Bailey sticking with P1's

With international games and friendlies on the way and going on at the moment, there's a chance to see what kit goalkeepers are using in the run up to serious competition. Reading's James Bailey, who has been benching for the England international squad in place of Patrick Smith, is noticeably sticking with his TK P1 foam kit. An upgrade on the TK Soft range, it will be interesting how they match up to the standard of elite level and the regular beating they'll receive in training sessions. I still think it would be good to have more competition for the first team spot, for the sake of work ethic etc. but kit wise, Gucassof was also seen wearing them having switched for the Euro Hockey League KO16.

P1 rhp sightings

Whilst the P1 TK kit has been seen getting use in the Hoofdklasse and a few goalkeepers in Germany's Bundesliga to be using them in the near future, there has also been sightings of the black coloured P1 rhp being used by a few goalkeepers at the highest levels of hockey across the globe. Canada women's first choice Lauren Lagoush has made the switch to the design very recently, especially giving a good test in friendly internationals against America in their newly built hockey dome (a great idea for playing hockey in the snow season!). Belgium's second choice and Daring goalkeeper Jeremy Gucasoff has been using the new design, changing over from his old red rhp (of the same design, just without the D3O additions). As can be seen in this clip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVwwmpoeaQE&list=UUKwUPymQXTBcVrzdALJnsuw

Interesting to consider that it's just the rhp that has been changed during the season, rather than the whole kit, although the P1 range is arguably still awaiting full release, which could be an issue even for TK sponsored goalies! And of course remembering the time required for adjusting to new kit, although elite goalkeepers would be expected to be able to do so more quickly due to elite skills and muscle memory.

TK P1 sighting in Holland

With the new TK range incorporating D3O and isoblox in its construction having seen use at international level by South African goalkeepers in recent friendlies, the P1 range has also been getting use at elite level hockey in Holland, with Den Bosch's goalkeeper using the new foam range. As the video shows, all of kit has great rebound, with quite the distance possible on saves. It will be interesting how much success goalkeepers will be able to achieve with the new range as they adjust technique, with maximum rebound possible on long distance clearances out of the D and as far away as possible to prevent instantaneous goals off rebounds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr_B4ubc9Fk

New TK kit getting international use

With TK unleashing their new kit on the world over the new year, introducing their take on D3O and the use of new Isoblocks to increase rebound and protection without adding weight to their kit, they have been getting use at the highest levels of the game, with South African sponsee wearing his new kit in recent friendlies with the Springboks squad. Rassie Pieterse is getting the chance to give them a run out, as can be seen in the match report below, with the mainly black colour combo TK have gone for with the new branding, on show. Will be interesting to see how use progresses and views and opinions etc. as they go under the review hammer over the course of the year.

http://www.supersport.com/xtra/xtra/news/140301/SA_hockey_lads_and_Argentina_draw_22