Brian's Optik 2 Pro Trapper/Blocker Review

Trapper

Brian’s improves on the Optik 2 trapper where it was needed but doesn’t change the package too much since the success of the original Optik. Modeled off of Scott Darling’s specs, known as a puck vacuum for how easy it is to catch and keep pucks in this monster of a glove, the Optik 2 will stay true to that. With the Digitech palm, ginormous pocket and tweaks to the BOA placement, Brian’s built another great trapper.

Optik 2 Trapper Design

The trapper features a 40-degree break angle, much like its predecessor, allowing for an easy close over the palm of your hand. A tweak that Brian’s made with this glove is where the stitching on the palm is, they added lacing along the break to improve consistency and further enhance the close, allowing you to snap the glove shut with ease. The catcher also sports an extended single T allowing for greater rigidity and structure in the pocket.

BOA Strapping

The most revolutionary part of the recent Brian’s Pro gear is the addition of BOA strapping. For those who may not be familiar, this is a dial function that allows you to tweak the strapping easily and have the glove fit on your hand however you like. This feature allows for a 360-degree snug fit around your wrist and the back of your palm. With a pop the top to loosen design, the BOA also won’t loosen while you play, only once you pull the dial up. A minor tweak Brian’s made for the BOA system this year is that they brought the lower dial to be more positioned on your wrist rather than the heel of your palm, something I wasn’t a fan of on the previous Optik glove.

Cuff and Backhand

The cuff of the glove is a true one-piece which promotes a more consistent feel as opposed to a two-piece cuff. They also open up the backhand of the glove for easy access and adjustments that can be made between whistles. The open backhand also minimizes any interference with the chest protector, ensuring you’ll never feel restricted. Lastly, on the backhand, they keep the elastic thumb strap to enhance closure and the flexibility of the backhand.

The Technical Stuff

Brian’s uses E-Foam on the Optik 2 trapper once again. E-Foam is a proven high-density foam that allows for a lightweight trapper without sacrificing structure or protection. On the wrist strap, Brian’s uses their famous Hex-Air technology providing not only comfort but also breathability.

The Palm

The palm continues its use of the no-slip grip that was featured on the Opt1k series. The Digitech material ensures that your fingers won't slip when closing your glove and helps you feel more in control. The finger stalls remain as long as they were on the original Optik trapper, making this the perfect glove for those with large hands and adding somewhat of a baseball glove feel.

Brian's Optik 2 Blocker

The new Optik blocker is the lightest blocker Brian’s has ever released. Allowing for a snug fit and quick movements, The Optik blocker feels natural and sends the puck flying.

BOA Strapping

The blocker features BOA strapping as well, this year it has also made the move from the lower palm to the wrist to add more control. In an easy to adjust position, this system allows for quick and precise adjustments whenever needed.

Blocker Board

The Optik 2 blocker board has a clean, bindingless face. A streamlined beveled blocker board allows Brian’s to drop weight while maintaining structural integrity and protection. The blocker face is also their hardest ever, did we mention big rebounds? Using E-Foam technology, paired with a higher density foam, the blocker promotes consistency and power on every save. Brian’s also tweaked the blocker board positioning to help reach those low blocker shots faster.

The Palm

The palm of the blocker is double-layered, increasing the durability and comfort when playing the puck and making stick saves. The fingers feature Velcro elastic straps so you can adjust how tight your fingers are to the finger protection. Speaking of the fingers, Brian’s also improves on the finger wrap to protect your index finger from slashes and pucks. Lastly, the removable thumb pillow adds comfort and customizability.

Customizer

If Brian’s is known for anything, it is that they are the custom goal company. Made in Canada, the quality and possibilities are endless if you’re looking to design and build your own set. The graphic itself allows for creative and detailed designs as well as a textured zone. If you’re looking to go the extra mile, you can even design your own graphic for an upcharge. Check out the customizer on Brian’s website and feel free to give us a call at the Hockey Shop with any questions or to start building your new set!

Final Thoughts

After getting a chance to stop some pucks with these gloves, I was for the most part happy. The blocker was super light, and with the palm being so tight to the blocker board, I had full control over where I placed my rebounds. The hard face of the blocker board sent pucks to the glass and even the netting sometimes, giving me extra time to prepare before the next shot. As for the glove, the nickname says it all, it is a vacuum, I caught every puck that was sent my way. Personally, the 40-degree angle would definitely take some adjusting to but even throughout the ice time, I felt more and more confident playing the puck and catching shots as time went by. The only thing I wasn’t stoked about was that I found I was feeling the puck along the break on the palm, but nothing too hard, keeping in mind that I was using a sample set and there have most likely been additions to the padding since the trial set was built. Overall, I loved the blocker and with a few extra ice times under my belt, I think I’d love the glove too, this set will definitely be on my list to try again when my time comes for new gear.