Welcome to our review of the Vaughn Ventus SLR2 Pro Carbon chest protector.
We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again. Playing goalie with a poor quality chest protector hurts. Pucks hit the chest and leave bruises for days. Pucks bounce off the elbow and leave you wincing in pain. You’ll probably start flinching at shots and letting goals in.
It doesn’t have to be like this.
You could get an elite level chest protector and have no issues at all.
Pure confidence and improved save percentages.
Here’s what we did and didn’t like about the Vaughn Ventus SLR2 Pro Carbon Chest Protector.
Advantages:
- Elite protection
- Adjustable
- Lightweight construction
- Durable
Disadvantages:
- Price
- Some mobility concerns
Vaughn Ventus SLR2 Pro Carbon Goalie Chest Protector Review
First things first, this chest protector excels at reducing impact. You can eat pucks all day with this one.
Protection
The chest area features several different materials to provide the best impact absorption. The chest floaters are made of air cushioned padding. They’re intentionally wide in design to help cover up more room in the net. The chest floaters also keep the chest protector keep the shoulders square.
You are essentially getting additional protection and coverage up top without doing any extra work.
The lower body and abdomen area are made up of HD foam and carbon inserts. The sternum piece is made up a long carbon strip on top of the HD foam.
If you aren’t sure how well protective this chest protector is – well, let’s just say you aren’t going to feel anything after a puck bounces off of your chest. That is how all goalie chest protectors should perform, and how this one does.
In the arms of the Ventus SLR2 Pro Carbon chesty, there is HD foam and carbon inserts. The elbow caps are molded for better strength.
There is also a “no gap” floater on the arm that covers the elbow when you move your arm. Whereas previously there might have been exposed arm, the “no gap” floater covers it up.
Elbows and arms? Check. Chest and lower body? Covered.
This is easily one of the best goalie chest protectors that you can get in terms of protection.
Related: Vaughn Velocity V9 Pro Carbon Chest Protector Review
Mobility
The mobility on this chest protector is good, but not great. Because the floating chest pads are quite large, they prevent some movement and reduce visibility. If you are wearing suspenders (there are suspender straps attached) and tuck the chesty in, you will be fine.
But if you are a goalie that likes to go “no tuck” you might have some more mobility issues. It’s a matter of preference.
It’s a super lightweight chest protector although so it’s not like it’s extremely restrictive. The arms are tapered which creates a perfect fit for your glove and blockers. They are also made of mesh (super flexible) and overall they’re designed for maximum movement.
The back, mid section and arms are also adjustable. Thus allowing for you to create any fit or feel that you would like.
Durable
Lastly, the Vaughn Ventus SLR2 Pro Carbon goalie chest protector is one of the most durable chest protectors you will find. It’s hand crafted in the United States and made with some of the best materials.
It’s strong and highly crafted piece of goalie equipment.
I’ve been using Vaughn chest protectors for several years now and there is no possible way for me to change over to something new.
I’ve skated with many different brands of chesties, but still – no dice.
I’m sticking with what I know will work and perform at the highest levels, time and time again. Skate after skate, shot after shot.
This chest protector will withstand the test of time.
Overall: Vaughn Ventus SLR2 Pro Carbon
Overall, the Vaughn Ventus SLR2 Pro Carbon goalie chest protector is built like a tank. It’s extremely lightweight and has a lot of protection for impact absorption. It is unlikely that you will take a stinger while wearing this one. It does have some mobility concerns if you aren’t wearing suspenders, but otherwise you are good to go!
Thanks for reading.
