Just purchased the SLR3. You definitely hit on everything I picked up on. I’m coming off of a the old Ventus SLR Pro (mid level). Because I’ve always preferred mobility over bulk or protection. Getting older now so I made the switch to take up more space. Definitely going to take a while to get used to the bulk. I feel like it’s floating on me, and affecting my head movement when I go down into the butterfly. Might end up removing part of the belly flap (which I wish was adjustable). Overall I don’t regret the purchase, just waiting to get used to it. And working on the shoulder adjustments to see what I can do.
Yeah, it’s definitely not a bad unit, they just seem to be going in a different direction with that line then I would have wanted. Good luck with yours my dude!
@@jasonkit4443 I was a large in the original SLR and the large in this seemed to fit the same. The difference is really more in the “bulk” and shape of the unit, but sizing wise, it’s the same.
I absolutely love mine. Made the switch from my Passau. The only issue I had was right out of the box, a snap was missing on the arm adjustment. Contacted Vaughn and they wanted me to send it to them to fix it asap. Found a shoe repair shop locally that added the missing snap and was gtg. Makes me wonder if they reinforced the back with Leather where the snaps attach.
@@L7spider makes me wonder if they were rushing to get these out to the retailers. Scott was helpful and said they would pay for shipping to and from, but when it’s my only chesty, that makes it quite difficult. But now I have 3 games on it and no button/snaps falling off luckily. But I’m not as ripped as you are.😂
@@Acyclistandhockeysnob Yeah, as I said in the video, I didn’t feel like going through the trouble of sending it back either when it was an easy fix I could do. At least they are willing to fix it. I’ve never had a quality issue like this with Vaughn before and I’ve been using their stuff for many years. Curious to know what you think of the snap button system as the arm adjustment? Besides the issue of it falling off. I think it’s an odd choice personally.
@@L7spider so I Orig had the V9 Pro Carbon because of the Velcro arm adjustments and the arms were still too low for my liking and felt like they got in the way of my gloves. The issue as well was the exposed Velcro was catching on the material and already causing damage to the material. The fix for that was to get the soft sided Velcro that Vaughn sent me to cover those areas, which I thought was a poor design for how much these cost. Found this snap idea on the arms actually pretty brilliant but they should in the future reinforce the soft area with leather. But I agree that they should of made it a three adjustment system instead of just a single. The other idea would be to add a adjustment system with a hook and loop style like True does with their height adjustment with their AX9 player pants.
@@Acyclistandhockeysnob I actually thought the drawstring system that was in my 2X chest was the best I’ve come across. Let’s you adjust as little or as much as you want and no Velcro to catch on anything.
Thank you! Do you feel a size medium could have helped with combating the bulkiness? I’m 5,11 as well and tried on the small and actually liked it but felt I could go larger just didn’t want to make the huge jump to large.
@@pierrehenripauillac7506 I don’t think so. I had worn large in previous SLR units and also the bulkiness didn’t feel like a size issue, just a padding issue. I am very much a mobility first type guy so I am very sensitive to things being bulky. Others may love the unit or feel they need the extra bulk. 🤷🏼♂️
Did you use the suspender straps that are on them? or if anyone on here uses suspenders I’d like to know if they perform well. I’m think they would still slide in towards the neck or off the shoulders even if snapped inside the retainer TIA
I’ve just always liked that line better, even going back to the Epic days. I didn’t keep this one anyway as I didn’t love it like past models. I’m in a Bauer Hyperlite 2 currently.
@@L7spider I’m going to take a look at that Bauer chesty. I’m in a velocity now that is old. Can’t remember which model. I appreciate your videos because I feel you are very similar to me as far as comfort over bulk, mobility over blocking and softer pads over the firm trend, etc.
@@L7spider Would you consider the SLR 1 to be the shirt here and the SLR 3 to be more like a jacket? I watched your video last week. Was that what you said? You say the SLR 1 is less boxy and bulky? I was comparing pictures of both the SLR 1 and 3 and it looks to be less bulky in the chest and abdomen areas. Are the shoulders and arms less bulky on the SLR 1 compared to the 3? What specifically makes the SLR1 less boxy and bulky? I look forward to your reply and thanks in advance!
@@PeterLee-bx9jv haha, yeah I’ve used the shirt/jacket analogy a few times when comparing chest protectors. In this case, if the SLR is the shirt, then the SLR 3 is a somewhat heavy jacket. The arms are very comparable, the main difference I felt was in the chest and shoulders. I wouldn’t say it’s not mobile at all, but if we are comparing it, I’d say it’s less mobile than the original SLR and less mobile than some other units out there. Some people don’t really care about that though. If someone is looking for more protection and to make themselves look bigger in net, then they’d probably prefer the SLR 3. Just depends what you’re looking for. Out of things like protection, mobility, coverage (how much net you take up), etc. what are your priorities? What are you looking for the most?
