Hockey goalie equipment tends to be expensive for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that it utilizes a lot more material than the standard set of shoulder pads. The other reason that goalie equipment is expensive involves the technology that goes into creating it. When you are a goalie out to buy hockey equipment, you need to make sure that you purchase only the top name brands. It is a decision that will help to extend your career and protect your health. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Armor
Goalie body armor is constantly changing and evolving. One of the reasons why armor keeps changing is because of the vulnerable spots that the manufacturers keep finding. The top equipment manufacturers use technology that identifies those spots and then puts protection there that does not hinder the goalie's movement. If you spend less on your armor to buy an off brand, you may wind up paying for it with persistent and painful injuries.
- Masks
Goalie masks and players' helmets have come a long way in a short period of time. Goalie masks absorb a tremendous amount of punishment and require a sophisticated padding system to protect a goalie from long-term injury. If you buy a cheap goalie mask, then you are not giving yourself the full benefit of scientifically placed padding. The top manufacturers spend the time and money to determine the best ways to protect a goalie's head. That is the kind of technology that you want working for you.
- Skates
Goalie skates have always had toes capable of deflecting even the hardest slapshots, but the arch of the foot and the ankle have always been left exposed. A goalie that turns in such a way that he takes a slapshot off the ankle is probably looking at a painful injury if he does not have the latest technology from the best manufacturers.
- Blockers
The trapper gloves used by goalies have not changed much over the years, but the blockers have. The top manufacturers are constantly developing new ways to protect a goalie's fingers and wrist from shots and skate blades.
- Pants
Goalie pants are becoming much different than standard player pants. The top manufacturers appreciate the fact that goalies take shots from a variety of angles and they are working to develop pants that protect and move with the goalie. The off brands, in most cases, do not even offer pants that are specific to the needs of a goalie.
Goalies need all of the protection they can get. When you are shopping for your goalie equipment, be sure to buy name brand products to get the best in protective gear.
