Vaughn VPK 7700 Sr. Knee & Thigh protection Review

This is my first review, but I will try to make it as helpful as possible.

Introduction:
I have tried multiple styles of knee protection, but thigh boards and thigh wraps didn't work.
I use a narrow butterfly so my 5 hole is always open, and with wraps or boards the pads under-rotate.
My new Smith 6000's do not have anywhere to attach thighboards.

Reason:
I have been hit in the knee once with thigh boards on and decided I would never wear them again. I bought a Smith 6000 set and the knee protection that came with these pads was not enough. I tried the RBK P2 knee and thigh protection and they caused pain. I needed to find something good.

Initial Thoughts:
I always liked the look of these from the time I first saw them. They are light, comfortable, and they do not dig into your shins when moving in a down position. They also did not move too much when I tried them on at the store.

First Time On-Ice:
I always try to get on the ice once with new gear before a game, so I went to public shinny and tried these out. I wear these with a garter belt to add to the support for them staying up. They almost felt like they were restricting me at first, which was a turn off. I started to get a few shots, and once I stopped thinking about them, it was much better. They took one shot right above the knee cap area, and I felt it, but not one ounce of pain occured.

Protection Wise:
These let you know when you get hit in the area, but stop the thud or stinging feeling. I haven't had a single issue with them in 4 games protection wise.

Comfort Wise:
These are actually very comfortable. They hug your leg, giving you a very secure feeling, but at the same time, don't make you uncomfortable once you adjust. The top strap has little rubbery like ridges to help with the hold and placement. The knee has 3 stretchy bands that let your knee move independently from the thigh protection which also makes the knee cap very comfortable. The thigh area has a nice mesh that makes them quick to dry, while the knee has a suede like material for the ultimate comfyness. In other words, these are caddy like.

Quality:
I cannot comment too much on quality because I have only had them for 4 games and one shinny. I do not see any stitching coming out yet or any defects. They are Vaughn, so I expect nothing but the best.

Conclusion:
These are expensive, but they are the best ones I could find between RBK, Itech, Smith, Brians and Vaughn. They are exactly what I wanted. No complaints except that I really hate to have them slip, so I use alot of tape to help them stay up. If you hate thighboards or thigh wraps, hate your pads under rotating from the thigh protection pulling on the pads, or just want a new peice of goalie gear, then these are for you fellow gear whores!

Ratings:
I give these puppies a 9.7, because I have to use the garter belt and tape, the slight feeling of restriction, and nobody can get a perfect 10.

Pictures:
The best part of a review!

Nice man. Well it's good that you like them and it's an excellent and helpful review written up by rfalls.