7 Season 140 Game Battram Goalie Equipment Review

Some people know me as 'The Goalie' more than 'The Realtor'. For those of you who don't know me, I have dawned the pads since I was forced to Tend Net at 11 years old due to my size and terrible skating skills: Dixie Housleague Blue for those of you from the area (West Toronto - Mississauga) and from that era! (and Dixie Arena!)

I had a meteoric rise to Major Junior and was in the OHL for a grand total of 8 games, 2 of which I played in. Unfortunately it was with the horrible Dukes of Hamilton (first host team to have a memorial cup tournament yanked from them!).  I lost one and tied one and won first star in a 5-5 draw against Sault Saint Marie Greyhounds. I eventually settled in Junior B for some great years.

High School hockey was also great. I played with the senior team when I was in 9th Grade for The Bishop Philip Pocock Pirates and that team finished 4th in Ontario (OFSAA). The OFSAA tournament was held  in Fort Frances Ontario that year and I still carry with me very fond memories of that time in my life.

I still keep in touch and occasionally play with some of those people. Some of the highest profile players I have played with are Eric Lindros (Toronto Young Nationals Bantam) and Steve Staios (Burlington Cougars Junior B) who had a long and great career in the NHL and was one of the most underrated players I ever played with, and from what I remember a heck of a nice guy.

I still play competitive Mens hockey for the Fighting Knights. Its certainly not pro hockey but it is a lot of fun and ultra competitive. If possible I would play every night; not sure the family or my business would accommodate that. :).  Anyone who scoffs at Men's hockey in Canada has never played, or is 34, single, and still believes they have a shot at he pros! (if you know what I mean)

So I wanted to post a review for Battram Goalie Equipment as I have reached my seventh season, third year and approx. 140th game in the gear.

Scott Battram and his family have a shop out of Currie's Corner, Ontario (across the 401 from Woodstock). I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process of going to their home/factory - and being custom fitted for all the pieces. The entire area is all of what I love about South Western Ontario - gorgeous! I made it a day trip and soaked in some of the local scenery and after the fitting headed down to the local cafe's on the main drag in Woodstock.

When I first received the equipment I was impressed. The stuff looked awesome! I still love the design and think it looks unique. It was a custom design that was coordinated with Chakal his designer. It is Maple Leaf like but in a very distinct manner - much more aggressive.  It was one of Battram's first  'Fury'  pad sales. Having worn a traditional pad most of my career I was a little skeptical about the Fury styling, however the feel and functionality of the design ended up being perfect for me. The only major adjustment was that I had to learn to wear the pads loose and feel confident that I was not going to bang my knees directly on the ice should the pad slip out of the way. (more on this later).

Overall the equipment has held up well. I have played in approx. 140 games, however I occasionally play on a Thursday night 3on3 on a mini rink, and fill in here and there and so the real numbers are more in the 170 game range.

The Pads - Score 8/10

The only complaint for me is on the upper strapping for the pads. I don't know if this is specific to the Battram System or a common complaint, however these straps and fasteners tend to get the most abuse and need the most adjusting. Yet they are difficult to adjust and I have had to change them a few times already.  I also somehow lost 2 straps as they came loose and fell off in transit. The material is hard to find.  I emailed Battram about getting new fasteners and they sent them immediately. I eventually found some material to replace the old straps.

I also banged up my knee quite badly one game when I arrived late and scrambled to got on the ice only to find that the upper strap on the left pad came loose.  Nearly impossible to adjust on ice, I chose to ignore it...sure enough the pad moved just enough to expose my inner knee on a butterfly and I met the cold hard ice with the same noise heard from the Boivin carcasses in the scene where Rocky Balboa is using them as punching bags.  Great bruise to talk about for about the next month but nothing serious.

The old systems had leather straps so if they were too lose you just went up a notch. It just seems with the nylon strapping system there is no quick adjustment.

Other than than that The pads have done well by me. Rebound control was established within the first 10 games (pucks stop dead now - its great). I am sure my confidence and getting used to the pads contributed in the crazy rebounds early on. It seems like now, even if I misplay the shot, the rebound is still within reach. I certainly don't 'feel' any shots (I do not wear any knee pads under the pad), and they are still aesthetically pleasing.

Catcher Score 9/10

The glove has also grown into my expectation. I originally purchased the Verge model glove but could not get used to it and so Scott was nice enough to take it back at no charge and build me a new 5002 model. In the past have typically been picky with gloves. I hate most of them! The only glove I ever loved was the original Heaton that my Dad purchased for my in 1987! Best catcher ever made IMO.

A catcher doesn't make your glove hand better, however a good glove helps you feel 'in the zone'.

This glove comes a close second, and I have used 4 different pro level gloves in between the Heaton and this one.  Would I use this glove if I was playing in the pros? Not sure.  I do occasionally feel stings when the harder shooters drill one in warm up. But that is in warm up! I have never felt a shot in the course of a game.

Blocker Score 10/10

The blocker is great. I have taken many a hard shot high on the blocker (upper wrist) and did not feel a thing.  I did feel a disconnect when holding glossy sticks. The palm material (not sure what kind), despite being well worn, still feels a little thick? The solution? Three pieces of white stick tap on the stick handle! Now its grippy. Best of all 170 games - and still the same palm and strapping pieces intact.

I will have to post what model the blocker is. I remember asking Scott to recommend a blocker that was most like the Bauer Reactor 4. Perhaps if he reads this he may have a record of it and can chime in.

Chest Protector (7/10)

The chest protector is the Battram Bold 3500 and actually 7 years old and its about time I need a new one! It is a good protector for the money if you consider it was custom fit and made to order..  I have never been hurt while wearing it - despite often putting my upper body in awkward positions.  I am certain he has made improvements on this older model. It has held together pretty well so I give it kudos for that as well as its overall protection at the level I am playing at.  (2 weeks ago a dove across the ice head first and ended up stopping the puck with my latimus dorsi (?) - just under my underarm - very weird place for a bruise that looks like the flat side of a puck.)

This is not a pro level chest and arm protector. It does not have the back and under the arm protection needed at a pro level and it tends to move about too much despite routine strapping adjustments. I have not tried or seen the newer Upper 5000 in person . Perhaps there is a review of it somewhere?

Consider one thing. When I purchased this upper body protector 7 years ago, I was facing paying twice the cost for a brand name equivalent. I do not think I would've received 2x the protection or comfort from those brand name Chest protectors. So good value for the money and I got my name embroidered on it!

So...the blocker is still 100% intact - palm and all. The glove is well worn in but not looking or feeling beaten up. The pads are looking and feeling about where I feel the should be at this juncture save for a few minor things.

Overall I rate Battram Custom Goalie Equipment as Excellent. The buying experience for me was great. Their customer service is spot on.  Scott maintains/moderates the www.GoalieLife.com a great discussion board with classifieds, live chat, contests, tips etc .

Highly recommended.

David Smeriglio
Sutton Group Icon Realty Inc. Brokerage


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