Goalie Crease Network

Don Simmons has given us the new 996 Professional Goal Pads for review, after taking a look at the pad out of the box, I was impressed. Noticed some of the subtle changes and upgrades from the 995, which really improve the design from last year.

I took the time out on the ice to really get to know the pad and I was impressed overall.

Features

I really enjoy the lightness of the pad, the strapping system took a little playing with to get just right. Sliding toe bridge is a nice standard, and I really liked the Double Break.

Construction 8/10

Very well constructed design, quality stitching, and no real short cuts. With some of the major brands you get painted on logos or designs, you won't see any of that here with the Simmons 996. This pad is very light, 5.4 lbs (32"+2) without losing any protection.

Design 9/10

Well design and crafted in Canada, this pad compares to Reebok P3, Bauer RX/Supreme series, and even some TPS models. It's made for the Butterfly goalie pure and true. It's newly squared off boot gives slightly more blocking area, without hindering any movement. Double break in the knee gives great flexibility right out of the box.

The new graphic is simple yet effective, an overall improvement over the 995 graphic.

Simmons takes the time with each of it's customers to figure out what will work best for them. You just call them give them some information, and they'll work with you to get the right sizing and pad that fits your style.

At this price point, this pad is well worth the money.

https://www.donsimmons.com/ecom/product/1113 - $899

From Don Simmons:

A refined and lighter version of the very successful Simmons 995, the new Simmons 996 from the squared off toe to the beveled stabilizing calf wedge was “born to butterfly”. Every inch of the 996 was designed for butterfly style movements and total low angle coverage. The unique squared off inside side gusset in conjunction with the new modified calf wedge platforms and balances the goaltender in all butterfly style movements. Being completely balanced equals a quicker more controlled recovery allowing you to get to those 2nd and 3rd rebounds fast and quick.

The superflex flexibility of the 996 is unparalleled in the industry with 3 major flex zones in the upper and lower knee and ankle. The 996 will bend and conform to every movement, anatomically fitting to your leg in a preformed s bend. The extended thigh rise has been thinned out and stiffened using high tech high density foam systems. This creates less bulk with greater 5 hole coverage and allows you to wear a longer pad with no mobility loss.

The 996 boot has been redesigned to conform to your instep and upper foot meaning a flatter more controlled lower blocking surface that moves when you move and flexes when you flex. Adding a sliding toe bridge will increase the power of your slide and will allow for a wider more coverage based stance.

The finest feature of the 996 superflex is the 5 hole closure, which is absolute. The HD reinforced upper thigh rise will overlap and close the 5 hole every single time you butterfly regardless of style.

You want something that works and performs at a pro level without breaking the bank, now you have it. The Simmons 996 superflex-born to butterfly.

Pro zone construction. Handcrafted in Canada to the highest quality levels
Pro level material content only.
Exclusive regulated knee and ankle flex technology.
Ergonomic leg channel design maximizes pad rotation.
HD 110 primary foam system for a higher degree of protection, lightness and shock absorption for a maximum in rebound control.
Angled strapping for max pad rotation.
Super lightweight.
Build in adjustable shin cradle that positions and stabilizes the leg in in butterfly style rotational movements. Cradle can also be removed for a more traditional open style leg channel.
Sliding toe bridge for better down coverage and quicker upward response times as you can obtain a quicker edge.
Pre-curved flat face design.
NHL spec sizing.

Country of Manufacturer
CANADA

Performance Level
PROFESSIONAL

Material Content
PRO LEVEL FEATURING A LD REINFORCED HD 80 FRONT WITH TOP GRADE JENPRO LEATHER EXTERIOR.

Thigh Protection
WRAP OR BOARD

Thigh Rise
+2IN. STANDARD SQUARE

Side Gusset
FLAT PLATFORM

Knee / Shin
FLAT

Boot Channel
SHALLOW ROTATIONAL

Leg Channel
NASH LINED MULTI ROTATIONAL WITH REMOVABLE SHIN GUIDES.

Knee Cradle
7 X 7 X 3/4 IN. NASH LINED SUPER SOFT.

Knee Block
7X 6 X 1 1/4 IN. MED. SOFT FULLY ADJUSTABLE.

Toe Attachment
SLIDING TOE BRIDGES.

Inner Toe
SQUARE

Calf
FULL NHL SPEC WING WRAP WITH SECONDARY WEDGE.

Weight
32+2IN. 5.60 LBS.

Flexbility
2 BREAK MAXIMUM.

Strapping
ANGLED MAXIMUM ROTATION