How the M5 EKG’s Flexible Body Armor Absorbs Impact While Staying Light and Mobile
As a goalie, taking hard shots to the chest is inevitable. That’s why having shoulder pads with top-notch impact protection is so critical. This is where the M5 EKG really shines.
Maverik designed this pad using Flexible Body Armor, a breakthrough material that disperses energy from impacts. It has a soft, flexible feel that moves with you, unlike bulky plastic shoulder caps. But don’t let that fool you – the segmented padding absorbs insane amounts of force, protecting your chest, ribs, and shoulders from bruising hits.
Here’s how it works: The Flexible Body Armor has two layers – a soft padded inner layer backed by a firmer outer layer. When a ball impacts the pad, the soft inner layer compresses to absorb initial energy. The firmer outer layer then spreads out the remaining force over a wider area so it doesn’t get focused on one spot.
This dual-layer, segmented design makes the M5 EKG extremely lightweight and mobile while still offering top-tier protection. The pads move effortlessly with your body as you track shots in the goal, keeping you covered through any save. You’ll stay protected without sacrificing mobility.
The Flexible Body Armor also holds up over time. It resists hardening or cracking after repeated impacts, maintaining its protective qualities season after season. Players love how the M5 EKG stays shock-absorbent shot after shot.
So if you want lacrosse shoulder pads that provide flexible armor-like protection, the M5 EKG is an excellent choice. It’s designed to disperse high-impact forces across a broad area, keeping bruising shots from leaving you sore. That means you can focus on playing hard between the pipes without worrying about taking a painful hit.
The Breathable Lycra Stretch Shell Keeps You Cool and Comfortable
One of the biggest complaints about shoulder pads is that they can get extremely hot and uncomfortable during games. But Maverik designed the M5 EKG pad with a breathable stretch shell to help solve this issue.
The outer shell is made from an ultra-breathable Lycra material that features ventilated mesh panels across high-heat zones. This draws air flow across your shoulders, chest, and back to cool you down on hot days.
I’ve worn other pads that use non-breathable materials, and it doesn’t take long before you’re drenched in sweat. But the M5 EKG’s ventilation keeps you dry even during intense summer games. The mesh panels really make a difference in letting your skin breathe.
Beyond ventilation, the 4-way stretch Lycra material moves effortlessly with your torso as reach, cut, and clear. It eliminates any tight pulling or restriction that could throw off your mechanics in the goal. The flexibility adds to your comfort and range of motion.
The shell also features Sanitized anti-microbial technology to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. This helps the M5 EKG maintain a fresh feel practice after practice without retaining that stale gear smell.
For sizing, Maverik offers the shell in a contoured, anatomical shape for a pressure-free fit. It’s designed to match the shape of your shoulders without any awkward gapping or squeezing.
After using the M5 EKG for a full season, I was amazed at how cool and dry it kept me even on sweltering 90 degree days. If you want breathable, sweat-free comfort between the pipes, the M5 EKG delivers.
The ventilated Lycra shell works with the pads’ compression foam layers to create a lightweight, low-profile design. Overall, the M5 EKG moves with your body for outstanding mobility, comfort, and ventilation during games.
Compression Molded DryVent PE Foam Provides Lightweight Protection
The core of the M5 EKG’s protective system is the compression molded DryVent PE foam. This high-performance foam disperses impact forces to reduce sting and bruising when you take shots in the chest and shoulders.
Here’s how Maverik engineers constructed it: The foam is compressed to half its original thickness under extreme heat and pressure. This compacts the foam cells, making the material extremely dense and durable.
Compression molding results in a protective foam layer that’s thinner and lighter than traditionally molded options. Even at half the thickness, the foam absorbs and dissipates impact forces exceptionally well.
This enables Maverik to construct lightweight pads that don’t weigh you down in the goal. The M5 EKG is designed to be nimble so you can move freely from pipe to pipe.
Maverik also treated the molded foam with Polygiene, an anti-microbial technology that prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria. This keeps the EKG padding fresh season after season.
The foam layers feature perforations in airflow zones to work with the ventilated shell. This draws heat and moisture off your body on hot summer days in the goal.
Multiple layers of DryVent PE foam protect your shoulders, chest, biceps, and collarbone without restricting mobility. The compression molding creates a dense protective cushion that moves easily with your body.
Overall, the M5 EKG gives you rugged protection you can trust shot after shot. The compression molded DryVent foam disperses impact forces so you stay protected without getting weighed down. I can’t recommend these pads highly enough for goalies looking for lightweight, durable protection.
