Brian's Iconik 2 Leg Pad, Catcher, and Blocker Review
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Time to read 9 min
Written by: Jonathan Holloway
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Time to read 9 min
The all-new Brian’s Iconik 2 goalie gear has officially arrived, bringing with it a series of thoughtful refinements that make an already impressive lineup even better. Known for pushing the limits of design and customization, Brian’s once again delivers gear that blends craftsmanship, innovation, and that unmistakable “Brian’s feel” goalies have trusted for decades.
The Iconik 2 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; instead, it boasts modest but effective improvements to the original Iconik line. From the company that made Velcro strapping systems mainstream, Brian’s has taken things one step further with a new single-strap system. As the brand that once led the industry in lightweight gear, they’ve now developed their lightest core ever. And with a newly designed flex profile, the Iconik 2 provides the balanced feel and responsive performance that today’s goalies are looking for.
For goalies who appreciate Brian’s signature craftsmanship but want modern mobility and customization, the Iconik 2 lineup offers the perfect blend of both worlds.
Brian’s is known worldwide for its exceptional craftsmanship and eye-catching goalie gear designs — and the Iconik 2 is no exception. Much like the gear itself, the graphic doesn’t overhaul the original Iconik look, but rather builds on it with subtle refinements. The new design introduces additional colour zones and sharper detailing, giving goalies even more freedom to create a look that fits their style.
I was already a fan of the stock Iconik graphic, and I’m happy to see the Iconik 2 deliver a clean, elevated version of that same design. It’s instantly recognizable as part of the Iconik family while adding more visual versatility and customization options. That's something every goalie can appreciate. And of course, for those who want to take their setup to the next level, Brian’s remains THE custom goal company.
The Brian’s Iconik 2 introduces a new single-strap system designed for goalies who prefer simplicity without sacrificing performance. By combining the traditional calf and knee straps into one integrated design, Brian’s has created a system that delivers a snug, consistent fit through the entire leg channel — all with a single adjustment.
A major addition to the Iconik 2 lineup is the new Cross Flex Profile. This core features a soft boot, a mid-flex knee, and a stiff thigh — giving goalies a responsive, reactive pad that still maintains its shape and structure over time. The result is a balance of flexibility and control that caters perfectly to today’s hybrid-style goalie.
The Regular Flex Core marks Brian’s lightest pad construction to date. By refining internal materials and structure, Brian’s has successfully reduced overall pad weight while preserving the feel and performance goalies expect from the Iconik line.
To match different playing styles, the Iconik 2 leg pads come in three distinct core options — each offering a unique feel and flex pattern:
Regular (R) Flex
The softest flex option in the Iconik 2 lineup. It features a mid-flex design at both the knee and thigh, delivering a lightweight, reactive feel best suited for hybrid-style goalies.
Cross (X) Flex
A new multi-flex design with a soft boot, mid-flex knee, and stiff thigh. This configuration provides a flexible, responsive pad that maintains its structure. Perfect for goalies who want mobility without sacrificing stability.
Stiff (S) Flex
Designed for butterfly goalies, this option offers a rigid feel from the lower knee to the thigh. It’s built to hold its shape, limit flex, and maximize seal along the ice.
The Brian’s Iconik 2 leg pads feature BRI-CORE reinforcement through the thigh, helping the pads maintain their shape and rebound consistency over time. BRI-CORE is built from a Triaxle Carbon-Fibre Composite that adds rigidity while keeping the gear lightweight — giving goalies the best balance between structure and mobility.
The Iconik 2 continues Brian’s tradition of reactive, hybrid-style design with its Hyperflex boot. This soft, responsive boot flex delivers smooth, natural movement whether you’re on your feet or sliding across the crease, helping goalies stay connected to every movement and transition.
Upon weighing the gear in store, the Brian's Iconik 2 leg pads weigh 5.44lbs (2.46kg) per leg.
*Size 33+1, Cross-Flex Core*
The Iconik 2 sports a flat-faced, laceless design to deliver consistent rebounds and reduce overall weight.
The Iconik 2 features a square, dual-density outer roll that adds rigidity and helps preserve the pad’s profile over time. This reinforced construction also reduces the chance of pucks hopping over the pad by sealing off more of the angle.
Brian’s Opti-Slide system returns on the Iconik 2, helping goalies move efficiently and effortlessly across the crease. This bindingless Primo sliding surface features high-density foams and a laced-in knee block — a combination that’s become the market benchmark for slide performance and durability.
The Iconik 2 gives goalies a choice between two strapping systems: a traditional layout and the new alternative single-strap design. Both systems allow for internal adjustments to fine-tune fit and feel.
Traditional
A familiar setup featuring independent calf and knee straps. While still simple with only two straps, it still allows goalies to choose between strapping behind the knee or down to the upper calf when using the removable knee wing.
Alternative
Brian’s new integrated one-strap system simplifies the process, combining the knee and calf straps for a uniform, consistent fit every time.
Both strapping options support Brian’s optional upper calf strap, which ties in just below the knee to create an anchor point between the leg and pad. This connection helps increase pad control, responsiveness, and overall stability during movement.
As the pioneer of elastic Velcro toe ties, Brian’s continues to lead with its Smart Cord Toe Tie System. This setup features a low-profile bungee cord, reinforced double-Velcro attachment, and a built-in spacer for improved RVH positioning.
