When it comes to goalie pads, players have a wide range of options to choose from as they are designed for virtually all hockey goaltending styles.

It’s wise to choose a pair of pads that will enhance your particular style while offering maximum protection, comfort and flexibility at the same time. Leg pads are the most expensive equipment a goaltender will purchase so it’s important to do a little research and make sure your pads are suited to your skill level, size and style. 

Below is a list of some of the best goalie pads on the market for 2021.

 

SHORT ON TIME?  Here are our picks.

 

Best Overall Goalie Pads

BAUER VAPOR HYPERLITE

Out of all the goalie pads on our list, we found that the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite pads were the best OVERALL. These pads are for the elite goalie. They come with the most advanced features available and are fully customizable.

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Best Mid-Range Goalie Pads

BRIANS GNETIK X

In our opinion, these goalie pads are the best of the middle-of-the-pack. The have superb protections and performance features in a price point that provides great value for money.

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Best Budget Friendly Goalie Pads

BAUER GSX

The Bauer GSX pads offer a nice rounded set of safety and performance features at a price point that won't break the bank..

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1) Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Goalie Pads

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 

bauer hyperlite goalie pads review

Overview:

New this hockey season are the lightweight Bauer Vapor Hyperlite goalie pads which concentrate on
performance, protection and comfort. These pads boast the company’s C.O.R Tech and Tech Plus technologies which means the skins are extremely durable and provide top-level rebound control as well as reaction and recovery time. The Curv Composite thigh rises are flexible yet sturdy while the outer gussets help with an easy butterfly-style closure.

The pads feature Free-Flex 110-degree boots for a better fit and come with Stabiliflex knee blocks to help provide a stable landing area. The inside leg channels have Balance Plate Calf Pillows for added comfort when landing and the pads are kept firmly in place with the simple Tune Fit 2.0 strapping system. And let’s not forget the pads are designed to repel moisture, odours and bacteria.

The elite-level Bauer Vapor Hyperlite goalie pads come in various sizes and colours. They provide supreme performance for serious netminders and can typically be bought in the higher price range.

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2) Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic Senior Goalie Pads 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

bauer supreme ultrasonic goalie pads

 

Overview:

Bauer is billing their new Ultrasonic Goalie pads as the most stable and technologically-advanced the company has come up with. They feature the unique Coefficient of Restitution Technology which combines an assortment of top-grade durable materials such as polyethylene foam, lycra-spandex, Curv Composite and polyurethane. These are designed to improve the life of the pads while resisting wear and tear.

The top sections of the thigh rises feature a design which enables a seamless closure and helps top the pads from rubbing against each other while the boot breaks are reinforced to reduce lifting when sliding across the ice. The rigid pads are have lone internal breaks below the knees to help with rebound control and direction while the one-piece knee blocks integrate into the pads’ cores.

The lightweight Bauer Ultrasonic Goalie Pads provide plenty of stability, comfort and protection and create an optimum seal when you’re down on the ice. The adjustable strapping system is quick and easy to manipulate and keeps your legs firmly in place while the elastic toe-tie method keeps a tight fit. These are fine elite-level pads and can be found in the higher-price range.

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3) Warrior Ritual G5 Senior Goalie Pads

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

 

warrior g5 goalie pads review

Overview:

Warrior’s well known for their quality goalie pads and that includes the new lightweight Ritual G5 line. The pads come with a face-forward design which is angled to maximize net coverage while the AirSlide technology helps enhance pad sliding in the crease when the ice becomes chippy and rough. The outer rolls come with an optimized RVH shape which creates a better seal between the pads and the posts.

The rear of the thigh rises feature a patented lock profile with adjustable Velcro to choose the curvature and tension to help close the five-hole. The 360-degree leg channels also help with five-hole coverage when you’re standing upright. The pads come with a buckle and Velcro strapping system known as 360DualFIT to alter the width.

