Vaughn Velocity V9 Pro Carbon hockey goalie chest & arm protector Snap Shot review

Sorry about the weird audio issues... phone has been acting up lately. Re-filmed what I could!
Check out my other Snap Shot reviews on the Vaughn V9 series here:
Vaughn V9 Pro Carbon Pads: • The ultimate soft pad....
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Equipment Used:
Mask: Protechsport Theodore Mold
Chest: Vaughn Velocity V9 Pro Carbon
Camera: Samsung Galaxy S10
Microphone: Robe Videomic GO

[@moorecha]

I generally know that if you don't like it, it'll work for me. I have never agreed once with your reviews. That's fine, to each their own, but your fear of feeling the puck is a bit pathetic.

[@HockeyReviews]

Sweet feedback man! It's super clear based on all of these other comments here than I am a moron and know nothing!

[@moorecha]

@@HockeyReviews Ok, that comment was unnecessarily harsh and unconstructive, so I apologize. It came from a frustration that you review equipment that going in you know isn't your style and then critique it for being a different style. To me, the new C/As are way too large and bulky and the options for a mobile c/a are already dwindling. So seeing a review from someone who prefers a bulky blocking style say it isn't protective enough is predictable and might exacerbate the lack of options for people who prefer a mobile light option. Your statement that "you play with men" so you need special equipment came off as condensing and a bit of a joke. From the videos I've seen, you play decent beer league hockey. No different than anywhere else I've played. Of course a few guys can shoot. But the fact is that you prefer a super high level of protection. Again apologies for the original unproductive comment, I do appreciate an opposite viewpoint and the videos generally. Cheers Matt.

[@HockeyReviews]

I don't understand where "you like a blocking C/A" is coming from... Both of the chest I own were either NHL or are now NHL legal and basically the slimmer version on the market. I have 0 preferences in chests besides knowing I don't want to have to buy a padded baselayer to make the arms useable. Which every other comment on this video is basically agreeing with me. Hockey has a problem with people accepting mediocrity instead of wanting better and pushing for more. It's pretty clear in these comments Vaughn makes a desirable product with significant flaws that could easily be addressed putting their beefed arms on the retail units. The "play with men" comment is coming from the number of teenagers that constantly say "I play AAA (or AA or highschool)" and comment that the protection is fine. The difference between a 22 year old and a 15 year old on strength is significant. Even garbage adult skaters like myself shoot considerably harder than the high school kids.

[@bradmclean2817]

I actually though this was an excellent review because he acknowledged that people have different goals for their unit. I know that a broken in Vaughn is going to have unmatched mobility and will take some bruises. I’m fine with that but not all will be.

[@bradmclean2817]

My issue is more with the E level guys paying $850 for a pro pack or Brown when they clearly don’t need. Only getting hurt because they are facing wrong way half the time!

[@lmulaire]

I love my Vaughn chest protector but the arms are the one weak point with it. Any hard shots directly to the biceps will result in a bruise.

[@schafer240]

Thanks for the honest review. I'm long over due for an chesty and was looking at the v9 carbon but now I'm going to look at the slr

[@HockeyReviews]

You can still look at the V9, some stores do beefed up versions where the arms are considerably better than what the stock units are. Just Hockey has a bunch at their store and the arms seemed solid on those.

[@schafer240]

@@HockeyReviews Awesome thanks

[@thebignewfie]

I had a stock V6 bought retail and I was getting hurt in the arms. I called Vaughn and they said their retail chest is not as protective as a what they sell to their pros. I was disappointed to hear that. Sold it right away and moved on.

[@HockeyReviews]

That is what I always assumed as well and why there is specific store versions that beef them up. Pretty disappointing when the chest costs $720 in my eyes.

[@binks321]

Almost all companies do this....

[@HockeyReviews]

Not many companies have to sell specific store spec options to beef up the protection... but Vaughn does basically every year.