And if you prefer a more traditional setup, the Smart Cord can easily be swapped out for skate lace or another toe tie system of your choice.
Building on the original Brian’s Iconik catcher — and drawing inspiration from the previous G-Netik series — the Iconik 2 catcher doesn’t see any major overhauls, but it does receive a meaningful upgrade in protection. It maintains the same break angle and Smart Dial system that goalies have come to appreciate, while refining key areas for improved durability and comfort.
The Iconik 2 retains its 35-degree break angle, which feels like a blend between traditional 590 and 600 patterns. By lacing in the break angle rather than relying on internal stitching, the catcher naturally closes along that path and maintains a consistent closure over time.
The Double-T design keeps the pocket open and visually larger. This design increases the pocket’s surface area, helping trap pucks cleanly and reducing pop-outs.
The BRI-FUSE Multi-Density Thermo Reinforced cuff provides enhanced rigidity, durability, and rebound control. This one-piece construction gives the catcher a more solid, connected feel when absorbing shots, helping improve both control and protection.
Out of the box, the Iconik 2 catcher comes with a Game Ready palm that offers solid protection while remaining easy to open and close from day one. For goalies who prefer more padding, Pro and Practice palm options are available through Brian’s customizer, allowing you to dial in the ideal level of protection.
The Iconik 2 uses a rounded finger design that helps funnel pucks directly into the pocket, creating a cleaner, more complete seal when closing the glove. The forefinger zone has also been reinforced for added protection and durability where it matters most.
A segmented backhand design increases mobility and promotes smoother closure while minimizing restriction. Brian’s also integrated high-density protection zones throughout the fingers and backhand area to help guard against slashes and puck impacts.
Brian’s Smart Dial system returns to the Iconik 2, offering a quick and precise way to achieve the perfect fit. The system uses twist-to-tighten dials that allow for micro-adjustments to lock in your preferred feel. To release, simply pop the dial upward. The Iconik 2 catcher includes two dials, one at the wrist, and another on the backhand to provide an even more secure, custom fit.
Upon weighing the gear in store, the Brian's Iconik 2 catcher weighs 2.52lbs (1.14kg).
The Iconik 2 blocker maintains the same design as the original, but does make improvements to reduce the overall thickness and weight. While blockers aren’t the most exciting piece of equipment, the Iconik does a good job of pushing the needle forward.
Thanks to BRI-FUSE, the blocker board thickness has actually been reduced to shave of weight and help goalies feel more connected to each save. BRI-Fuse is a Multi-Density Thermo Reinforced Board with increased rigidity to maintain a thin, lightweight profile while offering structural integrity and durability.
The Iconik 2 blocker features a flared design for greater rebound control, helping to direct pucks downward and away from the crease. The blocker board also features a squared design, maintaining the same level of thickness from edge to edge, providing a more consistent feel when making saves.
Upon weighing the gear in store, the Brian's Iconik 2 blocker weighs 2.08lbs (0.95kg).
The Iconik 2 sidewall receives a redesigned thumb opening for reduced interference and restriction of paddle movement when holding your stick. The redesign also features a newly implemented reinforcement patch for enhanced durability.
To achieve the best fit, the Iconik 2 blocker comes equipped with Brian's smart dial system, providing a secure and consistent feel every time. The twist and pop dial system is simple to use and offers micro adjustments to find that perfect spot.
The Iconik 2 boasts a bindingless, open cuff to provide maximum mobility and limited restriction, helping goalies make saves quicker and more naturally.
Brian’s has rightfully earned the title of The Custom Goal Company, a reputation built on decades of craftsmanship, creativity, and a willingness to push boundaries for goalies who want something truly their own. From intricate cut-and-sew leather graphics that showcase authentic artistry, to the ability to fine-tune specs and performance features, Brian’s continues to set the standard for what “custom” really means.
With the Iconik 2, there are 33 custom options available to get your setup looking exactly how you want and countless specs to get your gear performing exactly the way you want. On the leg pads, you can select your preferred core profile, strapping system, and sizing. For the catcher and blocker, options include intermediate palm sizing, additional padding, and custom pocket designs. And that’s only the start connect with our goalie department to start building your one-of-a-kind setup.
The Iconik 2 delivers meaningful innovations without straying too far from what made the original Iconik so popular — and that’s something goalies should be excited about. What stands out most is the flexibility of this line: if you loved the original, you can set up the Iconik 2 to feel nearly identical. But if you’re ready to experiment, there are several thoughtful upgrades worth exploring.
The new single-strap system is a standout addition — simple, efficient, and ideal for goalies who already strap down at the knee. It offers a consistent, connected feel every time you hit the ice. Personally, I’m most excited about the new Cross Flex Profile, which combines a responsive boot, a flexible knee, and a rigid thigh for that perfect blend of mobility and structure. And of course, it’s impressive to see Brian’s shave even more weight off their core construction. On the glove side, the upgraded protection on the catcher is a welcome touch, while the thinner blocker board adds a cleaner, more balanced feel.
Overall, the Iconik 2 is a strong follow-up that builds on the original’s success while adding just enough new tech to keep things fresh. If you’re in the market for new gear, this release is absolutely worth checking out the next time you’re in store.