DerekGDS

My advice on the socks is: Go with mesh if: You want an extra little cushion feel to the face. It is a thicker spacing mesh to provide a softer feel. You work in temperatures almost exclusively above 70 degrees Consider microfiber suede if: You work in lower temperatures and actually want to trap some additional heat for a higher ambient temperature in the pads. You like the feeling of microfiber suede (obviously) You're OK with these degrading faster then the mesh socks. (short/stubble facial hair will degrade these much faster then mesh. We did test these against ASTM D3884 test parameters for abrasion resistance and it passed 800+ cycles and it has excellent resistance to sweat staining but wet + rubbing means limited colorfastness overall) I wouldn't put the Tango2 or Shear3 on my own personal face in temperatures below 65 degrees. Thats with me assuming my skin/breath brings the ambient temperatures of the pads up to at least 70 degrees. On the other hand, there are people who use pads like TW in lower ambient temperatures so it really all about what you're comfortable with. The viscoelastic foams approach their glass transition, becoming increasingly rigid and uncomfortable at about 59 degrees in which I absolutely recommend to not wear them in those conditions. The Cloud4 is meant to fill that gap and be an alternative to individuals who just do not want a medium-firm to firm pad.

They will be released next week (at some point) to customers who have purchased the frame and then publicly about a week after that. As previous mentioned, here is what we're initially launching: 3 pad core options Tango2 Pad Core (01) - $34.99 D3O® Cloud4 Pad Core (02) - $49.99 D3O® Shear3 Pad Core (03) - $69.99 4 pad socks (covers) Black/Black Mesh - $24.99 Black/Black Microfiber Suede - $34.99 Charcoal/Black Mesh - $29.99 Charcoal/Black Microfiber Suede - $39.99 *Pricing: This is standalone MSRP pricing. I do not know how pricing looks when combined with the frame, combined as a set, or when multiple cores/socks are purchased yet. Pricing for whomever has purchased the frame will be discounted and sent via email. The concept for all the pad cores is similar they but the complexity and the materials are different. Most modern traditional padding, with the very notable exception of Team Wendy, is a two-layer system. Typically a medium density EVA and a softer open cell for comfort. EVA is doing the vast majority of impact protection, with the other half of the pad primarily for comfort and contributes minimal resistance. I need to say that these pads have not been tested in a laboratory and none of my claims are scientific or absolute but here is what we used in theory to develop these cores. Multi-Layer Energy Absorption: Instead of one or two thick layers doing all the work until it is hits maximum compression, we have multiple thinner layers each operating in a more optimal range, progressively managing the impact without any single point of failure or sudden escalation of force. More layers working in sequence means the impact takes longer to transmit through the entire system. Even an extra 2-3 milliseconds of deceleration time makes a significant difference in peak force. Graduated densities ensure smooth force transmission rather than abrupt transitions between each layer. Density Grading: Impedance is how much a material resists the transmission of shock waves. It's determined by density and how fast waves travel through the material. Dense materials have high impedance, soft materials have low impedance. With densities stepping down (outside to inside), each transition has a smaller impedance mismatch. More of the shock wave continues traveling through each boundary rather than reflecting backward. When energy reflects at impedance boundaries, it stays in the stiffer outer materials or frame, potentially causing higher peak forces and vibration. Graduated impedance allows energy to distribute through the entire padding thickness for better overall energy absorption. Load Distribution: The front of the pad socks are made from EVA molded to specifically fit the Mirage 12 (they also fit some other traditional wire frame designs) creating a strong form fit with the frame and offering a solid backing for the hdpe plate. As the plate bends under a frame bar, it creates a curved depression. This curve naturally spreads the force. The foam isn't just compressed directly under the bar, but also in the surrounding area where the flexed plate pushes into it. Instead of narrow 5-6mm pressure lines directly under each bar, the flexing plate creates a much broader compression zone. Our pads cores are roughly between 20-30% thinner then most pads on the market but each mm is active protection. This additional functional cushioning translates to meaningfully longer impact duration and lower peak forces transmitted. Nothing here is revolutionary, just more thoughtful design and better materials. Tango2 Pad Core This is a dual-foam pad with a semi-flexible 1mm HDPE plate on both the top and the bottom pads. Bottom pad core 35mm, Top pad core 30mm The outer most foam towards the frame is EVA. It is a medium density and common to other pads on the market but it helps keep down the weight and offers solid protection at a more economical price point. Our medium density viscoelastic foam makes up close to 70% of the pad. When impacted it stays compressed, maintaining its deformed state well through the impact duration helping with distributing the load over time rather than creating a sharp force spike. Instead of storing energy elastically and returning it back toward the frame, this foam converts most impact energy into heat and internal friction. It's the most economical pad and in theory should perform above levels of most pads currently available on the market especially with the distribution plate. Like all pads using viscoelastic foams, these pads get more comfortable the warmer the ambient temperature is. D3O® Cloud4 Pad Core This is a quad-layer pad with a semi-flexible 1mm HDPE plate on both the top and the bottom pads. Bottom pad core 35mm, Top pad core 30mm Uses a combination of D3O, various density EVA and a medium density PU foam. (The top pad substitutes D3O with Covalta - our proprietary chemically cross-linked foam) The two first foams in the laminate do the bulk of the energy absorption passing the remaining energy through the medium density foam which is then backed by a soft EVA for comfort and to provide better moisture resistance. This is the softest pad available and is better suited to lower ambient temperatures and individuals who prefer a softer more predictable feel on the face. D3O® Shear3 Pad Core This is a tri-layer pad with a semi-flexible 1mm HDPE plate on both the top and the bottom pads. Bottom pad core 34mm, Top pad core 30mm Uses a combination of D3O, a medium-high density viscoelastic foam and the medium viscoelastic foam used in the Tango2 pad core. This pad does not include any comfort enhancements and is best suited in ambient temperatures above 65 degrees where the pads become softer. On paper these are the most protective pad cores and offer the lowest resilience and highest levels of energy dissipation.

