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Brian’s and Their Sub Zero 3 Line Are Changing the Game
Brian’s has released the new Sub Zero 3 goalie line, and it is without a doubt one of the best goalie pad designs we have seen. The incredibly light feel, easy smart strap system and customization capabilities have all contributed to the rapid growth of the Brian’s brand. Their dedication to “Goalie’s Only” is evident in their high quality product. Below are some of the highlights:
Lightest Goalie Pad Ever
The new Brian’s Sub Zero 3 goalie pads are 10% lighter than the Sub Zero II, which was previously the lightest pad on the market. The thinner profile has allowed for a weight reduction, but the flat-faced design keeps the pad stiff.
Cutting Edge Design
The Brian’s Sub Zero 3 pads have ditched the leather straps for a smart strap system. The smart strapping system has made the goalie pad 100% adjustable, and allows the goalie to find the most comfortable feel for their game. The design also allows for a smoother pad rotation on the leg for butterfly goaltenders.
Customization Capabilities
The customization of the Brian’s goalie equipment is simply incredible. There is literally no custom design that Brian’s will turn away. The attention to detail is second to none, and the team at Brian’s is enthusiastic about new and challenging designs. Below is a collection of some custom designs that we helped put together at Sports Etc:
- Custom USA Chest Protector
- Old School Brian’s B-Star Design
- Tanner Jones from Virginia Tech
- Dave Cunningham from Amherst College
- Ryan McConnell from Tufts University
- Sihak Lee from BB&N School
- Moe Bradley from Umass Boston
Fastest Growing Goalie Brand
Brian’s is without a doubt the fastest growing goalie company, and you will see it firsthand at the NHL level. They have increased to an 18% market share amongst NHL/AHL goalies. Brian’s has a small company feel with outstanding customer service. Their dedication to serving goalie customers is unmatched, and has contributed to their incredible growth.
Don’t think you can afford the pro-level Sub Zero 3? Try the Brian’s Sub Zero 7.0 series. One of the best value pads currently on the market. We would put it up against many other companies’ pro-level pads. The stiff face creates an incredibly durable pad, at an affordable price.
Customize your next pair of SZ3’s —->Brian’s SZ3 Customizer
What to Look for in a Goalie Stick
- When choosing a goalie stick, there are some important features to look for when trying to identify the right stick.
- Paddle Height- One of the most common problems that we see in young goaltenders is incorrect paddle height on their stick. It is important to have a good “balance” when you are crouched in the butterfly position. Too often young goalies have paddles that are too large, which throws off their overall balance, and exposes them to bigger rebounds and more areas for the shooter to score. The below picture of Tukka Rask is exactly how you want to be “balanced” when you’re in net. Tuukka gets very low in his stance, so he uses a much smaller paddle than other goalies. There is no uniform measurement for having the properly sized goalie stick, so it is essential to identify what stick height best fits your style of play.
- Weight- The weight of a goalie stick is another overlooked aspect, especially in younger goaltenders. Many times younger goalies have difficulty handling heavier wood sticks. Composite sticks are much lighter, and we typically recommend them to anyone just starting out. For goalies playing at the high school level or higher, we recommend foam core wood sticks. They are slightly heavier than composite sticks, but goalies typically have a much better “feel” for the puck because of the wood construction.
- Feel- Typically, foam core wood goalie sticks generate the best “feel” for the puck. The wood construction allows for a better handle on the puck, and works to “deaden” shots on net. Conversely, composite sticks generate a strong bounce or deflection because of the materials that make up the stick.
- It is important for every goalie to find the best combination of height, weight and feel to find the perfect stick for your game. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice one aspect to achieve another. Make sure to consult the goalie experts at Sports Etc. before your next purchase!