Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Other Gear => Topic started by: patriotscreen on January 27, 2014, 12:23:07 PM

Title: Lower Body Protection
Post by: patriotscreen on January 27, 2014, 12:23:07 PM
Hey guys

I am looking at getting some better lower body protection, after spending the last couple of years with an ambi Kookaburra thigh guard and seperate Puma innder guard i've decided it's time to get something decent.

I VERY rarely wear the inner guard as I find it uncomfortable, it moves around too much and tends to pinch skin between the guard and the box.

I am looking at 3 different sets so am looking for some advice if possible:

Aero P2 Strippers V6.0
Gray Nicholls 360 Thigh Guard System
Kookaburra Players Pro Guard

Some of the things I am looking into:

How well you can adjust the waist (I have a 38" waist so it needs to be a comfy fit)
How much coverage you get (No point getting something that doesn't cover enough of your thigh)
How much movement you get with them (I don't want something that I am having to constantly readjust)

If i'm honest I like the look of the Kookaburra set, it looks sturdy enough yet comfortable too. Not sure if anyone here has experience with all 3 but some input would be great in helping me to make a decision!

Many thanks
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: Rob580 on January 27, 2014, 12:30:39 PM
I've had the Gray Nicolls 360 ones, and to be honest, i thought they were horrendous! Mostly because the Inner Thigh Pad doesn't sit on the inside of the thigh! As per the pictures they send out, it sits on the front of your thigh. Due to the pad being sewn to the waist strap, it is also not possible to move it round.

Also the stitching on the velcro fastener on the waist fell apart. However my dad and brother both have the aero sets and swear by them, having used the same sets for the last 4 years each.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: arsenal123 on January 27, 2014, 12:33:41 PM
I swear by the Aero P2 strippers too.  Best on the market in that price range.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: cricketbadger on January 27, 2014, 12:38:06 PM
Cant go wrong with the strippers at the price.

people mention on here that they are bulky and uncomfortable, but that's only since Stretton came along and changed the world of thigh protection aha.
Strippers are very good
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: GarrettJ on January 27, 2014, 12:38:31 PM
im old school .... i use a pair of the batting shorts with the pads slotted in.

Tried those p1 strippers and they were bulky, uncomfortable and kept moving around.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: smilley792 on January 27, 2014, 12:42:47 PM
I had kook ones for 3 seasons. No issue I could cope with, knee thigh not perfectly positioned, and so small I thought it was more an after thought. But helped when struck.



Switched to stretton fox(I realise these are and doe since option) and I've realised how poor and rubbish the kooks were.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: Neon Cricket on January 27, 2014, 12:43:06 PM
Stretton fox's! If you can afford the price tag you won't find anything better
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: Buzz on January 27, 2014, 12:53:18 PM
something like this may work for you...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GM-Original-LE-Thigh-Pad-Set-/171225603783?pt=UK_Sporting_Goods_Cricket&var=&hash=item27ddd75ec7 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GM-Original-LE-Thigh-Pad-Set-/171225603783?pt=UK_Sporting_Goods_Cricket&var=&hash=item27ddd75ec7)

realistically lots of the off the shelf protection is made by the same firm in India so the protection is the same. With that in mind, you are better off going off to a shop and trying a few sets on and to with the on which fits the best.

Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: procricket on January 27, 2014, 12:54:07 PM
Hey guys

I am looking at getting some better lower body protection, after spending the last couple of years with an ambi Kookaburra thigh guard and seperate Puma innder guard i've decided it's time to get something decent.

I VERY rarely wear the inner guard as I find it uncomfortable, it moves around too much and tends to pinch skin between the guard and the box.