@@L7spider I am looking to have adequate protection but have great mobility. I like to challenge shooters and use my reflexes. I am currently using an old school Vaughn 3500 Vision series. The SLR3 is in essence a very beefed-up version of it as the layout of the shoulders/arms from my 3500 is very similar. What specifically did you find less bulky in the shoulder area on the SLR 1 compared to the SLR 3? In the pictures they look similar to me. I would love to hear your feedback here. Vaughn Canada has told me they would be willing to make me an SLR 1 if I decide to go that route.
@@PeterLee-bx9jv well I don’t feel protection is an issue with either unit, it would just be if someone was really concerned about it and really didn’t want to feel any shots then I’d say the 3 has that advantage a little bit. The shoulders just seem to feel bulkier and more squared off than the 1. Think if you were to put like a light cardboard box type structure over yourself. It’s not strong enough to keep you from moving how you want, just not the most comfortable way to do it. Best way I can try and explain I guess. If Vaughn can make you the SLR 1 though, I’d definitely recommend that. It will feel more like what you are currently using.
No, I sold it to a friend and he loves it. It’s not bad, I just love my Hyperlite. My friend did remove the extra padding though that I complained about in the review. He thought it was too much as well.
I have not tried the Mach on ice, only seen/held it. It’s a slightly bulkier Hyperlite basically. Not a huge difference. I would give the Vaughn SLR3 an edge in protection over Hyperlite if I have to pick, but it’s not like I feel the Hyperlite is lacking in that department either.
I don’t have this chesty anymore so I can’t take a look at it, and I don’t tuck or attach my chesty to my pants. My educated guess based on the rest of the unit being pretty similar is that it would basically be the same, but I can’t give you a definitive answer right now. Sorry.
Yes, really it feels beefier almost all over, which is probably why it doesn’t quite feel as comfortable to me as my original SLR unit. So if you thought past models were lacking in protection, this might be an improvement for you, but if you’re like me and we’re happy with how they felt, this might be a bit much.
Wow! Just wow! Doesn’t use suspenders so instant no credibility on this review! A must for this and most pro chestys! Like even for the most bottom feeding beer leaguers… seriously?
Just purchased the SLR3. You definitely hit on everything I picked up on. I’m coming off of a the old Ventus SLR Pro (mid level). Because I’ve always preferred mobility over bulk or protection. Getting older now so I made the switch to take up more space. Definitely going to take a while to get used to the bulk. I feel like it’s floating on me, and affecting my head movement when I go down into the butterfly. Might end up removing part of the belly flap (which I wish was adjustable). Overall I don’t regret the purchase, just waiting to get used to it. And working on the shoulder adjustments to see what I can do.
Yeah, it’s definitely not a bad unit, they just seem to be going in a different direction with that line then I would have wanted. Good luck with yours my dude!
@@L7spider I’m 5’8” coming from the medium original slr pro carbon. what size should I be in this?
@@jasonkit4443 I was a large in the original SLR and the large in this seemed to fit the same. The difference is really more in the “bulk” and shape of the unit, but sizing wise, it’s the same.
Loved the mobility dance/test! So hawt.
I absolutely love mine. Made the switch from my Passau. The only issue I had was right out of the box, a snap was missing on the arm adjustment. Contacted Vaughn and they wanted me to send it to them to fix it asap. Found a shoe repair shop locally that added the missing snap and was gtg. Makes me wonder if they reinforced the back with Leather where the snaps attach.
Oof, what’s going on with their quality control?! Another minor thing, but still, that sucks.
@@L7spider makes me wonder if they were rushing to get these out to the retailers. Scott was helpful and said they would pay for shipping to and from, but when it’s my only chesty, that makes it quite difficult. But now I have 3 games on it and no button/snaps falling off luckily. But I’m not as ripped as you are.😂
@@Acyclistandhockeysnob Yeah, as I said in the video, I didn’t feel like going through the trouble of sending it back either when it was an easy fix I could do. At least they are willing to fix it. I’ve never had a quality issue like this with Vaughn before and I’ve been using their stuff for many years. Curious to know what you think of the snap button system as the arm adjustment? Besides the issue of it falling off. I think it’s an odd choice personally.
@@L7spider so I Orig had the V9 Pro Carbon because of the Velcro arm adjustments and the arms were still too low for my liking and felt like they got in the way of my gloves. The issue as well was the exposed Velcro was catching on the material and already causing damage to the material. The fix for that was to get the soft sided Velcro that Vaughn sent me to cover those areas, which I thought was a poor design for how much these cost.
Found this snap idea on the arms actually pretty brilliant but they should in the future reinforce the soft area with leather. But I agree that they should of made it a three adjustment system instead of just a single. The other idea would be to add a adjustment system with a hook and loop style like True does with their height adjustment with their AX9 player pants.
@@Acyclistandhockeysnob I actually thought the drawstring system that was in my 2X chest was the best I’ve come across. Let’s you adjust as little or as much as you want and no Velcro to catch on anything.
Yes!!!! Love the perfect beat part
Haha thanks bud. Very beefy looking chesty. Gives a sense of how it looks. Not that looks count haha.
Hey buddy. What size were you wearing and how tall are you? Thank you!
Size large and I’m 5’11.
Thank you! Do you feel a size medium could have helped with combating the bulkiness? I’m 5,11 as well and tried on the small and actually liked it but felt I could go larger just didn’t want to make the huge jump to large.
