CCM Extreme Flex 6 Pro Goalie Chest & Arm Protector

CCM Extreme Flex 6 Pro Goalie Chest & Arm Protector

New for 2023 is the CCM Extreme Flex 6 goalie chest & arm protector.  CCM made a huge emphasis on fit and ventilation for 2023.  The new Extreme Flex 6 chest protector has the Aer-Tec Ventilation System.  This system is built with perforated foams that allow for more breathability in the chest area of the goalie’s body.  This is combined with the new Aer-Tec Suspension on the back of the chest protector.  This new back plate system on the Extreme Flex 6 (pro unit only) is built with air channels to increase airflow along the back of the goalie’s body.  Combining the airflow on the front the unit and the back of the unit will allow the goalie to stay cooler and hopefully more productive during the course of a practice or game.

CCM will continue to use the D30 foams in the sternum and clavicle areas of the Extreme Flex 6 Pro unit.  This is the highest-level material CCM has. The D30 material has proven to have extremely high impact absorption and dispersion ratings.

The CCM Extreme Flex 6 is still a very mobile unit with a lot of adjustable features.  The arms, shoulder floaters, collar area can all be adjusted for a customized for every goalie. Compared to the CCM Axis Chest & Arm Protector, the CCM Extreme Flex 6 is a streamlined design that is more mobile than the Axis design.  The Axis is the bigger/bulkier design for goalies that want to take up more net coverage while the Extreme Flex is for the goalie that wants more mobility.

Chest Protector Style – Athletic Hybrid Style

CCM Extreme Flex 6 Pro Chest & Protector Features:

• • Model Year: 2023
  • Max Flex Fit: Built for ultimate mobility.
  • Air Flow: Aer-Tec Ventilation System – Mobile design with added breathability.
  • Back & Spine: Aer-Tec Suspension System – Optimal airflow and breathability on the back of the goalie.
  • Sternum & Clavicle: Molded HD Foam – Great impact protection.
  • Shoulder Wings: Quick Release Velcro Adjustment with Flex Motion Design – Customized fit that moves with you.
  • Elbow Protection: Independently Adjustable Elbow Protection with Comfort Fit Cap – Personized fit for mobility.
  • Rib Protection: Multi Segmented HD/LD Ventilated Foam – Extended impact protection & coverage with added breathability.
  • Chest Protection: Multi Segmented HD/LD Ventilated Foam – Optimized protection that keeps you mobile.
  • Bicep/Forearm Protection: Compression-Molded HD Foam – Superior protection and mobility.
  • Shoulder Cap: Compression-Molded HD Foam – Optimized protection

Athletic Style (Hybrid) Vs. Blocking Style (Coverage) Chest Protectors

There are two basic designs in the goalie market in regard to chest protectors. These are based on the two types of styles that goalies play – hybrid and coverage. The hybrid goalie needs a more athletic style chest protector that allows him/her to move freely and maximize their agility. These units contour around the body with little to no gaps. The shoulder floaters are also smaller and form around the goalie in a more natural manner. Arms and elbow guards move freely and do not bind up, allowing for maximum mobility. The big upside to having an athletic style chest protector is the movement and freedom these provide. The downside to the athletic style chest is a decrease in size and materials. Now we are not saying they are not protective because most chest protectors are built to a very high standard and have great protection qualities. However, to make something move better you have to take something away and by doing this there will obviously be less material. We can say honestly that athletic chest protectors are extremely protective and the added materials in the blocking style are more about taking up space then adding protection.

The blocking style chest protectors are built for the coverage goalies that like to play big and take up as much space in the net as possible. The shoulder floaters are much wider and usually have multiple layers. The arm and elbow guards are also flared wider to take up as much space as possible. The blocking style chest protector tends to have more gaps and extra space on the goalie’s body because of the extra size. The upside to the blocking style chest protectors is the extra space it takes up. These chest protectors can easily make the shoulder width of a goalie four to six inches wider compared to an athletic style chest protector. Also, since the arms and elbow are bigger, there are less gaps for the puck to squeeze between the goalie’s body and arms. The downside to these blocking style units is the lack of movement. Because of the extra bulk, movement can be compromised. You can’t have the best of both worlds, if you make it bigger it will take away mobility.

Pro Vs. Mid-level Chest Protectors

The question always seems to come up about pro vs. high and low mid-level chest protectors. Since the heart is very vital to protect, the selection of a proper chest protector should be taken seriously. Pro chest protectors are what the name implies – pro level. These are meant to be worn every day, two hours a day. The hd foams are the highest quality and that allows for great protection and durability. High mid-level chest protectors have very similar characteristics and features compared to pro level chest protectors. These units use a slightly less quality hd foam, but the design is 90-95% the same as the pro unit. The protection is generally not compromised with these foams however the durability is. We say that a good high mid-level chest protector will last a goalie about two to three years based on our usage guidelines. A pro level chest protector will last about four to five years under the same usage guidelines. Protection is the number one element of any chest protector, and we feel both the pro and high mid-level do a great job in this category with the main difference coming down to durability. Now for the low mid-level chest protector, we generally try to stay clear of these units unless the goalie is playing a very low recreational level. There is no need to roll the dice on your head or heart, better to be safe than sorry. The hd foams in these units are pretty low and the goalie can definitely get hurt wearing these. Even the beginner level player from time to time will get their body weight into a shot and really rip one, at this point the lower-level chest protector is beyond its capability. At Goalies Plus we always try to educate our customers and air on the side of caution. Please do your research before buying a chest protector.