Designed by Impakt Protective, the Shockbox takes on one of the most challenging aspects of the game today: concussions. The question is, “as a trainer, coach or parent – how do you know when a player has suffered a concussion?” The Shockbox is the answer.
The Shockbox fits onto the top of the helmet through high bonding adhesive tape. Following impact, Shockbox Sensor measures the force of the impact and sends the data immediately via Bluetooth to a connected smartphone. The software then displays a visual analysis of the impact including the probability that an injury occurred. From this data, trainers, coaches and parents can accurately judge the severity of a hit and if necessary, adhere to concussion protocols.
Shockbox Software
The Shockbox software is simple to use and can be downloaded directly from App stores (Android/Blackberry/iPhone). It allows for up to 128 sensors to be programmed into one phone so that a trainer or coach can keep an eye on all their players from a single location. The software records the impact date, time, hit direction and force, and maintains a data history for each player. This is very useful in making informed decisions for players who may be at risk of receiving a concussion. Each visual alert also includes a color coded chart which shows the probability of injury.
Shockbox Specifications
–The Shock box will be available in August, 2012 atInline & Ice Warehouse (www.inlinewarehouse.com & www.icewarehouse.com). Suggested retail is $149.99
I got a chance to talk with Warrior’s Hockey Product Manager, Keith Perera, about Warrior’s first line of goalie gear. They will be coming out with two product lines called the Messiah and the Swagger. Warrior has put a lot of effort into their goalie line knowing that they really have one shot to prove to goalies that they belong in the market.
Although Warrior is new to the goalie market, they have a lot of expertise in the field. Their design team has past experience with other elite goalie companies including Eagle and Vaughn, and they have had many elite level goalies testing their products to give feedback. Warrior is ready to be a contender in the goalie market.
The Messiah line, which is Warrior’s pro level line will be available through IW by request only, but IW will be carrying the Swagger line.
Swagger Leg Pads
The Swagger leg pads have an inner foam core that uses Zotefoam™ components, which is going to provide a lot of protection that will not compress over time. To provide a high level of durability Warrior has used some sublimated Tuff Tech material. In addition to the durability, the Tuff Tech material doesn’t retain water which helps maintain a super lightweight feel. On the back side of the pad, Warrior has used a Nash leather in the leg channel to help with durability as well as provide a comfortable fit. On the inner side of the pad, Warrior has used a strip of HD foam which allows the pad to lay flush on the rink as well as hold its shape over time. With all the technology that has gone into this pad, it is perfect for a butterfly style goalie because the pad uses the players body weight to keep the pad from rotating when on the rink. These pads have an estimated retail price of $649.99
Swagger Catch Glove
The Swagger catch glove will provide an elite level of protection with a quick break-in design, which means the glove is game-ready right out the package. The glove uses a Clarino synthetic leather liner to provide a comfortable fit as well as an Antimicrobial V-Tek™ liner to wick away moisture. The Swagger catch glove offers a large thumb box with an adjustable strap to allow for a more customizable fit and full thumb protection. The Swagger catcher uses multi-flex backhand protection to provide full coverage of the hand. The estimated retail price of the Swagger catch glove is $199.99.
Swagger Blocker
The Swagger blocker uses a flared design at the top and bottom of the blocker to allow for easier rebound control and an improved paddle-down position. This blocker offers an adjustable side board for maximum surface coverage while still staying within sizing regulations. Warrior uses a backhand saddle design on this blocker to reduce rotation on the hand and provide optimum positioning. The Swagger blocker uses a 3-D mesh in the fingers for breathability as well as an antimicrobial V-Tek™ liner to help wick away moisture. The palm of the Swagger blocker features a padded Smart Palm which dampens vibration impact as well allow for a firm grip of the stick. This blocker’s estimated retail price is $149.99.
The Swagger goal pants use molded Zotefoam™ which allows for less foam to be used because the Zotefoam™ is so durable and strong. This smaller amount of foam allows for the pants to be more form fitting which makes the pants feel very lightweight. The Swagger goal pants use a high-strength poly-weave material in the high impact areas for added durability. Warrior has used the same antimicrobial V-Teck™ liner as the catch glove and blocker which wicks moisture away from the body. These pants use a stretchable mesh in the inner leg as well as the back side for added flexibility. The Swagger goal pants use a 420-denier nylon shell to provide a high level of durability. The Swagger goal pants have an estimated retail price of $139.99.
After seeing all of Warrior’s advancements in the player market, it is great to see them jumping into the goalie market. Look for the Warrior goalie line here at Inline Warehouse and Ice Warehouse.
Easton has done it again producing yet another top of the line stick. The Easton ST stick recently arrived here at IW, many have already been shipped out to some lucky saps.
The ST stick is the power stick in the Easton line. This workhorse has been given thicker shaft walls for increase strength and power. The ST stick uses a compression molding process delivering a smooth consistent flex, which offers exceptional power. This is the same molding process Easton has been using for a little while on their advanced level sticks.
Similar to the other top sticks from Easton, the ST features a Kevlar wrap. I really like seeing the Kevlar wraps on sticks. It offers some additional protection by adding that layer of woven textile around the outside of the stick. Being that it is a woven material it also helps reduce vibrations in the stick giving it a great solid feel.
The “call-out” new feature on the ST stick is the Shox™ technology. This is a Resin Transfer process in the blade. This process results in some unique blade characteristics. As a result of this process the ST stick offers a solid blade feel, and giving you a little help in corralling hard passes. It has a denser feel, making a little more of a “thud” sound. It doesn’t do all the work in receiving passes but has a nice feel.
As far as graphics goes I’d say it is probably the best looking stick in the Easton line. The ST stick comes with a sweet matte gray finish. The grip version has almost a transparent dark orange top layer. Both version you can somewhat see the combination of Kevlar and carbon beneath.
All and all the ST stick is great addition to the Easton stick line. Once again Easton has continued to innovate and progress the hockey stick market.