Vaughn Velocity VE8 Intermediate Chest Protector
The Velocity VE8 intermediate chest protector is a very flexible and tapered unit that contours more to the goalies shoulders and body. For a goalie that may consider themselves more of a hybrid goalie, we suggest the Velocity VE8 chest protector, as you’ll find Vaughn chest protectors move extremely well and have great arm flexibility.
Chest Protector Style – Athletic Hybrid Style
Vaughn Velocity VE8 Intermediate Chest Protector Features
- High end intermediate unit
- Adjustable elbow pads
- Carbon fiber and HD in sternum
- Chest pad lower flex flap
- Side rib cage extensions
- Large shoulder floaters
- HD molded shoulder caps
- Side bicep extension
Athletic Style (Hybrid) Vs. Blocking Style (Coverage) Chest Protectors
There are two basic designs in the goalie market in regards to chest protectors. These are based on the two types of styles that goalies play – hybrid and coverage. The hybrid goalie needs a more athletic style chest protector that allows him/her to move freely and maximize their agility. These units contour around the body with little to no gaps. The shoulder floaters are also smaller and form around the goalie in a more natural manner. Arms and elbow guards move freely and do not bind up, allowing for maximum mobility. The big upside to having an athletic style chest protector is the movement and freedom these provide. The downside to the athletic style chest is a decrease in size and materials. Now we are not saying they are not protective because most chest protectors are built to a very high standard and are have great protection qualities. However to make something move better you have to take something away and by doing this there will obviously be less material. We can say honestly that athletic chest protectors are extremely protective and the added materials in the blocking style are more about taking up space then adding protection.
The blocking style chest protectors are built for the coverage goalies that like to play big and take up as much space in the net as possible. The shoulder floaters are much wider and usually have multiple layers. The arm and elbow guards are also flared wider to take up as much space as possible. The blocking style chest protector tends to have more gaps and extra space on the goalies body because of the extra size. The upside to the blocking style chest protectors is the extra space it takes up. These chest protectors can easily make the shoulder width of a goalie four to six inches wider compared to an athletic style chest protector. Also, since the arms and elbow are bigger, there are less gaps for the puck to squeeze between the goalies body and arms. The downside to these blocking style units is the lack of movement. Because of the extra bulk, movement can be compromised. You can’t have the best of both worlds, if you make it bigger it will take away mobility.