Hockey Goalie Gear - Page 12

Finding the right fit is just as important as choosing the right brand or model. Our goalie gear size charts cover everything from goalie pad sizing to goalie glove size charts, goalie stick size charts, and goalie mask sizing, so you can shop with confidence. 

To get your goalie glove size, measure from the tip of your middle finger to the base of your palm.

How Goalie Sticks Are Measured

• Paddle Length (in inches): The distance from the heel of the blade to the start of the shaft.
• Overall Stick Length: Includes paddle + shaft, but not used for sizing.
• Always size using paddle length, not full stick height.
  
  

Remember: 

• Youth → Senior: Stick categories align with height, but always test in stance.
• Paddle length matters most — not overall stick length.
• Brand differences: A “27” paddle in Bauer may feel slightly different than a “27” in CCM, so always cross-check with brand charts.

To get your goalie mask size, use a soft tape measure around the circumference of your head (just above eyebrows).

Use height and build as your main reference points when shopping for a goalie chest protector.

Save big by buying used — here’s what typical ranges look like. Actual prices vary by brand, condition, and model year.

• Goalie Leg Pads: New $700–$2,200 | Used $100–$900+
• Goalie Catch Glove: New $200–$700 | Used $75–$300
• Goalie Blocker: New $180–$650 | Used $60–$250
• Goalie Mask/Helmet: New $250–$1,200 | Used $45–$500
• Goalie Chest Protector: New $200–$650 | Used $80–$300
• Goalie Pants: New $150–$350 | Used $60–$180
• Goalie Skates: New $300–$900 | Used $125–$400
• Goalie Stick: New $120–$300 | Used $40–$140
• Goalie Full Sets: New $1,800–$4,000+ | Used $600–$1,800+

General Hockey Goalie Quality Checklist: Smell/mildew test; inspect stitching, straps, and high‑wear seams. Confirm model and size tags; ask for inside/outside photos in good light.

Leg Pads

• Look for soft knee cradles, intact strapping, no major outer‑roll separation.
• Boot channel shouldn’t be completely collapsed.
• If you butterfly a lot, ensure knee stack integrity.

Glove/Blocker 

• Glove should close easily; re‑laced pockets are fine if tight and uniform.
• Blocker board should be flat, not warped; palm free of holes/tears.

Goalie Mask

• No shell cracks; inside foam should be firm and even.
• Cage welds intact; hardware not rusted. Ask about certification age.

Chest Protector & Pants

• Shoulder floaters attached and mobile; elbows not blown out.
• In pants, check hip padding and belt/buckle integrity.

Skates

• Holders true, steel straight with life left; eyelets not pulling.

Sticks

• No soft spots or delamination; paddle edges are solid.

How do I clean goalie equipment?

• After each skate: Air‑dry everything. Wipe down with mild disinfectant (gear-safe). Remove insoles from skates.
• Weekly: Light detergent wipe of pads/gloves; avoid soaking foams.
• Monthly: Deodorize liners; replace skate laces/insoles as needed. Never machine‑wash masks or chest protectors.

How should I store gear?

• Dry thoroughly first. Store in a cool, ventilated area. Keep masks off the floor and away from heat.
• Use a gear tree or open rack; avoid sealed bins that trap moisture.

How long does goalie gear last?

• Recreational: Pads/gloves 3–6 seasons; chest/pants 3–5; masks longer if shell/foam remain sound; sticks vary by use.
• High‑level/competitive: Expect faster turnover, especially gloves and sticks.

When should I replace gear?

• Visible cracks in mask/cage, dead padding, blown seams, or recurring odors that don’t resolve after cleaning.
• If you outgrow fit or lose protection/mobility.

• Masks: Look for HECC/CSA certifications where required by your league. Even with expired stickers, inspect shell, foam, and cage condition closely. When in doubt, choose a newer shell or replace the cage/hardware.
• Throat protection: Always wear a dangler or certified neck guard.
• Sticks and blades: Replace if delaminated or cracked — compromised sticks fail unpredictably.
• Fit = safety: Poorly sized gear creates gaps that lead to stingers or worse. Use the sizing guide above before you buy.

• Size audit: Make sure you haven’t outgrown pads/gloves/mask.
• Replace worn straps/elastic; sharpen or replace steel; tape knob/paddle.
• Add knee/thigh guards if you’re taking more butterfly volume.

Off‑Season Storage

• Deep clean and fully dry all gear.
• Loosen pad straps to relieve tension; store gloves open to air.
• Lightly oil mask hardware; hang chest/pants; keep skates dry with blade covers.