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Equipment => Pads => Topic started by: SelectCricket on November 25, 2012, 06:21:29 PM

Title: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: SelectCricket on November 25, 2012, 06:21:29 PM
I've heard a lot of different opinions on this factor of appearance and am not sure what I like out of a few pairs..
What are your favourite looking pair of pads and gloves out of the whole market?
Small or large company..
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Alvaro on November 25, 2012, 06:22:53 PM
Kook look the best on the telly.
I personally like the Salix stuff best though. (Boring answer)
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: SelectCricket on November 25, 2012, 06:24:01 PM
Kookaburra to me, on the inside look to be the best in quality.
I don't really like a lot of colouring though myself so Salix sounds a better shout to me!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: alba caerulea on November 25, 2012, 06:35:09 PM
Newbery SPS
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: SelectCricket on November 25, 2012, 06:36:16 PM
Newbery SPS

They are definately up there in my list, love the plain white look, the pads have the best protection I've seen as well.
Just a bit heavy though for pads..
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: wasted_talent on November 25, 2012, 06:39:57 PM
Quite a big fan of the SS range.. specifically the SS Test Lite pads and the SS (Blue) Ltd Edition gloves/./
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: SelectCricket on November 25, 2012, 06:45:16 PM
I really like the SS Test Lite pads, look of a very decent standard of quality and good appearance.
Not really keen on the gloves though, not sure why..
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: alba caerulea on November 25, 2012, 06:46:12 PM
Quite a big fan of the SS range.. specifically the SS Test Lite pads and the SS (Blue) Ltd Edition gloves/./
Yes the SS sausage gloves are very good-looking and comfy gloves
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: 12man on November 25, 2012, 06:47:28 PM
M&H for me
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: SelectCricket on November 25, 2012, 06:53:49 PM
M&H for me
M&H, interesting.
Never heard someone say that before.
Definately great quality, not sure on looks..
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Jenko on November 25, 2012, 06:56:19 PM
I've got Woodstock ATM which are like newberrys anyway. So also a big fan of newbery softs, have just ordered some Salix pads/gloves to replace the woodstocks which have got holes in em where they shouldn't!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: SelectCricket on November 25, 2012, 06:58:17 PM
I've got Woodstock ATM which are like newberrys anyway. So also a big fan of newbery softs, have just ordered some Salix pads/gloves to replace the woodstocks which have got holes in em where they shouldn't!

Are they of poor quality?!
They certainly look good but at the price of them and the similarity, I would have always opted for newbery.
At the moment, I use the G&M Original Limited Edition Pads & Gloves, they are certainly good quality, but the price is well on the high end!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: SelectCricket on November 25, 2012, 06:59:57 PM
to whoever made it, I like the poll. Great idea!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Jenko on November 25, 2012, 07:01:00 PM
The gloves have only lasted a season and a half, the holes are at the fingertips, to be fair they are my only gloves and I have batted for long periods in them so they have copped a fair bit of sweat. Will see if the Salix last longer
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: procricket on November 25, 2012, 07:02:16 PM
Chase flc softs (rs made pads)
And all of Ss original pads the rest just copy ala newbery

Robinsons make half the rest of the forum pads


Select you making a run to 50 posts by any chance
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Buzz on November 25, 2012, 07:02:59 PM
poll added, I also use GM, but do like Salix and kook.
nice thread, we haven't had this in a while
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: SelectCricket on November 25, 2012, 07:03:43 PM
Chase flc softs (rs made pads)
And all of Ss original pads the rest just copy ala newbery

Robinsons make half the rest of the forum pads


Select you making a run to 50 posts by any chance

I really like chase, what about Robinsons?
Why would I run to 50 posts?

poll added, I also use GM, but do like Salix and kook.
nice thread, we haven't had this in a while
GM are absolutely awesome in the quality factor.
And thank you! Decided I needed to contribute to the forum with a post that could involve everyone, since I'm fairly new.
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: procricket on November 25, 2012, 07:06:50 PM
well there realy only 4 category realy sorry to be a spoil sport

robinsons made
champ made
ss made
sg made

oh and for the purist Larssons

sohdi anybody

My point is they all are the same not much invention by anybody at the minute

bar piping and some branding 
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: SelectCricket on November 25, 2012, 07:08:11 PM
well there realy only 4 category realy sorry to be a spoil sport

robinsons made
champ made
ss made
sg made

oh and for the purist Larssons

sohdi anybody
Oh right!
I knew about the SS and Champ bits but I didn't realise the likes of newbery, G&M etc. didn't make their own stuff..
Care to give me a few examples of who uses Champ and Robinsons?
Thanks
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Buzz on November 25, 2012, 07:10:30 PM
Dave, the question is what are the best looking softs, not who made them, thus it is subjective personal taste.

