How to Choose Goalie Equipment

A floorball goalie primarily needs a mask, goalie pants, a jersey, knee and elbow protectors, a jockstrap, and gloves. When choosing equipment, it is important to focus not only on protection, but also on the right size, fit, comfort, and freedom of movement.

In this guide, we will go through the individual parts of goalie equipment and explain what to focus on when choosing them.

Contents

• What does a floorball goalie need?
• 1. How to choose a goalie mask
• 2. How to choose goalie clothing
• 3. How to choose goalie protectors
• 4. How to choose goalie gloves
• 5. How to pack all your equipment?
• How to proceed if you order the wrong size?

What does a floorball goalie need?

Basic equipment includes:

• goalie mask,
• goalie pants,
• goalie jersey,
• goalie vest,
• goalie knee and elbow protectors,
• goalie jockstrap,
• goalie gloves,
• indoor shoes for goalies.

1. How to choose a goalie mask

The floorball goalie mask is the most important protective element.

• Beginner: A basic mask with a classic cage is more than sufficient, offering reliable protection at an affordable price.
• Regular player: More advanced models with a Cat-Eye cage offer a wider field of vision.

Which size should you choose?

• Junior: Designed for a head circumference of up to 52 cm.
• Senior: Designed for a head circumference from 52 cm to approximately 56 cm.

How to measure: Measure your head circumference with a tape measure at the widest point above your eyebrows.

Service and components: With higher-end mask models, you can easily replace the cage, padding, or other components when they become worn. There are also two types of padding attachment – some use Velcro, while others need to be glued into the mask.

2. How to choose goalie clothing

Goalie pants

Floorball goalie pants should be heavily reinforced on the front of the thighs and knees, sufficiently breathable, and are often chosen one size larger.

Why? Loose-fitting pants create an air cushion that helps absorb ball impacts. In addition, a goalie appears larger in the goal and the pants do not restrict movement.

What to look out for: The pants must not fall down at the waist (most have an integrated belt or elastic waistband) and must not be so long that you step on them.

• Beginner: Lightweight pants with flexible materials and basic padding are sufficient. They tend to be more flexible, making movement easier for players who are just starting out.
• Regular player: Look for pants with more durable Cordura on the knees and stronger padding on the thighs. At this level, investing in quality is worthwhile.
• Professional: Pants with maximum volume for optimal goal coverage, high-quality impact-absorbing materials, advanced ventilation, and knee technologies designed to prevent abrasion.

Goalie jersey

Floorball goalie jerseys should have a wider fit to make the body appear larger, sufficiently durable material on the elbows to prevent abrasion, and effective ventilation on the back and under the arms to prevent overheating.

What to look out for: The sleeves should have elastic cuffs so they do not fall over your hands or interfere with catching the ball. If you wear a separate vest, we recommend choosing a jersey one to two sizes larger so it does not pull across the shoulders.

• Beginner: A fully padded jersey (padding on the chest, stomach, and arms) is ideal. It offers a 2-in-1 solution, so you do not need to buy a separate vest, while providing sufficient protection to start with.
• Regular player: A loose jersey with padding only on the shoulders combined with a separate vest is a suitable choice. Shoulder padding makes the body appear wider, while the vest provides reliable protection against harder shots.

Goalie vest

• Long sleeves: Provides maximum protection for the entire torso and arms, including the elbows. Ideal for competitions with powerful shots. It tends to be the warmest option and may slightly restrict elbow flexibility.
• Short sleeves: A great middle ground. It protects the torso and shoulders while leaving the elbows free for maximum arm mobility.
• Sleeveless: Protects the torso only (chest, stomach, and sides). Suitable for goalies who tend to get hot and want maximum freedom of movement around the shoulders.

Approximate size chart

ℹ️ This table is intended only as an approximate guide. It is not a universal size chart applicable to all manufacturers. Sizes may vary depending on the brand, specific product, and fit. If a product-specific size chart is available, it should always take precedence over this approximate chart.

ℹ️ If there is no size chart available for a product, please contact us. If the manufacturer's size chart is available, we will be happy to send it to you or help you choose the right size.

3. How to choose goalie protectors

Knee protectors

Knee protectors should fit firmly around your leg without being too tight. A protector that is too loose tends to slide down during a slide, which can cause you to land on an unprotected area. The right model stays in place without being uncomfortable.

• Use manufacturer size charts: Before buying, measure your thigh circumference with a tape measure (usually 10 cm above the knee) and use the size chart in the online store to find the appropriate size.
• Choosing between sizes: If you are exactly between two sizes, choose the larger one.
• Allow for some stretching: A new protector may feel tight when first unpacked. After several training sessions, the material will generally loosen due to heat and sweat and adapt to your leg.

Elbow protectors

Elbow protectors for floorball goalies provide additional protection when landing on a hard floor and during sideways dives. The protector must not be too tight around the bend of the arm, but it must stay firmly in place. If it is too loose, it may slide down during your first dive and leave you unprotected.

Floorball jockstrap

A floorball jockstrap protects sensitive areas from painful ball impacts.

• Classic jockstrap (with an elastic waistband): A traditional and affordable solution. It holds the protective cup in place using wide elastic straps and a fabric pouch. It offers excellent protection.
• Built into compression shorts: A modern and very comfortable option. The protective cup is inserted directly into a special pocket in the elastic shorts. These shorts also often feature additional padding around the hips and thighs. They are more expensive than the first option, but provide maximum comfort.

4. How to choose goalie gloves

Gloves should fit snugly around the hand. There should be no excess space at the fingertips, otherwise you may lose your feel for the ball and it may slip out of your hands. However, the fabric must not pull across the palm when you fully open your hand.

• Use manufacturer size charts: Brand fits vary considerably. Always check the specific size chart for the product you have chosen. If no chart is available or you are unsure, contact us.

5. How to pack all your equipment?

Goalie equipment bags make it easier to carry your complete equipment, which is too bulky to fit into a standard sports bag. We recommend choosing a large specialized goalie bag with a capacity of 100–120 liters, which will comfortably fit your entire equipment. For maximum convenience when carrying your equipment to the changing room, choose a model with wheels and a telescopic handle.

How to proceed if you order the wrong size?

If you order the wrong size, read the returns and exchanges section, where you will find a simple guide on how to proceed.

Choose your goalie equipment 🧤

Now you know what equipment a floorball goalie needs and what to focus on when choosing it. Browse our range of goalie equipment and choose gear that fits you well and provides the protection and comfort you need when playing in goal.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What size goalie equipment should I choose?

The size varies depending on the type of equipment, brand, and fit. For clothing, the approximate height chart can help, while for protectors, gloves, and masks, it is best to follow the specific measurements and the manufacturer's size chart.

How do I correctly measure the size of a goalie mask?

Measure your head circumference with a tape measure at the widest point above your eyebrows. Then compare the measurement with the size chart for the specific mask.

Can goalie equipment be purchased in a discounted set?

Yes, goalie equipment can also be purchased as a value set. You can choose a jersey and pants set, or a jersey, pants, and mask set. If you want to purchase several pieces of equipment at once, take a look at our range of goalie sets.

How should goalie knee protectors fit?

The protector should fit firmly around the leg without being too tight. It should also stay securely in place during movement and sliding so that it does not slip and expose an unprotected area.

What size bag do I need for all my goalie equipment?

For complete goalie equipment, we recommend a specialized goalie bag with a capacity of approximately 100–120 liters. A model with wheels and a telescopic handle is a practical choice.