@@pierrehenripauillac7506 I don’t think so. I had worn large in previous SLR units and also the bulkiness didn’t feel like a size issue, just a padding issue. I am very much a mobility first type guy so I am very sensitive to things being bulky. Others may love the unit or feel they need the extra bulk. 🤷🏼♂️
Oh ok yeah makes sense. Appreciate all the help. Keep up the great videos!
Did you use the suspender straps that are on them?
or if anyone on here uses suspenders I’d like to know if they perform well. I’m think they would still slide in towards the neck or off the shoulders even if snapped inside the retainer
TIA
I don’t use suspenders.
What made you decide SLR 3 over V 10. Just curious as you went velocity for pads/gloves.
I’ve just always liked that line better, even going back to the Epic days. I didn’t keep this one anyway as I didn’t love it like past models. I’m in a Bauer Hyperlite 2 currently.
@@L7spider I’m going to take a look at that Bauer chesty. I’m in a velocity now that is old. Can’t remember which model. I appreciate your videos because I feel you are very similar to me as far as comfort over bulk, mobility over blocking and softer pads over the firm trend, etc.
What are the main differences between the SLR 1 and the SLR 3? Did you find the SLR 1 less bulky?
SLR 3 just felt more boxy and bulky. Wasn’t as comfortable to use.
@@L7spider Would you consider the SLR 1 to be the shirt here and the SLR 3 to be more like a jacket? I watched your video last week. Was that what you said? You say the SLR 1 is less boxy and bulky? I was comparing pictures of both the SLR 1 and 3 and it looks to be less bulky in the chest and abdomen areas. Are the shoulders and arms less bulky on the SLR 1 compared to the 3? What specifically makes the SLR1 less boxy and bulky? I look forward to your reply and thanks in advance!
@@PeterLee-bx9jv haha, yeah I’ve used the shirt/jacket analogy a few times when comparing chest protectors. In this case, if the SLR is the shirt, then the SLR 3 is a somewhat heavy jacket. The arms are very comparable, the main difference I felt was in the chest and shoulders. I wouldn’t say it’s not mobile at all, but if we are comparing it, I’d say it’s less mobile than the original SLR and less mobile than some other units out there. Some people don’t really care about that though. If someone is looking for more protection and to make themselves look bigger in net, then they’d probably prefer the SLR 3. Just depends what you’re looking for. Out of things like protection, mobility, coverage (how much net you take up), etc. what are your priorities? What are you looking for the most?
@@L7spider I am looking to have adequate protection but have great mobility. I like to challenge shooters and use my reflexes. I am currently using an old school Vaughn 3500 Vision series. The SLR3 is in essence a very beefed-up version of it as the layout of the shoulders/arms from my 3500 is very similar. What specifically did you find less bulky in the shoulder area on the SLR 1 compared to the SLR 3? In the pictures they look similar to me. I would love to hear your feedback here. Vaughn Canada has told me they would be willing to make me an SLR 1 if I decide to go that route.
@@PeterLee-bx9jv well I don’t feel protection is an issue with either unit, it would just be if someone was really concerned about it and really didn’t want to feel any shots then I’d say the 3 has that advantage a little bit. The shoulders just seem to feel bulkier and more squared off than the 1. Think if you were to put like a light cardboard box type structure over yourself. It’s not strong enough to keep you from moving how you want, just not the most comfortable way to do it. Best way I can try and explain I guess. If Vaughn can make you the SLR 1 though, I’d definitely recommend that. It will feel more like what you are currently using.
Do you still have this and if so, has the unit grown on you after wearing a while now?
No, I sold it to a friend and he loves it. It’s not bad, I just love my Hyperlite. My friend did remove the extra padding though that I complained about in the review. He thought it was too much as well.
Can you compare protection to your Hyperlite? Any chance you tried the Mach?
I have not tried the Mach on ice, only seen/held it. It’s a slightly bulkier Hyperlite basically. Not a huge difference. I would give the Vaughn SLR3 an edge in protection over Hyperlite if I have to pick, but it’s not like I feel the Hyperlite is lacking in that department either.
@@L7spider Thank you!
Is the tie-in for the pants when tucking similar to the slr2 pro carbon?
I don’t have this chesty anymore so I can’t take a look at it, and I don’t tuck or attach my chesty to my pants. My educated guess based on the rest of the unit being pretty similar is that it would basically be the same, but I can’t give you a definitive answer right now. Sorry.
It would have been hilarious if the intro was the entire video
LOL, would have been a great troll job. 😂
Did they beef up the bicep and wrist area?
Yes, really it feels beefier almost all over, which is probably why it doesn’t quite feel as comfortable to me as my original SLR unit. So if you thought past models were lacking in protection, this might be an improvement for you, but if you’re like me and we’re happy with how they felt, this might be a bit much.
Wow! Just wow! Doesn’t use suspenders so instant no credibility on this review! A must for this and most pro chestys! Like even for the most bottom feeding beer leaguers… seriously?
Seriously
Not everyone uses suspenders bud