AK5 Gloves Vs. AK7 Gloves

Hey guys,

A common question we keep getting is what makes the Knapper AK7 Gloves much better than the AK5 Gloves?

Well let's start with the similarities.

• The gloves are designed with a lacrosse style to them to give you more flexibility. Having that extra flex in the fingers not only allows for better stick-handling, but it also makes it easier to catch the ball. We all know how much that ball can bounce on a hard pass so having some mobility in our fingers will be more beneficial than using an ice hockey gloves. 

• The palm is reinforced with some additional grip for your stick. Having the reinforced palm will give you more durability. 

• Both gloves are extremely light. They are much lighter and less bulky than an ice hockey glove giving you a great feel for the ball but with enough protection so you can focus on your game. 

• CBHA Approved, these gloves are allowed for CBHA Nationals and events. 

What separates them?

• The AK7 has a split cuff providing more flexibility in the wrist for when you're stick-handling or making a wrist shot. The AK5 has a basic cuff. 

• The added thumb protection protects you when someone is trying to lift your stick or trying to whack your stick. Similar to an ice hockey thumb, you still maintain the flexibility required in your fingers but keep the protection you need on your thumb. 

• The next best thing is the Slash Guard. How many times do you feel that slash on top of your hand? It's aggravating but at here's an excellent way to get some added protection while maintaining a light and flexible glove.  

The gloves are available in different colours. You can check them out on our site, www.ballhockeygear.ca. 

If you're looking for a bare minimum glove.because you don't like wearing gloves but are required by the league, then we recommend the AK3 Gloves or the D-Gel Vibes. 

   

We understand that shopping online can be a concern especially when it comes to sizing. That is why we offer a 30 day return/exchange policy. All that we ask is that you don't wear the products in a game and that you return them in their original packaging. 

Best part is, you don't have to pay shipping to return or exchange them. We'll cover that for you. Just email us at info@ballhockeygear.ca with your order number and the size that you would like to exchange for and we'll email you a packing slip that you can print out. It's that easy.

We got our Summer Blowout Sale going on until end of August but only while supplies last. Sizing is limited until September so don't wait. Suit up in time for the Fall Season. 

Ball Hockey Shin Pads

What is it that we're looking for in Ball Hockey shin pads? Protection obviously, comfort, knee manoeuvrability, lightness, breathable, easy to adjust, and of course style. 

Let's start with protection. The Knapper AK5 shin pads (used to be the Mylec MK5) have a flexible yet durable plastic that has been tested in batting cages. They went through several prototypes to find the perfect strength that can retain its flexibility. 

The wrap system allows the straps to wrap around your leg and the pad itself giving a you snug fit. The grip pad on the inner portion of the shin prevents the pad from sliding around. The wrap system also prevents any chances of buckles breaking which means less clear tape is needed. There is a decent layer of foam padding giving you optimal comfort. The knee guard can be adjusted for higher knee/thigh protection as well as the ankle protector which can be tied directly on to your shoes to further prevent sliding. Both can be removed completely. 

         

      

You'll notice that the knee portion is separate from the shin connected by padding. This allows the knee a full 90 degree flex. 

The pads are made of a very light plastic material. Some players don't even notice the shin pads because they're so light. There's perforated holes on the shin area to allow the pads to be more breathable. 

If you're not sure what size of shin pad you should bet getting, the rule of thumb is to measure from the top of your ankle to middle of your knee. That will give you a good idea of what you're looking for. 

For only $59.99, you can own a high end pair of Ball Hockey shin pads that will not only provide you the protection you need, but the comfort and style you're looking for. You can order through www.ballhockeygear.ca or by clicking the shop now button. 

Why Defenders are going to Love the New Padded Shorts

We've all had our share of bruises. Regardless what position you play, at some point you have taken a shot from that harmless looking ball. Most complaints about Ball Hockey are the broken toes, charlie horses, and bruised faces from shots of the ball.

Now why don't we just play with a softer ball? Well that would ruin the game simply because the ball would stick which would conflict with our ability for dekes and trick passes. It would also cause more curves during heavy point shots making them more unpredictable for players to avoid.

The other option is to stop blocking shots but let's face it, when you're determined to win, you'll take the pain and give your goalie a break. After all, he/she's wearing all that gear and stopping roughly 60 shots a game, the least you can do is help him/her stop a few. As much as we complain, we still do it because that's the game.

What if you could still block shots but reduce the pain? Is that worth trying out? Why not? If there could be a type of clothing you could wear that isn't bulky, that allows you to have the same manoeuvrability, and protect you while blocking shots, then why not give it a try.

Knapper Protective Wear

Lucky for us, Knapper was able to come up with some protective wear that answers just that. Introducing the new Engineer Protection Shorts and Shirts, you can now play comfortably while staying protected.

Breathable, lightweight and fully adjustable, you will be able to keep all the range of motion you need to make your plays. The padding is positioned in all the critical areas.

      

We do not have sizing or padded shorts for women as of yet however the cup is removable and can be replaced with a Pelvic Protector. For women, we recommend getting the shorts one size lower. 

For only $59.99, you can have that much needed protection. Available this February, you can now pre-order your own pair and have it sent to you as soon as they release. 

Knapper Ball Hockey Shoes

For those of you still suffering the woes of having broken toes, we suggest the Knapper AK shoes that will be available this February. Our feet are vulnerable to slashes and slap shots. It's inevitable! We could wear steal toed shoes but that would be unnecessary weight for running. 

Most of us are wearing court shoes for grip. Grip is essential in ball hockey but how's the durability and protection? 

