Warrior Ritual G5 Pro Goal Catcher and Blocker Review
Warrior’s new CoverEDGE+ feature is not only a clever play on words, but a functional feature added to their new Ritual G5 Pro catcher and blocker. Warrior has continued to improve on their already impressive track record of providing functional innovation to their gloves. The G5 Pro series also continues to be the lightest gear on the market which is no easy task with all suppliers now offering lightweight designs.
Blocker
I feel like I have said this about blockers a few times recently, but the G5 Blocker is the biggest upgrade to the line this year. Don’t get me wrong, Warrior blockers have been great over the years however, looking back at previous models they haven’t changed all that much. This year Warrior bucked the trend and has produced a blocker that is new and exciting.
CoverEDGE+
Warrior integrates the CoverEDGE+ concept in two places - the blocker board and the backhand. The blocker board has a new shape/reduced curvature but is noticeably thicker than the G4. The flattened look adds to the coverage of the blocker while also increasing the predictability of rebounds as the puck has less of a “Ramp” surface to deflect out of control. The added thickness of the blocker board aides in cutting down the angles of the blocker by pushing the face forward toward the puck/shooter.
Backhand
The backhand of the G5 Pro blocker features a redesigned foam that is thickest the top of the wrist and tapers down toward the fingers. This allows the blocker to sit naturally in a nose-down forward position.
Hypercomp
Warrior’s Hypercomp carbon material makes its return from the G4 series and is featured on the blocker board face and sidewall. The addition to the face of the blocker provides structural rigidity and a boost to rebounds.
Removable Palm
One of the most useful features for longevity on the blocker is the removable palms. Not only do you get the chance to take the whole palm out to wash it, but you can also change up the size (Large is the stock option, Medium, XL and Intermediate available). Warrior has also added tabs to change the hand position of the palm as well. Stock is set at the mid setting with a low and high setting available as well.
Final Thoughts
The old adage of “a blocker is just a blocker” seems to be taking a back seat and the new norm is “How can the blocker improve my performance?” The Warrior G5 pro blocker delivers performance, functionality, and looks. This adds up to one great blocker that deserves a look.
Catch Glove
Warrior’s new CoverEDGE+ feature is not only a clever play on words, but a functional feature added to their new Ritual G5 Pro leg pad, catch glove and blocker.
With the Ritual G5 line, Warrior has continued to improve on their already impressive track record of providing functional innovation to their leg pads and gloves. The G5 Pro series also continues to be the lightest gear on the market which is no easy task with all suppliers now offering lightweight designs.
CoverEDGE+
Warrior has applied its CoverEDGE+ technology to the glove in a few different ways. The Cuff is noticeably thicker when compared to the G4. This helps to cut angles down and visually makes the glove look bigger in the net. Warrior has added foam to the wrist pad of the glove as well to help the glove present more forward towards the shooter in your stance.
Axyflex T-pocket
One of the biggest improvements from the G4 Pro is the new Axyflex T-pocket. Warrior set out to optimize the design and has been able to create a more open and deeper looking T-pocket that its predecessor. The upper portion of the T has been angled in toward the pocket. This not only helps funnel pucks in and prevent skip over but aids the visual of the glove being bigger than it is.
Hypercomp
Warrior’s Hypercomp material is featured in the cuff and from the thumb to the fingers. The Hypercom provides both stability and protection to the glove.
Removable Palm
One of the best features of the G4 Pro carries over the G5 Pro glove. The removable palm gives you the ability to wash the palm of the glove - no more smelly hands! Beyond the ability to wash, you also have the option to change up your hand position within the break of the glove. The stock palm liner is a 75 degree closure and you can also get a 90 degree, 60 degree or an Intermediate 75 degree option as well. If you place an order for a custom glove, an optional practice palm insert will come with your glove order.
If you’d like to add a practice palm insert for a stock model glove, they’re also available for purchase.
Final Thoughts
Bigger is better. When you hold the G4 and a G5 pro catchers side by side and you can see the difference.
These pictures sum it up nicely as Warrior has addressed the sizing concern that Ritual catch gloves have had since hitting the market. Along with the aftermarket customizability of a removable palm to create the break option of your choice, the G5 Pro catcher is going to have a lot of goalies taking a second look at this innovative option vs their traditional glove of choice. Make sure to follow us on social media, by Liking us on Facebook, and following us on Instagram and Twitter!
Written by Cam Matwiv
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