Checking out some of Reebok and CCM’s new equipment

By Ryan Zuke – 

Reebok and CCM have released new equipment which focuses on improving safety and performance through new innovative technology.

Jordan Boman, sales representative of Reebok and CCM, said the company is committed to moving forward with the new technology without sacrificing quality.

The Reebok 20K skates introduce a new ‘Dynamic Support System’ which creates a tighter heal lock and therefore, creates greater energy transfer during every stride.

The flexible tendon guard provides a greater range of motion that helps improve agility on the ice.

“When you’re skating and take a full stride, and your foot’s extending, if this (tendon guard) is stiff, it’s not letting you get a full extension,” Boman said.  “Also, when you’re turning, the back of your legs lean against this (tendon guard). If it’s stiff, it’s going to lift the blade off the ice.  If it’s flexible, more blade is going to stay on the ice and you get more out of your stride.”

Reebok also reinforced the top three eyelets to add more support, especially after players bake their skates.

The Reebok KFS Hybrid Shoulder Pads give players the option of wearing just the padded shirt or adding the protective caps.

“It keeps it lightweight and protective at the same time,” Boman said.  “The caps are pretty much the 9K caps, but just broken down to less padding.  But you also have the spinal protection and chest protector.”

The padded shirt can be purchased on its own, but the protective pads can only be used with the padded shirt.

The CCM CL (Crazy Light) shoulder pads feature U Foam technology which is the same technology used in CCM’s CL skates. The U Foam allows for a much lighter product without sacrificing protection.

Boman said the purpose of the CL shoulder pads is to provide protection for both the player, and the player receiving the hit, while also making a product which is lightweight and durable.

What makes the CL’s different from most brands is the softer shoulder caps which is the main feature designed to reduce injury.

The new CCM CL shin pads are also equipped with U Foam technology.  The U Foam is water resistant, allowing a player to remain comfortable throughout the game.

Essentially, the reduced weight comes from fewer layers of padding and less plastic.  But Boman said they have been proven to take hits and absorb pucks, so safety has not been compromised.

Lastly, CCM made the shin pads narrower down to the ankle.

“Traditionally, CCM shin pads have been a little bit wider, so we have changed for the customer aspect of it,” Boman said.

The CL elbow pads have implemented new features as well including a three-piece construction compared to a traditional two-piece.

“What that does is keep mobility, and it’s easier to move around,” Boman said.  “And that U Foam technology is in here as well.”

Boman said the design is very similar to the U-Plus Pro and they just made a few minor changes.

“It (U-Plus Pro) had a sleeve in it, and what we did, we took that out because it actually prevented the arm from being able to move as much,” Boman said.