Similar to the LT98 with some material differences to keep the price down, the LT88 leg pads emobody Vaughn's goaltending intuition transposed over to the butterfly-style pad. The LT88 features a flat face design to allow for excellent rebound predictability off the pad. The outer roll contains only a single break to allow for some flexibility from the Ventus, which is designed to be a much stiffer pad than its Velocity cousins. The top of the pad has been extended slightly and the boot scoop has been shortened to provide greater control and coverage than the LT80 of 2013.
The interior of the LT88 features a multi-layer, multi-density arrangement of foams precisely placed to optimize the feel and durability of the pad. A soft knee cradle and leg channel provide excellent comfort combined with the foams of the outer knee and calf pads. The LT88 utilizes a large knee landing area to ensure the pad is in place when you go into the butterfly. New for 2015, the knee lock strap now straps below the knee, offering a looser fit behind the knee, allowing the Ventus LT88 to have better rotational qualities than the old Ventus pads.
- Multiple layers of foam in the core for excellent pad feel and performance
- Laced-in thigh guard
- Wide knee landing area for easier seal to the ice
- Flat-face design with a single break on the outer roll for a balance of stiffness and flexibility
- Tall +2 sizing
- Offset toe ties
The Key factor is the overall length. The length can be divided into three sections:
A.The boot
B.Instep to knee
C.Knee to top or thigh rise
The proper length of the goal pad boot is determined by the goalie's skate size. The next key area is the instep to knee that determines the shin length. Finally, the knee to top or thigh rise is a personal measurement depending on how much pant and pad overlap the goaltender prefers. A general rule is 7" to 8".
A.Skates size: provide the skate size for proper boot fit.
B.Instep to knee: measure from instep to the front center of kneecap while leg is in slightly bent position.
C. Thigh rise: measure from front center of kneecap up the thigh to desire height.
A + B + C = Estimated size of pad
If fitted properly, the goalie's knee should rest directly behind the center knee roll with the pad securely attached to the goal skate and properly strapped on the goaltender's leg. Generally, this will ensure that the pad breaks (bends) at the knee/shin and ankle as designed for optimal performance.