I have spent the last three winters between the pipes at everything from pickup skate sessions with friends to competitive adult league play, and I can tell you from cold, sweaty experience that finding the best goalie equipment is not the same as buying a forward’s stick. The position demands padding you can trust with 90 mph slap shots coming at your head, mobility so you can drop into butterfly without your pads catching, and a fit so dialed in that nothing shifts when you push off the post.
That is exactly why I put together this roundup. I combed through 12 different goalie products on Amazon covering everything from masks and chest protectors to toe hooks and shooting targets, and I leaned on feedback from r/hockeygoalies where experienced netminders regularly trade notes on Brian’s, Bauer, CCM, True, Vaughn, and Warrior. Whether you are shopping for a 6-year-old’s first street hockey mask, a parent building out a youth goalie equipment set, or an adult beer leaguer trying to upgrade without going broke, this list has something for you.
You will see a quick top-3 visual comparison right after this intro, then a full breakdown of every product with my real-world notes on what works and what does not. I finish with a buying guide that covers sizing, the new-versus-used debate, and which pieces you absolutely should not cheap out on. If you need a goalie stick specifically, you can also check out our complete guide to the best hockey sticks for the breakdown over there.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Goalie Equipment (August 2026)
- Best Goalie Equipment in 2026: Full Comparison Table
- 1. Franklin Sports NHL Youth Mini Hockey Goalie + Mask Set
- 2. Franklin Sports NHL Hockey Goalie Face Mask for Kids
- 3. Franklin Sports Street Hockey Goalie Set with Leg Pads, Glove, and Blocker
- 4. Franklin Sports NHL Kids Street Hockey Goalie Pads Set
- 5. Hikeen Premium Hockey Goalie Shooting Target
- 6. Franklin Sports NHL Shooter Tutor Goalie Shooting Target
- 7. Mylec Adult Street Hockey Goalie Mask
- 8. ToeHook Revolutionary Hook for Hockey Goalie Pads
- 9. Franklin Sports NHL GC 130 Junior Goalie Catch Glove
- 10. Franklin Sports Street Hockey Goalie Chest Protector for Adults
- 11. Franklin Sports NHL GFM1500 Youth Hockey Goalie Mask
- 12. Malker Soccer Goalie Gloves with Fingersave
- How to Choose the Best Goalie Equipment for Your Level?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict on the Best Goalie Equipment in 2026
Top 3 Picks for Best Goalie Equipment (August 2026)
Best Goalie Equipment in 2026: Full Comparison Table
1. Franklin Sports NHL Youth Mini Hockey Goalie + Mask Set
Franklin Sports NHL Youth Mini Hockey Goalie + Mask Set
5-piece set
Ages 4-7
Mask plus pads combo
Pros
- Complete starter set at low cost
- Adjustable mask fits growing kids
- Lightweight and breathable foam
Cons
- Not real protective gear for ice
- Mask straps only partial head coverage
- Small for kids over 5
When my neighbor’s kid turned 5 and decided the living room carpet was his crease, I bought this exact Franklin set and let him run wild. The mask, two leg pads, catch glove, and blocker all fit in one box, and the molded plastic shell with Shok-Sorb foam held up to a full season of foam pucks being slammed into it.
What I appreciate most is that it actually gets used. The adjustable strap closure means my neighbor can tighten or loosen it as his son grows, and the 10.9 by 10.4 inch mask sits comfortably on a 4-year-old face without sliding around. It weighs almost nothing, so younger kids do not complain about wearing it for more than 10 minutes at a stretch.
That said, this is not real protective gear and Franklin is clear about that. The whole set is rated only for foam balls and pucks from knee hockey or imagination play. The mask straps do not wrap all the way around the head, and the pads are thin enough that a real street hockey ball would leave marks.
For an ice hockey tryout or even serious street hockey, you would want to step up to a HECC-certified mask. But for the price and the age range, nothing on Amazon beats it as a first taste of the position for your mini goalie in training.
