Not Your Average Shin Guard
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to wear many different shin guards. As a defender, I’m not the type of player to complain about shin guards being “too heavy” or “slowing me down.” And there have certainly been many times that I was happy that I was wearing guards when I was playing.
I was lucky enough to receive a pair of the Pro-S Vento Guards as well as the Pro-X Ankle Guards. I prefer to wear ankle guards too. Maybe because I’ve had ankle injuries in the past, and it just feels better, but again as a defender, I get plenty of knocks on the ankles. From blocking shots, passes, or healthy tackles, both the shins and ankles pay the price.
Get Yours Now!
Get the Pro-X Ankle Guards Now!
One thing I do regret, though, is I chose a size L/XL (The ankle pads only come in S/M and L/XL), and they are a bit big, causing them to slip.
Check Out My Pro-S Vento Video Review
Six Months 48 Games, and No Injuries!
I have been wearing the shin guards for over six months, and I usually play about two games a week. I figured six months was a good amount of time for an evaluation. In that time, even though I have been kicked in the shins many times, I haven’t had a single injury to my shins! Not even a little bruise or sore spot.
The only impact that left a mark was on my ankle. It might have happened because my ankle pads are a bit too big and slipped around, leaving my ankle exposed.
Either way, making it through six months or 48 games without even a bruise or sore shin is great!
If you watch the video review, you’ll hear say a few times, “These are the best shin guards I’ve worn.”
Shin Guards Save, Well, Your Shins!
I remember one game in particular where I probably would have had a serious injury if I didn’t protect my shins.
I was playing defense, and there was a forward from the other team that kept trying to dribble past me. I kept sticking him, and this made him mad. Eventually, he tried to dribble past me, but I made a clean tackle, which sent him to the turf.
He got up and kicked me as hard as he could, right in the shin! It actually cracked my old slip-in shin guard and drew a little bit of blood. I mean, it hurt, but if I hadn’t been wearing shin pads. I most likely would have had a broken leg or at least a serious injury.
This is not a normal occurrence, but you will definitely get kicked in the shins while playing soccer. Albeit not on purpose… most of the time!
Great Story, But Who Cares?
Why am I sharing this story? Well, I know there are many players out there that say they can’t wear shin guards because they get in the way or are too heavy. If you’re one of those people, I’m hoping to convince you of how important guards are and let you know that G-Form has the answer for you.
The fact is Shin guards are required in most leagues. So you have to wear something. G-form has developed sleeve-style shin guards that basically fit like socks. You’ll hardly know they are there. They are the soccer shin guard hater’s answer to staying safe.
The G-Form Pro-S Vento Soccer Shin Guard, Not Your Average Shin Guard
G-From recently came out with their new Pro-S Vento Soccer Shin Guard. This is the next evolution from the Pro-S Elite Shin Guards.
The name is inspired by the Italian “Vento,” which means wind. With their form fitting and low profile design, they either make you as light as the wind, or you can run as fast as the wind.
So, let’s see why they are better than traditional shin guards.
1. Shin Guards That Fit Just Like a Sock
The first thing you’ll probably notice when you get them out of the package is the sleeve. The sleeve is similar to the sleeves you get when you buy slip-in guards. The difference is that the guards are not slipped in they are built into the sleeve, and you can put the sleeve and the guard on like a sock.
I initially found that the elastic on the top was kind of tight and cut the circulation off a bit on my upper calf. I think this was due to a break-in period. Because after a while, I didn’t notice it anymore.
2. The Pro-S Ventos Are So Light You’ll Forget You Are Wearing Shin Guards
You’ll forget you have them on! Partly because they are built into the sleeve partly because they are built into the sleeve and partly because they are so thin.
If you compare the Pro-S Vento to your old traditional or slip-in shin guards, you’ll notice that they are much thinner.
3. They Mold To Fit Like a Second Skin
The Vento’s body-mapped, sculpted pads mold to fit your leg. Like a second skin/shin. This is very different than a hard plastic guard that is curved and hopefully fits around your shin, which is often loose or slips around on the shin, even with a tight sleeve.
4. SmartFlex™ – Smart Soccer Technology That Works Like Magic
Don’t be misled to think that the Ventos don’t protect well just because they are so thin. G-Form uses its SmartFlex™ technology. This is what is called RPT technology, which stands for “rate-dependent technology.”
How does SmartFlex (RDT) Technology Work?
When the pads are just sitting on your legs, the molecules in the foam repel each other, which makes the pads seem soft and flexible. But when they are impacted, they react to the force. The molecules bond together to become stronger and harder. Which means you are protected the instant you are kicked. Pretty smart, hey?
If you want to see it in action, check out the video below with Pele as they smash bottles with a bowling ball, but with the G-Form shinguards, the bottle doesn’t break.
Just imagine this is a cleat kicking your shins!
Conclusion
As I’ve mentioned a few times. The Pro-S Vento’s are some of the best shin guards I’ve ever worn. I don’t think I can go back to the traditional type of shin guards.
The main points that make them better are:
- They are lightweight
- Flexible
- Form Fitting
- They provide great protection
- And the best of all, I don’t have to worry about losing those silly sleeves anymore!
