Brian’s Jane – Perhaps the toughest review I will ever write
Written: Apr 15 '05 (Updated Apr 15 '05)
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Pros: Strong enough for a man but made for a woman, pro level protection
Cons: They aren't cheap, not everyone will like the flashy designs
The Bottom Line: This is a pro level piece of gear that is made for women. It is well worth the price
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| puckmugger's Full Review: Brians Goalie Equipment Womens Goalie Jocks JANE |
Hmm, have I gone too far?
I certainly wouldn’t ever write a review of a sport’s bra. That’s just a subject on which I couldn’t really offer any helpful advice. Frankly, I’d find it embarrassing. I mean someone might think that I tried one out just to see. I suppose that there is a possibility of the same fear when writing a review of a woman’s pelvic protector. Well the fact of the matter is that I did try one on. Actually I own one . . . well kind of.
Ack, don’t hit the off-topic button yet!
Of course mine is the men’s version of the same product, but that’s not exactly what I intend to review here. The men's version is exactly the same product with a little different shape to it. (As you might expect). I am familiar with the women’s version as well. Bear with me. I can attest to most of the relevant issues with this product with the notable exceptions of exact fit and comfort. But that’s going to vary with personal preferences and body shape anyway. What’s important is that the women interested in purchasing one of these still need to know the rest.
But why write on a woman’s product?
I receive at least three emails a week asking about products related to hockey. Most of these are from men, true. However, about one in twenty is a woman who needs a little purchasing advice.
Several have asked about female specific goalie gear. Honestly there isn’t much of it out there. For players there are women’s pants and women’s shoulder pads. There were even some attempts to make skates just for women. As much sense as all of that makes, there has been a very limited number of items made for women. This is one of them. Hopefully my review of it will aid women who hope to play goalie but aren’t sure about all of the gear.
A Jill
I don’t know who came up with the name, but guys have jocks and ladies wear Jills or Jillers. Brain’s hockey apparently decided that the tag was a little too clever and tagged theirs as the Jane. Of course the leopard skin on the displayed version is part of the clever moniker. The gent’s version of it is called the Tarzan, so of course this one is a Jane.
Personally I’ve never been a big fan of this particular print. The first jock that I ordered came in this design by mistake. I promptly returned it for one with a bull’s-eye instead. Call me crazy. I wasn’t too keen on parading about in a locker room full of men in a leopard skin jock. Most women have a slightly more keen sense of fashion than we men do however. Perhaps this print is more your taste. That part you will have to decide.
Brian’s is not only one of the few choices for female goalie pelvic protectors, they are the only one to offer such a wide array of visual choices. While all of the other brands simply proffer basic black, Brian’s has been making themed protection for quite some time. It can be good for a laugh in the locker room if you pick the right one. On the other hand not everyone wants his or her protection down yonder to be a joke.
What makes a goalie protector different?
Normal pelvic protectors are simply a hard plastic piece with padding on one side (the hard side goes out). These slip into a pocket in a pair of all-in-one shorts, or a standard supporter. There isn’t really anything more to them.
However, goalies do tend to take a few more lumps. In fact, modern goal tending puts the vulnerable areas that pelvic protectors guard right in the line of fire. Having a sub-standard pelvic protector would certainly make the game unpleasant, even unbearable, I’d imagine.
While the plastic pelvic protector is essentially the same as you would find in the most basic protection, the supporter that holds it in place is substantially upgraded for goalies. A great deal of extra padding on both sides of the pocket that holds the plastic protector is the first step. Further goalie protectors have a wider padded area that offers added protection on either side of the . . .uh, protected area.
Brian’s Jane has a padded belt and offers lower belly protection as well as extended pelvic protection. Essentially on a Brian’s Jane, or any of Brian’s Jillers, the pelvic protector covers all of the areas that a pair of goalie pants leave vulnerable.
Materials and Design
The outside fabric of the Jane is a fairly tough nylon. This is tough enough to last through numerous seasons. The interior lining is a rather plush synthetic material that has the consistency and texture of cotton. It is very soft and comfortable enough to be worn by itself as many people do wear their supporters. I’ve always preferred to wear my jock over the under armour tights that I wear to keep my legs warm . . . great, I’m writing about women’s pelvic protectors and admitting that I wear tights. This whole thing is making me feel a little odd I admit.
The straps on the Jane include two elastic leg loops. These connect to the bottom of the pelvic protector pocket by a single sliding loop so they can be adjusted with a single buckle. The waistband is also elastic on the back. This also is adjustable by way of a plastic buckle.
Sizing
Sizes are small medium and large. They fit like athletic shorts. You know what size you are, I don’t.
Parting Thoughts
While there really aren’t a lot of options for ladies out there, Brians is one of the premier brands in goalie equipment. The Jane is a pro level piece of gear so you will never find yourself wanting for more. I’ve only once had a shot so hard that I needed a moment to . . . oh collect my thoughts shall we say.
If anything, I would suspect that the ladies version would do a better job as it will almost certainly have a more conforming fit. I was planning on going into more detail on why I think that is a good thing, but after three starts realized that I didn’t really care to share that much, sorry.
Hopefully that helps out with the decision. I don’t know if I have it in me to review anymore women’s pelvic protectors.
Some of my other reviews that you might find helpful:
Fitting Goalie Gear
Itech GKP Goalie Knee Protectors
Brian’s Demon Goal Pads
Recommended:
Yes
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