I accept it would be silly to say I like the gm kit, but not the kook kit when they aren't made a million miles apart, but there is a certain amount of colour differences!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: procricket on November 25, 2012, 07:11:38 PM
look around mate it not hard to see who uses who bud.

robinsons well look at say the old chase behind the top hats then look at others.

Champ well there a bit harder they copy anythnig and anybody

your right buzz sorry need to pipe down just which there was something different out in the pad strata

i go for the embossed Mongoose pads then
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: SelectCricket on November 25, 2012, 07:13:34 PM
look around mate it not hard to see who uses who bud.

robinsons well look at say the old chase behind the top hats then look at others.

Champ well there a bit harder they copy anythnig and anybody

your right buzz sorry need to pipe down just which there was something different out in the pad strata

i go for the embossed Mongoose pads then

Thanks for your help, I will have a look around!
It's certainly an eye-opener.
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: sfa82 on November 25, 2012, 07:14:33 PM
I agree that the new Chase FLC gloves are real classy. I bought a pair of Shamrock gloves off the forum and they are very comfortable.  I'm also a fan of the SS softs.
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: wilkie113 on November 25, 2012, 07:27:53 PM
Nice looking softs are always a bonus but surely it has a lot to do with comfort and build quality as well?
Like Jenko said his Woodstock sifts have lasted a season and a half and of there his only set, and he's played and practiced a lot that god for a pair of gloves IMO!

I'd expect a pair of pads to last longer though
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Nickauger on November 25, 2012, 07:38:58 PM
None of the above!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: SelectCricket on November 25, 2012, 07:42:33 PM
I agree that the new Chase FLC gloves are real classy. I bought a pair of Shamrock gloves off the forum and they are very comfortable.  I'm also a fan of the SS softs.
Fair enough!
Nice looking softs are always a bonus but surely it has a lot to do with comfort and build quality as well?
Like Jenko said his Woodstock sifts have lasted a season and a half and of there his only set, and he's played and practiced a lot that god for a pair of gloves IMO!

I'd expect a pair of pads to last longer though
I agree that comfort and build quality is a major factor but I will just wondering what people think in the terms of appearance.
None of the above!
What do you like then?
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: sloggerroz on November 25, 2012, 08:01:00 PM
For me salix or gn legend pads and saf gloves.
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: SelectCricket on November 25, 2012, 08:02:21 PM
For me salix or gn legend pads and saf gloves.
Salix is leading massively in the poll!
Never realised everyone loved the appearance of them so much!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: petehosk on November 25, 2012, 08:15:41 PM
Gret quality softs out there including Chase, H4L, Newbery, Puma, GM, etc!
But my faves have to be Salix and SAF at the mo!!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: SelectCricket on November 25, 2012, 08:17:08 PM
Gret quality softs out there including Chase, H4L, Newbery, Puma, GM, etc!
But my faves have to be Salix and SAF at the mo!!
Very true!
Everyone loves Salix don't they.
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Nickauger on November 25, 2012, 08:17:53 PM
I love SAF softs, but I'm also a huge fan of my Bulldog ones (which might not be to every-ones taste, based on the product photos on the web), but trust me they look amazing in the flesh. Also a huge fan of Vantage and Redback!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: SelectCricket on November 25, 2012, 08:20:20 PM
Out of those lot, I really like Vantage myself!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Nickauger on November 25, 2012, 08:21:03 PM
Good for you!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: wilkie113 on November 25, 2012, 08:22:17 PM
Good for you!

Out of that comment, I like the 'for you' the best
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Nickauger on November 25, 2012, 08:23:40 PM
Out of that comment, I like the 'for you' the best

