VKS Test Opener
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rbanners

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VKS Test Opener
« on: March 03, 2016, 02:33:16 PM »
Hello all,

This is just a frivolity = I wonder if any of you, including anyone from VKS, can say when these date back to? VKS was my local cricket shop when I was at school - well the nearest good one, anyway.

Up to 80mph bowling machines and not much league cricket and some friendly cricket, I have never had a leg injury while wearing these - in fact, I can barely remember feeling a ball on impact.

So one of my questions is, are new pads that much better? I imagine they are lighter - I have some SS 2 strap Supalite (moulded) pads - they are definitely lighter, but they are Indian mens size, so small mens by UK standards, but they are not better at protection.

Anyhow, heres a bit of nostalgia from me - I still use these in nets every week, but have worn the SS in the friendly games I've played over the last few years, and this is my first time back in league cricket in 20 years this summer (will turn 38 this year).





cheers
rbanners
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19reading87

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Re: VKS Test Opener
« Reply #1 on: March 03, 2016, 02:54:23 PM »
Proper pads!! I like them
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Buzz

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Re: VKS Test Opener
« Reply #2 on: March 03, 2016, 02:59:59 PM »
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19reading87

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Re: VKS Test Opener
« Reply #3 on: March 03, 2016, 03:17:38 PM »
Does anybody sell them?! Do we know??
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rbanners

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Re: VKS Test Opener
« Reply #4 on: March 03, 2016, 04:36:32 PM »
At a push, I would say they are circa 1996? But I dont remember buying them and may be that my dad just showed up with them one day...I certainly don't remember going to shop to buy them...

So, whats changed in 20 years? Pads are lighter, but at my level - would I need anything better? That doesn't mean I may not be buying something new - I have had my eyes on the Morrants International Supalite - the reason for this being that I suspect that the main advantage that modern pads have must be a weight/bulk saving for similar levels of protection. The other option would be to wait for George Fox's new pads - which is more likely what I will do.

But would be great to hear everyones thoughts re: pads over the years - if anyone has any thoughts, that is...
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Re: VKS Test Opener
« Reply #5 on: March 03, 2016, 04:39:24 PM »
@Buzz - those RNS pads look very similar - I was under the impression that VKS sourced their pads from SS - but maybe they didn't in the days of these old pads?

are those a current model then? or your personal pads? if so, what do you think of them? mine have scuffed/worn a bit at the edge...
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VKS

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VKS Test Opener
« Reply #6 on: March 03, 2016, 05:20:08 PM »
Thanks for the trip down memory lane...those pads date back to the late 90's I think.

Like all our softs, they were made for us by SS.
« Last Edit: March 03, 2016, 05:23:36 PM by VKS »
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edge

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Re: VKS Test Opener
« Reply #7 on: March 03, 2016, 08:29:05 PM »
Quote from: rbanners on March 03, 2016, 04:36:32 PM
At a push, I would say they are circa 1996? But I dont remember buying them and may be that my dad just showed up with them one day...I certainly don't remember going to shop to buy them...

So, whats changed in 20 years? Pads are lighter, but at my level - would I need anything better? That doesn't mean I may not be buying something new - I have had my eyes on the Morrants International Supalite - the reason for this being that I suspect that the main advantage that modern pads have must be a weight/bulk saving for similar levels of protection. The other option would be to wait for George Fox's new pads - which is more likely what I will do.

But would be great to hear everyones thoughts re: pads over the years - if anyone has any thoughts, that is...
rbanners
Purely based on pads I've owned, protection has improved, but I don't think it's needed to - I never had a problem with the £20 Hunts pair my dad first bought me as a teenager. Still keeping my fingers crossed that some manufacturer will produce pads aimed at amateur cricketers - we don't need the 'test level' protection that every brand markets! I'd love a pair of pads that are as slim, light and comfortable as possible and just offer enough protection for amateur cricket.
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Buzz

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Re: VKS Test Opener
« Reply #8 on: March 03, 2016, 09:21:22 PM »
Isn't that what the GM 606/808/909 softs do? Or the GN 5* softs do? Etc
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VKS

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Re: VKS Test Opener
« Reply #9 on: March 03, 2016, 09:32:18 PM »
Materials have improved over the years which has resulted in lighter gear, that has greater flexibility and therefore comfort too.
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edge

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Re: VKS Test Opener
« Reply #10 on: March 03, 2016, 09:36:21 PM »
Quote from: Buzz on March 03, 2016, 09:21:22 PM
Isn't that what the GM 606/808/909 softs do? Or the GN 5* softs do? Etc
Yes on the protection and sometimes lightness front, but cheaper softs don't tend to be as good quality or as comfortable, which is a shame. As an example, I have two pairs of different Puma pads and the quality, comfort and lightness is top notch and they're practically bulletproof - I just can't help but think how nice they'd be to wear if they were even slimmer and lighter rather than being so solid!
What I'd really like is a top of the range quality pad that's designed mainly for comfort/lightness/slimness rather than protection. Early Adidas pads weren't bad at this, but I don't think the flexibility and utter lack of protection was deliberate...
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Re: VKS Test Opener
« Reply #11 on: March 03, 2016, 10:41:43 PM »

Quote from: edge on March 03, 2016, 09:36:21 PM
What I'd really like is a top of the range quality pad that's designed mainly for comfort/lightness/slimness rather than protection. Early Adidas pads weren't bad at this, but I don't think the flexibility and utter lack of protection was deliberate...
You should take a look at the VKS Superlite II Legguards and Gloves. They are both very comfortable, light and slim whilst still offering very good protection levels. For the price, no other brand currently comes close.
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