I am looking at 3 different sets so am looking for some advice if possible:

Aero P2 Strippers V6.0
Gray Nicholls 360 Thigh Guard System
Kookaburra Players Pro Guard

Some of the things I am looking into:

How well you can adjust the waist (I have a 38" waist so it needs to be a comfy fit)
How much coverage you get (No point getting something that doesn't cover enough of your thigh)
How much movement you get with them (I don't want something that I am having to constantly readjust)

If i'm honest I like the look of the Kookaburra set, it looks sturdy enough yet comfortable too. Not sure if anyone here has experience with all 3 but some input would be great in helping me to make a decision!

Many thanks

All the thigh pads will protect you adequately mate and are decent. I recommend having a look at BAS thigh pads or the SS strippers from either Uzi or Vitas as they offer just as good protection.

Stretton are good and so are Remfry but if your working to a budget your money is better of spend on a pair of the ones you mention or the ones i mention.

The standard GN standalone thigh pads are good enough for the England skipper so whilst the choice is there have a good look around..

Or just do what Buzz says...

 
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: Beaup123 on January 27, 2014, 01:00:18 PM
Jason did a video with a few of the options mentioned:

Cricket thigh guards 2013 video review by Cricket store online (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x904A0iMB-Y#ws)

He seems to prefer the kooks. I am actually planning on getting a set of the 500's due to this video
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: procricket on January 27, 2014, 01:06:28 PM
I would choose the hammer out of all them..
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: GarrettJ on January 27, 2014, 01:11:37 PM
Nobody wears the shorts these days?

Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: Buzz on January 27, 2014, 01:12:25 PM
those hammer ones are like the RS ones and will be pretty good.

This is a little out of date, but may help: http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=4404.0 (http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=4404.0)

Since I got my Stretton-Foxs over a year ago now (November 2012!!), I haven't bought any thigh pads. This is some form of record for me...!!
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on January 27, 2014, 01:14:32 PM
Before trying Strettons the Aero P2s didn't seem too bad (just left a fleshy bit exposed that I kept getting hit on).

After trying Foxy thigh pads you realise what the off the shelf protection lacks.

Of the three you listed the GN are a train wreck, the Kookaburras are passable and the P2s probably the best of the bunch
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: procricket on January 27, 2014, 01:14:44 PM
Exactly the same i agree Buzz very good thigh pads are Robinsons.

I have bought 4 sets this year already only kept the one though...

I'm sorry but off the shelf do not lack anything in terms of protection to the average club cricketer at all.

We are just all kit nerds...
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: Cedrictoad on January 27, 2014, 01:16:33 PM
Do you really need the inner thigh guard?  Maybe you could save the pennies and go without?

I personally don't use one anymore and have never been hit there.  I find them a little bit annoying and they seem to interfere with my running stride.

Disclaimer: I am pretty short though so the top of my pads come up quite high.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: patriotscreen on January 27, 2014, 02:17:21 PM
I do tend to get hit in the inside thigh a bit, especially when I'm netting as I tend to bat more aggressive at nets, leaving myself a bit more prone to missing the ball!

It looks like i'll be going for the P2's judging by the feedback i've received. Just need to find a store locally that has LH ones in stock so I can try them out.

Thanks for the info guys
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: GarrettJ on January 27, 2014, 02:29:22 PM
this is what i use

I have cut the pads with scissors so they fit perfectly ............

http://www.prodirectcricket.com/Products/GrayNicolls-Padded-Players-Shorts-Protection-White-39901.aspx (http://www.prodirectcricket.com/Products/GrayNicolls-Padded-Players-Shorts-Protection-White-39901.aspx)

Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: Nato on January 27, 2014, 02:44:39 PM
I'll be taking scissors to my Slazenger ones from Sports Direct later today to trim them to fit also. I guess it's down to personal preference, but if you get a decent fitting pair of shorts with padding I would imagine that would be equally as effective and comfortable as a full protection setup. I've always thought they looked bulky by comparison to protection shorts.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: TangoWhiskey on January 27, 2014, 02:56:10 PM
I also swear by my P2's. Agree that at first they felt a bit cumbersome and unusual but after a couple of net sessions I now don't even notice that I have them on. They are very comfortable and offer great protection.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: GarrettJ on January 27, 2014, 03:07:00 PM
I'll be taking scissors to my Slazenger ones from Sports Direct later today to trim them to fit also. I guess it's down to personal preference, but if you get a decent fitting pair of shorts with padding I would imagine that would be equally as effective and comfortable as a full protection setup. I've always thought they looked bulky by comparison to protection shorts.

