Hockey is considered to be one of the most traumatic sports. To protect players using special sports equipment. The hockey bib is designed to protect the neck, back, upper biceps, triceps, collarbones and chest.
How important is protective equipment?
Hockey is a contact sport. However, injury may result from a collision with another player or during a fall on the ice. The hockey bib protects the player’s hands and torso from pucks and sticks.
Properly selected protective equipment will not only help protect the body, but also give comfort during heavy physical exertion. If the security features are small or begin to hamper the movement, then the player will be more difficult to implement the functions assigned to him.
What does a hockey bib look like?
There are 3 main structural parts of this mandatory element of hockey player protection:
- front tread;
- back protector;
- Shoulder pads-cups.
Some models are equipped with additional protectors to protect the back and abdomen or reinforced side inserts.
Often the scheme for creating a hockey bib is the same for each manufacturer. But exclusive models may have a number of additional features that are designed to make the game more comfortable.
Adjustment of details. Some models have adjustable biceps guards. They are attached to the shoulder frames using a belt system that can be tightened or loosened and then secured to a special Velcro.
Removable parts. There are several models of hockey bibs that are equipped with a system of removable abdominal pads. They provide additional coverage for the athlete's torso. Some players love enhanced protection, while others feel more comfortable without it, so it is designed as a removable part.
Which hockey bib is worth buying?
The first thing you should pay attention to is the size of the protective carapace, as hockey players call the chest protective equipment. It fits snugly to the chest and arms. They must be inactive so that they do not slip during the game. First and foremost, you should measure the volume of the chest. But do not forget about the height and weight of the hockey player. Each manufacturer has developed its own dimensional grid, which will help the player make the right choice.
In the market for protective equipment, the Bauer hockey bib is one of the leaders. It provides players maximum flexibility and speed during the match. Models guarantee a high level of protection without sacrificing mobility. Shoulderpads help protect both the kicker and the hockey player who receives it. They are designed taking into account the anatomical features of the body. Provides a natural, near-body shape that helps players optimize explosiveness and power.
Reebok hockey bibs combine tradition and innovation. The company offers superior product features. The lineup is created taking into account the age characteristics of the players. The manufacturer produces a shell not only for adults, but also for children and adolescents.
Paying attention to the needs of the players, Easton, an American company, has developed three different styles of protective equipment. The Stealth line is designed for easy, low and natural fit. The Synergy group guarantees the player a snug fit in order to provide first-class protection and comfort. Finally, the Pro series has a traditional fit that has excellent shock dissipation properties. Easton Hockey Bibs are the choice of professionals, not fans.
Hockey Bibs for Defenders and Forwards
It is important to remember that the equipment for players who perform different functions on the field are significantly different. The difference lies in the degree of protection and the maximum load that the equipment can withstand. The shell should not have gaps between the protective elements.
Attack players choose models that are lightweight. This will provide them with sharpness and maneuverability on ice. For defenders, other qualities are important. Their equipment must be durable. After all, they are assigned the function of the wall, the main task is not to let the player pass to their gates. Therefore, depending on the player’s position in the ice arena, he needs to choose the appropriate defense.