Quote:
Originally Posted by surferguy
Looking into getting some goalie gear for my 9yr old.
Where should I be looking for used gear? - other than Marketplace, Kijiji and play it again sports.
What kinds of things should I be considering, he currently seems to fit 24” pads but if we got him larger ones is that a hinderance?
Thanks in advance for the advice.
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Welcome to the darkside...
As a fellow goalie parent my advice is:
Don't skimp on the helmet. If your goalie shows long term interest in the position, invest in the best helmet you can afford. Ear ringing and headaches are not just part of being a goalie. Try to avoid plastic or polycarbonate shells.
Goalie skates do make a world of difference.
Oversized equipment is a hinderance. While trying to balance costs with growth spurts is important, gear that is to big will definitely slow them down, and make movement difficult. Pads in particular, ensure their knee is landing in the knee block when in the butterfly, and unless they're very leggy, avoid larger thigh rises (+1.5, +2, etc...) or they'll struggle closing the five hole and getting up quickly.
Sidelineswap.com usually has good selection, but you'll want to get sized in store before making online purchases. Try on different brands, they all fit and feel different.
When my son was younger, he loved warrior gear as it tended to be lighter and easier to move in. As he's aged and grown, he's taken to Bauer and CCM which are a little bigger and bulkier, so he feels more protected and bigger in the net.
I could talk about goalie gear and the position all day (from a goalie parent perspective), so if you have any questions, or concerns, feel free to reach out.