Hockey Goalie Leg Pads

Hockey Goalie Leg Pads

Hockey goalie leg pads are an essential part of any hockey game. The goalie, or blocker, needs this padding to protect him or her from the consistent impact of blocking the puck. There are many options available for hockey players based on your preferences and sizing needs.

There are three different materials that most goalie leg pads are made from. These materials provide varying levels of weight, water absorption, and protection for hockey goalies. Some leg pads use two or all three materials at once.

• Nylon: Nylon goalie leg pads use thick gauge material to provide ample protection, and they are light and easy to move in. This material provides adequate protection against water absorption for blockers.
• Authentic leather: Real leather tends to be the thickest material and offers shielding against the heavy ice pucks and hard hits that hockey goalies often encounter.
• Synthetic leather: This material comes in different levels of thickness, allowing you to choose your desired weight and amount of protection. Synthetic leather protects against water absorption and can absorb hard hits during a hockey game.

Hybrid and butterfly goalie leg pads represent two different construction styles that emphasize different aspects. Butterfly leg pads use flat pads while hybrid goalie leg pads include horizontal lines at the knee. Both are made to enhance your ability as a hockey goalie.

Butterfly goalie equipment uses thicker material, especially at the knee and shin, and is meant to remain stiff throughout the game. A shallow shin pad allows for rotating and thick material around the thighs makes it easier to remain in squat position.

Hybrid equipment uses flexible knees to help goalies stand and move during play. You can choose between one, two, or three flex cuts in the middle. Thick shin cradles help goalies stay in place while stiff leg pads keep the goalie in proper position.

Sizing goalie leg pads requires three different measurements and a simple math equation to get the proper size of equipment. You will need to measure from your ankle to your knee, from your knee to the top of your thigh, and the length of your skates. All you have to do is add all three measurements together and that will be the size you need. There are also four size groupings that will help you find the right goalie leg pads.

• Youth: This is the smallest group for hockey players and is typically meant for young children.
• Junior: Junior goalie leg pads are meant for hockey blockers around 6 to 10 years old. The pads are both wider and longer than youth ones.
• Intermediate: These goalie leg pads are designed for children around 11 to 13 years old. These pads tend to have more options than smaller ones.
• Senior: Senior equipment is made for people who are 13 years old or older. It's the largest grouping and tends to have the most options.