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The Vaughn Velocity V7 XR Pro Goalie Blocker is a pro level blocker. Recommended for ice hockey goalies playing 4 to 6 times per week.
Vaughn Velocity V7 XR Pro Goalie Blocker
New for 2016 is the Vaughn Velocity V7 XR Pro Goalie Blocker. Even though this blocker is in the high mid-level price range, we do consider it a pro blocker based on the quality and the ability to be custom ordered. Vaughn has two series of XR blockers – XR Pro Carbon and the XR Pro. This can be confusing but the key term is “carbon”. The XR Pro Carbon is the domestic made pro blocker and the XR Pro is the off-shore pro blocker.
The Difference Between the XR Pro and the XR Pro Carbon
The biggest difference between the XR Pro and the XR Pro Carbon blockers is the use of carbon on the blocker face and in the finger protection. The quality of materials between the XR Pro Carbon and the XR Pro is about 90% the same. The XR series stand for rigid and this is made for the coverage style goalie. The Vaughn XR Pro blocker has a off-set positioned palm placement. The palm is moved up on the blocker which provides more surface area below the hand. This is ideal for a coverage goalie as it takes up more net coverage in the butterfly technique.
The XR Pro also uses reinforced finger protection. It is the opinion of many that Vaughn has the best finger protection design in the goalie market today. The VX suede reinforced palm gives this pro blocker the durability needed to take the abuse of everyday action. The Velocity V7 XR Pro blocker also has a binding less face that creates the largest possible surface area on the blocker.
Vaughn Velocity V7 XR Pro Goalie Blocker Features
- Pro Spec Sizing
- Full coverage formed finger protectors with 3mm thick carbon fiber inserts for increased protection
- No binding front blocking board to maximize net coverage
- Ultra high-density internal foam core for lightweight and stiffness
- Beveled bottom edge for paddle down movement
- Large index finger double layered protection with carbon fiber inserts
- Backhand cushion padding to reduce impact
- Floating articulated cuff design for superior wrist movement
- Side wrist air cushion pad
- Large finger protectors with dual layered inner index finger guards
- Adjustable wrist strap with Velcro closure
- Pre-curved palm fingers for improved grip
- Palm features vented side gussets and grip textured overlay
- New graphic with split face design for more color zone options
Is A Blocker Just A Blocker?
A blocker is not just “a blocker.” Otherwise, the quality of workmanship in the goalie blockers wouldn’t vary significantly. Hybrid goalies wouldn’t demand a wide open cuff, with more contour on the blocker board and a palm to maximize mobility and agility. By contrast, a coverage style goalie wouldn’t insist on a flatter board with a tighter palm for a more secure and stiff feel.
The blocker’s weight is another key aspect to its performance. The stick and blocker side of the goalie’s body carries more weight than the glove side. As a result, goalies can find themselves “off-centered.” A quality blocker reduces weight and works to equalize the goalie’s center of gravity and ease the ability to reach a “natural balance.”
The goalie’s ability to maneuver the blocker is critical to performance. In recent years, a goalie must possess quality stick handling skills in order to meet the demands of the position. Since the blocker hand is the dominant hand while stick handling, owning the right blocker is extremely important.
Buying a Pro Blocker Vs. Mid Level Blocker
As we compare differences in gear levels, we explain whether you need to spend a little more or where you can save a few dollars. A pro blocker is built with the highest level of material and developed with the utmost care in construction. The palm is the one area that you generally see wear issues with a blocker. For any goalies that use a lot of tape, particularly where the goalie holds the stick in their ready position, they are likely to see a lot of palm issues. In contrast, goalies that do not use tape in this location do not see significant palm issues.
In addition, the materials used in the pro palm prevent premature wear in the binding area. There are no added safety concerns between a pro level blocker and a high mid-level blocker. If you need to spend your money wisely, the blocker is where we recommended going down a level to do so. Even with a little extra wear, the price of a high mid-level blocker is almost half of a pro level blocker.