Bauer 3000 Elbow Pads: Actually, they don't look at all like pants
Written: May 26 '04 (Updated May 26 '04)
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Pros: Excellent protection in the elbow, forearm and bicep
Cons: a bit bulky, will take some getting used to
The Bottom Line: What a bargain at $12! The 2002 model year was a very good pair of elbow pads
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| puckmugger's Full Review: Bauer Supreme 3000 Hockey Elbow Pads |
It’s funny, I have a who buddy inadvertently got me interested in hockey even though he doesn’t play. After four years of talking about how he was going to start, he finally bought himself a pair of skates. I decided to force the issue by getting him the rest of the gear for his birthday. I didn’t have a fortune to spend so most of my shopping was on ebay.
I found a new pair of 2002 model year Bauer 3000 elbow pads for $12 and snapped them up. After a little thought, I decided that my bro would be fine with cheaper pair I found. I was keeping the Bauers for myself.
▪ Vivid Visual Description
Despite the picture here, I assure you that Bauer’s 3000 Elbow Pads look nothing like a pair of pants, I’m looking at a pair right now, yep, nothing like pants at all. The 3000 is a full coverage elbow pad.
The plastic elbow cup is wrapped in black synthetic leather with the Bauer logo in maroon and gold. The forearm protection is black fabric trimmed in smoky blue.
A hinged bicep protector one each pad has a large overlapping elbow piece. This portion of the pad is maroon with the same smoky blue trim and the Bauer logo in blue and gold.
▪Protection
The forearm protection is long enough that it will possibly be a problem bumping into some gloves. It is highly unlikely that it will provide full coverage with any pair of gloves. Hard plastic inserts will keep all but the very hardest slashes from dinging you.
I’m taking a moment to recollect myself as I remember Valerie Kamenski getting his arm lumber-jacked a few years back . . . ugly. I don’t know that anything will protect you from guys who really want to break your arms.
The elbow cups are generously large. They are filled with a forgiving gel substance that seems to provide progressive protection (i.e. it gets stiffer as you get closer to bottoming out).
The bicep wrap is one of the biggest that I have seen outside of Bauer’s 5000 model which is overkill for all but the most serious players. Outer arm, elbow and forearm protection are all more than enough for recreational players in the Bauer 3000.
▪ Fit and Comfort
The pad utilizes a neoprene strap in the center to assist in keeping it from shifting. Elbow pads rolling and exposing the very elbow that they are meant to protect are a common complaint. Warm beer is another common complaint . . . anyway, these pads are nicely shaped and the middle strap does an admirable job of keeping them from twisting.
The bicep protector has a thick elastic strap with Velcro. A narrower elastic strap that doubles back through a plastic eyelet secures the forearm.
In all the pad is fairly comfortable. I haven’t put any ice time on these yet and it is readily apparent from trying them on that they will take a little bit of getting used to. These are quite a bit bulkier than the Mission elbow pads that I am currently using. The Missions also have no bicep protection, so I am sure that there will be a break in with these Bauers. Still, there is no comfort issue, just a little bit of bulkiness to get used to.
▪ Final Thoughts
For 2002 the 3000 was Bauer’s top of the line. The 2003 model Bauer 3000 elbow pads were short on features compared to the 2002 line. 2003 models utilized a soft elbow with a donut rather than a hard cap which is highly recommended for top protection.
The last time I saw new 2002 Bauer 3000 elbow pads they were selling for about $30. The 2003 model is still selling for about $40 and is in my opinion far superior.
I know a few guys who bought these when they were new and still use them. They appear to be in good shape still, so I suspect they are a pretty durable pad.
If you find a new pair of these for $12, don’t send them to your friends keep them for yourself. Of course if you find two pair, send one to your friend and keep the other pair.
A few of my other reviews that you might find helpful:
Fitting and Selecting Hockey Protective Gear
Mission Sub 0 Elbow pads
Nike V-10 Elbow Pads
Recommended:
Yes
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