My optik2 set, 31+1 (6.5"boot) max core, coming from gnetik4 and previously v2, I can say I love this set. I thought I wanted a more traditional style pad when acquiring the gnetik4, but the transition was very difficult. I went full on into the optik 2, minimal mods, and I have to say after about 4 games I love the set. The only exception is I like the gnketik4 glove more. The finger stalls between the pinky and ring finger are too short that cause pain, I have an intermediate palm. Might not be fully broken in mind you. I've always been used to very soft rebounds, but in the few games I've played, I've had rebounds flying right out into neutral or boards like I've never seen before.
I agree that so far I like the Gnetik IV glove more, I think it is my favourite. I would send your Optik glove back if you are having issues with the finger stalls! Probably a fairly easy fix for them. Now imagine how far those rebounds would be going if you were wearing Bauer pads ;) How do you find the shin stiffness of the Optik 2 compared to the GNetik IV?
I recently tried on the GNetik IV and the Optik 2. The GNetik IV is very similar to a 590. The Optik 2 was nothing like a 590. I'm coming from a CCM 590.
By the way for anyone curious re: 5:55 of the video, I have custom Optik 2 set and the material on the face is standard jenpro, and I have also experienced the minimal wear at the inside corner, it isn't unique to matte material. I'm about 6-10 skates in (tbh can't remember LOL) with the Optik set and the wear hasn't gotten much worse after the first 2 or 3 skates. They've otherwise held up very well but for the money they shouldn't show signs of wear so soon anyways, so other than the negligible wear at the corner, am quite satisfied. Don't take that wear as a sign that they aren't durable.
Want to update this comment after a year of ownership, Optik 2 set still holding up great however that wear at the top of the pad has gotten steadily worse. I was told that it is not covered under warranty because it is expected wear. Which is absolute bullshit and unacceptable.
one idea for showing off the pads better, would be to take some "B-Roll" and cut that in in editing. Check out any watch review for what I'm talking about.
I like Brian's stuff but their leg channel isn't for me I think. I really like the SLRs but that graphic is so boring. I'm seriously considering a set of Warrior G5, I kinda miss my GT's. I think with a +2 thigh rise and being able to give them a bit more S curve, they'd be perfect.
Thank you for your hard work on these videos, it's always appreciated! Just today I've received my custom Optik 2 full set. Haven't yet had my first ice session with them however i did try them on with skates (as they are sized smaller than my previous pads, a Gnetik gen 1 38+1 and these guys are 36+1.5). My skates are True Custom skates I believe they're the two piece, whatever the cheaper one is between the two and one piece. And the elastic toes of the Optik (the smart cord or whatever they call it) don't fit through the toe of my skates... Like, not at all. The knot in the back of the velcro that keeps the elastic from coming through the eyelet is too bulky to be pushed through, I'm afraid forcing them through will degrade the material (and I'm not even positive if forcing them through will succeed). I was wondering how you guys would approach this? Is it safe/common to remove the toe elastic altogether? Should I just invest in a 3rd party option? So anyways I hope you see this and can help out!
I swapped my Brian's smart toe with a Kenesky one just because the cord is thicker and more durable. But in the past, the Brian's smart toe had a sandwich like system (like this www.thehockeyshop.com/products/strap-brians-smartcord-toe) and I just shoved it through. I had the 2 piece (so white plastic holder) on my Trues.
@@HockeyReviews Thanks for your quick reply! I've heard a lot of good things about Kenesky, I'll look into that. I wish TRUE could make that front hole in the 2-piece skate just a LITTLE bigger! Even the velcro toes I installed on my gen 1 Gnetiks had a tough time squeezing through. I get that they want to use the same holder for player and goalie skates but I feel like even just a 5% increase in size would suffice.
@@HockeyReviews hindsight is 2020... brians smart toe snapped on me during my third skate, but already had the kennesky ordered by coincidence. So far they are working very well, thanks again for the reco
Vaughn is well built gear. How ever it all depends if you like your pads stiff or not. SLR set is stiff but they have a soft boot. I have a v7 rx set. It’s been great to me. They are stiff at the top in most Vaughn sets. However it all depends how you like for your game. I love how the blockers feel. The Vaughn rx glove a good glove.
My optik2 set, 31+1 (6.5"boot) max core, coming from gnetik4 and previously v2, I can say I love this set. I thought I wanted a more traditional style pad when acquiring the gnetik4, but the transition was very difficult. I went full on into the optik 2, minimal mods, and I have to say after about 4 games I love the set. The only exception is I like the gnketik4 glove more. The finger stalls between the pinky and ring finger are too short that cause pain, I have an intermediate palm. Might not be fully broken in mind you. I've always been used to very soft rebounds, but in the few games I've played, I've had rebounds flying right out into neutral or boards like I've never seen before.