the shorts are decent but some of the pads are very big and very stiff. The inner one i have in mine is very soft and you can fold it up/scrumple it up so it really is nice to wear. I would never pay more than £20 for a thigh pad previously, I bought the aero things and was very disappointed. Ive gone back to my old shorts set up but got a pair with the elastic waist and not the draw string type. Best to get a size that is jsut right or a little small so they fit tight and they double up as a pair of those compression shorts. I wear them when i keep/field but obvuisly take out the pads.

NEVER EVER USE THE BOX POUCH THOUGH. A lad on our team did that and had to go to hospital with a crushed testicle!!!!!! Wear some undies and make sure its all in the box nice and snug rather than use the shorts pouch.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: Nato on January 27, 2014, 03:09:34 PM
All good advice there, especially on the box pouch. I have seperate arrangements for the jewels. I deliberately went a size smaller on these shorts, as a pair I bought last winter were far too large to use safely, as the pads were flapping about in the pouches. These ones fit perfectly, and will double as keeping undershorts for me also.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: patriotscreen on January 27, 2014, 03:39:04 PM
I swear by the Aero Box briefs and box itself. So comfortable that I don't even notice it in. Looks like i'll be completing the set!
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: mo_town on January 27, 2014, 03:56:57 PM
this is what i use

I have cut the pads with scissors so they fit perfectly ............

[url]http://www.prodirectcricket.com/Products/GrayNicolls-Padded-Players-Shorts-Protection-White-39901.aspx[/url] ([url]http://www.prodirectcricket.com/Products/GrayNicolls-Padded-Players-Shorts-Protection-White-39901.aspx[/url])


Those seem like a risky option if you have a fluctuating waist size, isnt it?
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: GarrettJ on January 27, 2014, 04:13:07 PM
fluctuating waist size???? ........... this isnt a weight watchers forum.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: mo_town on January 27, 2014, 04:32:18 PM
Lol...I meant I would prefer something like this...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CA-Pad-Man-Shorts-CW-2-Pads-Abdo-Large-Clearance-/151004247537?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item23288df5f1 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CA-Pad-Man-Shorts-CW-2-Pads-Abdo-Large-Clearance-/151004247537?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item23288df5f1)
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: Nato on January 27, 2014, 04:44:58 PM
Lol...I meant I would prefer something like this...

[url]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CA-Pad-Man-Shorts-CW-2-Pads-Abdo-Large-Clearance-/151004247537?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item23288df5f1[/url] ([url]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CA-Pad-Man-Shorts-CW-2-Pads-Abdo-Large-Clearance-/151004247537?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item23288df5f1[/url])


Aren't they essentially the same thing though? All padman type shorts come with the padding, just some don't fit into the shorts so well.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: petehosk on January 28, 2014, 11:12:52 AM
Well - I have three sorts of thigh pads.
Firstly have a BAS outer thigh pad which offers absolutely superb protection as low cost - got the pad from Asad and would totally recommend it for protection.
Then has Aero P2 pads which offer pretty decent protection and comfort. Prefer the P2's over the P1's as they are less bulky. I remover the hip cup.
Then more recently I have custom Stratton Fox pads which are as good as it gets!! The pretection and comfort is crazy!

So depends on budget really! If low budget then the BAS should be as much as you'd ever need protection wise!
For low-medium budget then the P2's are decent value.
And high end the Fox's are off the scale!  :D
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: mo_town on January 28, 2014, 11:45:37 AM
Aren't they essentially the same thing though? All padman type shorts come with the padding, just some don't fit into the shorts so well.

