Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Pads => Topic started by: mike1989 on June 07, 2014, 10:22:54 AM
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So I've 'narrowed' down my batting pads search to the following sets:
Off-the-shelf
Gray Nics Oblivion e41 Test Pads
http://www.gray-nicolls.co.uk/Leg-Guards/OBLIVION-e41-TEST-PADS/product?page=0# (http://www.gray-nicolls.co.uk/Leg-Guards/OBLIVION-e41-TEST-PADS/product?page=0#)
SF Triumph Batting Pads
http://www.talentcricket.co.uk/sf_stanford_batting_pads/sf_stanford_triumph_batting_pads/c196p505.html (http://www.talentcricket.co.uk/sf_stanford_batting_pads/sf_stanford_triumph_batting_pads/c196p505.html)
I have tried on a number of the off-the-shelf brands and I found these two to be the best ones. The Gray Nics were priced at £85 in store, which if you shop online is up in price; and the SF pads were sadly left handed. The Gray Nics were really comfy, though the screen printed logos and lack of a leather instep at that price seemed a tad stingy. And I've no experience with SF branded gear to say what quality they would be, but for the price it is hard to grumble.
Smaller/Custom Brands
Red Ink Limited Edition Pads
http://www.redinkcricket.co.uk/index.php/products/red-ink-soft-goods/product/38-le-batting-pads (http://www.redinkcricket.co.uk/index.php/products/red-ink-soft-goods/product/38-le-batting-pads)
Redwood Players
http://www.redwoodcricket.co.uk/products/cricket-pads-gloves-accessories/batting-players-pads/ (http://www.redwoodcricket.co.uk/products/cricket-pads-gloves-accessories/batting-players-pads/)
Vyper Venom LE
http://www.vypercricket.org.uk/softs.html (http://www.vypercricket.org.uk/softs.html)
So I have looked around at the smaller companies and forum sponsors and these three pads have stood out to me. The Vyper set I became aware of after watching an IJC video review, and the Redwood ones I came across when looking for English based brands. Both seem to be the exact same pad, other than a few differences in colour. And the Red Ink pads are lovely, beautiful in design, and even their Pyro pad looks amazing and I don't think there is an off-the-shelf brand that is close to it in the same price bracket.
So the decision I have to make is should I take the 'safe' route and order one of the pads I have already tried on? Or should I go for one of the smaller brand pads, because from the looks of it, I would be getting a very high quality pad that looks equal to the GN Legend and GM Limited bracket of batting pads but for a cheaper price?
Currently I think I am veering towards one of the small brand pads because they look amazing, but my concern is over whether they would fit a shorty like me (5'7), and the cost of returning would be quite expensive. So any advice or thoughts, or past experience with these brands would be appreciated! :)
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I'd throw Neon or Woodstock in the mix as well. Really high quality softs and very good pads. They would also have Small men's which should be a good fit for you.
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I wear Gm small men's pads and they are good but don't overlook youth size pads as they are normally the same size more or less as small men's. For the record I found kookaburra Ricky ponying small men's pads a great fit and quality.
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I still wear youth pads 5ft11 just about get away with them but I'm a fan of small pads to be able to dart between the wickets :)
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I'd avoid the SF Triumph pads if i were you. I bought some of these a couple of seasons ago, albeit the previous model (they didn't look like these ones) and though they were comfy and had some nice touches I didnt think they offered good protection. I don't face super-quick bowlers at my level, however there were times when I could feel the impact even if the ball struck flush on the shin, which is something I've never experienced from decent pads. The Puma Bionic 5000s I got heavily reduced from Pro Direct Cricket for the same price are miles better even though they are not in Puma's current product line and the looks probably aren't everyone's cup of tea.
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Woodstock or Hell 4 Leather softs are both high quality I believe made by same makers of Newbery softs... More competitive pricing wise than big brands and don't forget Blank Bats and Affinity...
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I realise that this comes a bit late. I recently bought some Vyper gear and couldn't recommend the softs highly enough. They are stylish and very comfortable, whilst offering great protection. They are quite similar in build to my gunn and moore d30 le pads with a more classical look that I prefer.
What is more, Paul at Vyper is a delight to deal with and will bombard you with emails to ensure your needs are met. I found the mens standard pads were a little small (im 6ft 1) but Paul was only too happy to exchange them for the larger size. Cant ask any more.
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I think red ink still have some softs on a really good sale price. You wouldn't go far wrong with them.
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Best small mens pads are kookaburra by a mile!!! I have tried them all and I am still wearing my old ricky ponting 2010 pads even though I am sponsored by another main stream brand. Best other pads for men are GM Youths in my opinion!!!