I agree that so far I like the Gnetik IV glove more, I think it is my favourite. I would send your Optik glove back if you are having issues with the finger stalls! Probably a fairly easy fix for them.
Now imagine how far those rebounds would be going if you were wearing Bauer pads ;)
How do you find the shin stiffness of the Optik 2 compared to the GNetik IV?
I recently tried on the GNetik IV and the Optik 2. The GNetik IV is very similar to a 590. The Optik 2 was nothing like a 590. I'm coming from a CCM 590.
I totally agree, Optik 2 feels like a 600 for me
By the way for anyone curious re: 5:55 of the video, I have custom Optik 2 set and the material on the face is standard jenpro, and I have also experienced the minimal wear at the inside corner, it isn't unique to matte material. I'm about 6-10 skates in (tbh can't remember LOL) with the Optik set and the wear hasn't gotten much worse after the first 2 or 3 skates. They've otherwise held up very well but for the money they shouldn't show signs of wear so soon anyways, so other than the negligible wear at the corner, am quite satisfied. Don't take that wear as a sign that they aren't durable.
Want to update this comment after a year of ownership, Optik 2 set still holding up great however that wear at the top of the pad has gotten steadily worse. I was told that it is not covered under warranty because it is expected wear. Which is absolute bullshit and unacceptable.
one idea for showing off the pads better, would be to take some "B-Roll" and cut that in in editing. Check out any watch review for what I'm talking about.
I like Brian's stuff but their leg channel isn't for me I think. I really like the SLRs but that graphic is so boring. I'm seriously considering a set of Warrior G5, I kinda miss my GT's. I think with a +2 thigh rise and being able to give them a bit more S curve, they'd be perfect.
Nice set. I could never catch with a Genetik. I have owned 2 and it was a nightmare but oddly enough i am right at home with a 580 Break
Did you try a GNetik IV glove? I hated all of the previous Brian's gloves until the Optik 1 and GNetik IV.
Thank you for your hard work on these videos, it's always appreciated! Just today I've received my custom Optik 2 full set. Haven't yet had my first ice session with them however i did try them on
with skates (as they are sized smaller than my previous pads, a Gnetik gen 1 38+1 and these guys are 36+1.5). My skates are True Custom skates I believe they're the two piece, whatever the cheaper one is between the two and one piece. And the elastic toes of the Optik (the smart cord or whatever they call it) don't fit through the toe of my skates... Like, not at all. The knot in the back of the velcro that keeps the elastic from coming through the eyelet is too bulky to be pushed through, I'm afraid forcing them through will degrade the material (and I'm not even positive if forcing them through will succeed). I was wondering how you guys would approach this? Is it safe/common to remove the toe elastic altogether? Should I just invest in a 3rd party option? So anyways I hope you see this and can help out!
I swapped my Brian's smart toe with a Kenesky one just because the cord is thicker and more durable. But in the past, the Brian's smart toe had a sandwich like system (like this www.thehockeyshop.com/products/strap-brians-smartcord-toe) and I just shoved it through. I had the 2 piece (so white plastic holder) on my Trues.
@@HockeyReviews Thanks for your quick reply! I've heard a lot of good things about Kenesky, I'll look into that. I wish TRUE could make that front hole in the 2-piece skate just a LITTLE bigger! Even the velcro toes I installed on my gen 1 Gnetiks had a tough time squeezing through. I get that they want to use the same holder for player and goalie skates but I feel like even just a 5% increase in size would suffice.
@@HockeyReviews hindsight is 2020... brians smart toe snapped on me during my third skate, but already had the kennesky ordered by coincidence. So far they are working very well, thanks again for the reco
@@CityStomperMedia hope they continue to work for you! My 2 sets have been going strong for over a year each!
What size do you recommend, currently using ccm premier 2 34 +2. Do you feel brians run taller? Or is the size chart spot on
I found their chart to be correct. I had 35+2 premier 2 and they lined up with 36+1 Optik
Interesting, mine came out to 33 +1. Maybe I'll get 33 +2
@@holic6969 + 1 Brian's is equal to + 2 CCM so...
Ahh did not know that. Thank you!
@@HockeyReviewsoh sweet
how’s the boot softness. u mention the pads as a whole being stiff does that go for the boot as well ?
Boot is stock what I'd consider "medium" stiffness. It isn't crazy soft like an EFlex but it isn't fused either.
Hockey Reviews thanks bro keep the vids coming
do you sell goalkeeper shields after?
shields as in pads? I sold my Optik 1 to pay for these
What do you think about vaughn?
I've reviewed the SLR 2 and VE8 before, I suggest you check those out!
Vaughn is well built gear. How ever it all depends if you like your pads stiff or not. SLR set is stiff but they have a soft boot. I have a v7 rx set. It’s been great to me. They are stiff at the top in most Vaughn sets. However it all depends how you like for your game. I love how the blockers feel. The Vaughn rx glove a good glove.