Itech 4.8 Blocker: Itech just keeps getting better
Written: Jul 24 '04 (Updated Dec 13 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Inexpensive but feature rich
Cons: Not recommended for advanced goalies
The Bottom Line: Novice and Beginner goaltenders will be hard pressed to find anything better at this price.
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| puckmugger's Full Review: ITECH 4.8 X-Factor Goalie Blocker |
Itech’s 4.8 line is surprisingly good. Now don’t read the first sentence of the review and blame me if this gear won’t take you all the way to the NHL. It isn’t great, but for what it is and the price you’ll pay for it, Itech did a great job.
▪ The 4.8 Line
The 4.8 line was introduced in 2003. It is priced similarly to most ultra low-end goalie gear and street gear. Despite the low price this line sports features that you would have to pay sometimes twice as much to find. Only Mission’s Motion line introduced in 2004 really compares to the 4.8 for the price.
▪ The Blocker
Blockers are among the few things that a goalie can skimp on a little. Essentially there is not much danger of having a puck sting you through the thick pad. However, there are some nice extras that you will get as you go up in price, and just like a good hammer, a good blocker incorporates some sort of impact dampening. This lowers the risk of long-term nerve damage from repetitive blows.
The 4.8 does have a good pad on the back of the hand, between the glove and the blocker. This will take care of most impacts from pucks. Again this isn’t an NHL blocker, so the harder shots might give an occasional stinger, but there is no real fear of getting an injury from a shot.
There is a good thumb and wrist protector that comparably priced street hockey blockers would likely be missing. This will keep those pucks that slip under the glove from mashing your thumb. However, there is no side finger protection. This is a rare place to be hit (I have only had a puck hit me there a couple times in five years). Still it hurts. Finger end protection is adequate on the 4.8.
The blocker face is made from a pretty good quality synthetic leather. This should last quite a few years unlike the nylon or Cordora covers found on most blockers in this price range.
The glove on the 4.8 has a full Nash palm. Nash is a synthetic material that last longer than calfskin and remains supple after drying. As a palm material, it is second only to Clarino in durability and comfort. This is something that you are unlikely to find in many low-priced blockers and very important as the palm of the blocker is usually the first part to wear out. Getting a new palm on a blocker will cost upwards of $50.
▪ Color Selections
Another nice feature on the 4.8 line is the color selections that Itech offers. Most low priced pads simply come in black and white. The 4.8 line comes in several choices: Black, Blue, White and Silver; Black, Red, White and Silver; Blue, Black, White and Silver; Red, Black, White and Silver; Black, White and Silver.
▪ Changes for 2004
The 2003 model graphics were nice for low priced goalie equipment. Generally these are less imaginative designs, barely appealing but easy to sew. For 2004 Itech gave the 4.8 line a face lift and they look even better.
Itech also added a finger guard to the blocker that will take care of the sides of the fingers (a small problem in the 2003 model).
▪ Final Thoughts
For a novice goalie, it will be hard to beat the Itech 4.8 line. I would suggest comparing the quality and price of the Mission Motion line as well. Mission’s gear is just a little higher priced, but still in the same range.
The nice thing with both of these lines is that they are priced for a novice or beginner goalie, but they are good enough that they will serve well into the intermediate levels. Most sets simply don’t have that capability and novice players end up in a new set after a year or two. As expensive as it is to buy this gear, you don’t want to have to do it too often.
A few of my other reviews that you might find helpful:
Fitting Goalie Gear
Itech 4.8 X Factor Trapper
Itech 4.8 X Factor Pads
Battram Custom Goalie Equipment
© 2005 Scott Noble – All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.
Recommended:
Yes
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puckmugger
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