T

o say InGoal has taken its time reviewing Bauer’s OD1N 1S line is an understatement, and while not everyone has appreciated the wait, it has at least been time well spent.

In addition to feedback from pros like James Reimer and Devan Dubnyk during time on the ice together this summer, InGoal was able to put our test set through the ringer, including Junior A camps, one month with a German-league Pro, and now more than 100 sessions of recreational play.

While a complete review is still set to roll out with a new magazine, we’re also breaking out key points goalies kept coming back to during the testing here on the website. We started with a look at the importance of fit and set up for a unique pad that may not fit preconceived notions, and now we’ll take a look at how well these new pads slide – and why.

As new Toronto Maple Leafs No.1 goaltender Frederik Andersen already mentioned in the overview that ran in the last magazine, goalies might have to be careful they don’t end up in the corner with the puck because of how well the 1S OD1N pad slides along the ice.

Minnesota Wild starter Devan Dubnyk noticed the difference after switching back from his first set of 1S OD1N last summer to his original Bauer NXG pad early last season.

There is a massive difference between the friction on the ice and the slide-ability of that OD1N material and leather – and I mean massive,” said Dubnyk, who briefly switched back to NXG for the familiarity and fit of his original calf set up, but was soon back in a modified OD1N pad. “Oh my God, when I got on the ice with the new set the difference between how easy it was and how quickly I could slide in the OD1N pads compared to leather was mind blowing.