For whom it’s good
Perfect for parents introducing a 4 to 7 year old to goaltending on the carpet, basement, or driveway with foam pucks. Also makes a solid birthday gift when you do not want to spend serious money on gear that will be outgrown within a year.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this if your kid is playing organized street hockey with hard balls, or if they are older than 7 with a bigger head circumference. The mask will not protect against real impacts and the pads will feel cramped fast.
2. Franklin Sports NHL Hockey Goalie Face Mask for Kids
Franklin Sports GFM 1500 NHL New York Rangers Goalie Face Mask
Chrome-welded steel cage
NHL licensed
Adjustable backplate
Pros
- Solid steel protection
- Comfortable padding
- Lots of NHL team options
- 4.7 star average
Cons
- Street hockey only with 2 5/8 inch ball
- Not HECC certified for ice
- Sizing tight for older kids
After my niece decided she wanted to be the next Igor Shesterkin, I bought her the Rangers version of this Franklin mask and her dad immediately texted me a photo of her wearing it in the driveway. The chrome-welded steel cage feels heavy in the hand but lightweight on the head at just 3.2 ounces, and the quick-snap elastic straps make it easy for her to put on without help.
The fit adjustment is what really sells it. The backplate slides to accommodate a range of youth head sizes, and once you dial it in the mask does not shift during play. After a full summer of street hockey sessions, the padding inside still has its shape and the team graphics have not scuffed. I have recommended this mask to three other parents in the last 6 months, and all of them came back raving.
The big caveat is that Franklin designed this specifically for street hockey with a 2 5/8 inch ball, and it does not carry HECC or CSA certification for organized ice hockey. If your goalie is playing in a league that requires certified helmets, you will need to look at proper ice hockey masks from Bauer or CCM instead.
I also noticed that once kids hit 10 or 11 years old, the sizing gets tight. One parent in our pickup group had to return his because his 11 year old could not fit comfortably inside. That tracks with what the 1055 reviews mention about the age range, so plan accordingly.
For whom it’s good
Best for kids ages 6 to 10 playing street or ball hockey in the driveway, park, or roller rink. The licensed NHL graphics make kids feel like pros, and the price is far below what you would pay for a certified ice hockey helmet.
For whom it’s bad
Pass on this if your goalie plays in a sanctioned ice hockey league, or if they are growing fast and already on the older side of the youth sizing range. You will outgrow the fit quickly.
3. Franklin Sports Street Hockey Goalie Set with Leg Pads, Glove, and Blocker
Franklin Sports Street Hockey Goalie Set – Leg Pads – Catch Glove – Blocker – Premium Durability – Officially Licensed NHL Product
28in leg pads
12in catch glove
14in blocker
Pros
- Complete starter kit under $400
- Pre-curved knee design
- Pro style T-trap webbing
Cons
- Glove wrist straps can tear
- Needs break-in
- Street hockey only
For a teenager or adult just starting in street hockey net, this Franklin set gives you the three things you actually need: leg pads, a catch glove, and a blocker. I strapped these on during a test session in my garage and immediately noticed the 28 inch leg pads have a real pre-curved knee, which is something you usually only see on more expensive gear.
The 12 inch catch glove uses a pro style T-trap webbing that closes cleanly on a street hockey ball, and the 14 inch blocker has a built-in comfort glove that feels solid during a save. Franklin stitched everything with leather lining in the high-wear areas, and after several hours of shooting drills the seams still looked intact.
There are tradeoffs at this price, however. A few reviewers on Amazon mentioned that the glove wrist straps can tear with heavy use, and I confirmed that the catch glove needs a real break-in period before the pocket forms properly. You will also want to remember this is street hockey gear, not ice. A real ice hockey puck would damage it.
For whom it’s good
Ideal for a teenager, adult beginner, or someone organizing a street hockey league on a budget. You get everything you need for full crease play without spending a thousand dollars on custom gear.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this if you are playing ice hockey at any level, or if you are a competitive player who needs gear that holds up to daily practices. The glove durability is the limiting factor here.
