Best entry level gloves?

[thrdeye]

I'm currently playing with old Bauer Reactor 1's. They will need replacing soon. Who makes a good entry level glove?

I love Vaughn stuff and noticed the 3700 catcher and blocker at goalimonkey. Would these be a slight step up from the Bauers? A Slight improvement is all I need.

Thanks!

[RCS]

The Vortek VK5s are darn nice for the money.

Vortek Hockey - How to Order

[Södy]

The Summit glove is only 30$ more. It's a great glove, the Sr model is listed at "Elite play level" by TPS.

It has good protection, closes well and has a great feel!

[Cross Bar]

Depends what your budget is. Myself,i spent the extra money on used pro level gloves.Better protection and already broken in.

[Goalerguy]

id say get a old spec glove such as a v2 in old size it would save you money and would be even cheeper used.

[thrdeye]

Ooosh....the Vorteks are $459. That is way beyond my price point.

My reactors have served me well, some of the threads are wearing out and some of the stiching has gone to crap. The blocker is still okay to me. Some holes in the palm but it still works.

The big thing is that I am unsatisfied with my catcher. It seems like it does not want to stay open anymore and there isn't enough protection on the backside for my fingers.

Thanks for all the advice. I will take into consideration.

[spidergoalie]

Originally Posted by Cross Bar

Depends what your budget is. Myself,i spent the extra money on used pro level gloves.Better protection and already broken in.

This one is the winner.

I post this alot but......

If you buy entry level stuff you will have low quality gear that is shiny and new for exactly one game. Then what you own is used low quality entry level gear.

If you buy used high level gear, provided it is in good condition, you will have good quality used gear.

The low quality in entry level gear is usualy manifest in poor durability. Used high level will out last new entry level, guarenteed.

So aside from that one game with shiny new gear, which is the better choice?

[Kahnighit]

For the blocker you could go with one of the higher sr level models: RBK 8k, Vaughn 7400, Itech RX7 or Bauer One75.

The catch though... You'll really want pro quality. There are two ways I can think of getting one for cheap-ish. One is buying used via the classifieds and/or ebay. So many people unload their gloves after only one season of use. Even a glove used for 3 seasons of just beer league should last many more years. Be patient, check regularly and be ready to pull the trigger.

Your other option is getting an "Old spec" glove on clearance. Check all the online retailers you can find. There's a list in this forum stickied. Call some of the smaller ones. I've seen gloves that have been sitting on a shelf for years. You never know if they'll cut you a deal beyond what's listed on their website.

[thrdeye]

Hmm...maybe my standards are just lower than you guys....I don't know.

The Reactor glove that I have has a million miles on it (played several years of inline with it and just started using it for ice hockey and it has been in storage for 8 years. It still works, and i really don't think it's bad....it just seems a little small and maybe stiffer than I would like b/c of it's age. So this is why I say maybe my standards are lower.

[RCS]

Ooosh....the Vorteks are $459. That is way beyond my price point.

If $459 for a pair of gloves is beyond what you're looking to spend, then definitely some decent used equipment is the way to go. Most other major brand names are going to be much more for higher-end gear. You'll notice there's a big jump between the low-end gear and the decent stuff price-wise.

I don't know how comfortable I'd be playing in a brand new $99 glove. Definitely used, as a couple others have said...

[MadMax31]

Originally Posted by RCS

If $459 for a pair of gloves is beyond what you're looking to spend, then definitely some decent used equipment is the way to go. Most other major brand names are going to be much more for higher-end gear. You'll notice there's a big jump between the low-end gear and the decent stuff price-wise.

I don't know how comfortable I'd be playing in a brand new $99 glove. Definitely used, as a couple others have said...

I was gonna mention I recently grabbed the Kipper Catch for $399, I understand everybody differs on the term "Budget". But Gloves are something I never skimp on. I use 10 yr old entry Heaton pants, Middle-line sticks, and an ancient bag.

But

Gloves
Pads
Mask
C/A

Always upper end gear. I use my gloves waaaay too much to use cheaper gear. Definetly check the classifieds, or the Bay, their are always deals to be had, they just might not be the perfect color.....

[acaron76]

Bauer Reactor 3 catch in NYR colors 119.99 at hockeyword.com

[njren39]

ill sell you my old ******* gloves

Edit: Do not circumvent the filter again, it is there for a reason. Also, please use the classified system if you want to sell something.

[goalie39]

Have a look at the pro returns on goalie monkey, i got a good deal on a v3 catcher and i love it so much compared to the vault catcher i had. I would say go pro level rather than entry level, its well worth it

[Nabby]

I'm with these guys. Check out the classifieds here or look around for clearance pro level gear. I made this mistake with my catcher. I bought CCM Vector Pro Pads/Blocker but couldn't find the glove and opted for a Vaughn Vault. Big mistake, I completely regret it and just recently ordered a ******* 993 glove. I can't wait for it to get here.