Purchasing used hockey gear is an excellent way to acquire high-quality items at a lower cost while promoting sustainability. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know when buying used ice hockey goalie leg pads, from understanding different styles to ensuring the right fit and condition.
Butterfly vs. Hybrid Goalie Leg Pads
Goalie leg pads come in various styles, primarily catering to butterfly and hybrid goalies. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right pads for your playing style.
Butterfly Goalies
Butterfly goalies prioritize positioning and blocking to make saves, minimizing movement in the crease. Their leg pads are typically rigid to maximize rebound distance and often feature one or no breaks below the knee.
Hybrid Goalies
Hybrid goalies focus on reacting to stop the puck, aiming to catch and trap pucks to minimize rebounds. They use softer leg pads with multiple knee breaks for better mobility. Top choices for hybrid goaltenders include the Vaughn Velocity and CCM Extreme Flex lines.
How to Select a Goalie Leg Pad
What Size Goalie Leg Pads Do I Need?
Getting the right size is crucial for performance and safety. Here's how to determine your approximate pad size:
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- Measure your skate size.
- Measure the distance from your ankle to your knee.
- Measure the distance from your knee to your thigh.
- Add these numbers together for your ballpark size.
For example, if your skate size is 9, the ankle to knee measurement is 17 inches, and the knee to thigh measurement is 7 inches, the approximate pad size would be 33"+1.
Common Goalie Leg Pad Sizes
Goalie leg pads come in different sizes to accommodate various player heights and leg dimensions.
What Does "+1" Mean on Goalie Leg Pads?
The "+1" in goalie leg pad sizing indicates that an inch is added to the top of the pad. This design helps goalies with their butterfly position and five-hole coverage.
Buying Used Checklist: Hockey Goalie Leg Pads
When buying used goalie leg pads, it's essential to inspect them thoroughly. Here's a checklist to guide you:
- Check for Wear and Tear: Look for any significant damage, such as cuts, tears, or worn-out areas.
- Inspect Straps and Buckles: Ensure all straps and buckles are in good working condition.
- Examine Padding: Check the padding for any signs of deterioration or compression.
- Assess Overall Condition: Evaluate the overall condition of the pads to determine their remaining lifespan.
🏆 The best part of shopping used? Buyer Protection offers a full refund if your item is never shipped, arrives damaged, or is not as described. No-Questions-Asked returns are also available.
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By following this guide, you can confidently purchase used ice hockey goalie leg pads that meet your needs and budget, ensuring you're well-protected and ready to perform on the ice.
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