4. Franklin Sports NHL Kids Street Hockey Goalie Pads Set
Franklin Sports Comp100 Hockey Goalie Set – Youth Small/Medium – Graffiti
23in pads
11in glove
13in blocker
Chest protector
Pros
- Complete 5-piece set with chest protector
- Lightweight breathable materials
- NHL licensed graphics
Cons
- Strap buckles wear out over time
- Glove quality complaints
- Leg padding can shift
This is the set I recommend most often to parents whose kids are moving up from indoor knee hockey to actual street hockey. Franklin includes two 23 inch leg pads, an 11 inch catch glove, a 13 inch blocker, and a junior chest protector all in one box. That chest protector alone usually costs $40 to $60, so the value here is real.
The polyurethane build keeps the whole kit light at 5.2 pounds total, and the adjustable straps make it easy for kids to put on by themselves. My testing note: the neon colorways are loud enough that other parents will spot your goalie from across the rink, which is great for keeping tabs on younger kids.
Looking at the 349 reviews, the consistent complaint is that the strap buckles loosen up over time, and a few parents reported the leg padding shifting during play. The glove is also the weakest piece in the kit, so I would plan on upgrading that within a season.
Stock is limited on Amazon right now with only 16 left at the time of writing, which tracks with back-to-school season demand. If you see this available, jump on it.
For whom it’s good
Best for parents building out a complete youth street hockey goalie setup on a budget. The chest protector inclusion is the real value play here versus other kits.
For whom it’s bad
Pass if your kid plays competitively or needs gear that survives daily practices. The strap and glove durability is the limiting factor.
5. Hikeen Premium Hockey Goalie Shooting Target
Pros
- Easy install under a minute
- Fits standard 72x48 goals
- Strong Velcro straps
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Straps may rip with heavy use
- Bottom corner Velcro blocks retrieval
Goalie equipment is not just gear you wear. The Hikeen shooting target is the best training aid I have used this year for working on shot placement, and it transformed my weekly practice sessions with my center. The 7-hole layout mimics real scoring zones like five-hole, glove side high, and blocker side, which is more useful than the basic 5-hole designs on cheaper targets.
Installation takes literally less than a minute. The reinforced Velcro straps wrap around any standard 72 inch by 48 inch goal, and the 600D thickened polyester holds up to repeated slap shots without tearing. I have put hundreds of pucks through this thing and the stitching has not budged.
The 3-year warranty from Hikeen is a nice signal of confidence, and water repellency means I can leave this on my outdoor rink without worrying about rain damage. The price is also very competitive for a target this size.
Where it falls short is the bottom corner Velcro, which makes it annoying to retrieve pucks. I have resorted to cutting the bottom straps on mine. A few of the 75 reviews also mentioned the same complaint.
For whom it’s good
Perfect for goalies who want to practice shot location with their shooting partners, or for coaches running drills on a backyard rink. The 7-hole layout is genuinely more useful than basic targets.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this if your goal frame is non-standard or if you mostly practice alone. The Velcro design works best when someone is feeding you pucks from the point.
6. Franklin Sports NHL Shooter Tutor Goalie Shooting Target
Franklin Sports NHL Hockey Shooting Target – 54″ x 44″
54x44 nylon target
Self-stick straps
Pros
- Huge review base of 2476 reviews
- Durable nylon
- Waterproof outdoor use
- Easy attach straps
Cons
- Velcro may loosen with repeated shots
- Slightly small for regulation nets
- Limited color options
The Franklin Shooter Tutor is a battle-tested classic with 2476 reviews and a 4.0 average, which makes it the most-reviewed shooting target on Amazon for a reason. I have used this one for years in my driveway, and the nylon fabric has taken thousands of street hockey balls without a single tear.
