CCM Axis XF Goalie Pads: Improved Fit, Enhanced Rebounds.

Slide Surface/Speed Channel

New for the XF is a redesigned slide surface that aims to reduce the amount of friction between the pad and the ice while maintaining the balance and control that the Axis line is known for. In addition to the one-piece landing and knee block seen on the Axis 2, the XF has an inset tapered calf plate that reduces the amount of contact the slide surface has with the ice. This design lowers the drag that the pad experiences when sliding along the ice creating faster slides for those big cross-crease pushes.

“The combination of these technologies creates superior balance and stability within the butterfly and on-ice movements.”

CCM kept the HD foam calf raiser seen on previous models which helps distribute the goaltender’s weight across the slide surface while reducing stress on the joints. The combination of these technologies creates superior balance and stability within the butterfly and on-ice movements.

Goaltenders should also note that the XF now comes stock with jenpro on the internal slide surface rather than the SpeedSkin that was seen for numerous years. With further testing by their team and Pro feedback, CCM determined that both the traditional jenpro and weave materials had lower drag coefficients and were thus better suited for the slide surface.

Lite-X-Core & Infinite Power Rebound

To improve durability, feel and rebound pop, CCM has moved towards a new core construction called Lite-X-Core which still provides the stiff feel that goalies who like the Axis line have come to expect while allowing CCM to thin out key areas of the pad. MaxRebound foam also has been replaced by Infinite Power Rebound for the XF. IPR foam lines the face of the pad and is more responsive than MaxRebound creating predictable and harder rebounds.

DRS Pro Dynamic Response System Knee Block

Similar to the Axis 2 and newer E-Flex line of pads, the XF has the DRS Pro knee which creates a more stable knee block and near seamless slide surface. The knee stack is designed in a 2-piece method with the internal slide surface being connected to the lead edge of the pad combined with a thick knee stack that is specifically designed to absorb repeat impacts. 

Strapping

The XF keeps the Quick Motion Strap System 2 as other recent CCM pads that includes a molded calf strap allowing for improved rotation and control over the pad. New for the XF is an adjustment feature on the main calf strap that allows goaltenders to adjust the strap to their preferred tightness allowing for a wider range of fit customizability.

A new offset hybrid toe elastic system is also seen. This system features skate lace at the bridge, elastic further along and a Velcro closure. CCM believes this to be a good solution to the downsides of both bungee and lace toe ties as it provides the same range of motion and ease of use that the bungee toe straps are known for while maintaining the benefits of traditional laces that many goaltenders prefer. 

First Impressions

After having a bit of time to get familiar with these pads prior to their launch, we at the shop feel that the Axis XF pads are a step in the right direction for the Axis line. The new adjustable strapping is a huge benefit to all goaltenders as it allows the customize the fit of this strap and allow it to be worn tighter than the previous versions of their upper calf strap. We have also found throughout the years that SpeedSkin was not the best material for the inner landing and feel that the stock JenPro option makes a significant improvement in the sliding of these pads. Lastly, the firmer IPR foam face and Lite-X-Core are two welcomed changes that make the Axis XF lighter and create even hotter rebounds than the MaxRebound foam from years past. 

FlexMotion Cuff and Backhand

The backhand and cuff areas of the Axis XF catcher have seen a redesign that prioritizes flexibility and mobility. The XF has a new FlexMotion cuff and backhand that aim to reduce the amount of resistance that the backhand puts on the glove. The result is a snappier closure that has a much better feel right out of the box.

Cross Form Strap

This improved strap system ensures that goaltenders can achieve optimal flexibility and comfort, crucial for maintaining peak performance during gameplay. The ability to fine-tune the fit of the Shadow catcher reflects Bauer's commitment to creating gear that meets the specific needs and preferences of goaltenders, enhancing their overall playing experience.

Finger Area

The fingertip area of the XF catcher utilizes a heat activated foam that allows for a customized fit locking the goaltenders fingers in place with the help of a new pinky and thumb loop in addition to the aforementioned Cross Form strap. Through the addition of the loops and some tweaks inside the glove, the XF feels far less loose than the Axis 2 and more securely attached to the hand throughout gameplay allowing the goaltender to get a better grip on the glove while closing it.

Foam and Protection

CCM carries their Lite-Core into the thumb and cuff of the XF catcher. This lightweight, injection molded one-piece cuff is stiff and protective. D3O is used throughout the palm area providing goalies with thin, lightweight impact protection. 

Closure

Perhaps the most important improvement across the Axis XF line is the glove closure. While the 591 break has been kept, CCM has made drastic improvements to the mechanics of the glove allowing for far easier closure. The glove now comes stock with index and pinky loops giving the goaltender a better grip on the glove and keeping the fingers in a more fixed position reducing the amount of finger slippage. The redesigned cuff and backhand also contribute to this easier closure as they are designed to cause less resistance force while the glove is closing. Lastly, the palm itself has been tweaked thanks to the use of some new materials that allow for a more streamlined feel than the previously chunky design of the Axis 2’s 591 break while providing equal protection. 

Lite-X-Core

The Axis XF blocker features the same Lite-X-Core seen on the new pads. This core is lighter and stiffer than previous Axis blockers providing more pop and power to rebounds. The board is also stiffer and more predicable than those previously seen. The centered position of the hand on the XF blocker gives a very balanced feel that centers the mass of the blocker on the hand.

Ergonomic Finger Protection

CCM uses an HD foam guard that is designed to wrap the fingers providing great protection without interfering with the stick. The index finger gets an extended version of the D3O padding that CCM blockers are known for. This extended piece covers nearly the whole index finger helping to protect from pucks that ride up the stick.

The XF uses a redesigned extra-stiff sidewall with a molded straight finger protector that is designed to be stronger helping improve coverage while the molded finger guard better protects the index finger from puck impacts.

FlexMotion Cuff

The FlexMotion cuff uses a wide, flared, and segmented design that helps reduce any interference between the sleeves of the chest protector and the blocker while also improving the range of motion in the wrist.

Pro Nash Palm

The XF features a soft, supple pro Nash palm with a layered design that aims to give the goaltender better stick feel and durability. This palm is far softer than the SureGrip palms that were previously seen on CCM blockers giving the XF a much more comfortable, richer feel on the hand without compromising grip on the stick. 

The Axis XF line is available in 3 distinct custom models; the Axis XF, XF Pro and XF All Out. The XF is for the goalie who likes the stock pad as is, wanting to make minimal changes other than opting for custom colours. The XF Pro is for the goalie who wants to the full range of custom options allowing them to dial in their specs. Lastly, the XF All Out offers the same level of customization as the XF Pro but opens the door to custom graphics through CCM’s new custom printing technology. 

All in all, the CCM Axis XF line makes some key changes that drastically improve the feel of this new Axis line. The XF pads are lighter, more agile, and feature poppier rebounds than before. Changes to the Quick Motion Strapping System make them more adjustable than ever allowing the goaltender to dial in their fit. The refinements made to the 591 closure on the XF catcher make it worthy of a second chance for all goalies who tried the first iteration of this break. This new version has much improved strapping, and a snappier feel that is sure to make a better impression on goaltenders than the original 591 from the Axis 2. A new palm, hand protection and blocker board make the XF blocker more responsive and give pucks a more consistent pop off the face.