Haha that is superb from you :) I like the 'for you' bit the best as well, what does every-one else think though?
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Ryan on November 25, 2012, 09:09:23 PM
"For you" seems to be popular so think I'll be a sheep and join in.  :D
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Ryan on November 25, 2012, 09:13:56 PM
Ps. Voted for salix.  Lovely softs...although I've got to SAF for next season. They seem to be as good f not better.
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Uniquedan90 on December 15, 2012, 03:24:39 PM
Just something about the Newbery softs, SPS 1 gloves and the pads are some of the best i've had, Although my Hawk gloves and pads are right up there.
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: psincock on December 15, 2012, 03:27:02 PM
No Charlie French ?  :(
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: The_Bird on December 15, 2012, 03:40:14 PM
Newbery for me but people like H4L and Blank Bats are very similar without the hefty RRP that comes with Newbery softs.
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: 97notout on December 15, 2012, 03:46:15 PM
I'm with Nickauger, I'm loving Bulldog softs
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Nickauger on December 15, 2012, 04:51:13 PM
Kier's got some unbelievable deals on softs at the shop at the moment!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: wilkie113 on December 15, 2012, 04:52:47 PM
The ones I had off Liam then sold to 97notout were top top draw, they were just to big lol
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: charlie15 on December 15, 2012, 06:13:49 PM
M&H Distinction for me, I just think they ooze traditional class!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Vitas Cricket on December 15, 2012, 06:17:25 PM
M&H Distinction for me, I just think they ooze traditional class!

I loved my M & H softs, had the keeping gear too, beautiful stuff.
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: seedy on December 15, 2012, 06:43:39 PM
Newbwery by a good distance
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Marc28 on December 17, 2012, 08:50:30 PM
i'm getting more into the Puma 2 straps plus i just think they look decent as well
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: procricket on December 17, 2012, 08:59:29 PM
Sareen sports most original and others follow
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: coverpoint_pro on December 17, 2012, 09:10:13 PM
After using a silly amount of softs over the last two years, my personal favourite have been the Adidas Adizero.  I absolutely love the look of them and also the comfort level!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: The_Bird on December 17, 2012, 09:18:48 PM
After using a silly amount of softs over the last two years, my personal favourite have been the Adidas Adizero.  I absolutely love the look of them and also the comfort level!

Best looking? They look like somebody has stuck a cockroach to your leg!!

No offence.   :D
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: coverpoint_pro on December 17, 2012, 09:41:17 PM
I wrote down the wrong pissing model hah
I mean the adipure, the full cane ones.  Just looked at the adizero ones.  Yes they are vile!!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: thedevil on December 17, 2012, 09:43:35 PM
Newbery SPS for me, love the minimalist look. Had the same pair for 3 years am they're battered but still can't bring myself to change them
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: The_Bird on December 17, 2012, 09:45:09 PM
I wrote down the wrong pissing model hah
I mean the adipure, the full cane ones.  Just looked at the adizero ones.  Yes they are vile!!

Phew, they are 15 million times better
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: coverpoint_pro on December 17, 2012, 09:47:21 PM
Phew, they are 15 million times better
Yes they are, they are the only model adidas pads i like.  Fantastic pads in my opinion!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: The_Bird on December 17, 2012, 09:53:52 PM
Yes they are, they are the only model adidas pads i like.  Fantastic pads in my opinion!

The chase FLC softs are so classy
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Colesy on December 18, 2012, 02:05:25 AM
Currently, I went with GN
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Cover_Drive on December 18, 2012, 05:28:43 AM
Nothing beats traditional look, in my opinion it looks most classy.

So from 2013 I go with Salix Players.
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: ajmw89 on December 18, 2012, 11:44:56 AM
Nothing beats traditional look, in my opinion it looks most classy.

So from 2013 I go with Salix Players.
And not GN?!?  :o
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: alba caerulea on December 21, 2012, 07:53:26 AM
And not GN?!?  :o

Legend and oblivion perhaps, the other ranges big no-no
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: tugga on December 21, 2012, 08:00:20 AM
The Kookaburra Kahuna kit has been pretty much the most lusted after kit over the past decade, but I like Spartan at the moment, it's snazzy.
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Marc28 on December 21, 2012, 08:04:10 AM
Even though i said i would like some Puma 2 straps the size was a little off given my short leggedness i think thats a word, anyway i went to Owzat cricket and picked up some cracking Newbury TT's in a youths really really good fit, plus the TT gloves look good too, hope i go well this season
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: GoldenArm on January 18, 2013, 09:15:27 PM
I've just got myself some of last years SS KP pads and sausage style gloves and I'm really really impressed with them, had a net the same day I bought them and the comfort and protection is as good as anything I've used plus I think they look great, a quality modern take on a traditional design. I've always gone quite understated/classy and its nice to have a bit of colour on there. (although not much admittedly!) My out going softs are 2011 Newbery SPS's which I was completely in love with, they really are the ones to beat when it comes to softs, (made by SS I'm guessing??) its only because the gloves have had it that I'm changing and I didn't just want to go and buy more Newbery gloves and keep using the pads, boring option!

