Simmons Matrix (M4) Chest and Arms (Review, Pics, and Comparison)

Left: Reebok Pro-return P2; Right: Simmons Matrix M4 (pre-arm length adjustment)


One noticeable improvement the M4 has over the P2 is the addition of a pad that protects the space between the bicep and shoulder cap. I've never been hit there, but I've seen some pro units have this extra pad (the pro-return 590 is one such unit):


Also in the above M4 picture you can see what I like to call the "side boob" protector. I haven't been hit there since I wore a 5500 C/A back in, oh, 2000, but I like the extra "just in case" protection.

Speaking of shoulders, the floaters are larger on the M4 than the P2. But, again, the M4 is the "NHL illegal" unit, while the P2 is NHL legal.



Even Ray Charles would be able to see that the elbow floaters on the M4 are larger than the P2.



Oddly, the belly loop, which you'll use if you tuck your chest protector into your pants, is above the second belly block on the M4, while it's above the first on the P2. Not particularly important for me, but it could be to someone else.



I have to say, I absolutely hate the clips being way forward on the side of the M4. Maybe I won't notice it, but I just feel it's in an absolutely terrible position.


The P2 had a removable extra pad in the stomach area. I took it out because it made me hot. The M4 has one that's integrated. That'll be interesting, especially since it's MUCH thicker than the P2's removable pad.


One area where the P2 beats the poo out of the M4 is on the outside bicep protection. The P2 had a nice little flap there; the M4 has nothing.



Overall, I really like the M4, and I can't wait to try it. Hopefully that'll be tonight. There are some parts I'm disappointed in -- the terrible clip placement and the lack of bicep protection -- but there are also parts I really like, such as the adjustable arm length.

More to come as I use it.

Hmm, interesting review. When I first saw the Matrix C/A, I thought it looked like a Reebok X-Pulse 10.0 copy.

Originally Posted by caveman27

When I first saw the Matrix C/A, I thought it looked like a Reebok X-Pulse 10.0 copy.

Really??? Simmons product that resembles someone elses product...the hell you say? They would never do that...come on Cave be sensible would ya...lol

j/k...nice review Syn...looks like a nice piece.

So I used it tonight for a drop-in session. I did terrible. However, I don't think it's all the fault of the chest protector. In fact, I rather liked it, though it will take some getting used to.

Terrible skate sharpening + new chest protector + new pants + new knee knee protection method + 3v3 half-ice hockey where I don't know where my net is + haven't played in goal for three weeks = disaster. I was terrible.

But, again, I liked the chesty. One thing is that it's REALLY big, and, yes, bulky. I occasionally ran my head into the shoulder floaters, but it really wasn't that bothersome, and the chesty just needs some time to settle and get worked in. It wasn't terribly hot and it wasn't terribly heavy. Really felt a lot like my old P1, just a little bigger than I'm used to since I'm used to being in an NHL legal P2.

I have a P1 coming, too, so I'll need to decide whether to shelve this unit for the evaluations next week (not that the evals really matter). Right now I'm leaning towards keeping on the new pants and going with the used P1 to give me more time to break in the M4 for the season.

Oh, and I broke the god damn vented helmet strap for my camera. Fortunately the case and camera are fine; it's just the strap. Still, it sucks when it breaks literally 10 minutes into the drop-in.

It's probably better than you used your new stuff in a drop-in session instead of a game. You don't want to look like a klutz or noob when it counts against your GAA, or if an imaginary NHL scout is watching in the stands.

I don't understand why Simmons would make a non-NHL spec C/A if they want to sell their products to as many goalies as possible.

That's exactly why I first wore them at the drop-in. Glad I looked like a noob out there in front of friends who know otherwise rather than guys I'll be playing against.

I don't mind the Simmons made a non-NHL spec C/A. I don't care if it's legal or not. Hell, I'd get 12" pads if Reebok would make 'em. I don't necessarily feel any more or less mobile with reasonably larger gear.

Originally Posted by EVL WAGN

Really??? Simmons product that resembles someone elses product...the hell you say? They would never do that

oh...look out.......... here comes the broken record again.

Very interesting. I will be following this being i almost ordered one. But i decided to wait for the NHL legal model, being i am not a fan of the larger arm blocks. Does your current jersey fit over it good? From the pictures it seems much bigger than the P2. I had one, the P2 that is just never liked it. I am using a Reebok 11k that i am in the process of breaking in.

But still waiting to see what the NHL m4 looks like.