Brian's G-Netik 4 Leg Pad Review

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Brians has done it again! Brian’s has always been ahead of the curve in goaltending innovation, quality and customizability. This time around, it’s all about the new hybrid style G-NETik 4 Pro leg pads, taking innovative ideas and executing them on a pro level pad but we’ll dive deeper into that later on.

The G-NETik 4 pads now have a new torsion flex system, meaning there are internal knee rolls to allow more flex while maintain a flat face. The torsion flex allows the pad to be a softer, more reactive pad for the hybrid goalie while still giving out big rebounds to clear the puck. The new G-NETik pro pads come with stock 1:3:4 flex zones (Thigh:Knee:Ankle), and also allow custom flex options.

Face of the pad

The G-NETik 4 pads are considered to have a flat face design, keeping in character with the previous G-Netik 3 series. This allows the pad to give out not only powerful rebounds but also consistent rebounds without the concern of the knee rolls affecting the angle of the shot. Though the pad is considered to be flat faced, it does have cosmetic design towards the outside of the pad near the B-star logo that is similar to knee rolls over half the pad. When I was using these pads, I was very impressed with the fact that the pad was soft and reactive while still giving out rebounds far past the blue line allowing me to recover before the next shot.

Strapping

The G-NETik 4 pro pads change the strapping from the X smart strap system to a more basic style, IV strap. with another single strap with the option to wrap it around the knee or upper calf. Another addition to the pad is the new smart cord on the toe. The idea is similar to the smart toe strap from previous models with a new bungee lace rather than nylon velcro strap allowing the pad to gain a little more separation and durability. Brians also makes it super easy to edit the strapping to your preference, such as giving options for an extra calf strap to make the pad a little tighter fit which is one thing I would add to my order.

E-foam

The pads use Brians E-foam which has been used in the Optiks last year. This foam allows the pad to be firm and lightweight while maintaining pro level quality and durability.

Opt-Slide

A major change from Brian’s that was introduced last year on the Optiks is the Opt-Slide technology on the sliding surface of the pad. Brians uses their Primo material to create a strong and smooth sliding surface for their pad. On the G-NETik 4 pads, the primo material is upgraded even further to provide the smoothest and best slide possible. The binding-less design allows for less friction and drag, optimal for late in the period when snow is piling up in your crease. Stuffed with a firm foam, this allows the pad to keep its shape and slide over top of the ice/snow without worry. The firm foam combined with the flush sliding surface allows the pad to create a strong, solid seal to the ice making you feel sturdy and set in your butterfly.

Knee Block

The knee block on the G-NETik pad is laced in, creating a more solid connection for the knee stack. This prevents it from fighting against the pad and makes it work better in the long run. The combination of the strapping and knee block makes the pad hit the ice quickly, I personally found the pad to drop down faster than any other pad I’ve tried to date, almost surprising me when I hit the ice. With the stiff foam used in the pad, dropping into your butterfly makes your knee hit hard on the stack, so I would personally choose a softer knee stack when ordering or just adding a soft foam in over top would do the job.

Final Thoughts

These pads might be the best pads I’ve ever worn and I’m not saying that lightly. The Opt-slide in my opinion is the best sliding material to date and I compared the sliding of this pad directly to competing pro pads. I found the slide to be effortless and energy conserving. The over all balance of these pads is also impressive, though they may not be the “lightest” pad on the market, they sure feel like it when you’re wearing them. When going into my butterfly I was surprised with how quickly I hit the ice, these pads drop fast and seal the ice hard. I did find the pad a little loose for my liking considering they are designed to be a hybrid pad. The knee stack was also so hard it felt like I was hitting the ice directly, not a major issue but just a personal comfort preference for myself, therefore I would add a softer foam to the knee stack and also add in a tight calf strap, both of which are easy to do through the Brians customizer. Another thing I was impressed with was that while being a hybrid, softer flex pad, it still maintained a hard face of the pad to give powerful, big rebounds while still being reactive to the movements. Another bonus with the Brians brand as a whole is how customizable their gear is, they will do almost anything you wish to make your gear perfect for your individual preferences as well as being made in Canada.

Stay tuned for our trapper and blocker review.

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