Vaughn Ventus SLR4 Youth Goalie Catcher
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Intro & New Features
New for 2024 is the SLR4 Youth catcher from Vaughn. This catcher offers the developing goalie an opportunity to feel and look just like the pros in their gear, with many of the same features including a neoprene flex inner hand, molded construction, and flared back cuff. The glove is built easy to use for young goaltenders and is great for introducing them to the game and the net.
External Material
Externally, the glove is made of jenpro synthetic leather, renowned for its durability and effectiveness on the ice. The inner hand uses neoprene synthetic rubber for better glove control and protection. The base of the inner hand has good grip to help small hands keep a good hold on the glove as they play, and the notched heel makes it simpler to grip the stick if the goalie wishes to handle or shoot the puck.
The thumb, back, and palm sections have been molded to shape around developing hands, increasing their performance and comfort all around.
Break Angle
The SLR4 has a 75° break angle, which feels similar to CCM’s 600 break. This break is designed to be held in a side position rather than upright. This break is a good middle-ground for young players who are just figuring out how they close their glove. It feels similar to a baseball glove closure.
Pocket Design
The pocket of the SLR4 is extra wide with a single-T web design, which gives the glove a traditional look and makes the puck easier to catch. The glove has been furnished with a fingertip deflecting rail along the outside to help keep the puck in the glove during catches, along with skate laces in the webbing to lower spin on the puck.
Vaughn designed the SLR4 Youth catcher with small hands in mind, so the glove has an easy-close design to accommodate young players (and their patience).
Strapping
For a closer fit, the SLR4 catcher uses a padded wrist strap that allows for adjustment. The strapping is efficient with quick and reliable velcro. The wrist strap is padded with increased adjustment, so the glove can be comfortable and form-fitting for young goalies.
Cuff Design
The SLR4 goes with a flared back cuff for added mobility in the wrist. With a flared back, the glove can provide adequate protection and will not be hindered by the placement or movement of the chest and arm protector.
Colors & Customization
The Vaughn Ventus SLR4 Youth Goalie Catcher comes in a Black/White colouration, and Regular and Full Right hands. Please note that Full Right is for left-handed goalies (glove worn on the right hand) and Regular is for right-handed goalies (glove worn on the left hand).
| Senior | *7" - 8 ½" |
|---|---|
| Intermediate | 6 ⅓" - 7" |
| Junior | 5 ¾" - 6 ⅓" |
| Youth | 4 ½" - 5 ¾" |
| *8" - 8 ½" is typically seen as a SR-XL palm **Hand Measurement is made from heel of palm to the tip of your middle finger |
|
Goalie Catcher Sizing
More times than not, the fit of your Goalie Catcher is often overlooked. This is likely the result of the limited size availability compared to other pieces of equipment, however a properly sized Catcher provides you the protection and stick control you trust.
Which Catcher Size is for you?
The first step to finding the correct Catcher size is to utilize the “heel-of-palm-to-tip-of-middle-finger” measurement. This measurement will generally send you to the appropriate size you need.
Analyzing the Catcher Fit
It is important to make sure the palm lines up properly within the catching glove, so that it can be closed without excessive force. New goalie gloves will be difficult to close initially, but through either a standard break-in process, or "baking" the catcher with our in-house convection skate ovens, they will soften over time.
*We do not recommend using any conventional in-home ovens, as the results have been very unpredictable in the past and could damage your Catcher.*
Next you want to ensure the adjustable wrist strap goes directly across the wrist bone, and has minimal to no interference with your chest protector. The goaltender should be able to swivel their wrist to accommodate a range of save selections without any restrictions from the chest protector.
Sizing for Growing Goaltenders
For growing goaltenders we recommend following the guidelines set above, rather than sizing up to accommodate growth. Oversized goalie gloves restrict control, especially for young developing goalies. As you climb the size ladder for Catchers, typically the glove requires more strength for pocket closure.
Which Hand Do I Need?
Figuring out which hand you need for your Catcher can be slightly confusing. Goalies generally refer to themselves as "REGULAR" or "FULL RIGHT". Below is the easiest way to simplify which hand you need.
- Goalie Catcher Hands Simplified
- Regular - Catcher worn on your Left Hand
- Full Right - Catcher worn on your Right Hand
