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.