When you’re skating on a frozen pond, having a good pair of ice hockey goalie pads is essential. Just like the players, the goalies need good protection so they don’t get hurt on the ice. While there are many similarities between the two sports, there are also some key differences. Let’s examine how much do hockey goalie pads weigh compared to regular pads and the advantages and disadvantages of each type of pad.
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Key Differences Between Hockey Pads And Regular Pads
Weight-wise, regular ice hockey goalie pads are about the same as standard football pads. While it depends on the brand and style, you’ll usually find that they weigh between 10 and 12 pounds when empty and 12 and 14 pounds with the bladder inside. A pair of size medium pads will usually weigh around 11.4 pounds empty and 12.8 pounds with the bladder inside.
The key differences between a hockey goalie pad and a regular football pad are the materials used, the thickness of the material, and the construction. While regular football pads are made of a thick layer of foam with a heavy metal layer on the inside, hockey goalie pads are made of a thin layer of foam with a synthetic or synthetic leather backing. This type of material is much lighter and more flexible than ordinary foam and allows for better movement on the ice. Additionally, the metal layer is replaced with a layer of synthetic materials that do not melt away when exposed to heat, making the pads more durable and reliable. Finally, the thickness of the material is significantly different, as hockey goalie pads are about one-quarter of an inch to an inch thick compared to the one to two inches of a regular football pad. This added thickness is what allows for better mobility and protection on the field. To learn more, check out this informative comparison of ice hockey and regular football pads.
Material Thickness And Durability
The materials used in hockey goalie pads are much more durable and resistant to abrasion and scratches than those used in football pads. This means that the pads will last longer on the field and therefore the players don’t have to replace them as often. This, in turn, saves them money in repair and replacement costs. Synthetic materials are also much more affordable than metal and plastic, making them a popular choice with budget-conscious ice hockey players. For example, you can find affordable but high-quality synthetic pads from brands such as Hyperlite, Ezzy, and Ice Armor that will meet or exceed the standards of more expensive, traditional materials such as leather and metal.
Comfort
One of the most significant differences between hockey and regular football pads is how they feel when worn. While most people think that foam is comfortable, it’s actually not. When you put latex or vinyl on your skin, it becomes much more sensitive to touch. The same is true for foam hockey pads. This means that even though they’re lightweight, they still feel a little bit too solid when worn. In comparison, a regular football pad provides a comfortable, soft feeling that conforms to your body shape thanks to a layer of spongy foam between your skin and the leather.
Protection
One of the major differences between a hockey goalie and regular football pad is how much they protect the player wearing them. After all, you’re not going to be running around with an empty bladder like you would with a regular football pad. This means that you need more protection when playing hockey. This is why most goalies use a helmet, elbow and knee guards, and a chest protector. All of these elements protect the head, joints, and chest, respectively. Additionally, they help to distribute the force of any collisions that occur during play. Most helmets are designed to withstand at least hard hits and contain chin straps to keep the mask securely in place during play.
However, even with all of these protective gear, you can still get injured. This is why it’s important to practice safety and wear the proper protective gear whenever you play. It is also essential to hydrate and eat healthy during practices and games as this will increase your energy levels and make you play better. Furthermore, you must be cautious around water, especially while washing the lenses of your glasses or your face. This is because water can be very abrasive and could potentially damage your skin or the optics of your glasses. Drinking alcohol and taking drugs before playing will also adversely affect your performance. Although it might seem like a good idea to relax and have fun during practices and games, this is definitely not the case. Your body needs enough energy to function at its best, and having too much fun during practices and games could lead to serious injury or even death. This is why it’s essential to always think safety first whenever you’re playing sports.
While there are many differences between the two sports, there are also many similarities. Whether you play football or hockey, having good protection is essential for the sport you love so much.