Difference in skates

Hello everyone,

I'm on a dilemma and I'm seeking for your advice guys. I been playing as a goalie for a year or two, I still have not got all the equipment (I can borrow part of it in the place where I play), but probably we would get a team to play in Las Vegas this year... so not having my own equipment is not a choice, I need to get a chest protector and also skates.

My question is... does goalie skates make a huge difference compared to wearing regular skates? I would like to get a pair of goalie skater, but if I can invest on a new goalie pant instead of the skates.

Any advice? Do I keep using my regular skates or should I make the transition to goalie skates?

In my opinion, goalie skates are the most important part of your equipment, end of story. They give you a combination of stability and protection that you simply won't get from player skates or an aggressive skate. So, if I were just starting out or had to pick where to spend my money, it would be on a pair of goalie skates first.

If I were forced to choose between "player skates & goalie pants" versus "goalie skates and player pants", I'd go with the latter every time (for roller hockey anyway- I wouldn't recommend playing goal on ice with ANY position player equipment).

Just my $.02

-Ryan

Thanks for the advice... now, are the Nike Bauer Vapor XG-Lite Senior Inline Goalie Hockey Skates, a good choice??

I mean, there are not a lot anyway, but don't want to pick a pair of skates that probably are not going to be any good, of course these will be better that regular roller skates, but still I'll rather ask than be sorry later!!

I have the Tour Redline 5000s which are not without their problems, but on the whole, are suitable goal skates and again, are much better than the closest comparable player skates (for a goalie's purposes).

I have heard mixed reviews about the XG-Lites. A few people love them and wouldn't switch to another goal skate even for free while others claim they're heavy and don't like the fact that you are forced to use a 47mm wheel because of chassis clearance.

I think it's all personal preference, to be honest so maybe you ought to just consider springing for a pair and see how they feel. Most skate companies will give you some sort of warranty on the skates anyway (typically 90 to 120 days), so if anything bad happens to the boot, cowling etc within a reasonable period of time, you'll be allowed to send them back.

-Ryan

Thanks for all the advice, I think my next piece of equipment would be a pair of skates... again thank you for your advice!!

Go to Hockeygiant.com they have those bauer XG lites on sale for 150, can't beat that price anywhere. Also if you want good pants at a great price go to Donsimmons.com and get the itech HP pro's for $109. Pro level Pants and goalie skates for a total of $259 without shipping is awesome!! Do wait, or they'll sell out!

Sounds like you have your mind made up, but i agree with the Skates, i mean i actually took a slapper off the toe in player skates without any type of crowling or protection. The result, a broken toe. Go with the skates for sure