[@gboon31]

My current chesty is a V7 and everything you said about the arms is true. I have taken some nasty bruises on my forearms. That being said it is mobile and the body is good.

[@HockeyReviews]

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@robanthes1308]

V8 carbon is the coolest unit I have worn. I go over pants so i get a bit more air. I am liking the new velcro vs older buckles. The upper arm looks good but I would say the padding isnt up to par. I know you can custom order with extra padding. My v8 is ok, I dont really get arm stingers that often but when I do my arm can go dead for a few seconds. Those stretchy zones under the elbow cap and in the shoulder is that way on the v8 and if you catch a puck there..... yikes. I think they designed it that way with the intention that your using a padded shirt under the unit

[@HockeyReviews]

I personally feel like $720 for the top unit chest shouldn't require a padded undershirt to make it wearable... Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@02dpoirier]

I've been wearing a V6 pro carbon chest for the past few years and agree with your take on the arms. They held up for the first year but now they're complete mush. Pucks do die in it but I definitely get bruises and sometimes shots roll over the arms too.

[@cartermacewen3086]

Only thing I don’t like Vaughn for is the lack of protection on the arms for their stock pro carbons chests. Kinda frustrating how after years of complaints they can’t fix it. My THS Spec VE8 is overall great, still get a few minor stingers in the arms but nothing like the stock chests I’m sure.

[@kd-pt1zy]

I have worn Vaughn chest protector and currently in a v7. It’s a great chesty. I do get hit in awkward spots in the arms. Other then that. I have never had an issue. I do agree if guys were slapping the puck hard. You are going to feel the next if it hits you weird. I did that test on a new Bauer supreme one100 that got for a steal and had no issues.

[@davidhodge2354]

This is why I won’t buy a Vaughn or any retail unit. They market them as pro spec but they’re not what the pros wear. To pay that amount and feel shots in the arms is not acceptable. I could understand if they were broken down after years of use but new out of the box units shouldn’t have that issue. Brown, Passau, or Kenesky are the only units I’d consider.

[@robanthes1308]

I have two pairs of custom ordered slr2 carbon pants from vaughn. Both cost me extra $35 for dual layer carbon on the hip flex padding. The single on retail will bruise my legs if i take a decent shot to it. Again Kinda silly that I have to custom order gear and wait like 2 months for it to have proper protection, and i only play beer league. Same point as the arms for pro retail. Your charging $700 for the unit, F'en put another layer of padding as the single layer carbon isnt dense enough.

[@JAvellino669]

Damn. Vaughn made a big deal about the new arms, and while the adjustability is nice, they didn't seem to increase protection. I did miss the jersey-on coverage footage from your other chest protector reviews, though!

[@HockeyReviews]

Coming in a different video! I wanted to split that out so it can be put in a easy to watch playlist.

[@edwardchung7544]

No need to apologize for having an opinion Matt. If you don't think you'll feel comfortable wearing a piece of equipment on the ice... well that's part of the review process. The majority of us knows you have played a lot of hockey and know you need to look out for yourself for your opponents level of play.

[@vincebauerle5942]

Funny you showed all this. THS stopped making the PRO THS Spec this year on this unit. They told me that it doesn't need it with the new arms and new design... Interesting. Thanks for the review....it certainly changed my mind. I have a Kenesky like you, but always had beefed up Vaughns also. Was thinking of trying the retail version since they told me all this... don't think I will be now.

[@HockeyReviews]

I obviously didn't use this on ice, but from my test you could feel everything on the elbow floaters and the forearm... The difference between the Kenesky compared to this was a huge margin.

[@vincebauerle5942]

@@HockeyReviews I actually did get the retail version and sent it back. The arms are as you said, I agree. Shame. I'll have to order custom again, I suppose.

[@adrianvogeli6837]

Vaughn are the best chest protectors but..... you need the beefup versions. I still wears a v6 2000 beefup chesty and its amazing! Never evar had one stinger. I play in the swiss second league. So l get hard shots.

