by Michael Smith
Style
This is the style of top that a lot of keepers have been waiting for. No more ¾ length tops or using a similar style from another sport. The other company that does this style is Kukri, however they will only normally produce a GK top as part of a team order and they do not have a vented back.
For info, I had both GK’s come over from the game prior to mine to have a look and the opposition GK after our game (all in OBO kit, two had a Mazon shirt with the other wearing an older OBO design – silver/black). Also, it received a lot of compliments from my own team. That has never happened before.
Colours
Great combination and looking forward to seeing the other colours to match specific foam colours. My complete kit is red and black. [Admin: available colours are black/orange, blue/black, black/silver, blue/orange.]
Printing
Great integration of the OBO into the number one at the back. However, a lot of GK’s are not number 1; therefore, does this come as an option unprinted? [Admin: we no longer print the number ‘1’ on the back of the shirts].
In addition, I have had this screen printed with my name on the back and the number 1 on the front also.
Fit
At first glance this top (size L) look really small and figure hugging almost like a muscle top. This isn’t just my view but also that of the other GK’s who have much better physiques – (I will blame age and beer). However, once worn with body armour it really does come into its own. The body armour is kept firmly in place and whilst it is definitely snug it does provide an overall sense of protection. I can only relate to the same way it feels when wearing the stripper pants and overshorts as everything is compact but comfortable. I do not know how much difference is there is between the L / XL etc but would be worth noting the exact sizing details on the sales info.
This is definitely a top that is not suitable for the full body armour with arms; however, I believe that is self explanatory when buying a top of this nature. It fits really well with the OBO elbow guards as the fitted arms do not get caught in the guards unlike the sports tops that I wear.
Vented Back
Great for me in Australia during warm games however am not sure of the whole philosophy. If anything, the back is probably the coldest area on a keeper as the body armour always keeps the front warm. In addition, there are a large number of keepers now wearing Skins or equivalent. I still either use an OBO wicking or skins. The old style GK Tops were always vented being a spin out of ice hockey smocks with the new way being all enclosed similar to outfield players. I am not sure if there are actually any performance differences but am sure you guys have researched it more than I am aware of. In summary, I do not know whether or not it is needed and honestly do not have a preference either way.
In summary
I absolutely loved this top and consider it by far the best one I have had and surpassing anything that OBO have produced previously. The colour range will be important as it always is with OBO products as different foam colours also play a big part.
