BRIANS GOALIE PADS
Getting The Right Fit: Brian’s Goal Pads - We see many customers who are unsure of what size to order or that order leg pads to find out they ordered the incorrect size. Although a sizing guide helps, there are many other factors to consider when determining the correct size for you and your style in order to maximize comfort and performance.
Here are some factors to consider
What style of play are you? - Generally, a hybrid style goaltender will prefer a smaller pad or at least smaller thigh rise which allows the goalie to be more mobile and agile in the net. Often, butterfly or ‘blocking’ style goalies will want to get maximum size and coverage out of their pads; where a taller pad with a larger thigh rise would be desired.
What is the shape of the pad? - Often, we design our stock pads to accommodate a certain style, however they can be custom ordered to play the other way by modifying the flex and breaks. For example, the G-NETik Pro 2 leg pad comes with a 4-4-4 flex (double break with a hyperflex boot) which gives the pad more flex and allows the pad to give a greater S-shape and will allow the pad to curve around the leg and sit lower. Also worth noting, that the G- NETik Pro 2 has a bindingless top, which does not need as much of an additional thigh rise, so generally a +1 is sufficient for most goalies. The SubZero Pro 3 leg pad comes with a 1-2-4 flex (no outer roll break with a hyperflex boot) which gives the pad a straighter profile that will have a lesser S-shape, less bend, and will stand taller, especially in the thigh. It is also important to note that if you modify the boot flex, such as going from a Hyperflex 4, to a 1, the boot will be stiffer, have less give, and will stand taller overall.
Are you finished growing? - Growth plays a pivotal role in pad sizing. Often you can purchase a pad slightly larger if you are not finished growing because throughout the season you will shift upward into the knee cradle and will help prevent you from outgrowing a pad too soon. However, if you are done growing, you will want your knee to be the closest to the middle of the knee block/cradle as the Brian’s goal pads are unlikely to shrink much and will maximize the performance and features of the pad.
Are you coming from another brand? - It is important to know, not all brands fit the same. Brian’s traditionally fits pretty similar to most in the knee, however we are known to have a bit larger of a thigh rise. For example if you are coming from a +1.5” thigh in a Vaughn, you likely will only need a +1 in Brian’s.
Ankle to Knee Measurement? - Measuring your ankle to the centre of your knee is the easiest way to see what size pad will allow your knee to land in the centre of the knee block. However, it is important to remember this wont guarantee whether or not a certain thigh rise will feel too tall for you.
In-Store Fitting? - If at all possible, we recommend that you visit the store to be sized correctly by an employee as well as try on several sizes to ensure you find the right size that you are comfortable with.
Thigh Size? - Modern pads generally come with a +1, +1.5, or +2 added thigh rise. Due to the style of play of the modern goaltender, pads during the last decade have added additional size to the top of the pad to ensure a complete five-hole closure. For someone with a narrow butterfly, bad hips, or wanting to cover up more net, additional thigh rise could be desired, however it is important to note that the more material added to the top of the pad could lead to less control and mobility as well as a heavier pad. Generally, we recommend between a +1 and +2 thigh rise, but is all on how much you can handle and/or how long your thigh’s are.
Sizing Chart - Our sizing chart is always a helpful tool. This will find the best general size for you. Also you can measure your current pad to the chart above to see how it compares to our pads. Again, to ensure the very best size for your custom pad, we recommend trying the pads on in person, with both your skates and pants on.