Custom Bats Cricket Forum

Equipment => Pads => Topic started by: MrCricket321 on March 29, 2015, 08:09:13 PM

Title: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: MrCricket321 on March 29, 2015, 08:09:13 PM
Which batting pads have you used which one had the best protection, which one was the lightest, which one was the most comfortable?
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: smilley792 on March 29, 2015, 08:23:22 PM
Gm rsb are lightest and most comfortable.


NB tc1260 are most protection (but mainly cos there the only top end pad I've ever used/bought)
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Ryan on March 29, 2015, 08:27:51 PM
Love my new SS test opener, good fit, light and good protection. Oh and as good as other pads at double the price.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on March 29, 2015, 08:49:31 PM
I'm currently using a pair of SS Test Opener whiteouts, they're nice and comfy and have more protection than I'll ever need!

The lightest pair I've owned were a pair of SS Platino, the protection wasn't awful either so may be worth considering if you're on a budget.


Honourable mentions for decent protection and comfort go to:
GN Powerbow (circa 2005 I think)
Ayrtek
GM Original Limited edition
Online Stockist blank pads (they were small men's size which may be a deal breaker)
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Six Sixes Cricket on March 29, 2015, 09:06:47 PM
For me without doubt Puma iridium 6000fxt, 2 straps. Biggest mistake I made selling these.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Pelican042 on March 29, 2015, 09:12:33 PM
Newbery thruxton all the way
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: jwebber86 on March 29, 2015, 09:27:22 PM
i love the puma calibre 4000 i had last year but the strap wore out.

replaced them with puma evospeed 5000, the australian version and so far they are miles better. fit tighter, better protection and feel lighter
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Chalkie on March 29, 2015, 10:11:56 PM

Got a pair of VKS ultralights recently and you would hardly know they are there, and not felt any impacts so far, but haven't tested against real pace yet
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: pumakid on March 29, 2015, 10:14:58 PM
For weight I would have to go for the ballistic 6000 fxt of yesteryear. For comfort and protection my gn legend ones
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: BigBlueMachine on March 29, 2015, 11:18:16 PM
Currently using blank bats limited edition. Highly recommend.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: InternalTraining on March 30, 2015, 03:38:48 AM
Again , Aero P1 .
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: swat on March 30, 2015, 04:48:55 AM
SS Test Opener & Morrant
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: MrCricket321 on March 30, 2015, 04:56:23 AM
Anyone used Adidas adipower batting pads?
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Alvaro on March 30, 2015, 06:37:52 AM
Itias Exo were very good until they fell apart.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: RF on March 30, 2015, 07:15:35 AM
SS Test Opener
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: sloggerroz on March 30, 2015, 08:20:06 AM
Gray nicolls legends for me
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: amritpremi on March 30, 2015, 08:40:49 AM
Surprised to see Thruxton been mentioned. I have a pair and though they look good and offer good protection they are very very bulky. I prefer light pads and using SG Maxilite which are atleast 40% lighter than Thruxton offer great protection and never felt a thing while running or being hit.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: SOULMAN1012 on March 30, 2015, 08:47:48 AM
SS test opener or Salix Pod one both super comfy, great protection and fairly light weight
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Gelds on March 30, 2015, 04:48:20 PM
Gray-Nicolls Powerbow Test circa 2008/9. Amazing pads!
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: tushar sehgal on March 30, 2015, 04:49:37 PM
Top of the line Puma
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: 400notout on March 30, 2015, 04:55:47 PM
GM Le's, lasted me 3 seasons, my pair before that did me 5..
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Chad on March 30, 2015, 05:25:28 PM
2012 (Maybe 2011?) Kahuna K1000s, were top of the range back then, and still going strong! Tried other pads, but none fit quite as nicely or protect as well. They're not the lightest, but I can have a tendency to miss full tosses at my legs, so best to have top protection. Had Ice Sub Zeros before that, which fit even better from memory, but the issue was that the straps were just far too long!

I've tried some very light pads, (<700g each) and they just didn't feel right. Most are too bulky. I'd be interested to try out the Aero ones though, they don't look amazing, but function wise, they definitely offer something pretty unique and very practical on paper. :)
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: mad_abt_cricket on March 30, 2015, 05:29:29 PM
Any one knows who makes softs for puma?
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Giraffe208 on March 30, 2015, 05:52:56 PM
2012 (Maybe 2011?) Kahuna K1000s, were top of the range back then, and still going strong! Tried other pads, but none fit quite as nicely or protect as well. They're not the lightest, but I can have a tendency to miss full tosses at my legs, so best to have top protection. Had Ice Sub Zeros before that, which fit even better from memory, but the issue was that the straps were just far too long!