 In the past I've had the old 2008/9 tan leather M & H distinctions with the fielding pads inside them and they were a really lovely and unique set of softs I thought, I felt the bees knees going out to bat in them:) I like the look of the pads particularly but I felt the gloves weren't half as nice as the pads? anyone else agree? I think they've hit on something removing the tan leather for this year the T2's look good, not the T1's though! Yeurch!

I've also briefly had the Salix pod ones with the pod black gloves and they're up there in terms of quality but just didn't do it for me for some reason so I sold them. the hexagonal style pittard palms are a real USP, you get exceptional feel from them; the only other gloves I've seen that style of palm on are the SS gladiator (great feeling gloves but make you look like Robocop) so I'm guessing that Salix softs are made by SS as well probably!?
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: farnham_quins_2 on January 18, 2013, 09:30:44 PM
SAF for me. I bought the gloves a while ago and netted with them for the first time last week. Really comfortable but loads of protection. Love the sweat absorber on the thumb too. Will have to get the pads at some point too.
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: SelectCricket on January 18, 2013, 09:36:11 PM
I love your great discussion and some really good detail on protection and comfort!
However, this is based just on appearance.
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on January 18, 2013, 09:53:48 PM
The only pads I've owned so far are

GN Ignite Players -2011
Kookaburra Kahuna 1000 Pads - 2012

Now currently using in the nets Bulldog Spirt and Blueroom New Wave.

Currently I feel the 'best' pad for conform and protection was/is the GN Ignite Players pads, they are still going strong with a friend who needed some new pads. I am currently loving the Blueroom pads AND the Bulldog ones but basically they are same just different colours!. Both are nearly as good as the GN and believe it or not, better than the Kookaburra ones!

I am very very disappointed with the Kookaburra ones, they look good and were really comfy BUT.. baring in mind they are currently less than 12 months old and stitching has come lose where the knee roll attaches to the back of the pad. Baring in mind the cost of these, you'd want them to last longer than 11 months! Now I know I net more than most so they have probably done 2 or 3 years worth of work compared to your average player but still.

Gloves I've had

GN Ignite players - 2011
Kookaburra Kahuna 1000 - 2012
Bulldog Spirit

The best glove by far has been the Kookaburras, fantastic glove. Looks good too. Spirit ones im liking but they are not as good as the kooks. GN ones were good but the leather got scuffed pretty quickly, however I don't have any real complaints with them.

Overall... GN Ignite pads with Kook Kahuna gloves would be the 'perfect' ones from what I've owned so far.
If we are going off looks though... Has to be the Kookas for both pads and gloves.. just look the best by a long way.
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Ciaran on January 18, 2013, 10:05:04 PM
SAF for me. I bought the gloves a while ago and netted with them for the first time last week. Really comfortable but loads of protection. Love the sweat absorber on the thumb too. Will have to get the pads at some point too.

Agreed! Plus on a looks basis, they are so classy and simple they win hands down for me!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Lauriesgang on January 27, 2013, 09:56:21 PM
I use puma gloves and slanzenger pads both great quality
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: procricket on January 27, 2013, 10:00:14 PM
sareen sport embossed pads and them blue matt prior gloves or the gladiators..
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: FattusCattus on January 27, 2013, 10:09:14 PM
Chase R11 - they are super!
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: procricket on January 27, 2013, 10:10:45 PM
agree there very nice mate
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: 97notout on January 27, 2013, 10:11:10 PM
What no Bulldog!?
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: procricket on January 27, 2013, 10:14:10 PM
(http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/3626/sstestlepads2.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/820/sstestlepads2.jpg/)


Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: FattusCattus on January 27, 2013, 10:17:25 PM
Oooooooo sexy! Seen that side-wing on a few other brands  :)
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: procricket on January 27, 2013, 10:18:42 PM
(http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4129/sstestopener1.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/822/sstestopener1.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Number4 on January 27, 2013, 10:21:36 PM
I really like the look of the Morrants although i havent worn them and I think the Kooka gloves are the best out there.. Comfort, looks and protection
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: builderbcc on January 29, 2013, 09:32:10 PM
Just seen the salix range and their softs do look good this year. Just need to remortgage to get them
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Whispering Death on January 29, 2013, 09:39:12 PM
Love puma softs, but would never buy a puma bat
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: ACM0608 on January 30, 2013, 05:43:18 AM
GN Legend for me this year. Just on looks obviously, not that I can afford to wear them.
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: mattw on January 30, 2013, 06:14:25 AM
Out of those there, I would say the M+H from last year with the tan leather.
Title: Re: What are the best looking softs out there?
Post by: Simmy on January 30, 2013, 04:13:57 PM
i think vulcan are in with out (No Swearing Please) this year for best looking pads