Hey everyone,
I’m 36, have been playing for about 30 years, and currently play 3 nights per week in the A league of my local beer league. Our league keeps stats, and I’m usually one of the stronger goalies in the division.
For the past 9 years, I’ve been using a full Simmons 999 set — pads, blocker, and glove. They’ve been great to me, but lately the pads have been really hard on my knees, and overall it feels like it’s finally time to move on.
I’m looking hard at a barely used set of TRUE Catalyst PX5 pads and blocker in my size. They do not have Diamond Glide, which I wanted, but it’s not necessarily a deal breaker. I’m also considering a used Bauer Supreme Shadow catch glove because my current glove gives me stingers on what feels like every 1/3 shots.
A little background: I grew up about 10 minutes from the Simmons store, so I’ve only ever used Simmons gear for pads, blocker, and glove. I do have custom TRUE skates and a Bauer chest protector, but I’ve never really made the jump into big-name modern pads or gloves.
The biggest adjustment for me is probably going to be the strapping. I’m coming from old-school pads with 6 leather buckle straps and 2 interior Velcro straps, and the TRUE setup is basically 2 outer Velcro straps and 1 inner Velcro. That has honestly been my biggest hesitation with switching to a modern pad.
For anyone who has used them, what are your thoughts on the PX5 pads and blocker? Anything I should know coming from a very traditional Simmons setup?
Also, any feedback on the Bauer Supreme Shadow glove? I am also considering the PX5 catcher as well. I have massive hands, and whenever I try on stock senior gloves at Pure Hockey they usually feel way too small, so I’m a little nervous about buying one used without being able to test it first.
Anything else I should know before I pull the trigger on this setup?