Adjustable Asymmetrical Shoulder Cap Design for Customized Protection
One of the things that sets the M5 EKG apart is its asymmetrical shoulder cap design. This innovative construction lets you customize your protection based on your playing style and preference between your lead and off shoulders.
Here’s how it works: the M5 EKG features two separate shoulder caps rather than a joined yoke. You can adjust each cap independently to fine-tune the fit and protection level.
For example, I prefer more padding on my lead shoulder that faces most shots. So I can dial up the protection on that side by adding more removable foam. On my off-side, I opted for a slimmer profile to enhance mobility.
The asymmetrical customization ensures the M5 EKG moves fluidly with my body while keeping my lead shoulder covered. I never worry about stingers rolling off that shoulder anymore.
Each shoulder cap attaches securely to the chest pad so they don’t shift or loosen over time. And the easy click-in design makes removing or adding foam layers quick and simple.
Beyond custom padding levels, the shoulder caps also feature an anatomical shape with articulated layers that flex naturally with your shoulders as you move in the goal.
The M5 EKG gives you the versatility to build your ideal pad setup tailored to your playing needs. Dial up targeted protection where you want it while retaining mobility through oxide zones.
If you want custom-tuned shoulder pads designed around your unique style in net, the asymmetrical construction of the M5 EKG is a game-changer.
Removable Bicep Pads with Tricep Extension for Complete Arm Protection
Shots to the arms and elbows can really sting, which is why the M5 EKG includes removable bicep and tricep padding to shield your entire arm.
The bicep guards attach securely to the shoulder caps to stay locked in place. Maverik engineered them with top-notch DryVent foam layers that absorb stingers off your arms.
I like how you can remove the bicep pads on hot days when breathability is more important than padding. It creates a more lightweight feel when arm protection isn’t as necessary.
The pads also extend a wrap-around tricep extension down to your elbow for full coverage. I’ve taken shots off the tip of my elbow that left bruises, so the extra padding is much appreciated.
The removable arm guards move fluidly as I reach for saves and clear outlet passes upfield. You retain complete freedom of movement.
Plus, the guards help disperse impact forces if you take slashes and incidental checks to the arms while protecting the crease. I’ve had opponents recklessly swing through my bicep, which could do serious damage without padding.
So while the bicep and tricep guards aren’t necessities, I recommend wearing them for complete arm protection. They turn painful stingers into harmless bounces with no restriction of mobility.
Overall, the M5 EKG’s arm pads help you fend off shots, checks, and slashes without compromising comfort or movement. Your arms stay shielded and stinger-free.
Flexible Body Armor in the Sternum Shields Your Core
As a goalie, protecting your sternum and rib cage is a top priority because taking a shot straight to the chest can knock the wind out of you. That’s why the M5 EKG uses Flexible Body Armor in the chest pad and sternum plates.
The segmented Flexible Body Armor disperses energy from high-impact shots across the chest pad instead of concentrating forces in one spot. This reduces the sting and risk of bruising when you take heaters to the sternum.
At the same time, the Flexible Body Armor moves effortlessly with your torso for unrestricted mobility in the crease. The soft, flexible feel eliminates any awkward rigidity over the sternum.
The M5 EKG includes removable sternum plates made of high-impact polycarbonate wrapped in Flexible Body Armor padding. You can adjust the plates to find your ideal protection level.
I really like the ability to dial up the padding over my sternum since that’s where I seem to take the hardest shots. The M5 EKG lets you customize to your needs.
Even on high-velocity shots that compress the Flexible Body Armor, the force disperses broadly across your chest instead of transmitting directly to the sternum. This protects your core from the sudden force spikes that knock the wind out of you.
The M5 EKG armors your sternum and ribs with the latest impact-absorbing technologies. Taking brutal shots to the chest and sternum will be a thing of the past.
Ventilated Moisture-Wicking Liner Keeps You Cool and Dry
One of the things that impressed me most about the M5 EKG pad is the lightweight, breathable liner that keeps you cool and dry even during intense games.
The liner features an ultra-fine polyester moisture-wicking fabric that draws sweat off your skin so you don’t get that soaked, soggy feeling. It transports moisture to the pad exterior where it can evaporate.
This moisture control keeps you dry as temperatures climb. No more sweat dripping down your back or chest thanks to the wicking power of the M5 EKG liner.
It also has an open mesh construction across high-heat zones like your chest, shoulders, and back for optimal ventilation. Air flows freely through the liner to cool you off.
The combination of sweat-wicking performance and mesh ventilation makes the M5 EKG my go-to shoulder pad for summer games. When other pads leave me soaked, this one keeps me dry and focused.
