CCM Eflex 5 Chest Protector
For 2021, the E-Flex chest protector line sees its third refresh with a number of new features and design changes making it one of the best chest guards for goalies looking for the best mobility possible without sacrificing coverage.
Coverage
While the E-Flex line is meant to be the more mobility focused line compared to the Axis, the E-Flex 5 does not sacrifice any coverage. With a pair of wide shoulder floaters and boxy squared off arms, the shape is very similar to that of the Shield 2 which was a favorite among goalies who want a full range of motion.
Max Flex Fit
The biggest change between the E-Flex 5 and its predecessor is the new Max Flex fit system CCM introduced. To put it simply, when designing this unit CCM prioritized mobility in every part, making for one of the most mobile chests right off the shelf. When you throw the E-Flex 5 chest on it feels comfortable and it moves with you right off the bat rather than fighting your movements.
Arms
CCM kept their ultra flexible compression molded Zote HD foam construction that provides great protection and coverage. The arms on the E-Flex 5 do a great job of fully wrapping around to offer superior protection from those shots that seem to find holes in the padding of other units. The elbow floaters are now completely adjustable through two velcro straps allowing them to sit closer to the arms or be looser depending on how the goalie wants to wear them.
The arms on the Shield 2 were one thing that I was a big fan of. They were super mobile while also feeling boxy and protective. Despite not being quite as bulletproof as the composites other manufacturers use in their arms, the molded Zote padding that CCM uses holds up to shots and abuse very well. The benefit of using a traditional foam in the arms rather than a composite is that you don’t risk a hard unpredictable rebound from shots which is a big advantage when you want to simply smother the puck and kill the play over popping out an unforced rebound.
Body
The main focus of the E-Flex 5 chest is protection that moves with you. To accomplish that goal, the chest of the unit is made using a segmented HD/LD foam construction that flexes and bends with your body. In the ribs area, there’s a ventilated dual-layer padding that’s removable for those who want the unit to sit closer to the body.
There is a large molded D3O block in the sternum that both absorbs impact and deadens rebounds making them easy to smother and cover. D3O padding also shows up in the collar bone/ shoulder area for those shots that sneak up underneath the large floaters.
Adjustability
As with all CCM chest guards, the E-Flex 5 is extremely adjustable. It uses velcro to attach the arms and features both a collar height and a separate shoulder floater height adjustment enabling goalies to really dial in their fit.
Final Thoughts
With the updates the E-Flex 5 chest received, such as an updated sternum guard, shoulder wings, fit system, and arms; it brings an improved level of protection to the mobile feel that the Shield 2 had.
Reviewed By: Cedric Hastings
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