pulse Pro Spec pad Review
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