[designissues]

Not sure if there is an existing thread I should have posted this question in as opposed to making a new one. I searched around and didn't really find what I was looking for. Most dealt with what size pads for what size legs which really isn't the problem I'm having. Sorry if starting a new post was the wrong move, this is my first time posting.

Anyway, I am in the market for my first real set of pads so to speak. I am currently using a really old pair of 33 inch Bauer Reactors that I bought used just to get me back into playing after having taken 6 years off. They are too small for me and really limit how well I can butterfly. Its time to get some current pads and I am SUPER excited to get to play in them for the first time. My problem is that I am between sizes. I really should be wearing a 35 inch, but what I need is only available in a 34 or a 36. I have tried each size on the ice (I love pro shops with ice to try gear out on) and found things I like and dislike about each. The 36s closed the 5 hole so much nicer and I loved the extra size in my butterfly but they felt huge when I was standing (probably cause I am used to the 33 inch Bauers) and I worry about if they might limit my mobility. The 34s felt so more like what I'm used to but I was falling right at the top of the knee stack and it worried me a little bit that I might end up with some pucks to the knee. I had to squeeze my knees together alot more in the butterfly to make up for the difference in size too. I am a pretty mobile and active goalie, relying on reflexes more than pure positioning. And definitely more of a hybrid goalie than a pure butterfly goalie.

So my question is if you were torn between two sizes like this, would you go with the bigger size for extra protection or smaller size for better feel? I don't have the option to custom order the 35 inch or anything. I have to decide between the two. Do most people think that bigger is better?