Need Help finding new pads

[Slayers 3]

I am looking to replace my Vaughn Legacys 3000's that I picked up in 92 I love the way they fit and feel which is why I have never replaced them also all the newer style pads I have tried on always have way to much padding on the inner knee which I always seem to bump when skating is there something that will feel like the Legacys?

[Law Goalie 147]

First off, welcome to the board!

The short answer is that you're going to have a hard time finding something that feels like your Legacies in a shop. The good news is that much of the 'inner knee padding' is easily removable on all newer pads, either by Velcro (Warrior, Bauer, and Sherwood, I believe) or a short length of lacing (Reebok). I suspect, however, that what you're struggling with is only partly the thickness of padding, but also how closely it's attached to the inside (medial) edge of the pad. Almost all new stuff is right at the NHL-spec minimum distance of 1/2"; it's probably more like 1" on your Legacies, which means an additional 2" of clearance between your knee, which is not insignificant.

The longer answer is that there are custom (and very reasonably priced) builders like Scott Battram who can do practically anything you want. I'll follow up on this point with a longer post when I've got some more time.

There's also the possibility of finding those pads (or similar ones) in nearly new or new-old-stock (NOS) condition on eBay, craigslist, kijiji, etc.

[Law Goalie 147]

It completely slipped my mind, but Sher-wood (which has recently re-invested in its goalie line in a big way in buying out TPS' goalie division) has a pad that you might really like: the T100 MB30 Brodeur-spec pad. It's built to Martin Brodeur's exact specifications: he's finally moved away just a smidge from his D&R Quantum clones, which are comparable to your Legacies. Here are a few links to reviews, pictures, etc.:

Donsimmons.com - MB30 pads

Goaliemonkey.com - MB30 pads

Pictures of all-white T100 MB30 pads

The Goalie Crease introduces the T100 MB30 line (but the shop itself doesn't seem to have them any more)

A short review of the pads, with more pictures

If you're looking to buy at retail, it's basically your only option.

With a custom builder, all you'll really need to do is tell them what you want. If you say, "I'd like a Legacy 3000 pad," they'll tell you how close they can get. I haven't seen Scott make a really old-school stuffed pad in a while, but it's a possibility.

[Slayers 3]

Thank you law I will check into some of the pads you talked about the new sizing has me all confused now a days since my old pads were 32's and my younger and shorter cousin wears 35+2 now a days I guess I will just have to try some on in shops and go from there

[Law Goalie 147]

The sizing did change significantly.

The advantage to a custom builder is that they send you a list of measurements to take, you take the measurements and send them in, and you get a set of perfectly sized pads.

At retail, all you need to focus on in terms of pure sizing (neglecting all other concerns between brands and models) is where your knee sits. You need to have on a pair of skates when you're getting sized for pads, and ideally a pair of skates roughly like the ones you intend to use, so that you'll know how much the cowling will life the skate above your foot; if you just try them on with street shoes, you'll be 1/2" to 1" off every time, which is bordering on an improper fit. As long as your knee sits roughly in the middle of the knee-landing both in your stance and when you butterfly (if they have some synthetic ice in the shop, all the better), you're at the right size.

Bear in mind, though, that there is no standard of sizing between brands: not in the base measurement or in the 'plus-size' added to the top of the thigh-rise. The *total* height will be the same - in the case of a 35+2 pad, 37" total - because that measurement is taken along the face of the pad; the sizing, however, is of course in relation to the back of the pad, which is why a Reebok 35 doesn't fit like a Bauer 35 or a Vaughn 35. Given that most brands are no longer offering inch-by-inch sizing except on their pro-level gear, you should definitely try as many as possible. If you have a local shop that specialises in goalie business, bring them some beers and settle in for the day to try everything they've got and just shoot the breeze about how equipment has changed; the beer might not be appreciated in a big chain store.

There are way more things to take into consideration than just the sizing - how the pads interact with your pants and knee-pads, whether they move or feel the way you want, whether you can move the way you want, etc., but that's all you need for sizing.