Itech X-Wing 12.8 Review - Pads, Glove, Blocker

Well, finally I'm doing the Itech X-Wing 12.8 Review. I've had two sets of each of these products. So I'm truly someone who has put them through the paces; As much as a beer leaguer can anyways. I've owned nothing but Itech products since I started playing in Goal 2 years ago almost to the day. So my opinion is not in comparison with any other products. I have tried on almost every brand, but I haven't played in it so I can't truly compare. I can only talk about the products quality and feel as I see it.

I do realize this line by Itech is no longer made, but you never know. You might be in the market for a clearance set or a used set somewhere on the internet and need to know about it.

Leg Pads

I am 6'4" so I take a very large pad, I run a 37" +1 pad. I tried on various brands, the one I thought I might like would be a Vaughn, but I found their 36" +2 pad didn't fit my leg at all. I tried on RBK 36" +2 and it was almost too big, but I found the pad too stiff at the time. I couldn't close my 5 hole if I tried. I ended up picking these ones because they came in the 37" +1, and the main part of the pad I liked was the Adjustable Knee Lock. As you can see in the picture, I have it un-velcroed but you can see there is plenty of room to move the Knee lock up, down, left, or right. Which means the perfect fit, for me it's right at the top of the velcro.



The pad has the X-Wing break in the middle of the knee, which makes the top of the thigh rise VERY flexible. This helps guys like me with a narrow butterfly close up shop when we need too. It also keeps a very nice S Shape, this is something a lot of people strive to achieve with their pads. I store them upside down when drying to hold that shape.


Landing gear is more than sufficient, as you can see the leg is well covered from hitting the ice, and these slide quite well once you get yourself some leg strength. I found it very hard when I was just first starting, but that wasn't the pads fault it was purely the lack of muscle memory in my legs.

Adjustable Strap locations are great! I have the one right behind where my knee sits for added knee lock. I have the second strap at the top, as I now like to cynch up the top strap to hold that thigh rise together when I go in to a butterfly. Those with a natural wide butterfly may just want to keep that real loose or move it down.

Leg channel is great, love the inner calf protection, hugs the calf very well but does not hinder rotation. This is very opposite of Reebok's open leg channel. Your leg is deep in there and quite protected.


Blocker
They say a blocker is a blocker is a blocker. They're wrong. This one is much better protection than any previous versions of the X-Wing blockers I tried. Top quality protection on this bad boy. I had some serious trouble holding my stick the first 5 or 6 games until it loosened up a bit. It's got good finger protection, and only have received some pain from holding my stick wrong prior to learning.

Glove
Now this glove has adequate protection, but I'm not so sure I'm completely happy with this. It will be the last Itech/Bauer glove I buy. It's served it's purpose, and will be amazing for some people. I believe the break angle is wrong for me. I get a lot of pop outs if it doesn't hit the webbing perfectly. The 3 inner strap system is great; one over the fingers, one over the top of your knuckles, and one at the wrist. For those who like a TIGHT fitting glove, you can really ratchet this down. But also can be left loose for those who like their glove to come off easy. Very comfortable, and I can play the puck decently with it. I rarely get stingers, and they have to be a rocket shot to the bottom of the palm or something to even feel anything. Never been bruised.


In conclusion, these are VERY decent products. I'm happy with the level of protection, as any pro pad should be quite robust. I love the colour choices Itech came out with, and these fit perfectly. I would recommend these to anyone that needs a flexible set of pads, and has a narrow butterfly. If you see the pro goalies who used them weren't really "butterfly goalies" but more of a hybrid style. Chris Osgood, Gerber, Dipetro.. most of these guys have moved on, but not too many these days with old pads though..

I don't see what's wrong with your trapper. I think it's you. Pop-outs are all your fault!
Just kidding. Check out Brian's trappers. I bought a Brian's Air Thief trapper and blocker from London's Source for Sports. It was the top of the line back around 1999. The trappper was lighter, flexed quickly, and had a deep pocket. I had a Vaughn beforehand. I think it was the T1350. I had pop-out problems with that. I sucked too so maybe that was the issue.