In addition, the elastic toe-boot straps have been lengthened to help relieve stress on your knees and hips and the pads come with a  laundry bag. The Warrior Ritual G5 Goalie Pads can be found nin several sizes and are a great bargain for intermediate and competitive goaltenders in the mid-price range.

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4) Brians GNETIK X Senior Goalie Pads

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 

brians gnetik x goalie pads reviews

Brian’s GNETIK X goalie pads are ideal for competitive goalies of all styles as they focus on consistency and performance as well as maximum protection. They feature the company’s Flexible Core construction method which comes with an internal knee roll build and soft boots for optimal torsional rotation. The inner edges showcase Brian’s Primo Slide material for quick movement along the ice all game long.

The pre-curved outer rolls raise up slightly at the outside edges to help direct shots way away from the net. The pads are kept securely in place thanks to the adjustable strapping options at the knees and calves while the knee cradles consist of soft but durable Har-Suede materials. At the bottom of the pads you’ll find top-level adjustable nylon Smart Boot Straps while the moisture-wicking properties keep you cool, dry and odour-free at all times.

Brian’s flat-face GNETIK X goalie pads come in several sizes and colours and can usually be bought in the mid level price range.

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5) CCM Extreme Flex 5 Pro Senior Goalie Pads

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

 

ccm flex 5 pro goalie pads review

Overview:

The newly-released CCM Extreme Flex 5 Pro goalie pads provide hybrid-style netminders with the rebound control and flexibility they need to stand out in the crease. They come with molded knee rolls and CCM’s DuaL1teCore Construction system. This offers a different flex profile below and above the knees for a solid seal when using the butterfly style as well as explosive flexibility for your cross-crease pushes. The exterior of the pads showcase the durable Speed Skin synthetic leather technology to improve your glide and speed.

The Quick Motion strapping system is made to provide a custom leg fit for superb pad rotation while the outer and inner calf straps can quickly and easily be adjusted and work hand-in-hand with the popular bungee toe system. They come equipped with Nylon/PE foam inner edge stabilizers, recessed foam knee caps with removable knee cradle wraps and foam calf wraps. The pads also wick away moisture, bacteria and odours.

The CCM Extreme Flex 5 Pro pads come in several sizes and colours with the 33+1-inch model weighing just 4.6 lbs each. They offer great value as they can usually be bought in the lower price range.

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6) Vaughn Velocity V9 Pro Senior Goalie Leg Pads

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

vaughn velocity v9 pro carbon goalie pads 

Overview:

Newly-designed for 2021, the pre-curved Vaughn Velocity V9 Pro Carbon Goalie Pads come with a firmer surface for more active rebounds as well as extended coverage for the back of the legs and quicker-sliding material on the edge of the inner pads. The lower-profile outside rolls are designed with a single break with wide inner-leg cradles.

The pads come with adjustable two-way knee cradle straps and a wider inner-knee landing surface with the three-knee roll design offering inner-foam cores combined with pure carbon. The outer knee-cradle pads can be adjusted and removed if you prefer and the insteps over the skates are reinforced for added protection. 

The lightweight Vaughn Velocity V9 Pro Carbon Goalie Pads offer the utmost in technology, protection and comfort and are designed to keep your legs cool and dry during the heaviest of action in and around the crease. The competitive pads are generally found in the upper-price level. 

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7) Bauer Vapor 3X Senior Goalie Pads 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

bauer 3x goalie pads review

Overview:

These new Vapor 3X goalie pads are geared towards intermediate-level goaltenders who are seeking the best equipment available at an affordable price. The pads feature Curv Composite thigh rises for supreme flex and are stable and rigid at the same time for top-level rebound control. These pads are very durable as they’re built to last while the knee and calf plates help control your on-ice slides. In addition, the nash leg channels consist of soft and comfortable materials.

