easton synergy blue/black girdle ('10) > mako pants

[ulf 5]

made the switch for my son.

he started out in a eq30, which was a decent no frills pants w/ a good belt system. however he had a couple of mix ups and it was obvious that these pants didn't have enough protection in the right spots. so i found him some new mako pants on ebay for a great price..around $50. nice slim fitting pants w/ plenty of protection......but their integrated half belt was a nightmare. these pants just would not stay up, and you couldn't make them tighter.....shameful that not one review mentioned this.... we tried a lace, shell and a cargo belt., and while they helped, it wasn't the answer....it was a mess....this is a great pant ruined by a crappy half belt that you can only tighten a limited anount..

everything is tight w/ the synergy girdle, it doesn't come down and he's more fluid in it than the pants....the pads are strong and well placed. imo it isn't much lighter than the mako pants,but at least they stay up....i think this is a positive move...

[gosinger 122]

I just ordered one of those (price on clearance was OK), looking forward to comparing them to my TotalONE, my Projects and my Jofas (the 6k, not the 9k) :)

[ulf 5]

I just ordered one of those (price on clearance was OK), looking forward to comparing them to my TotalONE, my Projects and my Jofas (the 6k, not the 9k) :)

the stitching looks suspect around the outside part of the pads, but the pads are removeable and you can trim them...so it might be by design....the end pieces/ where the materials come sewn/together look meh as well .......don't know how they will hold up but he might outgrow them or destroy them playing 4 times a week....it will be interesting to see how they will hold up..i will keep everyone posted as these will be used a lot

[adam14 182]

A very underrated girdle, I like it more than my vapor xxxx

[gosinger 122]

Recently had a chance to try the Synergy girdle (roller, no ice available yet), and I have to say I really like them. The kidney protection is almost the same as on my Easton ST16V pants, which are built like tanks. I'd say more protective than the TotalONE (due to stronger tailbone / kidney / hip), but also a little bit heavier/bulkier.

This girdle model might be old, but there is a reason it is still available from Easton, great underrated girdle from what I can tell so far. My Warrior Projekts are now used for roller, with the TotalONE and the Synergy scheduled for ice-rotation :)

[nicktsigos 11]

I have one of these and love it. I had total ones (got stolen) and 9k (also stolen), I like the girdle its nice and tight, good padding and holding up really well

[Chadd 916]

the stitching looks suspect around the outside part of the pads,

That has been my experience with most girdles. Seams never hold up in the spandex type materials.

[icewalker_bg 126]

That has been my experience with most girdles. Seams never hold up in the spandex type materials.

Most probably the way you take care of your equipment. Never had issues with any spandex girdles. I still use the blue synergy and a one95 for many years with 0 issues.

[Chadd 916]

Most probably the way you take care of your equipment. Never had issues with any spandex girdles. I still use the blue synergy and a one95 for many years with 0 issues.

Actually, I take pretty good care of my gear. My Tackla 9000s are 10 years old, my elbow pads are even older. I've also seen the issue on girdles that don't belong to me, on most of the ones that I've seen.

[shooter27 116]

I had the synergy girdle for a short period a while back and the stitching started to come out in multiple spots after just two skates. The groin area started to separate and the stitching around some of the pads started coming undone and the pads dropped out. Store took them back as a warranty, bought a Total One and haven't looked back.

[icewalker_bg 126]

Actually, I take pretty good care of my gear. My Tackla 9000s are 10 years old, my elbow pads are even older. I've also seen the issue on girdles that don't belong to me, on most of the ones that I've seen.

I think most of it has to do with how you put it on, pull like crazy the stitching comes undone eventually. Learn how to put it on without excessive force, you will have less issues.

I had the synergy girdle for a short period a while back and the stitching started to come out in multiple spots after just two skates. The groin area started to separate and the stitching around some of the pads started coming undone and the pads dropped out. Store took them back as a warranty, bought a Total One and haven't looked back.

Might have to do with Easton and their quality control, but I have a 3 year old synergy and its been very good.

[Stewie 721]

I used to always wear girdles, but that was years ago. back then, I always had issue with my stitchings, and it wasnt excessive force. Luckily my mom would fix them up for me, and when she did it would usually last longer than the original stitchings. I dont know what she did or what she used. Now my mom lives a 10 hour drive away, so I have been hesitant to give them another go around. Convential thinking would be that they have improved the stitching in the last 15 years, however as ive seen in other products, thats not always (usually) the case.

[gosinger 122]

I recently had stitches come undone on my Projekts, the ones that attached the hip pads to the spandex. I then paid attention on how I pull the girdle up, and it was by holding onto those pads. Just re-did the stitches with my speedy stitches, no problems ever since. Regarding stitches connecting spandex-to-spandex I don't have first-hand experience, but it should work; on my TotalONE I simply added some fabric on the back to re-enforce the new stitches.