[@MrX-fj9cl]

Can't find a Review about the slr2 pro Carbon c/a. Its beefed mich more on the arms. I changed from the Velocity Series to the SLR2 pro Carbon and Does the right decision going with it. Review bout it would be great.

[@HockeyReviews]

At this point I feel like reviewing an SLR2 would be pointless as it's A) too far in its lifecycle and B) people will just say I'm wrong and Vaughn told them they beefed the arms

[@MrX-fj9cl]

@@HockeyReviews okay thank you Buddy. I'm Waitin for the slr3 and your Review ;-) greetings from Germany.

[@Jason-zc9on]

@@HockeyReviews just came across this review, good stuff. I’m looking for a new chesty and like the feel of this V9. But I have some concern about the padding on upper arm/ bicep, and specifically the mesh on the upper arm where the Velcro attaches. The SLR arms seem much more protective and we’re pretty flexible… actually I might ask Vaughn if I could get a V9 with SLR2 arms

[@laquintana7]

I’ve been starting my research on different chesties because I am currently in an intermediate size (I’m short), and as I have progressed, I am starting to feel a lot more shots and get more bruising as the players I’m facing have way harder shots in beer league (currently in mid C level both as a goalie and as a skater). This was one of the ones I started looking at. Based on your experience, what other option should I go towards? Mobility is super important to me because I have to move more, I feel, cause of my size. I am currently in a warrior rg5 intermediate large and I think I a senior small is feasible. Thoughts/advice?

[@HockeyReviews]

I think if you went to a senior small in a pro level chest, anything would be a big upgrade over the intermediate you are currently in. Vaughns are generally pretty mobile, but protection is usually lacking in their base form. Newer Bauer have been pretty solid.

[@laquintana7]

Awesome, thanks for the reply. I’ll have to check out a few at the local shop. I have a similar issue with leg pads since I’m in intermediate (30” +1) but miss out on the .5-1” width difference between int and sr leg pads although protection wise I don’t feel any concerns as of yet.

[@sebastiensabourin4632]

A bit of a late comment/question, but I've been using the vaughn ventus lt90 since 2013 and I'm overdue for a new one. How do the arms compare in terms of protection?I've had quite a bit of stingers with the ventus but its also an older product

[@HockeyReviews]

From what people have told me, the retail Vaughn arms haven't change much in terms of protection. You have to search for a beefed version or go custom and order more protective arms.

[@sebastiensabourin4632]

@@HockeyReviews thanks for the reply man keep up the solid work !!

[@HockeyReviews]

[@salman13]

Why not try it in the "THS ( the hockey shop) spec?

[@HockeyReviews]

From what I saw there was no THS spec for the V9. I am also not local to THS so I can't just go and grab one to take a look at. I would have to buy it outright and currently a retail chest isn't a purchase I will make in the near future.

[@donovansmith4341]

You can get an nhl package for an extra fee, costs about as much as a Russian spec brown. I have both and the vaughn is actually more protective in certain areas... I find the brown arms completely ridiculous, especially if you like playing the puck.

[@oscarlevin5952]

What is the best chest protector you'd recommend for a student athlete for college hockey that can shoot pretty hard and accurate whether it's Brown or any other chesty?

[@HockeyReviews]

Brown is the ultimate in protection but you sacrifice extra weight and mobility going with them. If you want a chest that will last longer than anything else Brown is a solid way to go. If you want a mix between mobility and protection you can get beefed Brians, Vaughn, and Bauer chests now. You have to order custom and get NHL beef to them and they are considerably thicker than the retail units. Although custom for those will take a while, Brown custom is usually a few weeks turnaround at most.

