[bc-chris]

i had them on my first set of goalie skates that i bought. i don't really think they helped me... mind you, i started playing goal at the age of 34 and had no instruction/training at all

if you want them, go for it, i don't see any 'ethical' issue with it. does the rec league you play in enforce any current 'nhl standards' for goalies (pad/blocker/trapper size)? if not then it should be fine

i found when i switched to my current set of pads (rbk 18k) this past summer that they vastly improved my lateral movement. they are true butterfly pads and are a lot lighter than my old pads