Traditional goalie chest protectors are made of HD foam, a special type of closed-cell foam with strength and absorbing impacts in all directions. The strength and weight of this material are critical to good protection, as strong compression is needed. This compression also helps increase mobility by keeping the chest protector from slowing down or inhibiting movement when you need it most.
Wingspan is the most important measurement in determining chest and arm protector sizing. Wingspan is the distance from your middle fingertips to the middle of your biceps muscle when your arms are stretched wide, as measured in centimeters.
The best way to break in a goalie chest protector is to wear it during games and practices. The shoulder caps will form to your body, and the rest of the gear will flex with you. To make this process as quick as possible, starting immediately after receiving the chest protector is important. One to two weeks of regular use will allow your new protection gear to feel like an old friend on the ice.
Chest protectors should fit snugly, with 1.5” below the t-shirt or collar line at the neck. The bottom of the belly should fit right at the waistline, and the arms should end 1-1.5” from the wrists.
When shopping for a chest protector, there are three main measurements: height, chest size, and arm span. You can find your chest size (or circumference) by wrapping a measuring tape or string around your chest and back. Arm span, meanwhile, by stretching your arms out to each side and measuring the distance from the tips of your middle fingers.
Note that different brands have slight variations in sizing, so consult both sellers and brand websites for more information before making a purchase.
| Size | Height | Chest Size (in) | Arm Span (in) |
| Extra Small | 4'10" - 5'2" | 30 - 32" | 60 - 66" |
| Small | 5'2" - 5'6" | 32 - 34" | 64 - 69" |
| Medium | 5'4" - 6'0" | 36 - 38" | 66 - 72" |
| Large | 5'8" - 6'4" | 40 - 42" | 69 - 74" |
| Extra Large | 6'0" + | 42 - 44" | 72" + |
| Size | Height |
| Small | 4'8" - 4'11" |
| Medium | 4'11" - 5'1" |
| Large/Extra Large | 5'1" - 5'3" |
| Size | Height |
| Small | 4'0" - 4'3" |
| Medium | 4'4" - 4'7" |
| Large | 4'8" - 4'11" |
| Extra Large | 4'11" - 5'1" |
Buying used gear is a sustainable way to score high-quality items at a fraction of the cost. Not only can you find great deals, but you might also stumble upon rare or discontinued gear that’s no longer available in stores. When buying a used chest and arm protector, here's what to look for:
✔️ There are no cracks, rips, or tears on the exterior of the protectors.
✔️ All interior padding is intact and in good condition.
✔️ All straps and buckles are intact with no cracks.
✔️ Any velcro adjustable straps are not stretched.
✔️ Arm protectors firmly attach to the body.
✔️ Elbow pads are intact and in good condition.
🏆 The best part of shopping used on SidelineSwap? We offer Buyer Protection and will issue you a full refund if your item is never shipped, arrives damaged, or is not as described. We also provide No-Questions-Asked returns with Seel.
Learn more here.