[@oscarlevin5952]

@@HockeyReviews yea I’m definitely not interested in waiting for too long with the gear when I’m looking for off season training in a few weeks/month depending on schedule. I haven’t seen Brown in real life so I’ll just have to see it myself. If the extra weight means like a pound, then it’s probably something I wouldn’t have noticed.

[@HockeyReviews]

@@oscarlevin5952 It is definitely more than a pound. It is totally noticeable and runs hot while playing. So much so that while it works well for me, I have searched for other options to see if I could get a better mix. Unfortunately Kenesky was not the solution and I haven't personally tried out the beefed Bauer, Vaughn, Brian's units. Brown is simply the best in turn around time and for longevity of their chests, but you do sacrifice in other places that is for sure.

[@oscarlevin5952]

@@HockeyReviews nice. To be honest, I can deal with heavier chest protectors, as long as it can absorb rebound control. Like if the pucks every now and then hits the chest and doesn’t pop out like if it was a rebound chance, then that’s great, I wouldn’t mind that. I don’t know if that’s the scenario or I’m way off of that and it shows some consistency of rebound issues.

[@CyGally]

great review 💪🏻👍🏻

[@HockeyReviews]

Thanks! 👍

[@reckrab]

I got some wicked bruising on my arms so sent my V8 out to Factorymad.com and for $105 they beefed up the front side of the arms with padding in the forearm and bicep area where needed. Haven't been able to play with it yet but I'm sure it will be adequate when the 250 lbs guys start blasting their heavy slap shots from the point. They did nice professional work and it only took a couple of weeks with shipping.

[@HockeyReviews]

I feel like you shouldn't have to spend $150 (assuming USD) on top of your $720 Canadian chest to make it adequate...

[@reckrab]

@@HockeyReviews Oh, no doubt! If you are looking at buying this unit I would recommend against it! But when you already own it your options are limited. I would never resell it to another goalie without being honest about it's shortfalls and that would not make for a great sales pitch! LOL I only mentioned the arm reinforcement option in case other people reading this are stuck with it like I was. And I feel like now that it's been beefed up it,s a pretty decent unit.

[@Bateman61405]

Just tried this out on the ice last night. I was excited but I have to say, I don’t like it. I’m 5’ 7.25” 185lbs. I have warrior g4 senior glove/blocker and a Bauer 930 helmet. I had the arms all the way up to give as much wrist exposure as possible for my glove and blocker to fit and have mobility, but I just couldn’t get it to feel right. It feels really bulky to me and the arms are too long for me even with a small. The shoulders are really big/intrusive as well. Turning my head with my helmet was way too annoying for me. I felt like my neck was messed up cause of how awkward/bulky it felt. It was a struggle to even put my helmet on/off I ordered the bauer hyperlite and ultrasonic to try out. We’ll see how it goes. Sad to say I was disappointed with this one. It’s apparently one of the best retail units you can buy. If your not comfortable/mobile, you can’t skate. If you can’t skate you can’t play well. Hopefully I find one that I like. I’m using the bauer S29 now so I was looking to step it up.

[@danieltonon1245]

I’m thinking of cutting parts of the floater off so my helmet can move better.

[@irbe2091]

Fix the arms Vaughn! Till then I'm looking elsewhere. They been doing this for years. Pro spec my ass and for what they charge . Get out of here.

[@alexgreychuck7605]

is it tuckable?

[@HockeyReviews]

Depends on the pants more than the chest IMO.

[@deekay9663]

It looks really protective GREAT VIDEO 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@HockeyReviews]

What video did you watch 😂

[@raketao7117]

Actually the Vaughn slr is the most flexible arm and chest I have ever had , i remember the funny thing I notice that I can’t even touch my mask when I was in warrior rx3 pro+ arm and chest ,ever now then I tried with other brands new arm and chest I notice right away they are not as flexible compare to my slr , maybe it’s just me being spoiled by Vaughn

[@Y2J3469]

I can touch and even adjust my mask in the Warrior RX3 pro+. I have a very hard time believing your story…..