Is it time?

alexthegrrr8 · Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 11:42 pm Post subject: Is it time?

Well I'm actually enjoying one of the best years of goaltending that I've had since I started playing the game. A few years ago I bought a new set of pads that were a little cheaper. It was one of things where I wasn't too sure if I had much left in the tank at 35. Between diabetes, a couple of heart attacks and a couple of other health issues I really didn't think I would be playing at 38... but here I am.

The pads that I bought were the Itech X-Factor 4.8. Last week while in the butterfly I took two shots off of the bare knee (each one). I've since adjusted my straps trying to find comfort both mentally and physically with my pads. Again I'm in a situation where I'm thinking of new pads where I don't want to spend a lot. I've seen Eagle Sentry at a store for $249. I'm also thinking of going down in pad size from my 36" +1 to a 34" which might be the right size in the first place.

What do you think? Is it time for new pads?

Alex
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"Remember the ABC's of goaltending.. Angle, Block and Cover" - Me

montreal961 · Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 6:46 pm Post subject:

Any used butterfly pads that come at a low price, should be taken into consideration. Reebok, Vaughn, Brians, Smith, and Bauer are sure bets for decent to high level quality. If you can find a pair for a reasonable price, i would jump on them.
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montreal961 · Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 6:47 pm Post subject:

Any used butterfly pads that come at a low price, should be taken into consideration. Reebok, Vaughn, Brians, Smith, and Bauer are sure bets for decent to high level quality. If you can find a pair for a reasonable price, i would jump on them.
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Returning2MyNet · Minors Joined: 09 Mar 2009 Posts: 379

you should also visit http://www.donsimmons.com/
and look for used simmons gear.
With sentry's you saw you will want to make sure they were not made in China, I played a sentry and it was mfg china, it had issue, remember there is good inexpensive gear and cheap gear, and while not all the stuff mfg in china is crap there is more than not seemingly, and it seems brand related.
Now my questions about this bare knee hits. Are your pads properly sized for you?
are you getting your feet pushed forward in the Bfly so the pads shut, or are just going down on your knees with your feet behind you?, is your stick on the ice?
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alexthegrrr8 · Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 1:01 pm Post subject:

Hey Guys;

Thanks for the responses.

I'll definitely have to look into the used brands that you guys mentioned. LOL... ironically Simmon's is a paltry 20 minutes from here and it's where I take my skates to get sharpened.

Regarding the bare knee hits I had to think about the questions. To my knowledge here are my responses... my pads were not properly sized for me. But I attended a Leafs practice before a Marlies game and talked to Jonas (Gustafsson) and I was mortified to find out that I was using the same size pads less 1 inch on the thight rise. He uses 36 + 2 where I use 36+1. He's taller than me by about 3". My stick is on the ice whenever I go to butterfly but I might've been lifting up that week unknowingly. I did catch myself making one fundamental error. The next answer I had to really think about and I might've been just dropping to my knees and not pushing forward. But I'm not sure. OMG... if I'm not I better change styles... I might be too brittle for butterfly...damn!

Thanks,

Alex
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"Remember the ABC's of goaltending.. Angle, Block and Cover" - Me

canadian_man_44 · Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 3:00 pm Post subject:

Hey Alex.

Getting hit in the knees is something all of us have had to deal with at one time or another. It might be one of the things you mentioned or it might be a fluke shot that sneaks through. I've been hit in the knee by a deflected shot when I was starting a butterfly slide and the five hole was still slightly open. It happens. The best way to protect your knees is either thigh boards or knee pads.

Returning2MyNet · Minors Joined: 09 Mar 2009 Posts: 379

C man is right about getting hit, but should be more of rare time and two like you said made me think.
as for Hillers pads, not knowing what other mods he has, you have to remember his gear is built for him so dont count on the numbers he gave you they could wear like a 34 there is just no telling.
the keys are your measurements, and with you only being 20 min from DS, go in and get fitted, Join the GEW on DS web site and tell them your a member and you might be suprised at the deal they come up with for you.
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