The Vaughn VE8 XP intermediate goalie trapper is a new take on what most goalies think of as a Vaughn trapper. By building the Vaughn VE8 XP intermediate trapper from the ground up, Vaughn has created a trapper that works much better for goalies that are a fan of the "fingers up" catching position.
The VE8 XP intermediate trapper still includes one of the best features introduced to all of the VE8 trappers however. This is the offset and split T of course. This T does a couple of things for the VE8 XP intermediate trapper. For one, it widens the pocket and presents more of the twine to the shooter. This increased pocket size also helps with puck retention once the puck is in there. The offset portion of the T however, helps with the closure of the glove. By moving the attachment point off to one side, the trapper closes much more flush when compared to T that sits directly in the middle of the closure.
Another unique feature that the VE8 XP intermediate trapper offers is a single-peice cuff design. The single piece cuff allows for a more solid catching surface on the front of the trapper, which will kick pucks away further if the puck is going off the cuff rather than in the pocket.
Vaughn has also increased the protection on the palm of the VE8 XP intermediate catch glove by adding extra foam to the outside of the felt in the palm. Since the pocket is closer to the palm when compared to the standard VE8 intermediate trapper, it is important to make sure that the palm has that much more protection.
With these features and unique design, especially for a Vaughn glove goalies are sure to find a VE8 trapper that will work for their style of play.
Sorry this products blade pattern chart is still being updated. If you would like to inquire directly, click here here to request the size guide on this product.
Goalie Catch Gloves Sizing
More times than not, trappers are often overlooked compared to other pieces of gear where fit is concerned. Perhaps this is a result of the limited sizes available compared to other pieces of equipment: youth, junior, intermediate and senior. The first step to finding the correct trapper is to approximate your size by following the estimated age range and “heel-of-palm-to-tip-of-middle-finger” measurement:
- Youth (age 5 – 8): 4.5” – 5.75” / 119 – 143 mm
- Junior (age 8 – 11): 6.35” – 5.75” / 144 – 160 mm
- Intermediate (age 11 – 13): 6.35” – 7” / 161 – 178 mm
- Senior (age 14 and up): 7” – 8.5”* / 179 – 216 mm
*8” – 8.5” would constitute an XL palm on a senior trapper
Once a size has been estimated it is important to ensure that the palm lines up properly within the catching glove so that it can be closed without excessive force. Obviously new gloves will be difficult to close initially, but through either using it repeatedly or baking it with our in-house convection skate ovens they will soften up and allow the goaltender to easily close. We do not recommend using any conventional in-home ovens, as the results have been very unpredictable in the past.
After you’ve checked the palm, the second thing to look for is that the wrist strap goes directly across your wrist bone and has little to no interference with the chest/arm. The catch glove should be able to twist and maneuver in a multitude of save selections in addition to being able to grip the stick when puck handling, all the while keeping the hand in the correct position within the trapper.
For growing goaltenders, it is still best to stick within these guidelines rather than moving up to the next size to accommodate growth. Large gloves are going to inhibit the goalie’s control and inhibit development. It should be noted that as a result of the limited size selection, goalies wouldn’t jump sizes as quickly as other pieces of gear.