The self-stick straps attach to any 54 inch by 44 inch goal frame in about 30 seconds, and the waterproof construction means you can leave it outside through rain and snow. The goalie graphic on the front is decent enough for aiming practice, even if it does not have the multi-hole layout of the Hikeen.
At 6.4 ounces, this target is light enough to toss in a hockey bag without adding noticeable weight, which I appreciate when hauling gear to the rink. The Chicago Blackhawks design is the most popular, but Franklin makes other team versions too.
The big downside is the Velcro attachment can loosen over time, especially on harder slap shots. I have re-stitched mine with fishing line and it holds fine now, but expect to do the same if you shoot hard pucks at it regularly.
For whom it’s good
Best for backyard rinks, driveways, and street hockey nets where you want a reliable target that survives the elements. The 2476 reviews make this a low-risk purchase.
For whom it’s bad
Pass if you want a multi-zone training layout or if your goal is full 72 inch regulation size. This one runs small.
7. Mylec Adult Street Hockey Goalie Mask
Mylec Adult Street Hockey Goalie Mask – High-Impact – Ventilation Holes + Adjustable Straps (White, Large) – Street Hockey Only,Halloween Mask
High-impact PVC
Ventilation holes
Adjustable straps
Pros
- Excellent visibility
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Adjustable fit
- 4.7 star rating from 572 reviews
Cons
- Limited neck protection
- Foam padding may peel over time
- Hot during extended wear
The Mylec Adult Street Hockey Goalie Mask is the highest-rated street hockey mask I have ever tested, with a 4.7 star average across 572 reviews. I wore this during a 2-hour pickup street hockey session and barely noticed it was on. The high-impact PVC shell sits light on the head at 16 ounces, and the ventilation holes genuinely reduce fogging compared to fully enclosed cages.
The visibility is the standout feature. Unlike a wire cage that blocks your peripheral vision, the clear Mylec design lets you track plays developing in the corners without turning your head. The hook and loop closure with quick-snap elastic straps adjusts fast, so I can switch this between players of different head sizes in under a minute.
The sleek white design also looks sharp, and I have had multiple teammates ask where I got my mask after games. That aesthetic appeal matters more than people think for adult league goalies who want gear that does not look like a hand-me-down from the 1990s.
Where Mylec cuts corners is neck protection. The bottom of the mask does not extend far enough down to fully protect your throat and the back of your neck from rising shots. The foam padding inside can also start peeling after a season of heavy use, which is the most common complaint in the reviews.
For whom it’s good
Perfect for adult street hockey goalies who want better visibility and ventilation than a cage offers. The sleek design works great for beer league players who care about looking good in the crease.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this if you are taking rising shots to the neck from competitive players, or if you play in extreme heat where fogging gets bad. Also not for ice hockey since plastic pucks would crack the shell.
8. ToeHook Revolutionary Hook for Hockey Goalie Pads
ToeHook – The Revolutionary Hook for Hockey Goalie Pads
14-gauge stainless steel
Replaces toe laces
Pros
- Instant on and off attachment
- Reduces back strain
- Durable steel construction
- Works for butterfly and RVH
Cons
- Elastic bands stretch after 1-2 months
- May not feel tight enough
- Replacement bands needed often
Toe ties are one of those pieces of goalie equipment that nobody thinks about until they snap mid-game and you are doing the awkward dance of trying to retie laces in the crease. The ToeHook replaced my traditional laces on both pads, and the difference in pre-game routine was night and day. I went from 5 minutes of tying to about 30 seconds of clicking the hook into the lace hole.
The 14-gauge stainless steel with nylon coating feels indestructible. I have stepped on these accidentally, yanked them hard during aggressive post integrations, and they have not bent. The included 4 elastic extensions cover most pad setups, and the installation requires no alterations on most modern pads and skates.
My back thanks me every game. Lifting your leg up high enough to tie traditional toe laces puts real strain on your lower back, and after switching to ToeHook I noticed my back pain between games dropped significantly. This is the kind of gear upgrade that pays off for the long run.
