I recently received my Protech mouth guard and figured I would post a review now that I have had a chance to use it a few times.
Lets start with ordering and service, since it seems to be the prime concern as of late. Tom had briefly resumed activity on the board back in February, and I sent him a PM asking if the limited time “special” on the plain Fusion guards was still good, he got back to me in just an hour or so and said no problem. Below is a brief timeline of events:
2/12 – I placed the order on the website for an all Black Fusion Guard with the “special”
2/13 – Received Email from Protech stating a kit would arrive in 3 to 5 days.
2/20 – Received PM that materials were delayed and kit would arrive in 2 days.
2/22 – Received Kit via USPS Priority Mail.
2/23 – Sent Kit to Protech via UPS 3-Day.
4/4 – Sent Email to Protech for update. [No Reply]
4/14 – Re-sent Email to Protech for update.
4/16 – Received Email from Protech stating my guard would be remade & sent out. (No explination for "remade")
5/7 – Sent Email to Protech for update.
5/7 – Received Email from Protech stating mouthguard has already shipped & was upgraded to Pro model.
5/8 – Received Email with USPS tracking number.
5/9 – Received mouthguard via USPS Priority mail.
5/9 – Put in lower bite & email Protech that mouthguard is in hand and all is well.
5/9 – Received email thank you from Protech.
Conclusion on ordering and service:
Nearly 3 months is a long wait; fortunately, I was in no hurry. Tom was pretty good about keeping me informed and promptly replied to all but one of my emails. The fact that Tom was kind enough to extend a deep discount at the time of order, use Priority Mail to get the kit and guard from coast to coast, and upgraded the guard due to the delay all speak to his commitment to customers. Tom seems to have the best intentions, but appears to be a bit overwhelmed at times.
Anyway on to the guard itself:
I was previously using ShockDoctor Pro, so that will be the basis of comparison.
Appearance:
The Protech Pro is noticeably larger and more substantial looking than the ShockDoctor Pro
Feel:
The Protech has a heavier feel and is much more ridged than the ShockDoctor Pro. The Shock doctor is very flimsy, similar to the outside edge of a SCUBA mask, with a slightly harder black insert. The Protech has a semi-ridged outer shell and a somewhat softer inner layer against the teeth. The bottom front of the guard, near the edge of the teeth is very solid.
Fit:
The ShockDoctor will stay in place but can be easily dislodged with my tongue or from a hit; it also has a somewhat harsh angular feel, as the base, near the edge of the teeth, protrudes outward. The Protech, despite being larger, feels smaller. Much of the bulk rides higher up around the gums, and the bottom has a smaller profile that is contoured around the teeth. The fit is very noticeably better; it vacuum seals onto my upper jaw, and can’t be removed without physically prying it out with my fingers (impossible with boxing gloves). I put the bottom bite into the Protech, per the instructions. It is not qute as deep as I would like in the back (I did not want the front teeth to cut through), but still allows for a much better clinch than the ShockDoctor (which is starting to show signs of being bitten trough).
Performance:
I feel very confident wearing the Protech. It is substantial, will not fall out, and very comfortable. The Pro model is a bit bulky, although I can close my upper lip over it, while grappling it seems to increase my gag reflex during chokes and cross faces. With the ShockDoctor I would sometimes get the sensation that my teeth were flexing when a lot of pressure was applied (cross face, knee on face, face to floor, etc.) and this has not been the case with the Protech. Talking is also easier with the Protech than with the ShockDoctor.
Conclusion:
All in all I am very satisfied. The Pro model is over-kill for me as a hobbyist, but I appreciate the extra protection. I would definitely suggest ordering the best protection one can afford. Getting a custom guard made me realize how laking my BNB was. Top quality gear is always a good investement, even more so for protective gear.
Tip:
I now make sure to wear my mouthguard whenever doing any sort of contact drills with anohter person. I got a couple strange looks the first few times, but it's no big deal now after just a few sessions. I can't stand the idea of getting a dental injury while I have the best of the best custom mouthguard sitting in my gear bag.
Pro’s:
Great Fit
Great Protection
(Price, with special)
Con’s
Delivery Time
(Price, without special)
