Between pad sizes. What should I do?

[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?

[wildzrule08]

i would go with the 36", you shouldnt feel that much different from 35" and you wouldnt want to be hurt in the 34".

[hroark2112]

You have several choices.

First, find out your ATK measurement.

Then figure out what kind of pads you want based on the features of the pads.

Review this thread: Pad Size - ATK Database Project and find out what size pad you really need.

Your other option is to call Smith, Vortek, or Battram and order custom pads based on your measurements.

[designissues]

I wish I had the option to custom order or anything like that. I already know which model and everything I want and the sizes available. I am looking at lower level pads (instead of pro level) cause I can't afford pro and for what I am playing its way more than I need. I checked the database but it didn't have my pads. I'll be sure to add mine to the list once I get them.

Wildzrule08 - thats what I was leaning towards too. I think the 36 seems so big to me cause I am used to playing with my old 33s. Huge difference from the 33 to the 36, not as much from the 35 I really need to the 36.

[geojedi]

Going up would be better. AS time passes, the pad materials internally will settle thusly reducing the size of the pad. THis is more true in the senior models much more so than the pro.

What pad are you looking at getting? May be helpful to name it b/c some others may have some experiences with it.

[th954]

go with the 36", i was in the same type of situation when i was getting back in to playing i used some old 33"s that i had, after about 6 months of college level play i took direct shot to my exposed knee (in a beer league game) because my pads were too small. i was out for almost 2 months. now I'm in some 37"+1" x-wings (too big btw I'm just waiting for my 35"+1" pads to come in) and i don't have too much of a problem with them being an additional 2" big, in fact the only problem i have is that i cant have the strapping the way they want them or i have trouble moving. i have to have the lower straps a little tighter and the top loose so the pads can push each other around. if they are just slightly tighter i have trouble moving cause they get in the way. but i don't think that would be a problem if your pads are just an inch too big.

[kevinsane]

Find a set of Eagle Fusions. They have an adjustable knee cradle that will accommodate at least two years' growth, and they are TERRIFIC pads.

[The West Wall]

Originally Posted by kevinsane

Find a set of Eagle Fusions. They have an adjustable knee cradle that will accommodate at least two years' growth, and they are TERRIFIC pads.

I think a 30 year old man should be pretty much full grown .

I say go with the bigger pad. As mentioned before, the materials may break down a bit. Plus, on 5-hole goals, you will look back and say if I got bigger pads that gets smothered. You may same the same about mobility, but I think with time you will adjust.

[designissues]

Thank you everyone for all the wonderful feedback. Thats extremely helpful!! I had been leaning towards the 36 inch. They just felt way more comfortable on my knees and in the butterfly. Thats more important than when I'm standing straight up. I think what I was just really thrown off from being so used to my old 33 inch pad. The 36 (especially with the +1 on modern pads) just really felt huge at first. This bulletin board has been a huge help for me since I discovered it and I trust the opinions of a lot of the people on it so I thought I would get some feedback. Thanks you all so much!

Oh and for what its worth the pads I'm looking at are Itech RX5s. I know these are entry level pads and alot of people will laugh at that, but you have to start somewhere right. I tried on a set at the proshop and absolutely loved them. I couldn't believe how little difference there was between the RX5 and the RX7. I am super super excited to get my new gear! I love that they have the adjustable knee lock as well, though they seemed to be pretty darn close to where I would want them.

Thanks again for all the feedback. This has become my new favorite website!

[influenza]

craftmenship, thats the difference.

never again will i buy a bottom end itech product.

[The West Wall]

Before you pull the trigger on getting the Itechs, you may want to take a look at the classifieds. Theres so pro level gear there for pretty cheap.

[designissues]

I've looked around at the classifieds. I really love the Itech gear. I really am only looking for something to last me a couple seasons and I don't play very often. I had looked at the 4.8 X-wings before and hated how low end they felt. There was a huge difference between them and the 7.8 series. I was blown away by how similar the RX5 and RX7 models were. I don't expect them to last several years or anything though. There are other reasons I am looking at the low end Itechs as opposed to the used pro level gear but didn't think it was worth getting into all of that in this thread. I knew I would catch some flack for the low end gear, thats why I left if out of the original post. Thanks again to everyone that responded. Your help can't be overstated.

[Mx42]

You seem pretty set, but let me also advocate the purchase of the 36s.

You mentioned that your knee fell out of the cradle in the 34s, this is something you really want to avoid - stick with the 36s. The size issue goes away after a few skates.

[The West Wall]

Originally Posted by designissues

I've looked around at the classifieds. I really love the Itech gear. I really am only looking for something to last me a couple seasons and I don't play very often. I had looked at the 4.8 X-wings before and hated how low end they felt. There was a huge difference between them and the 7.8 series. I was blown away by how similar the RX5 and RX7 models were. I don't expect them to last several years or anything though. There are other reasons I am looking at the low end Itechs as opposed to the used pro level gear but didn't think it was worth getting into all of that in this thread. I knew I would catch some flack for the low end gear, thats why I left if out of the original post. Thanks again to everyone that responded. Your help can't be overstated.

The 36" RX5's sound to be perfect then. Go buy them, have fun, and enjoy the game!