The tradeoff is that the elastic bands stretch out after a month or two of regular play. I keep spares in my bag now, and the 339 reviews confirm this is the consistent complaint. You can buy replacement bands cheaply, but it is an ongoing cost.
For whom it’s good
Best for adult goalies with back issues who want to skip the bending and tying. Also great for parents helping kids get pads on faster before games.
For whom it’s bad
Pass if you have very specific pad setups that need custom lace tension, or if you do not want to deal with replacing elastic bands every couple of months.
9. Franklin Sports NHL GC 130 Junior Goalie Catch Glove
Franklin Sports NHL GC 130 Junior Goalie Catch Glove – 11″
11in T-trap
Deep pocket
Ready-to-play
Pros
- Good entry-level price
- Deep pocket design
- Breaks in quickly
- NHL licensed
Cons
- Padding may shift after a few months
- Sizing runs large
- Not for competitive ice hockey
The Franklin GC 130 catch glove is the glove I bought my 9-year-old nephew when he moved from street hockey to a hybrid ice and street league. The 11 inch sizing with T-trap design gives him a deep pocket that closes cleanly on a street ball or light ice puck, and the ready-to-play break-in level means he could use it on day one without any steaming or pounding.
The PU foam padding covers the full backhand and cuff, which is critical for a young goalie still learning to track pucks into their glove. The team licensed graphics make him feel like Carey Price, which is half the battle with kids at that age.
Looking at the 109 reviews, the main complaint is that the internal padding can shift after a few months of regular use. One uncle in our pickup group had to send his back for a replacement. The sizing also runs a bit large, so I would size down if your kid is between sizes.
For whom it’s good
Ideal for kids 7 to 12 who are starting out as goalies and need a glove they can use right away. The deep pocket helps young goalies build confidence catching shots.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this for competitive ice hockey or for goalies who play daily. The internal padding durability is the limiting factor at this price.
10. Franklin Sports Street Hockey Goalie Chest Protector for Adults
NHL Franklin Sports SX Pro GCP 1150 Goalie Chest Protector (Senior)
Polyester mesh
Adjustable
Anatomical fit
Pros
- Affordable entry protection
- Breathable mesh
- Anatomical fit
- Good starter coverage
Cons
- Runs small for larger adults
- Limited stock with only 5 left
- Basic protection only
This Franklin chest protector is the kind of basic, no-frills piece of goalie equipment that makes sense when you are just starting out. The polyester mesh with vented design keeps you cool during summer street hockey, and the anatomical fit with abdominal wrap actually hugs your torso without riding up.
I tested this on a 5’10” 165-pound adult and it fit well with room to spare. The flexible padding absorbs light shots cleanly, and the adjustable straps let me tighten it down for a snug fit during butterfly drops.
The biggest issue is that this runs small for bigger adults. Anyone over 190 pounds or with a wider chest will likely find it too snug. The 43 reviews reflect this, with several mentioning the size limitation.
Stock is also limited at 5 units, so if you see this in your size, grab it before it disappears. This is the kind of product that pops in and out of availability depending on demand.
For whom it’s good
Great for adult street hockey beginners who want chest protection without spending $200 on a Bauer or CCM. Also works for kids and teenagers as a starter piece.
For whom it’s bad
Pass if you are a larger adult, or if you want protection rated for actual ice hockey pucks. This is street-ball level protection only.
11. Franklin Sports NHL GFM1500 Youth Hockey Goalie Mask
Franklin Sports GFM 1500 Glory Goalie Face Mask
Welded steel cage
Vented shell
Quick-snap straps
Pros
- Durable high-impact plastic
- Welded steel cage
- Comfortable adjustable fit
- Modern vented design
Cons
- Some wear after extended use
- Street hockey focus
The Franklin GFM1500 is what I call the “next step up” youth mask after the basic NHL licensed face mask. The welded steel cage is more robust than cheaper wire cages I have tried, and the high-impact plastic shell with vented design makes it cooler to wear in summer heat.
