Goalie Catch Glove Buying Guide: Select the Right Glove

Published 15th April 2024

How Should A Goalie Glove Fit?

Discover the key to optimal goaltending performance by ensuring your goalie glove fits snugly across the back of your hand, with fingers reaching the end of the stalls for maximum control. Find out the preferred tightness for securing the glove across your hand to enhance your gameplay. For the perfect fit, it's essential to try on the glove while wearing a chest protector. This ensures you have the full range of motion in your wrist, crucial for making those game-winning saves. Don't overlook the importance of a well-fitted glove in your goaltending arsenal.

Glove Styles and Preferences

Unlock the potential of your goaltending game with insights into the pivotal role played by the catch glove. Often considered the most preferential piece of equipment, the catch glove significantly affects a goalie's stance, rebound control, stickhandling, and overall movement. Understanding how gloves are measured in break angles is essential. This measurement, taken across the base of the cuff running towards the pocket and the degree to the tip of the T when the glove is closed, determines the glove's closure mechanism and how the goalie can position their hand for optimal catching performance. With this knowledge, goaltenders can fine-tune their glove selection to match their playing style and preferences, enhancing their effectiveness between the pipes.

Usage & Maintenance

Explore the diverse options of goalie gloves, each tailored to provide specific levels of protection and durability for varying usage demands. Pro gloves, crafted for intensive use ranging from 4 to 7 times per week, offer top-tier performance and resilience. Senior gloves, ideal for moderate usage between 2 to 5 times a week, strike a balance between durability and affordability. Meanwhile, lower senior gloves are suited for occasional use, ranging from 1 to 3 times a week. In addition to frequency of use, external factors play a crucial role in glove selection. Consider the intensity of shots faced by the goalie, as it influences the required level of protection. Moreover, factors like sweat accumulation within the gear can impact durability, emphasizing the importance of proper ventilation and maintenance routines. Regularly drying out the gear after use and implementing effective care practices contribute to prolonging the glove's lifespan. By carefully evaluating these factors, goaltenders can ensure they select gloves that not only offer optimal protection but also withstand the rigors of their playing environment, ultimately enhancing their performance on the ice.

Glove Customization

For customizing gloves, there are many different options a goalie can get. The most popular modifications come in the thickness of the palm protection, style of T in the pocket of the glove and color. For Pro custom, there are usually 3 different levels of protection. The levels are considered a game ready palm which Is the thinnest which can be closed the easiest, pro palm which is a little bit thicker and offers slightly more protection but might take some extra work to break in, or a practice palm which is the thickest of them which could be the toughest to break in.