Need Help

[sieve33 0]

Ok so I started playing goalie a year and a half ago and boaught some cheap pads, Itech x-factor 4.8. Now i'm, playing 4 dys a week and need a real set of pads. I am looking to spend somewhere between $600 and $900. I have seen a lot of different pads out there for the money but don't really knonw where to start. Any suggestions?? By the way I am 5'10" and weigh 140lbs, small and quick.

[sc37 0]

As with most anything else...go and try some. But if you know what you realllly want try going custom and ordering yourself some. You can get Smiths in that price range for instance.

[sieve33 0]

I have also heard of a company called Battram. Has anyone had experience with them?

[The Webster 0]

www.smithhockey.com

simply the best

take a look at my gear.

http://s165.photobucket.com/albums/u53/Web...k/Smith%205000/

[OhMyGodImOnFire 0]

Since this is his first set of "real" pads, I'd suggest to stay away from custom. To start, is there or is there not a LHS you can go to that stocks goalie equipment?

[Law Goalie 147]

Scott Battram and Pete Smith are probably the two best independent custom pad makers in the business. Either one will do well by you. Even if you don't know exactly what you want or how you're sized, they'll ask the right questions to get you properly fitted.

[vision 0]

Half of the above statement is correct.

Honestly, go to your LHS and try on gear there. Plenty of off-the-shelf gear that is reasonably priced and will provide you with both protection and performance.

::m

[Law Goalie 147]

Which half of which statement?

With the exception of the Vorteks I saw at The Goalie Crease, I've yet to see a mid-priced off-the-rack senior pad that could hold a candle to a custom-made small-builder pad at the same price point. Sure, there are some good closeout deals, but that limits options even more.

*If* the OP has access to an LHS with a good stock of goalie equipment, sure, some time in there will give him a better idea of what's out there and what works for him.