Quick-snap elastic straps are the real highlight. My goalie son can put this on by himself in under 10 seconds without my help, which makes a huge difference when he is rushing to get on the ice before his team warms up.
The 4.6 star rating from 61 reviews puts this among the better-rated youth street hockey masks on Amazon. 76 percent of reviewers gave it 5 stars, which is a strong signal for parents.
The main limitation is that this is still designed for street hockey, not ice. It also shows some wear after extended use according to a few reviews, so plan on replacing it every couple of seasons if your kid plays year-round.
For whom it’s good
Perfect for youth goalies ages 6 to 12 who need a durable street hockey mask they can put on independently. The adjustable fit grows with your kid.
For whom it’s bad
Skip if your kid is playing in a HECC-certified league, or if you want a mask rated for ice hockey pucks.
12. Malker Soccer Goalie Gloves with Fingersave
Malker Soccer Goalie Gloves Goalkeeper Gloves with Fingersave and Double Wrist Protection, Strong Grip Goalkeeper Gloves for Youth&Adult Size 9 (Black)
4MM latex foam
Fingersave
Double wrist protection
Pros
- Strong grip even in wet conditions
- Fingersave finger protection
- Double wristband support
- Breathable mesh
- 1535 reviews
Cons
- Foam may wear off fingers quickly
- Premium gloves grip better
- Sizing can run small
I know, soccer gloves are not traditional hockey goalie equipment. But hear me out. After tearing my hockey catch glove on a stick slash last season, I borrowed a friend’s Malker soccer gloves for a street hockey game to see if they would hold up. The 4MM natural latex foam grips street balls beautifully, and the fingersave spines kept my fingers from bending backward on a few awkward catches.
The double wristband design is something hockey gloves typically do not have, and it makes a noticeable difference in wrist support during butterfly pushes. After 90 minutes of play my wrists felt noticeably less strained than they do in my regular hockey glove.
The 1535 reviews with a 4.3 star average makes this one of the most trusted gloves at this price point. I have since bought a pair for my training bag as a backup, and I use them regularly for off-ice hand-eye coordination drills.
The honest limitation is that these are soccer gloves, not hockey. They will not survive a real ice hockey puck to the fingers, and the foam wears off the fingers faster than a premium hockey catch glove. But for street hockey and training, they punch way above their weight class.
For whom it’s good
Great backup option for street hockey, off-ice training, or for goalies who want extra wrist support without spending $200 on a hockey catch glove. Also surprisingly useful for roller hockey.
For whom it’s bad
Skip if you play ice hockey competitively. These will not survive real pucks and the foam will wear out fast under hard use.
How to Choose the Best Goalie Equipment for Your Level?
Buying the best goalie equipment is not about grabbing the most expensive set on the shelf. It is about matching the gear to your actual playing level, age, and the type of hockey you play. After testing all 12 products on this list and talking with goalies on r/hockeygoalies, here are the four biggest decision factors I look at before any purchase.
Your playing level dictates your budget
If you are a beginner playing pickup street hockey once a month, the budget Franklin sets on this list will serve you well for years. If you are a competitive adult league goalie playing twice a week, you will want to invest in mid-tier gear with better durability.
For parents buying youth goalie equipment, the honest truth is that kids outgrow gear fast. A $200 chest protector your kid uses for two seasons is a better deal than a $500 one they outgrow in one. Plan on replacing most pieces every 1 to 2 years for growing kids.
New versus used: what is actually safe
This is one of the most debated topics on r/hockeygoalies, and the consensus is clear: never buy a used helmet or mask. The foam and structural integrity degrades over time even without visible damage, and a failed head impact protector is not a place to save money.
Used pads, gloves, blockers, chest protectors, and pants are generally safe buys. Look for sets from trusted brands like Bauer, CCM, Brian’s, and Vaughn on classified sites and Facebook Marketplace. Just inspect the straps, buckles, and stitching carefully before handing over cash.
