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[Cover_Drive]

Not having a go at GM, they are my favourite company after all.

I have 2009 Original LE pads and recently bought 2011 and the first thing I see is the difference in quality, the 2009 in my opinion are much better in terms of quality than 2011!

This is for pads, the gloves are pretty much the same I'd say.

Why do companies do that ? I know they do this to cut the cost but a big dip ain't good.

2009 had leather on inside shin protection thinge (can't name it sorry ) and 2011 doesn't and the outer leather on 2009 is much better than 2011.

[Cover_Drive]

Can post pictures if someone wants me to ( but that will be tomorrow:( )

[mattw]

Can you explain further to why they are in difference in quality?

[Cover_Drive]

I might not be able to explain in a good manner as I'm not aware of proper terms being used, however, this years look a bit cheap made compare to 2009 ones.

For example, the area of the pads (inside) where it says 'Original LE' is of cloth in 2011 pads while it is of leather in 2009s.

The inner leather of 2009 looks a lot thicker than 2011.

Overall the outside feel and look of 2009 (not talking about design here) looks better for some reason.

[SempreSami]

"My top of the range pads aren't as good as my other top of the range pads."

What a luxury to complain about!

[pumakid]

I agree with you mate. My 2011 gloves fell apart and the face of the pads around the logo is also coming lose to s**t stitching.

[123*]

Yep same's happening all over, I gave my mate some 2006! Yes 2006 powerbow pads which are in perfect condition however my nitro's the same design etc are ruined after 10 games, its a total disgrace!

[Cover_Drive]

Sami, it is not about complaining rather it is the fact.

Puma, exactly overall the finishing I would say is not that great either.

[Tom]

I can only talk about my experiences, I can't explain or help with complaints with GM or GN.

Sometimes such changes as mentioned though are done in order to create a lighter pads or even on advice from pros. For example a leather/PU instep is more difficult to clean sweat from, compared to a darker synthetic material. That said cost prices for freight and manufacturer of softs has gone up, so maybe some less essential bits have been toned down to reduce cost and keep pads at a reasonable price. Brands have also absorbed some of this cost.

I know with the Goose range, with certain lines of the soft equipment there was no profit margin.

[Tom]

As a manufacturer, I'm interested to see what you think makes a quality pad.

Aspects such as embossed logos, pad bags, leather insteps etc. How do you tell a quality pad, from a cheap pad. Besides cost?

[alexrickyponting]

For me quality is merely protection, durability/build quality. And to a small extent weight but weight cant really be used to differentiate between quality and not quality

[Cover_Drive]

Make sense, Tom! In the gloves one thing I really liked was that the velcro strap is now long which could be because a pro might have suggested it.

Tom, give me few weeks and if you are really really interested in hearing from a buyer pespective I will let you know. I am just waiting to get my stuff and in 2 weeks maximum I should have everything with me and I will have 8-9 top range pads of different brands so I can tell you what I like and what I would like to see. I will be also getting Mongoose pads.

[Cover_Drive]

Tom is right indeed, weight on 2011 is less compare to 2009

2011 Pads

Single Pad



Both Pads



2011 Gloves




2009 Pads

Single Pad



Both Pads



2009 Gloves

[langer17]

Look at the weight of the 2009 pads,

[sgcricket]

good spot there langer17