What’s in a number?
The entire hockey equipment designation system revolves around numbering. While skates typically will have a higher number to designate a better skate, Graf does some confusing things. They have a whole bunch of skates that have similar numbers. Well, let’s set this straight, all the skates that are in the 700s are their pro models.

But this review is about pants, so you’re probably wondering why I’m mentioning the skate numbering system. Well, as difficult as Graf made their skate line to understand (and it really isn’t that hard), their pants are pretty easy. Graf offers two models. The 500 is a recreational pair of hockey pants. The 700 is a pro level pair.

Glad you cleared that up
I try

Design
Graf is a European company. They are based in Switzerland. As you might suspect if you are a fan of hockey pants, their pants are a little bit more of a European style. They are cut similarly to Tackla pants.

Both brands have a little bit longer and leaner shape to them than what players who have worn Bauer and CCM are accustomed to. The shape of the Euro pants allows for a more natural stride. Many players find them more comfortable.

While the Graf 700 is a little more slimming in design, it doesn’t cut any corners on protection. One thing that is a little different in European style pants is that they have a more normal waist. Let me expand on that. Rather than having a lower back pad and some kidney wings, the Graf 700 pants go all the way around for protection above the waist. Thus there are fewer gaps in the areas that Bauer and CCM deem a little less important.

The padding is considerable in the Graf 700 pants. These have ABS inserts for kidney, tailbone and front of the leg protection. They are also well padded throughout. These are definitely more than enough protection for the recreational player.

Unlike the Tackla pants, Graf does offer zippered legs in all their models. This makes getting dressed much easier as you can put on your shin guards and socks before your pants. You can even put your skates on first, although I prefer to put them on after the pants.

Comfort and Fit
Typically the pro level pants in a North American style are pretty heavy and a bit bulky. The Graf 700 series pants have a lightweight feel even though they offer substantial protection. They certainly are not as bulky as most of the other brands. Compared to the top of the line Bauer and CCM pants they are much lighter as well.

The fly closes with a single drawstring as typical in hockey pants. A single belt holds them up. Traditionally players do not wear suspenders with European style pants. They should fit just fine without them. However Graf does include suspender buttons if you prefer to wear them.

Sizing
Graf uses the weird numbering method of sizing that you will also find in Tackla pants. There is a complicated formula for converting these numbers into an actual size. However, I will not put it in this review since it is about 42 pages long and requires several theorems and calculations that we’ve all forgotten since college.

Basically the sizes run from 100 to 160 for kids. Adult sizes run from 46 to 54. Why kids get three digits and adults only get two I will never know. However, the smaller numbers within each group are the smaller sizes.

A size 100 would be a kid’s Extra Small, 120 – Kid’s small, 140 – Kid’s Medium and 160 – Kid’s Large. Bigger than that and they will move up to an adult 46. (I’m not going into those sizes yet as this is a review of the junior pants.

If anyone knows what the logic is behind this sizing system, I would love an email so I can stop making up random excuses for the crazy Europeans who came up with it.


The shape of the Graf pants is best suited for tall and thin players. Short stocky guys will find that they come down too far on the knee or are too tight. Thus they aren’t for everyone.

Durability
The 700 is a pant that will come close to lasting a lifetime. Of course since we are talking about junior pants, this isn’t all that relevant. (Let’s hope that they are going to outgrow them). The bottom line is they will last longer than your kids will fit in that size.

The shell is the part that always gives out first on hockey pants. The 700’s feature a 420 Denier Nylon. Not only is this the highest grade of nylon currently known to man, but Graf coats the shell in polyurethane. The light coat of liquid plastic makes the shell more water and rip resistant.

While skate blades will still be easily capable of tearing the fabric, it shouldn’t continue to tear after the initial damage is done. I have a pair of goalie pants with 420 nylon and they look great after 4 years of having puck shot at them and players kick me (I never deserved the kicking either). It is tough stuff.

Parting thoughts
Graf 700 pants are the perfect high-end pants for young speedy players on travel teams. They will find that the lighter, more compact design allows them to move freely and perhaps more quickly. Mom and Pop don’t need to worry that they will get injured either since these offer top of the line protection.

If you are a little bigger and looking for advice on these pants for adults, I would say the same thing. They are a fantastic all around pair of hockey pants. Just buy them in the adult size so they fit.

The Grafs are very similar to Tackla pants and generally a bit cheaper. They might be a better deal if you like the way they fit. If you like Eupro pants but miss the zipper legs, they are the only choice.

Playing hockey without pants on is very dangerous. There are some places you don't want to get frostbite!


A few of my other reviews that you might find helpful:
Fitting and Selecting Hockey Protective Gear

Bauer 3000 Hockey Pants
Tackla 9000 Hockey Pants
Itech HP 7000 Hockey Pants



Recommended: Yes