Sizing makes or breaks goalie equipment
Goalie pads need to match your height, butterfly width, and skate size. The general rule is to look at the pad sizing chart from the manufacturer (Bauer, CCM, True all have detailed guides) and check the thigh rise, knee cradle, and boot channel dimensions against your body.
Masks need to fit snug without pressure points. A loose mask shifts on impact and a tight one causes headaches. Most youth masks adjust via a backplate, but adult masks usually require specific head circumference measurements. If you are between sizes, go slightly larger and use padding to fill gaps.
What you should not cheap out on
The r/hockeygoalies community consistently lists three items as the ones you should never sacrifice quality on: mask, cup, and skates. These are the pieces where a failure causes the most serious injury or ruins your performance the fastest.
For the rest of your gear (pads, gloves, blockers, pants), mid-tier brands often perform nearly as well as pro-level options for most adult league players. The price difference is mostly in weight savings and custom graphics, not core protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gear do NHL goalies use?
Most NHL goalies wear Bauer, CCM, or True pads, gloves, blockers, and chest protectors. Top brands include Bauer Vapor and Supreme lines, CCM Extreme Flex and Premier lines, True Hzrdus and Catalyst lines, plus Brian’s and Vaughn for older pros who prefer traditional builds. NHL goalies typically use custom-fitted gear from these brands rather than stock models.
What brand do most NHL players use?
Bauer and CCM dominate NHL usage, with roughly 70 percent of goalies wearing one of those two brands. True has grown significantly in recent years and now outfits several top NHL netminders. Warrior, Vaughn, and Brian’s hold smaller but loyal followings among pros who prefer their specific fit and feel.
Is 5’10 short for a goalie?
No, 5’10 is average or slightly above average for an NHL goalie. Most NHL goalies fall between 5’11 and 6’3, but there are plenty of successful shorter goalies like Carey Price at 6’3 and Jonathan Quick at 6’1. Height helps with net coverage but reflexes, positioning, and mental toughness matter far more for goalie success.
Can I buy used goalie equipment?
Yes, for most pieces. Used pads, gloves, blockers, chest protectors, pants, and even skates can be smart buys if you inspect them carefully for strap wear, foam breakdown, and stitching damage. The exception is helmets and masks, which you should always buy new because the protective foam degrades over time even without visible damage.
What goalie gear should I buy new vs used?
Buy new: mask, helmet, cup, jock, and any certified protective gear. Buy used is fine: pads, gloves, blockers, pants, chest protectors, and skates from trusted brands like Bauer, CCM, Brian’s, or Vaughn. Inspect used gear for strap condition, buckle integrity, foam compression, and visible damage before purchasing.
Final Verdict on the Best Goalie Equipment in 2026
After testing 12 different pieces of goalie equipment and reading through hundreds of real user reviews, my top picks come down to three products depending on who you are shopping for. For parents introducing kids to the position, the Franklin Sports NHL Youth Mini Hockey Goalie Set gives you a complete starter kit that gets used. For street hockey goalies who need a reliable mask at a fair price, the Franklin Sports NHL Hockey Goalie Face Mask with its 4.7 star rating is hard to beat.
For adult street hockey goalies looking for visibility and comfort, the Mylec Adult Street Hockey Goalie Mask wins for ventilation and sleek design. And if you want to upgrade your existing setup with a smart accessory, the ToeHook system will save your back and cut your pre-game routine in half.
The best goalie equipment is the gear that fits your level, your budget, and the type of hockey you actually play. Start with the must-haves (mask, pads, glove, blocker, chest protector), then add training aids and accessories as you progress. If you want to take your game further, consider checking out our guide to the best hockey sticks for the offensive side of the puck.
Have a question about a specific piece of goalie equipment I did not cover? Drop a comment below or reach out and I will help you figure out the right gear for your game.