Source: Epoch Lacrosse
Roseville, MN — November 18, 2016 – The dawn of a new era in lacrosse equipment technology is on the horizon. Epoch Lacrosse is set to disrupt the lacrosse market with the launch of its revolutionary Integra Protective Line of gloves, arm pads and shoulder pads. All three products feature Epoch’s groundbreaking Phase Change Technology, Flexible Carbon Fiber and Tri-Layer Dual Density Foam Stack, just to name a few. The Integra Protective Line, which is available at your favorite Epoch authorized retailer and online partners, is poised to become the new benchmark for the lacrosse equipment world.
Epoch’s engineers are lacrosse players, and know lacrosse inside and out and what advanced players are looking for in their protective equipment. Epoch’s engineers set out to create the ultimate lacrosse protective gear sourcing the most technologically superior materials available in their creation.
Epoch’s Phase Change Technology used in the Integra Protective Line of gloves, arm pads and shoulder pads is used in the construction of all three products. Epoch’s engineers sourced this high performance textile from the aerospace industry where it has been used with great success lining the space suits of astronauts to regulate their body temperatures. Phase Change Technology is engineered to absorb, store and release heat for optimal thermal comfort and moisture control. The new Phase Change Technology used in Epoch’s Integra gloves, arm guards and shoulder pads senses your body heat and reacts accordingly. Micro crystals within the material (which are always at a consistent room temperature) absorb and melt (similar to an ice cube) when you sweat to cool you down. When you get cold, the Micro crystals then turn to a solid, contract and form a shield to preserve your body heat and warm you up.
Carbitex is the second of three unique materials Epoch’s engineers incorporated into the design of its Integra Protective Line of equipment. Carbitex, is a non-rigid stabilized carbon fiber that is an extremely lightweight and “flexible” carbon fiber that has improved impact protection and is also resistant to abrasions. Epoch’s engineers incorporated Carbitex into the design of its glove utilizing it to protect the thumb and back of the hand. Carbitex is also used in other high impact areas such as the elbow caps of the arm pads and the bicep pads on the Integra Shoulder Pads.
Protection is paramount in the design of all lacrosse equipment. Epoch’s engineers created a Tri-Layer Dual Density Foam Stack, which layers up the foam (in stacks) with the softer foam on the bottom layer and a denser polyethylene on the top layer for hit/impact protection.
Epoch’s game-changing Integra Gloves incorporate Phase Change Technology, Carbitex flexible carbon fiber and Tri-Layer Dual Density Foam Stack into their design. After talking with players from across the country last summer, it was unanimous that they wanted a better tactile feel for the shaft in the palm of their hand. Epoch’s engineers eliminated the gusset of the index and pinky fingers and found that by placing the stitching on the inside of the fingers reduced the amount of seams and stitches from the fingertips and ultimately resulted in an improved connection between a player’s hands and their shaft. The material used in the construction of the palm was also carefully considered. The Integra gloves feature a one-piece palm made with Ax Suede for its moisture wicking characteristics, superior feel and control.
“We wanted something that fit more like a golf glove than a hockey glove,” says James Miceli, principal and founder of Epoch Lacrosse. “Control and feel of your stick is vital to the success of any lacrosse player. Our goal was to create a glove that feels like it isn’t even there.”
Players also made it clear that they wanted gloves with a cuff that moved with their style of play while also being protective. Up until now gloves have had big/bulky cuffs that either reduced the movement of your wrist, or were so small that they offered little to no protection. Epoch’s engineers took a unique approach and extended the cuff allowing the protective portion to remain out of the way when you flex your wrist (great for face-off guys), improving your range of motion while also providing you with the comfort you desire. The Integra gloves also feature a removable cuff strap so players can custom tailor the fit of their gloves to match the style of their play.
Every finite detail of the Integra glove was carefully considered, including the thumb. Epoch’s engineers reinforced the suede on the Integra’s thumb with TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) providing an extra layer of protection against wear and tear without sacrificing the overall feel and control of the glove.
Epoch’s Integra Arm Pads, Arm Guards and Elbow Caps are also going to raise the bar as we know it for protection and comfort. Epoch’s engineers used dual density compression molded foam to reduce the amount of stitching needed to improve flexibility and movement. Epoch engineered the Integra Arm Guard with a two-piece 4-way stretch spandex, 1” elastic bands, and unique internal silicone print (Live. Play. Be.) to reduce slippage and reinforced them with TPU for unparalleled fit and protection. The Integra Arm Guards also feature a “Sandwich” strapping system on the bicep and forearm. The Sandwich strapping system virtually eliminates pad slippage while allowing for a customized fit and added protection. Epoch also reinforced the hard shell elbow cap with carbon fiber for the ultimate in protection, lightness and maneuverability. Defenseman will also appreciate the Integra Elbow Caps for their minimal bulk design and unparalleled protection.
Most players wear the same shoulder pads they wore in seventh grade. However, Epoch’s Integra Shoulder Pads with their Compression Molded Dual Density Foam and Quick Release Front Protection Straps for easy AED (Automated External Defibrillator) access are as minimal and protective as you get. Epoch’s engineers designed the new Integra shoulder pads with removable carbon fiber bicep pads and large Velcro islands for effective fit and adjustment. Protecting players and keeping them safe during practices and games is also extremely important to everyone at Epoch. Parents can rest assure that if in the rare event your son is hit in the chest and suffers a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia, a ventricular fibrillation or a ventricular tachycardia, Epoch’s Integra Shoulder Pads are designed with quick release front protection straps for easy AED (Automated External Defibrillator) access.
“We take great pride in designing and manufacturing lacrosse equipment that pushes the technological envelope with every product,” says Miceli. “We are confident our Integra Protective Line of equipment will become the new gold standard for the lacrosse equipment industry.”
About Epoch Lacrosse
Epoch Lacrosse is a design and engineering company that manufactures the finest lacrosse equipment designed to increase playability and maximize performance by utilizing world-class materials and manufacturing techniques. Epoch tests and re-tests each of its designs to ensure optimal durability, playability and performance. Epoch’s goal is simple, to give players every opportunity to reach their true potential. Live. Play. Be.
Visit www.EpochLacrosse.com to learn more about Epoch Lacrosse and its products.
You can also follow Epoch on Twitter @epochlax and check out their blog at http://www.LivePlayBe.com
Also, make sure to checkout Epoch’s entire Integra Protective Line of gloves, arm pads and shoulder pads.