I've tried some very light pads, (<700g each) and they just didn't feel right. Most are too bulky. I'd be interested to try out the Aero ones though, they don't look amazing, but function wise, they definitely offer something pretty unique and very practical on paper. :)

Agree with you on the Ice Sub Zero pads. They were so comfy but the straps were monstrous!

GM OLE's are up there on protection but not the softest on the legs
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Buzz on March 30, 2015, 06:17:24 PM
Agree with you on the Ice Sub Zero pads. They were so comfy but the straps were monstrous!

GM OLE's are up there on protection but not the softest on the legs

I had the ice Sub zero's and moved to the two years ago GM OLE's - both are excellent mums and dads - I suspect they are made in a similar place.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Seniorplayer on March 30, 2015, 06:33:31 PM
Gray Nicolls foam Powerbow 500 due to there lightness.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: gdb19 on March 30, 2015, 08:05:23 PM
Anyone used Adidas adipower batting pads?
I've got some at the moment,  good protection,  very good quality with padded straps. Only thing I don't like is that they still squeak even after a seasons use.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: shane on March 30, 2015, 08:40:57 PM
Boom Boom Signature. Lightweight, two straps which is handy for my little legs.

Good level of protection seems counterproductive though. If it hurt slightly more getting hit on the pads, I might learn to get the bat in the way instead and avoid all those LBWs.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: northernboy1987 on March 30, 2015, 08:46:23 PM
I had some Woodworm pads which were really comfy, got H4L for this season and the protection is top notch, haven't used them much yet though so not sure if they'll be as comfy yet!
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Shortpitch on April 01, 2015, 07:30:51 PM
I would say, SS Test Opener. I have used the older version these pads. they are comfortable and well built. I am 6 ft, felt OK with the size. Unfortunately straps broke couple of years back and have been using my spare SG Test Pads. but I would rate SS test Opener a notch above the SG. The one Walkingwicket has are they latest ones I guess and trying to get them but don't see them anywhere.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on April 01, 2015, 07:40:05 PM
I would say, SS Test Opener. I have used the older version these pads. they are comfortable and well built. I am 6 ft, felt OK with the size. Unfortunately straps broke couple of years back and have been using my spare SG Test Pads. but I would rate SS test Opener a notch above the SG. The one Walkingwicket has are they latest ones I guess and trying to get them but don't see them anywhere.

online stockist has them
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: 19reading87 on April 01, 2015, 07:45:22 PM
online stockist has them

Or wait till my sale topics approved.... Haha
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Shortpitch on April 01, 2015, 07:55:10 PM
online stockist has them

Yes ProCricketer1982, Online stockist have them, but once I saw Dave from B3 posting about the all white ones, I was exclusively looking for them.... Guess I found them .... ;)
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: wilkie113 on April 01, 2015, 08:00:00 PM
Kookaburra rogue 850
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on April 01, 2015, 08:06:12 PM
I would say, SS Test Opener. I have used the older version these pads. they are comfortable and well built. I am 6 ft, felt OK with the size. Unfortunately straps broke couple of years back and have been using my spare SG Test Pads. but I would rate SS test Opener a notch above the SG. The one Walkingwicket has are they latest ones I guess and trying to get them but don't see them anywhere.

I think the ones I have are a couple of seasons old now mate, the newer ones have a different SS logo by the knee (going by whats available on ebay anyway!)
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: FattusCattus on April 01, 2015, 08:08:19 PM
Or wait till my sale topics approved.... Haha

Intriguing  ;)

You need to lean on the short round one to get it moved on!
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Shortpitch on April 01, 2015, 08:10:34 PM
and the search continues....... :(
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Shortpitch on April 01, 2015, 08:15:14 PM
I think the ones I have are a couple of seasons old now mate, the newer ones have a different SS logo by the knee (going by whats available on ebay anyway!)

I hope the new ones are still as good as the one's you have. If I don't find them this month, I might go with BAS player edition pads, they look good too. All the Kook's, GM's and GN's are really expensive here in USA. so, have to settle down with Asian brands(Nothing wrong with them though).
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on April 01, 2015, 08:17:05 PM
I've just PM'd you pal  :)
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Jaffa on April 01, 2015, 08:24:41 PM
I was able to compare some GM Original LE players pads to the standard GM Original LE's. They looked to be the same year/pattern.

