Ice hockey goalie leg pads are essential equipment for any goaltender, providing protection and support during intense gameplay. In this article, we will review Best Goalie Leg Pads for 2023: the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2, Vaughn VPG SLR3 Pro, CCM Eflex 6, and True 20.2. Each pad will be evaluated based on key categories to help you make an informed decision. Without further ado, let’s dive into the reviews of four popular leg pad models.

BAUER VAPOR HYPERLITE 2

1. Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2

Overall Rating: 4.8/5

The Vapor Hyperlite 2 leg pads by Bauer are a top choice for many goaltenders due to their lightweight design and impressive performance features. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors:

Protection: The Hyperlite 2 leg pads excel in providing excellent protection against shots. The advanced materials and strategic placement of padding ensure maximum coverage without compromising mobility.

Mobility: These pads are designed to be incredibly lightweight, Bauer’s lightest pad made yet, allowing for excellent mobility and quick movements. Goaltenders will appreciate the agility and flexibility with great rebound control offered by the Vapor Hyperlite 2.

Durability: Bauer is renowned for producing durable equipment, and the Hyperlite 2 is no exception. These leg pads are built to withstand the rigors of frequent use and maintain their quality over time.

Key Features

• Bauer’s Vapor Hyperlite 2 is their lightest pad made to date.
• Hybrid Calf System – The Single-Bracket Hybrid System provides increased stability in the butterfly while retaining Vapor’s signature flexibility allowing you move freely without worrying about pad over rotation.
• CORTECH+ Stabili-Grip Knee Landing – Stay secure in your butterfly and side-to-side movements with coated adhesive material that keeps the knee centered and connected to the block.
• Tune Fit Strap System (New Lower Calf) – Discover a feel that’s all you with a new adjustable lower calf strap that delivers a customizable fit on the outer or inner calf wrap
• Dynamic Flex with CURVE composite construction double break above and below the knee and soft boot for maximum pad control

VAUGHN VPG SLR3 Pro

2. Vaughn VPG SLR3 Pro

Overall Rating: 4.3/5

The Vaughn VPG SLR3 Pro leg pads have earned a reputation for their superior craftsmanship and attention to detail. Let’s see how they perform in crucial areas:

Protection: The SLR3 Pro leg pads offer exceptional protection with their well-padded construction. Goaltenders can feel confident in their ability to absorb high-velocity shots, ensuring safety on the ice.

Mobility: Although not as lightweight as some other models, the SLR3 Pro leg pads still provide excellent mobility. Goaltenders will appreciate the balance between protection and maneuverability that these pads offer.

Durability: Vaughn products are known for their durability, and the SLR3 Pro leg pads are no exception. They are built to last, allowing goaltenders to rely on them for long periods without worrying about wear and tear.

Key Features

• Pro-core internal structure with HD foam internal core front panel for superior performance
• Balance stabilizer inside knee design with wide knee cradle and angled adjustable strap for better rotation control.
• Solid outside roll with beveled puck deflecting shape
• Flat front blocking surface with firm construction for more active puck response and quick slide inner edge
• Very light weight

CCM EFLEX 6

3. CCM Eflex 6

Overall Rating: 4.2/5

The CCM EFLEX 6 leg pads combine innovative technology with reliable performance. Let’s evaluate their key aspects:

Protection: Constructed with a flexible design below the knee and into the boot for smooth movements and added stiffness for greater butterfly seal and stability above the knee, these pads bend to your will and react to your every move.

Mobility: The CCM EFLEX 6 goalie pads are designed to provide ultimate flexibility and mobility to goaltenders. The pads feature a flat-faced design with a single break below the knee, and the Quick Motion Strap System, allowing for a more natural and reactive movement on the ice.

Durability: The EFLEX 6 leg pads are constructed with durability in mind. The high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship ensure they can withstand the demanding nature of goaltending.

Key Features

• DUAL1TECORE – Eflex 6 is designed to give you the ultimate flexible feel and to react with your every move below the knee and into the boot, but with added stiffness above the knee for greater butterfly seal and stability. With control rebound technology, the pads dampen softer shots or allow you to kick harder shots out with precision.
• DRS Dynamic Response System Pro – Featuring a one-piece landing zone and a new hyper absorbent knee stack construction for enhanced protection from repeated impact, DRS pro gives you the ability to unleash your butterfly slide cross crease movements with greater seal, slidability while maintaining stability.
• Quick Motion Strap System 2 –Built with butterfly biomechanics at the forefront, QMSS2 keeps your body moving quickly and cohesively with every pad rotation.

TRUE 20.2

4. TRUE 20.2

Overall Rating: 4.0/5

The TRUE 20.2 leg pads made by the Lefevre family are a popular choice among goaltenders, combining performance and affordability. Here’s an overview of their features:

Protection: The 20.2 leg pads are thinner but offer solid protection with their reinforced design and high-density foam. Goaltenders can feel secure knowing they have reliable padding to absorb shots.

Mobility: These leg pads provide excellent mobility, allowing goaltenders to move swiftly and make saves with ease. The lightweight construction contributes to enhanced agility on the ice.

Durability: While not as robust as some higher-end models, the TRUE 20.2 leg pads still offer good durability for their price range. They can withstand regular use and provide value for money.

Key Features

• FRS (FAST ROTATION SYSTEM) – Located on the calf, FRS includes double internal adjustable straps for increased stability and even weight distribution.
• FLAT FACE LOOK – Allows for more predictable rebounds versus knee rolls.
• FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT –Better skate and ankle mobility due to a flat leg and boot channel and shorter FRS.
• SEAL TO THE ICE – Allows for more predictable rebounds versus knee rolls

Conclusion

After carefully evaluating each leg pad model, the rankings of the Top Goalie Leg Pads for 2023 are as follows:

1. Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 – 4.8/5
2. Vaughn VPG SLR3 Pro – 4.3/5
3. CCM EFLEX 6 – 4.2/5
4. TRUE 20.2 – 4.0/5

Bauer’s Vapor Hyperlite 2 stands out above the rest. With their light weight design and technology that gives you more rebound control. Add in the ability for your knee to stay where you want it and not feel like you are sliding out of your pads. Bauer makes our top for the list. The other three pads are great quality leg pads and will provide comparable quality and feel.

Ultimately, the choice of leg pads depends on individual preferences and specific playing styles. Consider the features that matter most to you, such as protection, mobility, and durability, when making your selection. With any of these four options, you can be confident in their performance and ability to support you during intense ice hockey games.