Best Goalie Chest & Arm Protectors for Safety You Don't Need to Think About
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Reebok Premier 4 Goalie Chest & Arm Protector -
CCM Pro Goalie Chest & Arm Protector -
Vaughn Ventus LT90 Goalie Chest & Arm Protector -
Bauer Pro Goalie Chest & Arm Protector -
Vaughn VP 7800 Velocity 5 Chest & Arm Protector -
Buyer's Guide
Clearly, the first thing that went into consideration with selecting the pads on this list was safety. The pads on this list are the best on the market and will last for a long time at any level of the game. After safety, things like balance, customization, flexibility, and the ability to mesh with any goaltending style were the important factors that went into the selection of the best Chest and Arm Protectors in 2022 on the market.
What is the best goalie chest & arm protector of 2022?
Reebok Premier 4 Goalie Chest & Arm Protector - Best Goalie Chest & Arm Protector Overall
These pads are different from the Premier Pros because the extra pad emphasis is around the arms and shoulders, as opposed to the chest. Which isn't to say that you won’t have full protection, it just means that these are pads made for more aggressive goaltenders that take a lot of arm and shoulder abuse. The shoulders and elbows are made with the exact same kind of molding used in the NHL, which will help you square up perfectly to the shooter, as well as keep you protected from nearly anything.
CCM Pro Goalie Chest & Arm Protector - Runner Up
The first thing goaltenders will notice about these pads is that they’re a little heavier around the center of the back; but it’s that way for a reason. Aside from protection, CCM made balance the top priority. So it’s made to stop you from tipping over and falling out of position when players are crashing the crease. They’re also incredibly flexible, so when you find yourself twisting and turning, it’ll be easy to bounce right back into position and get squared up again. CCM is also very proud of the arm protection, particularly the elbow, which is made to disperse impact and last longer than other top brands.
Vaughn Ventus LT90 Goalie Chest & Arm Protector - Honorable Mention
These pads are a little bulkier than most, but that won’t stop you from moving freely. There’s a lot of extra elbow and shoulder protection, but it still feels rather light and gives your arms almost full range of motion. Vaughn also has upgraded the ventilation system to compliment the thicker arm pads, so you’ll stay cool and won’t feel the pads slip around during a game. The elbow pads are also fully adjustable to help you keep them as snug or loose as you’d like.
Bauer Pro Goalie Chest & Arm Protector - Consider
If you’re looking for an all around great set of pads that will last a long time, give you full protection, and mesh with any goaltending style, look no further. These pads can be customized to your liking with adjustable arm length, removable pads behind the shoulder, and removable abdominal protection. The inner liner can also be removed to minimize moisture damage and help them last long. The pads themselves are made to help you square up perfectly with a shooter, and are pleasantly light, but will still stay heavy enough not to ride up and come out of place over the course of a game.
Vaughn VP 7800 Velocity 5 Chest & Arm Protector - Best Goalie Chest & Arm Protector
The 7800 is made to protect you, while working with the other pads to feel comfortable without leaving any parts of your body uncovered. The arms are made to give room for the blocker and catcher, and abdominal region is incredibly flexible, so it won't rub uncomfortably against your pants. It also features lower chest extensions that can be adjusted to fit against you just as snug or loose as you like. The icing on the cake is that it's made from the same protective equipment that the military uses, so you know it'll last the entire season, and then some.
Buyer's Guide
Goalie Chest & Arm Protector Buying Guide
Buying the best product isn't easy because you need adequate information to make a worthwhile purchase. With our buying guide, you can get your hands on the highest-quality goalie chest and arm protector that meets all your requirements.
What are the Factors to Consider When Buying a Goalie Chest and Arm Protector?
To purchase a worthwhile goalie chest and arm protector, you must keep in mind the following factors.
Fitting
One of the most important things that make or break your performance in the field is the fitting of your protector. While most players shy away from buying protectors online, using the guide to measure yourself and buy a product closest to your actual measurements helps a lot. The chest region should cover the rib cage without suffocating, while shoulders should be perfectly squared on the caps.
Style
The style of chest protector you pick depends on the game you are playing, along with your personal preferences. While most local players choose something that matches their unique sense of style and color, professional players have to wear one that matches their uniform kit.