The sponsored players pads each weigh 50 grams less, offer more protection yet are not noticeably more bulky than the standard OLE's.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Cover_Drive on April 01, 2015, 09:23:02 PM
Gray Nicolls Legend.

Australian ones seem to built with more research and better material.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: icewolf on May 18, 2015, 08:34:57 PM
Gray Nics Legend obviously ;)
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Cin88 on May 18, 2015, 08:48:18 PM
I've only ever had one pair of pads that i'm still using today, a pair of GM Duelist Selects youth size that I got when I was 14. I'm 21 now and they're still (somehow) going strong, they've out lasted 2 bats, the gloves I got with them and a helmet so far.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: liscon12 on May 18, 2015, 08:56:52 PM
Has anyone got or used the new SF Triumph pads, they look decent and good value at the same time?
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: peristocle on May 19, 2015, 10:47:33 AM

Yes, I have both the pads and golves

Would highly recommend them, the protection is top notch and there is a real quality feel about them.

Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: GarrettJ on May 19, 2015, 11:23:59 AM
slazenger v500 ultimate circa 1995
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: 19reading87 on May 19, 2015, 12:28:10 PM
Yes, I have both the pads and golves

Would highly recommend them, the protection is top notch and there is a real quality feel about them.

The sf ones are you referring to @peristocle ?
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: jamferg on May 19, 2015, 12:34:50 PM
the BAS players ones are amazing. £60 , amazing protection, lightweight , understated
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: peristocle on May 19, 2015, 12:35:39 PM

Yep, I am referring to the pads and pittards palm gloves
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: TangoWhiskey on May 19, 2015, 12:37:06 PM
Lot's of Gray Nic's Legend's shouts on here. Mine certainly win the award for squeakiest, which irritates me enough to negate much of the comfort, lightness and protection.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: skip1973 on May 19, 2015, 12:48:20 PM
Maybe it's your shoes?
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: TangoWhiskey on May 19, 2015, 12:57:48 PM
I thought that, but I've lent them to a couple of others with various shoes and they squeak too. I just bought some legend keeping pads and they squeak too!
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: icewolf on May 19, 2015, 09:18:57 PM
I thought that, but I've lent them to a couple of others with various shoes and they squeak too. I just bought some legend keeping pads and they squeak too!

Maybe try some leather conditioner?
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: abdulwq on May 19, 2015, 11:36:16 PM
just got SS Matrix ...looks good but have to get used to:)
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: dougydee on May 20, 2015, 12:11:23 AM
Can't say I've ever had a bad pair of pads nor ones that have stood out heads and shoulders above others. Maybe I'm just not picky enough or am lucky that the standard sizes fit well.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: eukaryote76 on May 20, 2015, 01:01:27 AM
Got a pair of VKS ultralights recently and you would hardly know they are there, and not felt any impacts so far, but haven't tested against real pace yet
Same here. One and a half seasons of cricket 2 x week and going strong. Have got a bruise thru my p2 thigh pad but nothing really felt thru the leg guards. Very light. Clean well. It'd be good if VKS did a matching set of sausage finger that weren't garish...
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: RF on May 20, 2015, 05:23:40 AM
just got SS Matrix ...looks good but have to get used to:)
Are they better than SS Test Opener?

Where did you buy them please mate

I think they'll be my next pads
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: horseman on May 20, 2015, 09:07:23 AM
I would say legends - they ooze quality and class,  closely followed by newbery sps(only cane pads Ive liked) with the gm maxi original in third, like the foam pads and the knee rolls being vertical rather than horizontal. 
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: trypewriter on May 20, 2015, 09:46:13 AM
Ayrtek Elite Youth - superb for those of us short in the shin - perfect fit with knee located correctly in the knee cup. Light with excellent protection. Their Premier ones are very similar, I chose the Elite because I preferred the colour. Worth searching out if you are swamped by full size pads.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: gazr5 on May 27, 2015, 05:24:50 PM
GN Powerbow Test from circa 2005.

