Hockey Goalkeeping Leg Guards And Kickers Explained
Leg guards and kickers do most of a hockey goalkeeper's saving, and they're the biggest single spend in a keeper's kit bag, so it's worth getting the level right. Too basic and you'll feel every drag flick. Too advanced and you've spent a fortune on pads that are harder work than they need to be.
The good news is that both OBO and Mercian build their ranges in clear levels. Here's how they fit together and who each one suits.
OBO leg guards and kickers
OBO OGO: juniors and school keepers
OBO describe the OGO range as ideal for junior club keepers and school use in the 12 to 14 age range. The OGO Legguards take the classic shape of OBO's senior pads but are lighter and softer, so they're easy to move in, and they pair with the OGO Kickers. For the youngest keepers there are smaller OGO Junior Legguards and OGO Junior Kickers, which OBO size for the extra brave from 7 years and up.
OBO Yahoo: club keepers and fast improvers
The Yahoo range is designed for club goalkeepers and players aged 12 to 16 who want to develop their skills. It has most of the design features of OBO's senior ranges but is slightly lighter and softer, so younger keepers can move quicker. The Yahoo Legguards and Yahoo Kickers share the same core shape as the Cloud and Robo ranges, so moving up later feels natural.
OBO Cloud: regular club and senior keepers
The Cloud Legguards have an evenly curved face for more predictable control whatever angle the ball arrives at, and the left pad is wider than the right for extra coverage when you're standing and at penalty corners. They give you OBO's shape and protection with a softer, more accessible feel than the Robo range. The Cloud Kickers are durable, give great ball control and are excellent value.
OBO Robo: the top of the range
The Robo PLUS Legguards are OBO's widest and lightest Robo pads, with UltraStop foam and a thinner build that sits closer to the leg. They've been our best-selling leg guards over the last year, so plenty of keepers clearly think they're worth it. Pair them with the Robo Hi Rebound PLUS Kickers, our best-selling kickers, which OBO say have a 25% bigger kicking area and 20% more protection than the previous Hi Rebound design.
There's also the Robo Hi Rebound Legguards, built for keepers who like to stay on their feet near their goal, with a hi-rebound area on the inside of the leg for long clearances. Both Robo legguards come in a whole rainbow of colours, so you can match your club (or clash with it, we don't judge).
Mercian leg guards and kickers
Mercian Genesis 2 and Genesis 1
The Genesis 2 Legguards are aimed at intermediate club and school keepers. They use open-cell foam with up to three densities and the same slide skin as Mercian's Elite and Pro ranges for smoother slides and smothers, and they pair with the Genesis 2 Kickers. The Genesis 1 Legguards step up to Mercian's Level 4 (Senior Club) protection, with a super-lightweight, triple-layer foam and a thermo-reactive inner that moulds to your leg.
Mercian Elite
The Elite Legguards are heat-bonded under a tonne of pressure into one piece, so there's no glue to harden or crack, and they give you the maximum legal saving surface under FIH regulations. The Elite Kickers V2 have a bigger toe box tested to CE protection level 5 and a cleaner strapping system.
How do you choose the right level?
- Match the level to the shots you face. A junior or school keeper doesn't need the same foam as someone facing drag flicks every Saturday.
- Keep leg guards and kickers from the same range. OBO's ranges lock together and are designed to work as a set.
- Get the size right. Pads that are too big slow you down and can leave gaps. Use the OBO size guide or Mercian size guide.
- Look at the sets. Our goalkeeping bundles and sets can save you money if you need a full kit.
How do I look after them?
Take your pads out of the bag after every session and let them dry naturally. Foam that's packed away damp breaks down faster (and the smell is something else). Check your straps regularly too, because worn straps let your pads twist and slip.
Still not sure?
Our guide to the OBO goalkeeping ranges goes into more detail, and our goalkeeping kit checklist covers everything else you'll need. Or give us a call on 0191 447 4744, drop us a message on live chat or pop into the shop. Browse all our goalkeeping leg guards and kickers.
