[WhatWuzThatBlue]

Douglas makes some terrific hockey equipment. The original Douglas chest protector was really great until you needed an extra strap or when one of the pads came loose from the plastic. Having it fixed or getting someone on the phone was impossible. One of my partners had one and I used it a couple of times when he was trying to promote it. At the time I was using a +POS model and was thinking about changing. It was form fitting and super tough, but he kept complaining about the binding straps breaking.

I found the original West Vest to be better than the Douglas but it was so new and expensive that I passed. I ran into a buddy who was using the new Platinum model a few years ago. He was doing some late winter tune ups in Alabama and really liked it. I tried it and was hooked. (Famous last words, I know!) I've worn it since and have never regretted it. When it gets sweat filled you can easily remove and wash the pads. A spritz or two of Febreeze and the back of the vehicle smells like a spring meadow. As the years click by though, I am considering a lighter summer protector. I have seen a couple that are nice and will check them out when I see some of my friends from Dixie. Those guys sweat like we freeze. So I guess that's another positive for the Douglas, it'll keep you warm when there's frost on the ground.

Maybe Douglas has changed their policy, but I would still rather buy my gear from a company that makes it's bones on the sport we love. That said, when the kid in front of you forgets how to catch, that Douglas shell will come in handy. Like JJ said, try it on and as they say...assume the position.