CCM Extreme Flex Shield 2.9 Intermediate Chest & Arm Protector

CCM Extreme Flex Shield 2.9 Intermediate Chest & Arm Protector

Completely new for 2018 is the CCM Extreme Flex Shield 2.9 Chest & Arm Protector.  This is the hybrid style chest & arm protector in the CCM line built for the mobile goalie who wants movement and mobility in a chest protector.  The 2018 Extreme Flex chest protector has completely redesigned from previous generations of E-Flex chest protectors.  In the past, to be completely honest, the E-Flex were not so flexible.  The units were bigger and bulkier and had particular issues with the arm movements.  CCM has addressed these areas and we can now say that the CCM 2.9 chest protector is a mobile unit that athletic style goalies will really like.  The weight of the new CCM 2.9 chest protector is also much lighter then previous generations.  The Extreme Flex 2.9 has all the features we look for in a athletic style chest protector and this unit can be worn at very high levels with no concern for protection issues.

The biggest difference between the Extreme Flex 2.9 and the Extreme Flex Shield Pro is going to be durability.  The Pro unit is something that you can plan on getting four to five years use out of versus the 2.9 Chest Protector that we say you can plan on two to three years out of.  During the first two years, we do believe both the Extreme Flex Shield Pro and the 2.9 perform very similarly.  For a growing goalie, many people choose the Extreme Flex 2.9 and for the goalie who wants a unit for a long period of time, we suggest the Extreme Flex Shield Pro.

Chest Protector Style – Athletic Hybrid Style

CCM Extreme Flex Shield 2.9 Chest Protector Features

• Shoulder Wings: Quick Release Velcro adjustment
• Sternum: Molded HD Foam
• Chest: Multi-Segmented HD/LD Foams With Removable Rib Protector
• Bicep/Forearm: Compression Molded HD Foam
• Elbow: Independent Adjustable Elbow Protector
• Shoulder Cap: Compression Molded HD Foam

Athletic Style (Hybrid) Vs. Blocking Style (Coverage) Chest Protectors

There are two basic designs in the goalie market in regards to chest protectors. These are based on the two types of styles that goalies play – hybrid and coverage. The hybrid goalie needs a more athletic style chest protector that allows him/her to move freely and maximize their agility. These units contour around the body with little to no gaps. The shoulder floaters are also smaller and form around the goalie in a more natural manner. Arms and elbow guards move freely and do not bind up, allowing for maximum mobility. The big upside to having an athletic style chest protector is the movement and freedom these provide. The downside to the athletic style chest is a decrease in size and materials. Now we are not saying they are not protective because most chest protectors are built to a very high standard and are have great protection qualities. However to make something move better you have to take something away and by doing this there will obviously be less material. We can say honestly that athletic chest protectors are extremely protective and the added materials in the blocking style are more about taking up space then adding protection.

The blocking style chest protectors are built for the coverage goalies that like to play big and take up as much space in the net as possible. The shoulder floaters are much wider and usually have multiple layers. The arm and elbow guards are also flared wider to take up as much space as possible. The blocking style chest protector tends to have more gaps and extra space on the goalies body because of the extra size. The upside to the blocking style chest protectors is the extra space it takes up. These chest protectors can easily make the shoulder width of a goalie four to six inches wider compared to an athletic style chest protector. Also, since the arms and elbow are bigger, there are less gaps for the puck to squeeze between the goalies body and arms. The downside to these blocking style units is the lack of movement. Because of the extra bulk, movement can be compromised. You can’t have the best of both worlds, if you make it bigger it will take away mobility.

best of both worlds, if you make it bigger it will take away mobility.

Pro Vs. Mid-level Chest Protectors

The question always seems to come up about pro vs. high and low mid-level chest protectors. Since the heart is very vital to protect, the selection of a proper chest protector should be taken seriously. Pro chest protectors are what the name implies – pro level. These are meant to be worn everyday, two hours a day. The hd foams are the highest quality and that allows for great protection and durability. High mid-level chest protectors have very similar characteristics and features compared to pro level chest protectors. These units use a slightly less quality hd foam but the design is 90-95% the same as the pro unit. The protection is generally not compromised with these foams however the durability is. We say that a good high mid-level chest protector will last a goalie about two to three years based on our usage guidelines. A pro level chest protector will last about four to five years under the same usage guidelines. Protection is the number one element of any chest protector and we feel both the pro and high mid-level do a great job in this category with the main difference coming down to durability. Now for the low mid-mid level chest protector, we generally try to stay clear of these units unless the goalie is playing a very low recreational level. There is no need to roll the dice on your head or heart, better to be safe then sorry. The hd foams in these units are pretty low and the goalie can definitely get hurt wearing these. Even the beginner level player from time to time will get there body weight into a shot and really rip one, at this point the lower level chest protector is beyond its capability. At Goalies Plus we always try to educate our customers and air on the side of caution. Please do your research before buying a chest protector.