Goalie Pads

[Maritime Q-Scout]

I'm thinking about getting back into playing hockey again. Well I'm more than thinking about it, I'm going to, just haven't figured out when... as soon as I can afford it I guess.

Regardless, I was looking at the RBK Sr goal pads at Sport Check, which retail for $399.99

I'm curious why so cheap? What difference is there? I've been out of the game for 10 years, the equipment has changed A LOT in that time.

Anyone have any advice?

[lifer]

Ha. I stopped paying attention to equipment about 5 years ago and find myself asking the same qestions every time i'm in a goalie shop. I wish I could help. The one thing I know is that I have to get new equipment before next season because at that point, Canadian amateur leagues are supposed to be adapting the NHL goalie equipment standards. That means the stores will be sellling the 11 inch pads and smaller gloves. I'm not that good, I need Garth Snow gear.

Thanks for posting this, I'll be following along and learning with you I guess.

[bluejays]

Originally Posted by Maritime Q-Scout

I'm thinking about getting back into playing hockey again. Well I'm more than thinking about it, I'm going to, just haven't figured out when... as soon as I can afford it I guess.

Regardless, I was looking at the RBK Sr goal pads at Sport Check, which retail for $399.99

I'm curious why so cheap? What difference is there? I've been out of the game for 10 years, the equipment has changed A LOT in that time.

Anyone have any advice?

I used to play (just houseleague and stuff), but when you invest that much money in something, become a buff and really look into every detail and see what you like and dislike and what you can live without. Funny thing you mentioned the $399 pads at Sportchek. My friend got the Black and White ones and they look SWEET. I picked them up and they are pretty light but they seem a bit hard, but not the type of hardness you want...something that after it breaks in, may deteriorate quickly (like many baseball gloves). But that's just an assumption. Stuff you should look for? Don't get tieups at the bottom of the pads (for you to tie to your skates - make sure they're buckles); Height unless you're under 5'2" get pads at LEAST 34" in height, and personally, if your skill ain't that good, get fatter pads (helps a bit); a cheater on the inside of the pads sometimes comes in handy, but that's no big deal; look for particular materials on the insides of the pads such that when you go down in the butterfly, they won't stick to the ice if you're sliding from side to side (I can't remember what material exactly); and most importantly, look for a solid knee protector so that if you go down early and the puck catches your knee, you'll have some padding there - that may be the worst pain you'll have having a partial or full dislocation. I'm not an expert though, but these are just a few stuff.

[MattyK]

I bought the RBK 5K's last October. I use them about four times a week, so that's about 70 games. Still holding up well, though they're getting pretty dirty because I don't believe in washing off puckmarks. They show character.

The 5K's don't break in well. They still won't hold an S-shape for me after all this time. The foam is just too hard. The 7K's also have this problem, but the P1's, P2's, and Premier Pros are better at this. They're also made in China, which may be why they're cheaper.

Durability can be an issue. My pads have held up well, but I've heard horror stories from others. My knee lifts are becoming frayed, the stitching is fraying, and the holes in the (synthetic) leather are slowly being stretched from the threading holding the foam in place. On the plus side, things like the straps are holding up well.

The calf and knee guards are also synthetic leather (Jenpro, IIRC), which makes for easier sliding. It's not Clarino, but it's a lot better for sliding. The pads are also very light compared to my previous set, so if you're used to traditional, stuffed pads, these will feel like there's nothing's on your legs.

Most, if not all, pro-fly pads have toe-ties and knee lifts (gives extra height under your knee in the butterfly position). IMO, these two features are essential for people learning the style. Knee lifts make it a lot easier for you to flare out your legs. Toe-ties give the option of having slack between your toe and the pad's toe...so your feet can angle downward, taking pressure off your ankle, instead of being parallel to the ice.

Toe-ties can be a problem depending on your skates. If you still have skates with older, metal blade holders, then they'll eat through the toe-tie laces and you'll have to replace them after six or seven games. If your blade holder is made of plastic, you'll have no problems.

The thigh guards are awesome for helping to block the 5-hole, but may be illegal in some leagues (they're not NHL-legal). I used to wear separate knee/thigh guards, but haven't with these pads. I've only been hit in the knee twice, both in close quarters with soft shots.

So...the 5K's are a good beginner pad, though they'll probably have to be replaced after about two seasons, depending on how often you play. Not sure how they'd play if you're a stand-up goalie, however. They could be a bit bulky.

Also, the GSBB is a treasure trove of information for goalies. It's a great source of information and a friendly community.