Vaughn

Vaughn’s Velocity design has been an industry leader for over a decade, its classic Flex-Pac internals and seemingly infinite colour options and custom specs attract average Joes and pros a like. Similar to years past Vaughn has made some nice tweaks to an already proven line-up. This year a lot of attention was paid towards weight and protection, from trappers to chest and arms; adding protection in key areas across the lineup weight was also reduced in part to the large usage of high density (HD) foams.

The Velocity 4 line has managed to reduce the weight of each pad by about .5lb. but increase durability and playability. The use of HD foams in the front face of the pad reduces in tight rebounds and limit pad shrinkage which is evident in the velocity line-up. Vaughn, similar to a Reebok design has lifted the boot as it sits on the skate. Again, helping with rebound control and the break down of the pad. This year’s pad features an even wider leg channel and knee than its predecessor (which was also widened), with the large shift from thigh board to knee pads the larger knee is a welcome change. Furthermore, Vaughn has replaced its diamond grip in the knee, calf and boot with Eagles MSH2 palm material. This fabric has exceptional feel, and more importantly-durability. With the introduction of ergonomic calves by the NHL, Vaughn has created a widened inside gusset to help support the pad in the butterfly position, reducing over-rotation. Instead o fusing an NHL spec, thin knee piece-Vaughn has decided to use a thick, dense knee block. The goaltender will feel very supported in the butterfly position, but more importantly relieve stress on his/her lower body joints. This is a huge point for me, an illegal knee and legal calf creates the perfect blend of support, and mobility. Finally, Vaughn has remounted its replaceable boot strap and added diamond grip on the boot making the setup much more robust.



The V4 trapper hasn’t seen too much change from its predecessor, the V3. Similar to the pads it has seen as light weight reduction and protection improvement. Although the last generation of Velocity hasn’t been too popular, Vaughn has still introduced a new option for their entire glove line-up a one piece trapper. This design, which is still IIHF legal, improves protection, and durability when compared to its two
pieces counter parts. Further more, although not listed in the catalogue, Vaughn is still going to offer their infamous T5500 trapper with a Velocity 4 graphic package which should still keep customers looking to purchase an entire matching set happy.



This years Velocity blocker finally offers the perfect blend of finger protection, coverage and balance. For 10 Vaughn has added 2 layers of HD foam beside the index Finger, this design finally offers some solid competition to Reeboks Premier 3... But it doesn’t stop there. The pinky, ring and middle finger no ware protected by full wrap around protection; leaving little room for the puck to sneak through. In addition, Vaughn brings finger base construction from the 7700 to help solidify the finger package. Pro-
spec'd construction on the side wall utilizes HD foams to improve protection and reduce weight. These new designs on top of Vaughn’s already successful beveled board provide the most solid blocker on the market today, IMO.



Something to be aware of when purchasing Vaughn:

• Flex-Pac construction with usage will cause pad to "settle” 1-2” overtime depending on frequency, and type of usage.
• Most customizes only give 3 or 4 colour options; Vaughn has very extensive spec sheets with about 12 colour zones. This is why Vaughn offers a large array of colour possibilities.
• Vaughn will not do 1/2” thigh rises.
• Vaughn up-charges for+3” thigh rises.
• The 7700 pad is the only pad available with the “Price graphic.”