Welcome to my review of the Brian’s Optik 2 goalie chest protector.
While many goalies spend a lot of time considering which pair of goalie pads to go with, don’t sleep on the importance of a high quality chest protector.
The Brian’s Optik 2 chest protector is a quality option for any goalie, especially if you are skating several times a week, and facing elite level shots.
Advantages:
- Lightweight build
- Custom
- Very protective
- Smart strap adjustment
- Durable
Disadvantages:
- Pricey
- Brian’s is more known for their pads+gloves
Brian’s Optik 2 Goalie Chest Protector Review
While we normally suggest Vaughn chest protectors, we’ve come to the point and time where other goalie brands are creating just as if not better chest protectors than Vaughn. I wouldn’t necessarily say that we’ve reached that point quite yet, as Vaughn still dominated the market place with their chest protectors, but other companies are coming close.
One of those goalie companies is Brian’s.
Now, I’ve been a huge fan of Brian’s goalie pads since 2016, with their G-Netik 3 lineup, but I’ve never really gotten into their chest protection.
The new Optik 2 chest protector may have changed my opinion on only loving their pads.
I can’t say that I’ve actually worn or tested this protector out, but it’s built like a tank. In talking to other people in the goalie community, it’s actually really popular amongst the goalies that have bought and tried it out.
Protection
The biggest feature that it has to offer is it’s protection and durability. Brian’s uses E-Foam along with HD foam for the majority of the padding in this chest protector. Which, is pretty standard in most chest protectors. The E-foam is not, but the HD foam is.
The shoulders and arms are made of molded poly. Which is a strong and durable material, very popular in goalie chest protectors. Again, pretty standard material.
I’ve said it before, but the most important aspect of a chest protector is the design. Most of the material used in chest protectors is going to be the same, with a few outliers.
It’s really a matter of how the chest protector is put together with different pieces of foam in different places. Obviously the quality of the foam can affect how good or great the chest protector is, but a lot of it will come down to the design.
Which is why this goalie suit is very interesting.
It doesn’t have all of the crazy names and features that the Bauer UltraSonic chest protector has, but it still has amazing protection.
And the price is actually more than the new UltraSonic chesty.
As far as technology goes, Brian’s isn’t as flashy as some of the other goalie name brands out there. But, that does not mean they don’t create extremely high performing equipment.
The chances of you taking a stinger off the chest with the Optik 2 on is extremely low.
Mobility
The mobility of the Optik 2 goalie chest protector is also pretty good, according to our sources. It’s lightweight which allows for better movement in the crease, while still being protective.
It is a little bit bulkier than other chest protectors on the market, and maybe a tad bit tougher to move around in – but it’s extremely protective. The likelihood of taking a stinger to the chest or arms is very low, regardless of which level you are playing at.
Head movement while playing goalie in this chest protector is really good as well. There’s really no restrictions, rather just the bulk of the suit drags it down maybe a little bit.
But, the one serious advantage that this chest protector has to offer is adjustability. While it may be a little bit bulky, it also has Brian’s SmartStrap technology that allows for you to adjust it in any way that you would like.
So really, even though it may be bulky, you gain that mobility back by it being adjustable.
Related: Warrior Ritual G5 Pro+ Chest Protector Review
Durability
And if you are interested in getting this chest protector, it’s going to last you a long time. The durability of Brian’s equipment is incomparable to most other goalie companies (not saying they’re the only good brand though).
While Brian’s doesn’t have a ton of goalies wearing their equipment in the NHL, they’ve definitely grown in popularity.
Both Shesterkan and Georgiev in New York are repping the Brian’s pillows.
And if I’m not mistaken, Georgiev may as well be wearing the Brian’s Optik 2 chest protector, but I could be wrong on that. As far as Shesterkan goes, I’m not sure what he’s wearing underneath.
The point I’m trying to make is that if you have never worn Brian’s equipment before, now is a great time to start. The brand they’ve built over there is truly something and have really stamped their name in the goalie universe.
And, the Optik 2 goalie chest protector is one of the best that you can get today.
Brian’s Optik 2 chest protector: Conclusion
While yes, it’s an expensive goalie chest protector, it’s also one of the best you can get. It’s highly protective, very durable and lightweight. It does have a little bit of bulk to it, restricting movement some, but otherwise it’s a great chest protector.
One thing is for sure, if you can afford the price of the Optik 2 chest protector, you aren’t going to second guess your decision.
Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed.
