Don Simmons - UL5 Pro Hybrid Review

I've been wearing these Simmons UL5 Hybrid pads for the second half of the winter, and all of the spring/summer league, and a weekly Saturday night pickup game, and also filling in whenever called. I started last year with a set of TPS Summits, and switched part way through last year 09 winter league, and I have nothing but good things to say about them. They are extremely durable, rotate easily (once I figured out the proper lacing), and close my five hole(being a double break and a +2). The pads wear comfortably, and give you plenty of cushion on the knee stacks as can be seen in the pictures.

Flexibility: These pads came from Simmons very soft and pre formed/flexible into the S curve. I hang these pads upside down over a dehumidifier until dry, and when I take them down they resume their S curve possibly due to their double break.

Overall Durability: I was not sure what to expect buying these pads and I am pleasantly surprised how little wear they actually show. They have the usual puck marks, but I have no issues with the stitching, craftsmanship or material. I will be going back for another set when the time arrives.


pros: 17.5 ATK = 36+2 pads = the +2 closes my five hole since I have a narrow butterfly. Never feel a shot, Rotate good, pads absorb shots resulting in very few rebounds..

cons: I do not like the thigh wraps, they seem to restrict the rotation. Easy fix is to remove the wraps. The elastic knee strap seems short, rubs on the back of the knee.


Having only played for 1 year I would give these pads an overall 9 out of 10, and would recommend these pads to anyone looking for a Hybrid set of pads.

I used for the first time last week and they were so fast in the butterfly slide. I gotta learn how to gauge my pushes cause everytime they scored is when I slide too far. I love the blocker too but not a huge fan of the glove