It’s a common sight at the rink to see hockey players in full gear. But, aside from the occasional Zamboni ride, most of them won’t be wearing pads on their legs. That is, unless they’re goalies!
Hockey goalie leg pads vary in size and shape, but generally range in height from four to seven inches. This size disparity makes it tricky to find the right fit, especially if you’re not used to working with clothing that is customized to your body size and shape.
While there is not one right answer for how to size your hockey goalie pads, there are some general guidelines that will help you make the right decision. We’ll discuss some general tips on how to determine the right size as well as the individual considerations that you need to make when choosing the right pad for your body type.
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Goaltending As A Whole Is A “Full-Contact Sport”
Hockey is a fast-paced sport that requires quick reflexes and the ability to make quick judgment calls. These are all important factors to consider before choosing a goalie pad. If you’re not used to playing with a lot of contact, the high speeds and tight spaces of hockey can feel a little more dangerous than you’re used to. This is why hockey is often referred to as a “full-contact sport.”
As a goalie, this is something you have to learn to deal with. When playing hockey, there is always the potential for someone to hit you or throw a hit in which you need to block a slap shot or wrap up a fight. Sometimes in a professional game this can even lead to someone getting injured. This is why it is extremely important that you size your pads correctly and know how to put them on in the proper way to protect your nether regions.
Watch The Shapes Of Your Knees And How They Affect Your Play
The general shape of your knee can have a significant impact on how you play. For instance, you have the common round knee which is most prevalent among goalies. This means that if you want to play aggressively, you’re going to have some difficulty doing so if you have a round knee. A good rule of thumb is to try and have as straight a knee as possible when playing hockey. This will improve your performance and make you feel more natural while playing. You should also watch how your knees affect your play when moving around on the ice. If you have a round knee and don’t block shots well, you’re going to have a hard time preventing goals.
Thick Is Sparse When Choosing A Goalie Pad
As we mentioned above, there is a significant size disparity between the low and high ends of the hockey goalie scale. The low-end size usually consists of thin, flexible materials that allow for maximum movement and quick responsiveness. At the top of the scale you have the thick, rubber-like materials that provide you with the least movement and the ability to dampen the impact when taking a hit. This is why the top-end goalies usually wear a specific shape that is designed to fit over their pants and keep their pants from being tugged during gameplay.
If you’re not sure which category you fall into, it can be tricky to find a comfortable mesh fit that doesn’t cause you any undue stress while playing. When choosing a goalie pad, your goal should be to find a comfortable fit that keeps you stable and in control while playing. This is especially important if you have a large frame or are heavier than the typical goalie.
Consider Your Body Type When Choosing A Goalie Pad
Another important factor to consider when choosing a goalie pad is your body type. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular body types among hockey players and how they fit into the equation when choosing a goalie pad.
The most popular body type among hockey players is the “Power-forward.” These are players that are big, strong, and usually play aggressive styles of game. If you’re a power forward and you need a thick rubber-like material to keep your shots down, you’re going to have trouble finding a comfortable fit that doesn’t dampen your effectiveness. Similarly, if you have a large frame and are looking for a thin, stretchy material, you’re going to have trouble finding a comfortable fit that doesn’t feel restrictive.
If you have a narrower frame and are looking for something more articulated, you’re going to have better luck finding a comfortable fit. Typically, thinner materials are more flexible and comfortable, but also allow for more movement and responsiveness. This is why they’re common among high-end goalies.
Try On A Few Pads In Advance
When choosing a goalie pad, it’s important to remember that you’re going to need a snug fit that doesn’t slide around or move around too much. Once you’ve found this perfect fit, you can move around more freely without any restriction or pain. This is why it’s important to try on a few pads before making a decision. If you have a pair of gloves in your size, you can also slip them on to feel the padding and adjust the fit as needed.
When choosing a goalie pad, you need to find a snug fit that feels good and isn’t too restricting. Once you’ve found that perfect fit, you can move around more freely without any pain or restriction. This is why it’s important to try on a few pads before making a decision. If you have a pair of gloves in your size, you can also slip them on to feel the padding and make the necessary adjustments. Remember to always remove the gloves when putting on a goalie pad. They should not come off during gameplay.
The Final Word
Hopefully, this post was helpful in providing you with some general tips on how to size your hockey goalie pads. Some of the pointers may seem obvious, such as making sure your gloves fit nicely and keep your hands warm, but this is something you should know regardless of whether or not you play goalie. Another important factor to consider is your knee. Keep your knees straight when playing and you’ll have fewer problems preventing goals. If you have a round knee, you may not be able to play aggressively and could end up getting hurt. Remember to try on a few pads before making a decision and feel free to reach out to us if you have any other questions.