The liner attaches easily to the Lycra shell with Velcro connections at the shoulders. So removing it for washing or exchanging for a spare is simple.
Having worn the M5 EKG liner for a full season now, I can’t recommend it enough. It gives you active cooling and moisture control so you stay dry and comfortable in the goal.
If sweat and overheating are issues for you, the M5 EKG liner is a game-changer. You’ll stay cool, collected, and confident between the pipes thanks to its innovative moisture management.
Tri-Laminate Chest Pad for Multi-Layer Protection
At the heart of the M5 EKG shoulder pads is the tri-laminate chest pad that provides multi-layer protection for your core.
It starts with a high-impact polycarbonate sternum plate that diffuses and deflects the initial shock of frontal shots. This shields your sternum from bruising hits.
On top of that sits XLRD poron foam molded into segmented pads that conform to your body shape. The XLRD foam absorbs impact forces and wicks moisture to keep you cool and dry.
Finally, Maverik envelops the XLRD foam in Flexible Body Armor segments. This third layer further disperses energy from shots that get through the first two layers.
The result is a lightweight, flexible chest pad with multi-hit durability. Impacts compress the Flexible Body Armor segments rather than transmitting the full force to your ribcage.
Even after repeated hits, the armor bounces back to maintain top-notch protection. It doesn’t flatten out or crack over time.
I like how the anatomical Flexible Body Armor wraps around your sides for full chest coverage. Maverik really engineered these pads to shield goalies from every angle.
If you take a lot of heat in the crease, the M5 EKG’s tri-laminate chest pad has you covered. The innovative multi-layer design protects your core shot after punishing shot.
Customizable Poron XRD Foam Fit System for Adjustable Protection
One of the key features of the M5 EKG is the adjustable Poron XRD foam fit system that lets you customize your protection level.
The shoulder caps, chest pad, and bicep guards include removable Poron XRD foam pads secured with Velcro. You can dial in more or less padding to match your playing style and preferences.
Poron XRD is a high-tech foam with excellent shock absorbing qualities. It compresses to soak up impact forces when hit, protecting you from bruises and stingers.
The XRD foam then bounces back instantly so it’s ready for the next shot. Even after repeated impacts, it maintains its protective qualities all season long.
I opted to load up the M5 EKG with max padding in the shoulder caps and chest area for optimal protection in the crease. But players who value mobility can remove layers to slim down the profile.
The ability to customize your protection level makes the M5 EKG a versatile pad. You can set it up perfectly for your needs in goal and tweak it as the season progresses.
Overall, the removable XRD foam lets you dial in your ideal fit. You get adjustable protection that evolves with your playing style.
ES Eliminates Sting and Improves Protection
One of the most innovative features of the M5 EKG shoulder pads is the ES protective foam used in key impact zones. This high-tech foam eliminates the sting of shots for improved comfort and protection.
ES stands for Energy Shunting. It’s a patented multi-stage foam that Maverik exclusive licenses from the military for use in their pads. Here’s how it works:
The inner ES layer absorbs initial impact forces, allowing the cell structure to compress without bottoming out. This converts the energy to localized heat rather than transmitting it to your body.
The outer layer then reshapes that absorbed energy into radial arcs extending outward from the impact point. This further disperses the energy to eliminate painful sting.
The result is industry-leading impact protection with a comfortable feel. Shots compress the ES foam without the sharp sting you’d feel from other pads.
Maverik strategically placed ES foam segments in the shoulder caps and bicep guards to shield areas that take frequent hits and slashes.
After wearing the M5 EKG for a season, I’m blown away by how the ES foam eliminates sting. Hard shots feel like a dull thud compared to the painful snap of other pads.
ES foam technology is a game-changer in terms of improving protection and comfort. The M5 EKG leverages it to create shoulder pads that play sting-free.
Airport System Allows You to Add or Remove Foam for Adjustable Protection
One of the most customizable elements of the M5 EKG shoulder pads is the Airport system that lets you easily add or remove protective foam layers.
Airport refers to the zippered foam compartments on the front and back of the shoulder caps. You can open the zippers and add or remove the removable Poron XRD foam segments inside to dial in your ideal protection level.
Adding more foam beefs up the padding for maximum protection but may restrict mobility slightly. Taking foam out streamlines the profile for increased movement at the cost of some protection.
So the Airport system enables you to adjust your pads on the fly to find your perfect fit. More foam for hard-hitting playoff games, less foam for quick summer scrimmages.
You can even set up asymmetric padding in the front and back Airport zones. I like to run extra foam in my lead shoulder’s front Airport for stopping shots, and less foam in the back for mobility clearing the ball.
