Bauer 1S OD1N Leg Pads

It is common in the auto industry for companies to develop a concept car as a way to show off their unrestricted capabilities. Similarly, Bauer has done the same with the OD1N Project. In 2011, Bauer made an extra contribution to their Research and Development team, and gave them the green light to develop the most advanced hockey equipment to date, by disregarding economic barriers and market trends, and to shed light on the possible future of hockey equipment.

After two years of developing, the Bauer 1S OD1N emerged and is the lightest—certainly, most different—leg pad Bauer has ever made. What makes this pad so different? Let’s get to the details.

C.O.R.TECH Skin Technology

Perhaps the most interesting innovation brought to the table by OD1N is the build of the pad. As you can read in the title the name is abbreviated, but what for? Coefficient of Restitution Tech Skin. Before we go any further, let’s nail some terms down so we can get a better understanding. You may remember from math class that a coefficient is a constant quantity placed before and multiplies a variable (for example: 1n | 1 = coefficient, n = variable). Restitution is the rate an object returns to its original shape or position. Therefore, coefficient of restitution refers to the increased rate of an object returning to original form, and in OD1N’s case it is the pad returning to original form after stopping a puck. The quicker the pad recovers to its original shape, the harder the rebound.

The C.O.R.TECH skin is a one-piece pad construction that is formed by molding the cover of the pad, rather than sewing it. The pad’s core has multiple layers: cross-linked polyethylene foam; lycra-spandex; poly-urethane; and then a digital print graphic with a clear coat over top. This is a revolutionary method for pad construction, and it drastically reduces weight and improves the consistency of the pad.

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on some demos from Bauer and my experience was really good. Everything was consistent—my butterfly, my ability to slide, and the rebounds. In fact, the rebounds came off the pads so hard that it sounded like the beat of a drum.

The C.O.R.TECH also results in fast and far sliding. The mold of the pad makes the outer surface very, very tight, so I was able to slide well passed the post with one push. The only downside to those of you that buy OD1Ns will be adjusting to the sliding.

Custom Rotation System (CRS)

The OD1Ns feature a new Velcro strapping system, both to reduce weight and to achieve a more comfortable fit. The Custom Rotation System uses flexible nylon hook and loop straps for the calf and boot. In all honesty, I thought it was super confusing when I first looked at the strapping, but it only took me a minute to figure it out. The CRS proved to be very comfortable and thanks to the flexibility of the nylon, my legs didn’t feel like they were strapped down to the pads. I was even able to take off the pad while on the ice, adjust my skate, and strap it back up in no time. If you’re a traditionalist and don’t like Velcro strapping, there are tabs for leather straps.

Curv Composite Thigh Rise

Curv composite is a material that Bauer has been using for a couple years now, and it has worked really well for them. My first experience with Curv was with my Bauer Pro goal skates. These skates are probably the stiffest goal skates Bauer has ever made, so the Curv composite is a perfect fit for the OD1N pads. As a result, the thigh rise is very stiff and gives a better seal on the ice, and helps close up the 5-hole.

The OD1Ns come with no true breaks to them, but they play out like a single below knee break, and the Curv makes the thigh rise straight and rigid.

Digitally Printed Graphics

The 1S OD1Ns have some other small features that really wrap up the whole package. The first, most notable thing you’ll see with the OD1Ns is the graphic. Rather than cut and sew leather graphics, Bauer uses digitally printed graphics. The graphic is very detailed, even as a two colour pad, and shows different tones of the colour used on the pad.

37.5 Technology

Bauer originally developed 37.5 Technology to be used in their training apparel, to keep users body temperatures at an optimal level and to keep the user dry. 37.5° Celsius is the optimal temperature for the body when in an active state, hence the name 37.5 Technology.

The leg channel of the OD1Ns has 37.5 Technology integrated in the material. I found this to be great, because, with the nylon straps hugging my legs for an hour I never felt warm or uncomfortable.

Redefined Sizing

Wouldn’t it be great if finding the right size of goal pads were as easy as finding the right sized t-shirt? Well, Bauer is doing that for you. Instead of your 34+1, 34+2, 34+3, etc…they have redefined sizing by using the traditional Small, Medium, Large, XL, and XXL sizes. Now, you’re probably wondering why they would do that. This new approach to sizing is to be more accurate, in terms of overall size, for goalies. Far too often goalies think they need a taller thigh rise than necessary, resulting in pads that are just too big.

Pad sizes, as a whole, have changed a lot lately with the NHL’s new sizing regulations. What we’ve come to see from shorter pads is that goaltenders have a more consistent and solid butterfly; in fact, there were less 5-hole goals, last season, when the league expected more. When purchasing a set of OD1Ns, one of our goal experts will use a sizing gauge from Bauer to determine your size.

This April 2016, you will be able to get your hands on the most revolutionary goalie equipment since the first butterfly pad. Bauer continues to bring innovation to the industry, and will continue to the push the bill with their extensive Research and Development department. The Bauer Supreme 1S series will certainly leave a tremendous mark on the goalie world.