Construction
Your chest protector must be complete in construction if you are expecting an optimal performance. Any damage to the product not only increases any risks for injuries it also impacts your gameplay. If you feel that the product quality is wearing down with time, opt for a new one to prevent yourself from the risk of damage.
Material
The material of any good-quality goalie chest and arm protector should have shock-absorbing properties along with the ability to last long. You need to get your hands on something that offers extra support and padding for maximum protection.
What are the Benefits of a Goalie Chest and Arm Protector?
The top perks of buying a goalie's chest and arm protector are enlisted below, making it a reasonable purchase.
Prevention from Injuries
Getting hit by a ball might injure your chest or even cause fractures. Chest and arm protectors typically have shock-absorbing properties, which help ensure that you remain safe and secure regardless of the intensity to which the ball comes at you.
Gain in Confidence
Confident players are an asset to the game. When they feel secure in the game, it automatically boosts their confidence to participate with the same aggression as the attackers and defenders.
How Does a Goalie Chest and Arm Protector Fit?
Shoulders
The shoulders of your chest protector should cover the shoulder caps with its ends squared exactly on the goalie’s shoulders. This provides them with ample space to make comfortable movements without slipping the protector.
Neck
Most chest and arm protectors that come for goalies have a neck guard padding that touches the base of your neck. While it does provide your neck with adequate support, this is by no means a proper guard for your neck.
Elbows
The elbows of a goalie should fit precisely on the elbow padding. The purpose of this padding is to prevent your elbows from shock and injuries during an unwanted slide or slip. Most professional players also require micro-adjustments that help them get a proper fit.
Chest
The chest region is by far the most exposed and prominent part of the chest. You need to ensure that the goalie gets adequate coverage that protects their rib cage but not to the extent that the protector is as long as their pelvis and hip region. If your protector covers half your ribs, it is too small. On the other hand, a loose protector that covers your lower back and hip region is extremely large for your size.
Arms
The arm pad of your goalie's chest and arm protector should end one inch before the wrist bone. Think of leaving the space where you wear the watch uncovered. Other than this, arm pads that exceed this area not only hamper your flexibility during the game but also add an unwanted burden to your arms.
Contrary to this, arm pads that are shorter in length create an unprotected gap between arm and glove padding that has the potential to injure you during a fast-paced game.
What is the Material of a Goalie Chest and Arm Protector?
The primary purpose of any goalie's chest and arm protector is to prevent your body from any unwanted injuries and make sure that the player remains safe. This is why the majority of the material they are made from consists of shock-absorbing and high-foam material.
Foam
The primary material used for shock absorption is foam. Used primarily in regions where you need extra support, such as shoulder plates, elbows, and arms, it is known to absorb any kind of shock that your body gets by pushes, jumps, and accidental falls. Foam body is crucial if you want to protect yourself from injuries and establish secure gameplay.
Synthetic Leather
The second most essential material in constructing a goalie's chest and arm protector is synthetic leather. Used as a lining, it adds breathability and ventilation to prevent your body from any infections or excessive sweating. Besides this, the lining also has moisture-retaining properties, which ensure comfort during the game.
Nylon
Nylon is often used in lacing. It is an affordable material that guarantees flexibility so that the player can find the perfect fit. Nylon also has water-repellent properties, making it a durable and long-lasting product even during the summers when players tend to sweat two times more.
Conclusion
Goalie Chest and arm protectors are an essential part of any hockey game. Other than preventing your chest and arms from injuries, they also maximize your performance and allow you to perform your best in the field. To buy the best goalie chest and arm protector, you need to consider different fitting, material, style, and construction factors.
Goalie Chest and Arm Protector FAQs
Q: How tight should the pads of a goalie's chest and arm protector be?
A: The padding should be snug enough to make the pads rotate but not so tight that it starts suffocating your muscles.
Q: How much time does it take to break into a goalie chest and arm protector?
A: Wearing a goalie chest and arm protector regularly for one week helps you get a comfortable fitting.
Q: What is +1 on my goalie's chest and arm protector?
A: The +1, +2 indicate that an extra inch of padding has been added to the actual size.