The lightweight, well-balanced pads are designed to keep moisture, odours and germs at bay and are easy to adjust for the ideal fit. They’re also built with StabiliFlex knee blocks, Dynamic Flex cores, ultra-soft Free-Flex 110-degree boots and Tune-Fit 2.0 strapping which works well with all types of Velcro attachments.

The Bauer Vapor 3X goalie pads can be found in several colours and sizes and offer plenty of protection and comfort for all styles of goalies. They’re usually found in the mid price range.

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8) Bauer Supreme 3S Senior Goalie Pads

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

ccm axis pro goalie pads 

 

Overview:

Intermediate-level butterfly netminders are very impressed with the new Bauer Supreme 3S Goalie Pads as they come with pro-level technology and protection, combined with comfort. They’re outfitted with a 151-degree core flex for accurate rebound control and stability while the thigh rises feature Bauer’s popular Curv Composite material. They’re also made with synthetic leather, polyester and nylon.

More stability is added with the unique Butterfly-Assist Pillow, which is inserted between the calf protection.  The outer calves and knee plates help cover up the five-hole and enable powerful pushes across the crease due to the Coretech ST design. The pads have a strapping system known as Tune Fit which provides optimal pad rotation and comfort. There’s also a removable and adjustable strap between the calf protection and knee stacks to keep your legs securely in place.

The pads offer a 125-degree boot flex for optimal fit and movement with an offset bungee toe-tie which enables the skates to provide a better seal by getting closer to the ice. The Bauer Supreme 3S Pads are available in different sizes with the senior medium model weighing 4.9 lbs. They’re generally found in the mid-price range. 

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9) Brians OPTIK 2 Goalie Pads

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

BRIANS OPTIK 2 Goalie pads

Overview:

The lightweight Optik 2 Goalie Pads by Brian’s are ideal for helping netminders quickly seal the five-hole area while also providing top-flight protection, range of motion and comfort. They also provide a stiffer build while the toe tapers helps goalies rotate into the butterfly position while guarding the crease. The lightweight E-Foam cores are designed for the ultimate in rebound control by allowing you to easily redirect shots away from the net and into the corners.

The leg channels at the back of the pads have been refined while the knee cradles are constructed with top-quality nylon for comfortable landings. The knees are also stiffened for stable landings when using the butterfly style and the knee landers feature a grip material to lock your knees firmly in place during the action. Also, the 45-degree angle of the knee blocks eliminate the risk of them contacting each other during recoveries and movement. 

They boast a two-inch Smart X strap for a secure fit and a one-inch strap can also be attached if needed. In addition, there are removable air pillows for extra support beneath the calves for butterfly-style goalies and the boot straps are made in a seat belt style and come with smart elastic toe cords for added responsiveness. The high-tech Brian’s Optik 2 Goalie Pads can typically be found in the upper-price level.    

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10). Bauer GSX Senior Goalie Pads

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

bauer gsx goalie pads review

Overview:

Another new goalie pad by Bauer this season is the flat-face GSX model, with butterfly-style goaltenders specifically in mind. They come with an internal dynamic flex core along with flex points below and above the knees and the 115-degree boot angles enable you to comfortably recover your stance during the most hectic action.

The inner edges of the pads feature a square knee-block system while the rear strapping design known as Tune Fit is quite convenient and simplified as it consists of minimal Velcro attachment points. The pads are equipped with removable and adjustable thigh protectors for added protection while the inner leg channels have comfortable calf pillows for stability when in the butterfly position.

The bottoms come with a stretch-toe system for greater range of motion and getting rid of the need for skate-lace toe ties. The Bauer GSX Goalie Pads are ideal for recreational and intermediate netminders who are looking for a quality set of pads in the low to medium-price range.

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Ian Editor
Lead Writer , Honest Hockey
Honest Hockey is a website dedicated to bringing you the best information and resources to improve your hockey game. We are dedicated to bringing you the highest quality hockey gear reviews and industry news so that you’re up to date and know which equipment is best for your goals.
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