They were heavy but the best fitting pads I had in a long time due to chronic Hobbititis
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: cooter on September 08, 2015, 06:52:12 PM
Another vote for the ss test opener, so light and great protection.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: rahul_1987 on September 08, 2015, 08:22:39 PM
SG Test batting Pads
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: The Palmist on September 08, 2015, 08:23:49 PM
Aero or Morrants any day 

Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: sanredrose on September 08, 2015, 10:36:45 PM
SS Test opener & OLS custom blank pads. Both are excellent, but SS Test Opener is the preferred one.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Turn Of Pace on September 08, 2015, 11:19:57 PM
 Ayrtek Premier are the best pads I've used. Lightweight, loads of protection and very comfortable. Great value for money.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: lazza32 on September 09, 2015, 12:19:54 AM
The ss test opener pads from OLS, are the mens sizes true to size or are they more like england small mens. I prefer a smaller size
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: suraj1108 on September 09, 2015, 03:23:40 AM
im really pleased with my newbery county test batting pads; its light & its has that snug fit to it which i prefer..
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Gurujames on September 09, 2015, 11:27:33 AM
No complaints with my B&S LE pads. Got them at a good price too. I see too many pads with overly long straps. That is just poor design.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: 19reading87 on September 09, 2015, 11:54:32 AM
No complaints with my B&S LE pads. Got them at a good price too. I see too many pads with overly long straps. That is just poor design.

But then they're perfect for the lads with massive legs... We might think short straps is a poor design, at least with long straps you can fold them back on themselves
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on September 09, 2015, 11:58:33 AM
No complaints with my B&S LE pads. Got them at a good price too. I see too many pads with overly long straps. That is just poor design.

Get down the gym & don't skip leg day!
Or get fat, then the straps aren't too long  ;)
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: gerhard303 on September 09, 2015, 12:08:12 PM
Some find the Puma pads too bulky, but I've found them to be the best I've ever tried. Excellent protection, lightweight and easy to run in.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Centurion on September 11, 2015, 06:26:35 AM

Some find the Puma pads too bulky, but I've found them to be the best I've ever tried. Excellent protection, lightweight and easy to run in.

Second you on that one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: northernboy1987 on September 11, 2015, 07:52:45 AM
Hell4Leather NV pads that I've been using this season have been the best I've ever used I think, not the lightest but great protection and very comfortable although even after a season they won't stop squeaking against my bloody boots haha  :D
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: Stuey on September 11, 2015, 08:06:35 AM
Kookaburra kahuna  players, different gravy.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: kdale6 on September 11, 2015, 08:24:01 AM
i've only used two sets but the Warsop peerless (i think that's their name) set I use are very comfy
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: joymarvin on September 14, 2015, 04:35:58 PM
SG RSD SUPALITE batting pads.
Very comfortable, and good value for money.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: gazr5 on September 17, 2015, 08:12:18 PM
GM 909s from this season.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: gerhard303 on September 18, 2015, 06:09:12 AM
SG RSD SUPALITE batting pads.
Very comfortable, and good value for money.

How'd you find the quality of padding/protection? I must've had a dud pair - they felt as thin as cardboard. Then again, I used to own Pumas which could've withstood a cannon shot at point blank range!
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: joymarvin on September 18, 2015, 06:13:32 AM
How'd you find the quality of padding/protection? I must've had a dud pair - they felt as thin as cardboard. Then again, I used to own Pumas which could've withstood a cannon shot at point blank range!

I have just completed one year with the pads and found no issues so far.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: SwingAndMiss on September 18, 2015, 09:59:29 AM
I had a pair of Easton pads in the late 90's which were mustard! Better than any GN I've had.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: FattusCattus on September 18, 2015, 10:02:45 AM
I'm using the Hit's Hard stuff. I know the gloves aren't to everyone's taste (although the newer ones are more subtle), but they are fabulous. You really don't know you've got them on, and they're pretty compact.
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: pranav2108 on September 18, 2015, 10:42:34 AM
SS Test Opener it is
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: IWTUK on September 18, 2015, 10:56:24 AM
I have a pair of pads from Dean at Vulcan; they're light, compact and excellent quality, can't be faulted, easily the best pads I've owned. Gloves are pretty nice too (love the old school sausage style!)
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: petehosk on September 18, 2015, 05:02:47 PM
I have used a couple of top of the range Kookaburra pairs which were top of my fave list.
But now use AJK pads which I love! They are very understated and yet look and feel classy and absolute quality!
More protection than The Whitehouse! And soooooooo comfortable to wear too!
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: simonmay5 on September 18, 2015, 05:19:52 PM
I have found uzi sports pad to be the best that I have used very good quality and are nice and light and protection levels are very good indeed
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: seedy on September 18, 2015, 06:53:51 PM
Newbery sps1
Title: Re: Best Batting Pads You Have Ever Used?
Post by: windyroad on September 18, 2015, 07:33:15 PM
Funnily enough I have found my readers pads of many a yesteryear to be the most comfortable even compared to my most recent Kook players