The Velcro-secured foam maintains its position and doesn’t shift around even during intense activity in the crease. And adjusting the Airport system is quick and easy.
Overall, the Airport feature makes the M5 EKG one of the most adaptable and customizable shoulder pads available today. You can tailor your protection on the fly to match your needs.
Neck Protection Helps Prevent Painful Collarbone Injuries
In addition to shielding your shoulders and chest, the M5 EKG pads also provide neck and collarbone protection to help prevent painful injuries.
The shoulder caps extend up around the neck opening of your chest protector with flexible padding panels. This shields the vulnerable collarbone region from shots and slashes.
I’ve fractured my collarbone twice from awkward falls in the crease. Those injuries sidelined me for weeks. The added collarbone padding is a welcome layer of protection.
The neck padding is also perforated with airflow channels to prevent overheating. I never feel restricted or hot thanks to the breathable design.
Plus, it features a tapered profile so it doesn’t interfere with your helmet and throat protector. The streamlined construction integrates smoothly with your other gear.
Extending the padding up around the neck opening maintains flexibility while adding protection where you need it most. Shielding your collarbone can help prevent season-ending breaks.
For goalies prone to clavicle injuries, the M5 EKG pads really deliver with their extra collarbone and neck protection. You can play with confidence knowing those vulnerable areas are covered.
How the M5 EKG Compares to Previous Maverik Pads
Maverik has been making high-performance goalie gear for years. So how does their latest pad, the M5 EKG, compare to past models like the Rome and Max EKG?
Overall, the M5 EKG represents an evolution rather than revolution of Maverik’s pad design. It builds on innovations like Flexible Body Armor and ES foam to take protection, comfort, and adjustability to the next level.
The M5 EKG features revised shoulder cap shaping for better fit and mobility. The caps move more naturally with your body while stopping shots cold. Maverik really perfected the pad contours.
It also has an updated liner that wicks moisture better than ever to keep you cool and dry on hot summer days. I stay drier wearing the M5 EKG compared to other Maverik pads.
Another big improvement is the Airport system that makes adding and removing foam segments quicker and easier compared to previous generations. Customizing your setup is now a breeze.
Overall, the M5 EKG pads feel like a refined evolution of Maverik’s proven shoulder pad design. The improvements to fit, ventilation, and adjustability make a noticeable impact across the board.
While past Maverik pads served me well, the M5 EKG’s dialed-in ergonomic shape and moisture control bring my game to the next level. It’s their best pad yet for sure.
Sizing the M5 EKG for a Comfortable, Protective Fit
Getting the right size M5 EKG shoulder pads is crucial for a comfortable, protective fit. Here are some tips on sizing yourself for the Maverik pads:
Maverik offers the M5 EKG in sizes ranging from Youth Small up through Adult XXL. Measure your chest circumference under your arms to determine your size.
The contoured shape of the pads allows some flex room in the sizing. So it’s better to size up if you’re on the borderline between two sizes, especially if you plan to add foam layers.
The Lycra shell fabric features 4-way stretch for a flexible custom fit around your shoulders. Once on, make sure the shoulder caps sit flush against your deltoids without gaping or pinching.
The chest pad and bicep guards should fit snug but not restrict your movement at all. You want full mobility without the pads slipping. The foam and Lycra will mold to your shape over time.
Start by trying the M5 EKG with the default foam setup. Then customize by adding or removing layers once you see how the pads perform on field. Adapt the protection to your needs.
Taking the time to dial in your sizing means the M5 EKG will perform at its peak. A proper fit maximizes comfort, mobility, and protection in the goal crease.
Takeaways on the Maverik M5 EKG Lacrosse Shoulder Pads
After wearing the M5 EKG pads for a full season, here are my big takeaways on Maverik’s flagship shoulder pad:
The Flexible Body Armor used throughout the pads is an absolute game-changer. It moves effortlessly while absorbing insane amounts of impact force. Shots that used to leave me bruised bounce right off.
I can’t say enough good things about the ES foam segments used in key zones. ES technology eliminates painful sting for superior protection. Other pads can’t compare.
The Airport system makes dialing in your ideal pad setup easier than ever. Being able to adjust the protection on the fly to suit game situations really enhances performance.
Even after months of use, the M5 EKG still looks and feels brand new thanks to the durable materials. These pads withstand punishment and stand the test of time.
Overall, the M5 EKG is hands-down my favorite pad I’ve ever worn. It checks every box in terms of customizable protection, superior comfort, and battle-tested durability. I give it my highest recommendation.
For goalies seeking shoulder pads they can trust shot after shot, season after season, look no further than the Maverik M5 EKG. This pad will elevate your game to the next level.