CCM E4.9 & E4.5 Leg Pad Review
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Written By: Jonothan Holloway.
CCM has released the 4th Extreme Flex pad series, with the new E4.9 as their performance pad and the new E4.5 for recreational goalies. The new pad brings incredible improvements, increasing the competition in the performance pad market. With Velcro strapping, Speedskin and their new flexible toe string system, the E4.9 and E4.5 aren’t here to disappoint.
Weight
Weight was a major concern when designing this line, CCM was looking to catch up to the competition and make a light pad that has fantastic performance and won’t break down quickly. CCM not only used lighter materials but also re-evaluated the balance of the pad. This was accomplished by thinning out the thigh rise portion of the pad to create a more balanced pad that feels lighter to use.
Dualitecore
Internally, CCM added in their new Dualitecore technology using lightweight materials on the interior of their pad. Though cutting weight was a major point for CCM, it is equally important to not cut quality. CCM’s new Dualitecore maintains the durability of the pad while being lighter. This is important because many people like the solidarity of their E-flex pads, especially when their in the butterfly. Stiffer foam has been added to the thighrise, preventing the pad from shrinking, while keeping soft, flexible foam in the boot and shin, keeping the traditional Eflex feel. The stiffer thighrise seals the five-hole while the flexible boot and shin allow you to move quickly and efficiently. The Dualitecore is a promising move by CCM, allowing the E4.9 and E4.5 to perform at top levels without breaking the bank.
Torsional Flex
The new Dualitecore wasn’t only designed to be light and strong, CCM is using the core to improve the pads performance by tweaking the torsional flex to be better. Torsional flex allows the pad to bend/twist when in the butterfly, promote more of a seal to the ice. By encouraging the pad to twist, the core prevents areas of your pads being lifted off the ice when you’re down.
Boot
The 90-degree deep ultra soft boot allows for tons of mobility and reactive play, essential for playing outside of your crease and moving to puck in a hurry.
Straps
Another long awaited feature that will satisfy CCM fans far and wide is new strapping system. Finally CCM has gone away with buckles and released an all Velcro pad, this was expected after the Premier 2 pads had no buckles, but now it is a reality. The new Quick Motion strapping system is very similar to that of the Premier 2, with a few adjustments. The first strap is a typical around the knee or upper calf strap depending on how you prefer to wear it.
My favorite feature of the strapping is that you no longer need to pick between the medium and large strap around the calf as the Eflex 4 now has a fully adjustable strap so you can wear it at your preferred length. The flap that the Velcro attaches to has been narrowed allowing for a more connected and responsive feel. The wide nylon strap that wraps around the exterior acts as a seatbelt to keep the pad secure and tight for the reactive feel. This strap is designed to keep the pad positioned well and prevent any over-rotation when getting out of the butterfly. A nice addition to the straps are the rubber tabs to help pull the Velcro apart, increasing the Velcro longevity as well as being more convenient for unstrapping.
Toe Ties
The unofficial boycott the skate lace movement has begun this year, with more and more pads switching from traditional skate lace toe ties to newer bungee styles for a reactive feel with the tension needed from a skate lace. CCM has introduced their flexible toe string system that loops through the holder and meets on top of the boot with Velcro. This system is very similar to what was seen on the P2.5 junior pads except now they have been made to withstand elite and pro level play. This system offers the perfect medium for goalies who like their pad tight to their skate but also want the freedom that came when you used to tie knots in the lace to create separation.
Face
The face of the pad remains similar to the previous Eflex models, consisting of soft foams to absorb the shot and keep rebounds in tight so you can always be in control and stop the play. This is created by mixing in soft low density foams on the face to deaden the pucks and easily control rebounds. I was very impressed with this because in my experience trying these out, I didn’t have any of the awkward 6 foot rebounds popping out that I’ve experienced on other soft face pad in my past.
Graphic
The graphic on the pad, as always, is impressive. CCM also puts out nice designs to make sure you aren’t only playing good, but you’re looking good too. Offered in many styles and color options, you’re guaranteed to find the style you want.
E4.5
The E4.5 mixes in all the features that we’ve talked about making it a perfect pad for beginners and those that are only playing a few times a week. CCM wanted to work on improving all of their lines, rather than just the pro, making it easier for people to get a well performing pad without having to fork over an arm and a leg. The main difference aside from longevity and durability is that the Speedskin is a slightly lower grade and the knee raiser uses nylon and PE foam rather than 3D grip. The E4.5 is looking to make goaltending more affordable without sacrificing new features or performance bonuses.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, both the E4.9 and 4.5 look to bridge the gap between pro models and their lower level siblings. Both pads made great improvements this year, in hopes of capturing more of the goalie world and provide new technology to everybody rather than just giving the pros the perks. With the new strapping system, stronger core and new bungee lace design, there’s no doubt CCM will prove itself to be a top brand choice for any level goalie this year.
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