has anybody tried the armadillo calf protectors

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[perpracmakesperfect]

  Hockey players in my area have started wearing calf and achilles pads called armadillo here in Ireland. Has anybody tried them ? Do they really work?

[slapugeroo]

Look and sound like a good idea, just like reverse shin guards. I would expect that they work the same as shin guards and the moisture wicking stuff looks legit. If I had the money, I might've got some, but I don't. 

[keely]

Given that they only reduce impact energy by 30% (their own figure), I'm not sold on their effectiveness in hockey. Moreover, how many times do you take a ball or stick in the calf? Looks like a good idea for rugby and football though.

For those of you who would appreciate a link instead of having to google (yes, placing links in your original post is a good idea)... Armadillo Calf and Achilles Protectors.

[sanabas]

Definitely looks good for rugby, studs down the back of the leg was a semi-regular occurence. Don't think I need much protection there for hockey though.

[zippytime]

I've only ever taken 2 balls to the back of my calf's in 16years of playing the game.  Yep they stung but never did any damage apart from having a bruise each time.

The idea for using them in sports where you get the potentially of damage from studs, i.e. football or rugby is brilliant but not sure they will catch on in hockey, unless one of the top players in the world starts to promote them.