Fast and Furious? The Takla 9000 might be the pant for you
Written: Feb 26 '05 (Updated Apr 05 '05)
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Pros: Unparalleled comfort levels for a high end pair of hockey pants
Cons: Slightly less protective than North American style pants
The Bottom Line: If you move fast enough to avoid being smacked about and hit by pucks, these might be the pair
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| puckmugger's Full Review: Montreal Hockey Tackla Pants T9000 |
Who is Tackla?
When I first started playing hockey I’d see guys in Tackla Pants and think maybe they just didn’t have enough cash to buy a name brand pair. I mean, who ever heard of Tackla, right? I knew about Bauer, CCM, Jofa and even Itech, but I’d never encountered this brand before. Slowly I became aware that many of these players in their Tackla Pants were not only very good players, but had a fair amount of high priced gear as well. My theory was wrong, dead wrong.
It turns out that Montreal Hockey, a venerable and recognizable name, actually distributes Tackla products in North America. Tackla is a European brand and their pants are the definition of what a European style pant should be. Tackla has long been a favorite among quick skating forwards.
The Design
The 9000 is Tackla’s top of the line hockey pant. As I mentioned these are European style pants and lack the bulky, clown clothing feel of a traditional North American pair of hockey pants. Instead Tackla pants are slim and almost streamlined in comparison. While they look and feel less bulky, they still have the protection that even the most discriminating player will look for.
Shell and Liner
The 9000s feature a heavy duty 500 denier nylon shell. The shell is as durable and cut resistant as that of any pair of hockey pants on the market. While some lower priced pants will actually begin failing due to puck strikes, abrasions on the ice or being hit by sticks, 500 denier nylon will generally stand up to a great deal of this type of abuse. Skate blades will still cut the shell, but they make it any tougher it won’t bend anymore.
Tackla sells their pants in a number of color varieties. While most companies will make a special color, it seems like a purple or green pair of Tacklas is easier to find . . . why someone might want purple or green I cannot say.
The blue lining of the Tackla 9000 is both comfortable and practical. The fabric is a little softer than that of the typical coarse gain of hockey pants, which isn’t that big of a deal since most people aren’t going commando under their hockey gear. However, the lining is anti-microbial as well. This should help to defeat the test of stink or at least slow it down.
Padding
The pads in the Tackla pants are probably what makes them unique to other pants on the market. Rather than a loose collection of pads held together by the shell, the pads in the 9000 pants are a little more of a single unit.
The Tail and hip sections of the padding are combined into a single piece unit. While it might seem the converse would be true, this actually makes the 9000 quite a bit more comfortable than most competing pants are.
Another nice feature in the padding is the double thigh protectors. Where most pants have a single plate in the front of the thigh, the 9000 has a pair. This adds to the flexibility of the pants while keeping them streamlined without sacrificing protection.
Overall, the padding in the 9000 is not quite to on par with even the bulkier high-end pants from CCM, Bauer and Easton.
Sizing and Fit
Tackla used the numbered sizing system that no one living on Earth really understands. Thus, all I can tell you is try them on. One little reference though – the three digit sizes are kids pants, so skip the 110 and go for a 50 as a starting point if you are an adult.
Tackla does however offer short and long versions of their pants. This is a really nice feature since not everyone has the same waist to thigh length ratio. Other brands left the vertically and horizontally challenged hockey player with short shorts or knickers. Thanks Tackla for tackling that problem, eh?
As far as the fit, Tackla recommends that the pants be worn without suspenders. They do fit a little more like a regular pair of shorts than your typical hockey pant does. Thus, they should rest a little tighter on your hips than a North American style pant would.
Final Thoughts
I’m afraid that I’ll drop dead after writing my final thoughts one day. Perhaps I should come up with another subtitle for my closing . . . anyway . . .
Tackla it turns out isn’t some wannabe brand. They are the real deal in quality protection. I highly recommend the 9000 for serious players at any level of play. My highest recommendation goes to fast skating forwards who put more value on speed than protection. The 9000 offers great protection and comfort, but perhaps not quite at the same level of protection. You cannot have it all I guess.
Some other reviews that you might find helpful:
Fitting and Selecting Hockey Protective Gear
Itech HP 7000 Hockey Pants
Mission M-2 Hockey Pants
Bauer 3000 Hockey Pants
Recommended:
Yes
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