Brian’s SubZero 7.0 Series Review

Brian’s Custom Sports has come out with another great price-point model that emulates their pro level SubZero Pro 3. Made in the Philippines using only materials sourced by Brian’s main factory in Ontario, the SubZero 7.0 line closely resembles its pro counterpart, both in looks and performance. Now, ‘Kings of Custom’ can provide their innovations to goalies at all levels.

Let’s take a look at the series.

Leg Pads

Like the Pro, the SubZero 7.0 leg pads are designed with a unique flex layout which is ideal for a butterfly-oriented goaltender. When it comes to flat-faced pads, the assumption was to make the entire pad stiff. While that may work for few goaltenders, it doesn’t cater to most. The SubZero 7.0 leg pad has a soft boot, a soft knee flex, but a stiff thigh rise. While the soft boot and knee allow for the goaltender to be mobile and comfortable while moving within the crease, the stiff profile of the thigh rise allows the pad to keep a certain shape over time.

Note, the importance of the soft boot and knee is to allow the goaltender to get in a low stance while the puck is in tight, whether it’s utilizing the VH stance or crouching down low, as well as getting full ankle flexion when performing a push. While normally a pad will curve throughout its lifetime, the extremely stiff thigh rise keeps its integrity and provides a consistent seal on the ice every time.

Like the most recent leg pads from Brian’s, the 7.0 series uses the Smart Strap System; the calf strap allows you to customize the fit of the pad, while the Smart Strap toe ties reduces stress on your joints. Additionally, the Smart Strap boot strap is a lighter alternative to a leather strap. The Smart Strap toe ties and boot strap are exclusive to Source for Sports.

Stiff pad? Loosen up the straps and let the pad hang out for the best rotation. Yes, you can do that with SubZero 7.0. and you’ll always be in control of the rotation. Brian’s uses their No Slip Grip material as a liner on the knee cradle and leg channel which enhances grip throughout your ice time. Most importantly, this ensures your knee stays in control and centered on the IIHF spec knee stack.

Lastly for the pads, they feature a lace-less face like the SZ3 which looks really clean. Brian’s is the originator of the lace-less face.

Trapper

Continuing with the concept of control, Brian’s uses the No Slip Grip as the liner in the SubZero 7.0 trapper. The 7.0 trapper, like the leg pads, are based directly on its pro counterpart. The SubZero series uses a 40-degree closure on the trappers. This closure forces the goaltender’s hand to open wide, and create a large blocking/catching surface.

Using a flared and floating cuff, it is easier to present the surface area of the trapper to the shooter, especially in close-quarters situations.

Another feature on the backhand of the trapper is seen on the fingers; goaltender’s fingers are protected from crease battles with an HD foam finger pad.

Brian’s finishes the trapper with a one-piece cuff & thumb as well as a rigid single-T pocket. The trapper comes game ready out of the box. It has been worked on by a machine that Brian’s uses to wear in all their trappers.

Blocker

Like the SZ3, the blocker has a bindingless edge for a clean aesthetic look. The bindingless edge also maximizes the allowed surface area of the blocker board because a bound edge would take away some of the available size.

The 7.0 blocker is very well balanced by positioning the palm in the centre and utilizing lightweight HD foam. There is no need to worry about pain from a puck hitting your fingers because the finger protection used on the 7.0 is an accordion style HD foam design that comfortably wraps around the goaltender’s finger with ease.

In the end, it’s always “a blocker is a blocker, right?” Sure, that may be so, but what differentiates SubZero from G-NETik is the sidewall. The 7.0 blocker’s sidewall is attached directly to the face of the blocker and creates a ‘not-so-straight edge’ design. This allows the goaltender to maneuver the sidewall in a way that makes the actual blocking surface larger — something that cannot be done with G-NETik.

Conclusion

The Brian’s SubZero 7.0 line is about having control of your game and creating a total seal of coverage on the ice. Using a soft flex in the knee and ankle, but a stiff thigh rise, the 7.0 pad has the optimal build for any butterfly-oriented goaltender. In coordination with the its lightweight design, these features go hand-in-hand to make this series extremely mobile, comfortable and effective. The gloves also follow the leg pads key design benefit... coverage.

Best of all, it’s all lightweight, HD foam constructed, with no plastic. So, if you’re looking for a quality set of equipment to get your hands on and not break the bank, the Brian’s SubZero 7.0 series is for you.