Knapper provides grip, durability, AND protection with their AK shoes. Each shoe provides a different level of protection. The shoes are fairly light, a bit heavier than a court shoe but if you're looking for protection, you'll have to sacrifice a bit of that lightness. That's why court shoes are so light, because there is absolutely NO protection. 

You can check out our shoes HERE or by clicking on the images below. 

AK7 Ball Hockey Shoes

AK5 Ball Hockey Shoes

  

AK5 Women's Ball Hockey Shoes

AK3 Junior Ball Hockey Shoes

Knapper Ball Hockey Shin Pads, the player's choice.

      

Why Knapper Shin Pads?

A lot of our fellow Ball Hockey players want to know why we recommend Knapper Shin Pads. Here's what we tell them.

Knapper has taken Ball Hockey shin pads to the next level. They have taken them to the batting cages to test durability so that you can resist those hacks to the shin or blocked shots. These shin pads come with a lighter feel to them. The strapping system wraps around your entire shin and the pad to give a snug fit. Not just that, you'll no longer need clear tape to hold your shin pad to your leg.

There is a grip pad on the inner lining which prevents the shin pad from sliding around. The small holes running parallel to the strapping provide breathing for your shins. The most popular review we get is how light and comfortable they feel.

What kind of players are wearing Knapper Shin Pads?

Jake Archambault

- Ontario Selects National Team

- Tier 3, St. Catharine's Punishers

- Tier 1, Niagara Monarchs

- Tier 1, Niagara Rebels

- Selected to represent UK in the 2016 U20 World Ball Hockey Championship in Sheffield, UK. 

Twitter: @Toedrag94 

Instagram and SnapChat: Toedrag94

One of our favourite players to watch is Jake Archambault, also known as Jake Toedrag Archambault. Jake is a skilled Ball Hockey player that is known for his passion and his famous toe drag. 

When Jake is looking for Ball Hockey equipment, he makes sure to get the best so that he can play at his level. We were lucky enough to meet Jake during the Christmas break at a Ball Hockey tournament in St. Catharine's. He tried some of our gear including the Knapper Ball Hockey shin pads and was very impressed. 

He is now a proud owner and continues to play with the Knapper pads. 

Get yours today at Ballhockeygear.ca

A New Ball Hockey Brand - Knapper

A New Brand Emerges

As ball hockey continues to grow in North America, players are searching for ways to enhance their game with better protection that enables more mobility. They're looking for quality but also fair pricing. They're all familiar with ball hockey brands such as Mylec, D-Gel, and Powertek. Now a new brand emerges offering what players are looking for. Ball Hockey Equipment specifically designed for Ball Hockey and cutting edge technology to compete with the existing brands. 

With Alex Burrows' stamp of approval, Knapper makes its first steps into the world of Ball Hockey. They have designed everything including Ball Hockey Shoes, Gloves, Shin Pads, Sticks, and more. This Fall we introduced their new AK5 Shin Pads which were top sellers. In fact, we are almost out of the black ones until March. We have also introduced their new Ball Hockey Sticks that are Carbon/Fiberglass with ABS inserts to prevent blades from splitting and wearing down. 

  

Upcoming this Winter

Knapper will have some new products releasing this March and we're now accepting pre-orders. Below is a list of the new releases and each image links directly to the product page. 

Shoes:

AK9 Mid Ball Hockey Shoe

This shoe is designed to meet the highest requirement of sports. PTF (Personalised Toe Form) technology provides superior protection at the forefoot area. The rubber outsole provides optimal traction on different surfaces such as Slab, Dek, and gym floorings. Its unique tread will help disperse water when playing in wet conditions. The mid cut will give you additional ankle support.

AK7 Ball Hockey Shoe

Very similar to the AK9, this shoe has a lower cut for those that aren't a fan of the Mid Cut shoes. Both the AK9 and AK7 come with the Personalised Toe Form which is an advanced latex foam which covers the entire toe area and protects the top of the foot while providing cushioning and support for the big toe during deceleration and directional changes.

There's a removable flab that provides an extra layer of thick foam padding for superior protection on the top of the foot. The AK7s however are available in 3 different colours.

       

AK5 Ball Hockey Shoe

Next we have is the AK5 shoes which have the same tread on the sole as the AK9s and AK7s however these shoes have a little less protection such as the removable flap. They're also available in Women sizes for the Black and Pink. 

       

    

Gloves:

AK3 Ball Hockey Glove

Designed to satisfy every level of player. This glove will give you good overall protection.

AK5 Ball Hockey Glove

A great all over glove designed for the sport. Superb comfort, combined with protection that will satisfy all your requirements. Available in 6 different colours. 

      

     

      

AK7 Ball Hockey Glove

First glove designed exclusively for ball hockey. Slash guard technology will protect your thumb against slashing. It is smaller and lighter than a hockey glove but offers the same protection. You'll also notice the wrists are CBHA Standards. 

     

     

Protective Apparel:

Protective Shirt

This shirt is perfect for the player who is seeking just enough protection in all critical areas. It is breathable, light weight, and fully adjustable. You will still keep all the range of motion you need to make your plays. 

Protective Shorts

Strictly designed for the needs of a ball hockey player. Full protection throughout an integrated cup and padding on the critical areas. Engineered for superior comfort and breathability during vigorous game play and running. 

Bags:

Looking for a hockey bag that is easy to carry and strictly for your ball hockey gear? Knapper has that too with their carry on back pack and sports bag. 

     

As you can see, Knapper has a wide range of ball hockey equipment that will be available just in time for the Spring season. We will be receiving the amazing products in March 2016, only a few months away so make your pre-order today at www.ballhockeygear.ca.