Quote:
Originally Posted by MattyC
But does smaller equipment have to have less protection? A bullet proof vest isn't as bulky as a goalie's chest protector.
Making the gear more compact does not necessarily take away protection. In fact, I think if designed properly (with shifting plates like a suit of armour) it could provide more protection. Particularly on the back (of arms, legs, and chest) as it could be more fitted and actually wrap their appendages.
Expense shouldn't be an issue. Get some military-grade stuff to protect these guys. Doesn't mean it has to be huge.
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I agree that better materials COULD be used, maybe..
You have to balance better protection with less bulk, and weight considerations.
On your other point, I don't believe there is a requirement to protect the back at all. If your back is facing the play or the shooter you're kind of doing it wrong...
Wraparound protection is not just unnecessary but it also adds weight and wouldn't even be possible with today's tech. The bulky panels of the C&A don't just provide with blocking area, they also protect vital joints from the force of the impact.
There are good ways to reduce the size of the equipment without actually altering the equipment too much (there's a reason why it looks and behaves the way it does right now).
Force the goalies to wear appropriately sized equipment and that problem will mostly be solved. A guy that's a beanpole like Ryan Miller shouldn't be wearing the same sized equipment as say Ray Emery, who probably has a good 2" and 25lbs on him.
There are other smaller changes that can be tweaked but overall I would say that pants are the biggest items that can be sized down and slightly slimmed down.