Vaughn SLR4 Pro Senior Chest & Arm Protector

Vaughn SLR4 Pro Senior Chest & Arm Protector

The Vaughn SLR4 is an Athletic Style Chest Protector with large shoulders.

Vaughn Chest Protectors account for 50% of all chest protectors worn in the NHL. The Ventus SLR4 is the next generation of this very popular style chest and arm protector.  New for 2024 are several great changes for the Pro SLR4 unit.  The first noticeable change is an increased size in the shoulder floaters compared to the past generation SLR chest protector.  This increased size helps create more net coverage for the goalie.  Unlike other brands that increase the shoulder size, there seems to be minimal to no movement loss.  The arms on the Ventus SLR4 chest protector have added padding on the bicep and forearm areas.  This is the one area goalies were asking Vaughn for more protection.  Keeping with the Vaughn tradition, the SLR4 is a very mobile unit which can be used by both hybrid and blocking style goalies.  The arms in the SLR4 chest protector taper perfectly to prevent any interference between the lower arms and the goalie’s blocker and catch glove.  The SLR4 has a new adjustable spine and shoulder strapping system which allows the goalie to customize the fit to their specific needs.  For a goalie looking for pro level protection at a mid-level price point, the new Vaughn Ventus SLR3 provides an excellent option.

Vaughn SLR4 Pro Chest & Arm Protector Features:

• Model Year: 2024
• Molded HD shoulder caps and shoulder cap extensions for added upper body coverage 
• Sternum pad with HD foams and reinforced to reduce impacts
• Molded plastic arm caps with extended wrap around design
• Extended back arm padding at forearm and bicep
• Large shoulder floaters shaped for maximum net coverage
• Dual back strap system for greater adjustability 
• Chest pad design allows to wear inside or outside of pants
• Chest pad design stays higher on shoulders for increased blocking surface
• New main arm floaters are sewn down to arms for added stability
• Forearm tapers at wrist for better fit with gloves
• HD reinforced main arm floaters to dissipate impacts
• Suspender retention strap on shoulder floaters 
• New floating style elbow pads improve fit and comfort
• Mesh arm base for flex and ventilation
• Back spine pad with HD foam insert
• Wide profile design increases net coverage
• Adjustable wrist straps
• Side bicep extension for added side arm coverage 
• Increased padding in bicep for greater impact resistance
• Available in colors, Black/Sport Gold
• Available in sizes S, M, L, XL
  • X-Small – 5’0″ to 5’2″
  • Small – 5’3″ to 5’5″
  • Medium – 5’6″ to 5’9″
  • Large – 5’10” to 6’0″
  • X-Large – 6’1″ to 6’5″

Athletic Style (Hybrid) Vs. Blocking Style (Coverage) Chest Protectors

There are two basic designs in the goalie market in regard 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 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 goalie’s 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 goalie’s 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.