NHL goalies use a variety of glove breaks depending on their preferences for comfort, catching style, and puck control. The "break" refers to the angle and shape of the glove's palm and how it closes. Each break angle influences how the glove closes around the puck:
60° Break: A steep angle that mimics a baseball glove. The glove closes along the fingers-to-thumb axis.
- Preferred by: Goalies who want a natural, hand-shaped feel for catching.
- Notable Models: Bauer gloves often use this break (e.g., Bauer Vapor series).
90° Break: A flat break that closes like a clamp, more across the palm than the fingers.
- Preferred by: Goalies who prioritize rebound control and a wider catching surface.
- Notable Models: Some Warrior and CCM gloves.
580 Break (Custom CCM): A unique, steeper break that closes thumb-to-pinky.
- Preferred by: Goalies who like a natural catching motion with full palm coverage.
590 Break (CCM Standard): A versatile, popular break that closes the thumb-to-index finger. It's a middle ground between natural feel and rebound control.
- Preferred by: NHL goalies for its flexibility and puck-catching reliability.
600 Break: A flatter, more open shape that closes thumb-to-finger.
- Preferred by: Goalies who want a large, open pocket for puck retention and easy catching.
- Notable Models: CCM gloves with an open-face design.
Consider...
- Personal Preference: Goalies experiment with glove shapes in their early years and stick with what feels natural.
- Rebound Control: Some gloves emphasize keeping the puck in the pocket, while others prioritize deflecting pucks away.
- Hand Fit: Tighter or looser fits influence how goalies handle the glove.
- Playing Style: Aggressive goalies might favor a larger, open-pocket glove (e.g., 600 break), while reactive goalies may prefer a natural closing motion (e.g., 590 or 580 break).
