True Goalie Pads - Best Pricing in the Industry | Goalies Plus (2024)

FAQs

How many NHL goalies use true pads? ›

In 2021, nearly half of the goalies in the NHL switched to True pads, most coming over from CCM. More than 46 percent of the league now wears the brand, according to the website GearGeek, more than any other brand.

What does the second number in goalie pad sizing mean? It's thigh rise. So, 32+1 means that the pads are 32″ in height and +1″ on the thigh rise. Most pads come standard with a 1″ thigh rise, and that standard inch thigh rise will work for most goalies.

Goalie Pads: $800-$2,000

On the high end, a brand new, custom set of goalie pads can cost as much as $2,000. Keep in mind, that each manufacturer makes reduced-price versions of each model of gear they release.

Goalies are creatures of habit, and since the design stayed the same and the name changed, they awaited the end of their CCM contracts and signed with True (I assume for big bucks too). This is why you still see the same style of CCM pads with True's name on it worn by all the NHL goalies now.

It's a product of the NHL requiring backup goaltenders to be dressed for games. Since most numbers below 30 were already spoken for by forwards and defensem*n, 30 (first used by Terry Sawchuck) and other numbers in the 30s were deemed safe for goalies to use without alienating other players.

Please note, +1 and +2 sizing in goalie pads means an extra inch or two has been added to the top of the pad (the thigh rise) to increase 5-hole coverage in the butterfly position and does not impact the sizing below.

The +1 sizing system is standard for leg pads, meaning that “+1” is an extra inch added to the top of the leg pad. This addition helps goalies with their butterfly position as well as with their five-hole coverage. Some goal pads come with a +2” sizing system, which is more common with high level, experienced goalies.

Many modern jocks use two cups, one in front of the other, in order to provide more protection. Instead of a jock, female goaltenders wear a pelvic protector known as a jill.

What do NHL goalies wear under their pads? ›

Under their pads, hockey goalies often wear specialized compression clothing that supports muscles and joints. These garments can have added padding in critical areas to absorb impacts and help protect against injuries from high-speed pucks and physical play.

Some notable goalies that used CCM were Marc-André Fleury and Carey Price. During 2020 CCM and Lefebvre decided to end their partnership. Today CCM offers the Extreme Flex, Axis, and the youth YT Flex goalie products.

Based out of Oxford, Michigan and London, Ontario, Vaughn became one of the first major hockey production companies to use multiple foam layers in equipment.

2023 Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark uses Bauer Supreme Mach pads.

TRUE's Cup Runneth Over

The New York Rangers' Igor Shesterkin, the best young Russian goalie in the NHL and 2022 Vezina Trophy winner, wears TRUE Stock Two Piece skates — as do Connor Hellebyuck, Jacob Markstrom, Linus Ullmark, Jordan Binnington, Jusse Saros and Thatcher Demko. The TRUE train doesn't stop there.

With 75% of all NHL goalies using TRUE skates and 43% using TRUE goalie pads, gloves and blockers, it's clear that TRUE is cornering the goalie equipment market.

2013 was the last time an NHL goalie wore branded Warrior goalie equipment in a game. Since that time, plenty of pros have tested the equipment during their summertime training, but none have worn it in an actual game. Warrior only pays the NHL to allow goalies to use Warrior branded sticks.

The True/Lefevre gear is hand made in Canada. The True Catalyst PX3 features a more traditional design. Starting off with the face construction, the entire PX3 is a fairly flat design with balanced features throughout.