Yes they are..I meant string cords instead of elasticated waist.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: smilley792 on January 28, 2014, 11:54:30 AM
I'd personally prefer an elasticated waist to the string cord.


But for belt and braces, be good if you had both. As if one fails mid in its, you won't look like a bell. Lol.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: Beaup123 on January 28, 2014, 11:55:44 AM
Then has Aero P2 pads which offer pretty decent protection and comfort. Prefer the P2's over the P1's as they are less bulky. I remover the hip cup.
Then more recently I have custom Stratton Fox pads which are as good as it gets!! The pretection and comfort is crazy!


Can you remove the hip protector on the P2's. That is one of the reasons holding me back from getting some!
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on January 28, 2014, 01:47:51 PM
Can you remove the hip protector on the P2's. That is one of the reasons holding me back from getting some!
Yes mate, they just slip out (will be some loose fabric where it was but that can probably be cut off too if you really want to get rid of it).
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: Beaup123 on January 28, 2014, 09:39:56 PM
Cheers Cameron! Might have to get a set now!
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: gdc on January 29, 2014, 08:58:45 AM
Can you remove the hip protector on the P2's. That is one of the reasons holding me back from getting some!

There's a FAQ about this on the Aero site:

Can you take the Stripper hip protector out and does it matter if you don't wear it?
The hip pad is removable so it's up to you. If you do choose to take it out, keep the pad in your (stand up) bag because the day you get hit there will be the day you put it back in and never take it out again.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: gdb19 on January 29, 2014, 09:06:51 AM
I had the older style of strippers with the rounder hip protection and that did get in the way a bit, I constantly found myself adjusting it. The newer version with the smaller pad is much better. If you do get some just try it with it in, I reckon you'll be fine with it. Like others have said you could remove if you wanted anyway.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: patriotscreen on January 29, 2014, 04:42:10 PM
Ordered some P2's. Went to Globe Sports in Bristol to try some on but they only had RH in stock. Got LH's in the post.
Title: Lower Body Protection
Post by: VKS on January 29, 2014, 08:47:44 PM
Both the Aero P2 and Kookaburra's would be a good choice. They offer good protection and are comfortable too. If you want the added specs you have the P1 model  but the P2's are more than adequate.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: VKS on January 29, 2014, 09:49:58 PM

Can you remove the hip protector on the P2's. That is one of the reasons holding me back from getting some!
If your not keen on the hip protector, you should consider the Kookaburra model as the hip section on that is not as prominent.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: patriotscreen on January 30, 2014, 09:59:24 AM
Yeah the P2's were very comfortable and seem to have a very good amount of coverage so I think I will be more than happy with them once they arrive.

Having said that the Kooks do look very nice. I'm sure either would be a good choice.
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: patriotscreen on January 31, 2014, 03:37:23 PM
Am now feeling rather glad that I ordered the Aeros. Delivery came at work today from Lorimers, to find that I had been upgraded free of charge to P1's, I assume because the P2's were not in stock.

Bargain!
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: cricketbadger on January 31, 2014, 05:02:25 PM
Am now feeling rather glad that I ordered the Aeros. Delivery came at work today from Lorimers, to find that I had been upgraded free of charge to P1's, I assume because the P2's were not in stock.

Bargain!

good decision and it paid off for you
5 years and my obo's/aeros are still going strong, hope they serve you just as well
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: patriotscreen on January 31, 2014, 05:15:54 PM
Just got home and tried them on and they're very comfortable, lightweight and sturdy. Looking forward to using them this year
Title: Re: Lower Body Protection
Post by: TangoWhiskey on March 07, 2014, 01:03:18 PM
Am now feeling rather glad that I ordered the Aeros. Delivery came at work today from Lorimers, to find that I had been upgraded free of charge to P1's, I assume because the P2's were not in stock.

Bargain!

The only difference I could see from the P1's and P2's is that the P1's are bigger.