Just a quick update for folks waiting patiently. I expect the first set of pads to be released by the end of the month at the latest. I will follow up with technical specifics for those interested but here are some shots of the final product. Pads will also be available in black and there is a pad skin/cover that is microfiber suede instead of mesh.

GR8 Call is your replacement for the Honig's pads. Same materials, including the same Japanese Deerskin Leather. They don't make them in Tan but I'll find if its possible. We expect the first round of pads in early September, nothing in a Tan yet though.

Yes, the HDPE is pliable and you can use a hair drier or heat gun but make sure to remove all of the padding first. It is completely removable from all of the hard plates. High heat can damage the D3O. The plates are pre-shaped (not perfect but better than most) but over time they flatten with shipping and storage. Using heat should get them where you'd like.

On paper 02 but as @MadMax has covered in significant detail nothing we (or anyone) make can guarantee to prevent concussions or injury. The 02 pads are designed to do the bulk of the work in the front half of the pads and towards the face a much softer feel then the 03 in all ambient conditions but especially in cold-moderate conditions.

I would not recommend them in lower temperatures, like TW they will be significantly stiffer.

Just a quick update for those patiently waiting. First sets of pads and socks are expected sometime in late August-early September. Just in time for most of you to not need them for several months. The first socks (covers) will be offered in either a black/charcoal front with black microfiber suede or mesh back. Three different cores will be offered: 01: This has comparable characteristics and feel to Wilson Memory Foam pads. 02: This is the softest pad available and uses a multi-layer foam stack including D3O, EVA and Open Cell Foam (with a thin layer of EVA backing to improve moisture absorption resistance) 03: This has comparable feel to Team Wendy pads and how it feels is subject to ambient temperatures. It is a dual layer foam stack with D3O up front and a memory foam towards the face.

All of our shin guard lines are slotted for 2027 refreshes, some of them significant.

Davis Apex

Internally, MSRP is still showing $230. So there is no official change. With that being said it is likely a sale price or price testing. Yes, early adopters will still get first dibs, discounts (equal to what the price would have been if it was sold with the mask) and free shipping on the pads when they are available.

To clarify, take a look at the photo below. The shirt on the top has a structured collar that allows it is to maintain an upright shape. The shirt on the bottom connects the collar directly to the body and everything lays much more flat and a bit sloppy. Buttoning one or two of the buttons may fix this or look for a shirt that has a structured collar and you wont have exposure issues.

What style/brand of shirt are you currently wearing? You may want to consider a shirt that has a structured collar where it actually stands up, and doesn't lay flat if the one you're wearing doesn't have one. This may help/solve the problem.

+1 for the All-Star MVP. It is the highest quality HSM I have put my hands on and I appreciate the thoughtful innovation of Deflexion which is a thermoplastic rubber that acts much line a spring to absorb energy.

This is from memory and a pre-production sample so forgive me if anything is incorrect. Hopefully some who has it can chime in or correct me if I am wrong. - I believe it was a tricot weave, weight was somewhere between 150-170gsm so lightweight. - The shirts had side panels with either a loose weave polyester mesh or poly/spandex. This went from the bottom hem to around the chest. - Quality was pretty standard for a shirt in this price range. Nothing stood out to me that I specifically questioned. - I do recall the chest pocket being rather narrow, but I don’t know what it actually measures out to.

As long as I don't have to use a physical key I am good!

I think it was very tastefully done with the contrast. It's not a Nike white on black and goes with some of the more tasteful touches an older New Balance line that was a slight contrast and damn near tone-on-tone.

Oh sorry about that. It's the DX platform being used to test a more economical foam and some textiles for other projects in development. Unlikely to get released as an actual DX model and if it does it will be a limited one-time run. It is our 30th anniversary coming up after all so there's a chance it makes short appearance.

The first batch of harnesses didn't include tri-glides to lock the straps in place. Adding them should completely resolve the issues if they're coming loose.

@JSam21 got some bad info unfortunately. It's a TW Power. He took off the wing pads, gap plates and stickers are moved/removed for TV.

Gerry is officially retired. No day-to-day activities but still puts his connections to work and consults on various R&D / product development.

100% agree. I've also never heard of someone complaining their All-Star mag broke, was dented or anything like that and I've never seen a product that was poorly manufactured from them. It's floating around AAA, we'll get there!

Purely from an aesthetics stand point. That weld doesn't compromise it at all, it is solid.

I don't know if this is actually a significant factor or not but there are just some folks who hate those welds.