Vaughn SLR3 Pro Carbon Goalie Full Set
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Vaughn SLR3 Pro Carbon Goalie Full Set
The Vaughn SLR3 Pro Carbon goalie set uses a high-density, full pro core structure with a carbon insert throughout the leg pad. This makes for a lightweight yet incredibly stiff pad, ideal for powerful movements and rebounds. Additionally, the SLR3 Pro Carbon features an open knee cradle for enhanced pad rotation and a pre-shaped upper profile for a close fit around the five-hole area. This combination caters to the modern, hybrid-style goalie who utilizes a mix of butterfly and traditional techniques. The set also has Vaughn’s Quick Slide Technology on the blocker for reduced friction on the ice, along with a pro-level glove designed for optimal puck control.
Key features include:
| High-Density, Full Pro Core with Carbon Insert | This core construction offers a lightweight design while maintaining incredible stiffness. |
| Open Knee Cradle | Enhances pad rotation for improved mobility and quicker reaction times during butterfly slides. |
| Pre-Shaped Upper Profile | Provides a close fit around the five-hole area, crucial for sealing the net and preventing unwanted goals. |
| Quick Slide Technology | Reduces friction on the ice, allowing for smoother movements and quicker saves on low shots. |
| Pro-Level Carbon Glove | Designed for optimal puck control with strategically placed padding and a secure catching pocket. |
| ShockShield Padded Palm | Includes a Kevlar reinforcement for additional protection. A wide notch at the heel is cut to improve stick control while handling. |
Top Competitors
The Axis 2 Pro features Speed Skin material, a lightweight, textured fabric coating the pads which significantly reduces weight. This translates to quicker reaction times and precise positioning for butterfly goalies who rely on rapid movements to cut down angles. The True L12.2 Full Set caters to goalies who embrace a hybrid style, utilizing both butterfly and traditional techniques. True's standout feature is the innovative hybrid pad design. It combines a high-density foam upper leg for better ice sealing with a traditional shin and boot construction for flexibility. This design allows for a balanced approach, offering both the mobility for reactionary saves and the stability for powerful pushes.
Progression of the SLR3 Pro Carbon Goalie Set
With each iteration, the SLR line has progressed towards a lighter, stiffer, and more mobile pad design. The SLR3 Pro Carbon incorporates the latest advancements in materials and technology, including the following notable upgrades:
- Fit lock with the Rotation Control System. This allows the pad to move with your leg and also rotate perfectly into the butterfly.
- Balance Stabilizer knee system.
- A slightly more pre-curved shape allows for a better seal without extra work.
- A narrower profile makes for better mobility and pad rotation.
- Single-piece molded carbon cuff on the SLR3 catcher
- New 75° break (also known as a 600 break) which provides a finger-to-thumb style closure for your entire hand.
- Ultra high-density foam insert with carbon reinforcement on the blocker board.
- Two molded finger guards that let the index finger move separately from the rest of the hand.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| These pads move well and get a good seal down in the butterfly. I like the professor strap/calf strap/rotation control strap, and the magnetic buckle is a cool touch. |
| These are the lightest pads I’ve ever held or worn! |
| The pads slide like butter on the ice. |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| If I could change anything about the pads, I would add some leather straps. |
| Remove the velcro just above your skate boot and the pad is incredible. Pad had a problem sitting flush with the ice otherwise. |
| The laces holding the calf strap onto both leg pads came right off and there was not enough to tie them back up. The glove is the same way—laces too short to stay tied. |
The SLR3 is a spinoff model where, instead of having softer foams and a softer knee block like the Velocity counterpart, it has an extremely stiff knee and a very stiff thigh. The SLR3 also has a highly simplified strapping system. Looking at the back of it, you almost think something is missing. It's that reduced. Vaughn strategically places the straps to make them easier and faster to put on. It also has Quick Slide on the entire pad, including the blocker, the backhand of the glove, and other high-wear areas. It's really fast and durable.
Chris Dudo aka Goalie Gear Snob
