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A goaltender’s pads are arguably the piece of equipment that’s most synonymous with the position. That’s because it’s these oversized leg pads that are crucial to keeping pucks out of the lower half of the net. But if you’re new to the goaltending position or have played for a while and are in the market for a new set of pads, it’s worth taking the time to do your homework to decide what style is right for you. After all, there’s a lot that goes into selecting the right pads.
You should never just go to the store and pick out a pair of pads. Just like getting sized for a helmet, skates or shin pads, you need to know your pad size as well. Pads sizes are based on two measurements:
Knowing these two measurements, you can select the right pad size. Wearing the right pad size is critical not just to ensure the pads fit and feel well, but to ensure you’re properly protected in the net.
Pads are made from a variety of high- and low-density materials, leathers and nylons. The type of material in your padding is often largely dictated by the level of competition you play at. For instance, serious goaltenders normally prefer pads with lightweight leather on the outer shell and a variety of foams in the leg pads to promote comfort and help with rebound control. More basic goalie pads usually just offer one type of leg pad foam and a more basic material construction.
For more advanced goalies, style of play can dictate pad type. For instance, those that play a butterfly style should buy butterfly pads, which are made to be stiff and with a flat face to enable better performance on the ice’s surface. Hybrid pads, conversely, are more designed to protect a goalie’s knees and enable flexing at the joint. That’s not to say that goalies who play a standup style can’t wear butterfly pads, and vice-versa, but the serious goaltender usually spares no detail.
For more information about goalie pads and to view upcoming dates for our goalie camps, contact us today.
