Quote:
Originally Posted by Reaper
The shell disperses the impact of the hit. The multilam layering from top to bottom goes medium density foam/ high density foam/plastic shell/high density foam/low density foam.
At this stage, removing the shell is dangerous to the wearer as the cap plays a huge role in protecting the shoulders and elbows. It disperses the impact evenly as opposed to taking the full brunt of it in a smaller area. It also provides some engineered movement to absorb impact in some of the newer pads. Take out the cap and you will see a huge increase in injuries as there will be more pointed impacts. Some players avoid the hit and some players absorb the hit.
Those that choose to absorb the hit will be more susceptible to injury. Imagine losing a player for 20 games just for taking a run of the mill legal shoulder check. The players are bigger and hit harder than ever before.
If you want to stick with the 1998 Don Cherry argument then fill your boots but you're mistaken.
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You are supposed to be leading with your elbows in hits?
Maybe it's arguable that we need a hard shell on the shoulders. Although I don't see why a softer material wouldn't be equally if not more shock absorbing, but the elbow?
Is there honestly no softer material whatsoever that would fulfill the same shock absorbing function?