Vaughn Velocity VE8 Intermediate Leg Pads
The Velocity VE8 goal pad has been completely re-designed for 2018. The biggest two changes a consumer will see is the strapping system and the reduction in weight. The previous generation Velocity V7 still had a traditional strapping system but the 2018 VE8 has gone to the quick strapping that is very popular these days. The VE8 uses elastic straps like most brands but with one major change from other competitors; they use a magnetic clip system to connect the strap to the pad. Most companies use Velcro to connect to the pad, this is great at the beginning but the Velcro tends to loose its sticking capacity very quickly. Once this happens, the strap becomes useless. With this magnetic clip system, you will never have to worry about debris getting in the Velcro and loosing its ability to attach. Another difference you will feel on the VE8 versus older Velocity series is a stiffer ankle flex. While still very flexible compared to a blocking or butterfly style pad, there was a lot of feedback from Vaughn’s hybrid style goalies wanted this area to be a bit stiffer as the older pads would break down very quickly in this area. Vaughn also made another change and that was to the top binding. The Vaughn went away from a thin traditional binding to a thicker and more square binding design. This design change will do a better job sealing the five hole and creating extra strength to the pad while in the butterfly position.
Vaughn Velocity VE8 Intermediate Leg Pads Features:
- Full Foam core internal structure same design as adult model
- Flat face front with solid top outside roll
- Wide leg and knee channel
- Smooth inside edge sliding surface
- New design top thigh area to maximize blocking surface
- Steeper scoop angle
- Full wrap style leg cradle padding
- Magnetic calf strap buckles
- Adjustable outer knee cradle panel
- New visually disruptive graphics
- Lower profile outside roll with single top break
Choosing the correct size for a young goalie
Parents have a difficult job when purchasing new goalie pads for a younger goalie. They want to get the best gear they can to help their child fulfill their potential. They also don’t want gear that the goalie will grow out of right away. Finding that balance can be very difficult, however the goalie manufactures do a very nice job keeping most youth, junior and intermediate goalie pads on par with each other price wise and generally quality wise. You will not see wildly different price ranges in these three younger categories. The decision of what goalie pad to buy really comes down to what type of goalie they are and their particular style of play. Most hybrid goalies – meaning goalies that tend to make saves with several different methods and techniques generally like goalie pads with extra breaks and knee rolls on the face of the pad. This allows the pad to be more flexible and move with the goalie easier in these different motions. Most butterfly oriented goalies tend to like flat face pads which tend to be more stiff and help utilize the butterfly technique. Although the butterfly is not a style of play but rather a technique, goalies are generally categorized as a butterfly goalie if they use this method on the majority of saves they make. These simple suggestions can go a long way in determining what type of pad to purchase for a young goalie.