I've sworn by "longs" for a long, long, long time after being scarred many a time, as I play on some not-to-gentle fields. Until recently, since I've been looking, I've noticed many people here and abroad have sowrn by 3/4 pants for various reasons such as: allows for better air circulation in the leg area, looks cool, best of both worlds (shorts and longs). These claims and the reviews have been tempting, but I'm not sure on which to get! I've seen Sells' offering, Selsports (which looks horrific, in my opinion), HO's, BTS' Kevlar offering (which is high on my list), Uhlsport's (which is also high on my list) and Reusch's. Mind you, these all being part of the respective company's 07/08 line.
Can anyone comment on the 3/4's being offered by these companies? Also, does anyone know when new 08/09 lines are being launched (or have they already)?
selsport's 2007 kevlar ones were supremely well made and protective, but the high waistband made for an awkward fit. im not sure how the 2008 ones fit though.
i have a pair of 2007 sells and they are just ok, a keeper i coach has some Rinat 3/4 pants and he really likes them. I personally only use 3/4 pants to train or play on turf. I actually prefer unpadded 3/4 pants and i think that adidas makes the best of these.
I have a pair of the 2007 Sells Supreme 3/4 pants. You can see them here:
http://www.great-save.com/8vwc3j1009172/Adults-Clothing/Sells-GK-Clothing/Sells-Supreme-34-07-style/p-14-92-1177/
I *mostly* like them. Had only used full-length pants before. I like the fact that they feel less restrictive -- after all, the lower portions of your legs are covered by your pulled up socks and guards, anyway. And yes, there's more air circulation. I like the amount of padding in the Sells pants -- there's sufficient padding in the sides, on the knees, and even on the upper tailbone. Just remember that the knees are loose enough that depending on how you dive or slide, they might roll up, exposing your knees. I use them for playing in the new generation of indoor turf, which is similar to grass, so it isn't a big deal. But if you're playing on truly horrid pitches with rocks, etc., you might want to opt for the more comprehensive protection offered from the full pants.
Also, one thing with the Sells: I'm disappointed that after only about 15 training sessions/games, the stitching on the outside of the knee area has started to come undone. Disappointing for training pants, which it seems should be more durable. I've had full-length Adidas pants in the past that seemed more robust. But I'd definitely purchase 3/4 length pants again. Not sure if I'd go for Sells again, though.
I have a pair of older Selsports. They do have the high waist band, but don't have the crazy design the newer ones have. I love them. The high waist band isn't too big a deal, since I wear a pullover top. It would be a problem though for someone who wanted to wear them in games, with a jersey tucked in. It would just look weird. I only wear them in training. I like the velcro cuffs, which let me decide exactly how long I want them to be.
I also just cut some regular tracksuit bottom to 3/4 length, and I wear those for light sessions, crosses, handling and kicking, etc. Overall, 3/4s are a great development - sure wish someone had thought of them 20 years ago.
I have the Sells one 9Which come up a bit short but it doesnt matter as i only train on grass or 3g) and the new Reusch ones which seem to be the perfect length and fit and can't recommend then enough.
I have had the Selsport iones in the past also, and like evryone else find them quite ill fitting.
Personally though, i dont feel the need for padded ones anymore, as i mentuioned i dont play on old skool astro anymore. So padded undershorts do the trick under unpadded shorts in games and i may get some unpadded adidas 3/4's from JK in the future as i feel they will be more comfortable.
UEFA 'B' Licence Goalkeeper Coach
Reusch 360 protect 3/4 pant
I have 3/4 BTS pants. I've had them for a year using on the old style artificial turf and they stil look new.
-Kelsey
I bought the 08 selsport 3/4 this season for indoor. Ive used them in a few games, and I have been pretty pleased with them. They do have the high waist though, which is a bit starnge, but now i've gotten used to it. It does push up my beer gut a bit too much though. Very tight fitting as well, so you may want to do a size up. As for the protection on my legs and padding though, absolutely no complaints at all.
Thanks for the reponse guys, and I've ended up purchasing the BTS 3/4 kevlar trousers, which seemed as the best considering the conditions I play on (rough fields, or at least the goalmouths).
Hey guys, a quick update for anyone in the future thinking about which 3/4's to purchase.
I returned the BTS Kevlar 3/4's because they were too long and were quite tight around my thighs. Old US Keeper was helpful in the order and return processes, thanks OUSK.
After scouring this thread again, Great Save, Just Keepers, and Pro Direct, I picked out the Reusch 3/4 Protects. My previous long pants was a Reusch Alex GK pants and it lasted (still "lasting" to be exact) a good 2 years. That's quality, so I had confidence that the Protect's would last. I ordered them from JK and arrived in 5 days, which was highly unexpected (considering they're coming from the UK, which is usually around 10 days). Long story short, I wore them today and they were exactly what I was looking for. The length and location of the padding is perfect, they don't roll up, and the padding itself is adequate.
Definitely recommended.
Thats some good information Zulu. I've been using some 2006 Sells 3/4 pants for two years now. I don't tend to use them too often but like to keep them for backup.
Will definetly be looking into the Reusch ones you recommended.
Stu