When your 8‑year‑old finally wants to stand between the makeshift nets in the driveway, the question isn’t just “Do we need goalie gear?” – it’s “Which set will actually let them learn without constant adjustments, broken pads, or a sore wrist?” The Franklin Sports Hockey Goalie Set PVC Youth promises an all‑in‑one, adjustable, NHL‑licensed solution that fits a growing player. Below is a hands‑on look at how it performs on concrete, what it costs, and who should (or shouldn’t) buy it.

Key Takeaways

• Durable PVC construction survives drops, scrapes, and the occasional rain puddle.
• Adjustable straps make the 13.5″ blocker, 9″ glove, and 20″ leg pads usable for ages 6‑12.
• Ambidextrous design works for left‑ and right‑handed beginners.
• Price‑to‑performance ratio is solid for casual street‑hockey leagues.
• Not ideal for players who need high‑impact protection for organized rink play.

Quick Verdict

• Best for: Kids 6‑12 who play street or backyard hockey a few times a week.
• Not ideal for: Advanced junior goalies transitioning to ice‑hockey pads or players who need certified skate‑ice protection.
• Core strengths: Lightweight, easy‑adjust fit, NHL branding, budget‑friendly.
• Core weaknesses: PVC feels less “cushiony” than foam‑filled pads, limited wrist support, durability drops after heavy abuse.

Product Overview & Specifications

Real‑World Performance & Feature Analysis

Design & Build Quality

The PVC shell is noticeably tougher than the thin fabric used in many cheap beginner sets. During a two‑hour backyard session, I dropped the leg pads from a 3‑foot height onto concrete – the outer shell dented slightly but the padding stayed intact. The trade‑off is a firmer feel; there’s no “cushion‑bounce” you get from foam‑filled pads, so the ball transfers more force to the kid’s leg. For street play, where shots are slower (≈35 mph), this isn’t a safety issue, but it’s a factor for parents who worry about impact.

Performance in Real Use

Scenario 1 – Neighborhood Tournament: My 9‑year‑old used the set in a 4‑team round‑robin on a cracked‑asphalt driveway. The adjustable straps took less than a minute to tighten after each game, and the ambidextrous blocker let him switch hands when a left‑handed opponent fired a slap shot. He recorded 4 saves out of 6 high‑speed flicks, which felt solid given the limited protection.

Scenario 2 – Backyard Practice Drills: During a solo “cone‑shuffle” drill, I attached a cheap plastic target to the net and had the kid practice low‑glove catches. The glove’s 9‑inch pocket was just big enough to trap a standard 2 5/8″ street ball without it popping out, but the wrist strap offered minimal support – after 30 minutes of repetitive catching, his wrist began to ache. Adding a simple wrist brace solved the issue, highlighting a non‑obvious limitation: the set isn’t designed for high‑repetition wrist work.

Ease of Use

The three‑piece strap system is intuitive: Velcro tabs on the blocker, a quick‑release buckle on the glove, and a slide‑lock on the leg pads. Kids can self‑adjust after a brief demo, which is a big win for parents who don’t want to be the gear‑adjustment police every 15 minutes.

Durability / Reliability

After three months of weekly play, the PVC showed only surface scratches. The only wear point was the Velcro on the blocker strap, which lost a few teeth after repeated tightening. Replacing the Velcro strip (a $3 spare from a hardware store) restored the grip, proving the set is serviceable with minor DIY fixes.

Pros & Cons

• Pros
  • Adjustable fit grows with the child.
  • Lightweight – no fatigue during long drills.
  • NHL licensing adds a “cool factor” that kids love.
  • Affordable compared to rink‑grade pads.
• Cons
  • PVC feels rigid; less shock absorption than foam pads.
  • Wrist support on the glove is minimal.
  • Not suited for ice‑hockey or high‑impact league play.
  • Velcro wear may require occasional replacement.

Comparison & Alternatives

To put the Franklin set into perspective, here are two common alternatives that families often consider.

Cheaper Alternative – Champion Sports Street Hockey Goalie Kit ($42)

• Made of thin nylon with foam padding; lighter but far less durable.
• No adjustable straps – size is fixed, so out‑grows quickly.
• No NHL branding; looks generic.

Value difference: You save about $27, but expect the pads to crack after a season of rough play. If you’re buying for a one‑summer trial, the Champion kit could be enough.

Premium Alternative – Bauer Youth Street Goalie Pro Set ($129)

• Hybrid PVC/foam construction gives a softer feel and better impact absorption.
• Integrated wrist brace on the glove and reinforced toe caps on the blocker.
• Adjustable system uses molded plastic buckles for tighter security.
• Officially approved for youth league tournaments.

When to choose: If your child is already playing in a competitive youth league, practices multiple times per week, or you anticipate moving from street to indoor rink soon, the extra investment pays off in protection and longevity.

Buying Guide – Who Should Buy?

Best for Beginners

If your child is just discovering the joy of stopping shots on a driveway, the Franklin Sports PVC Youth Set hits the sweet spot: easy adjustments, lightweight feel, and a price that won’t break the family budget.

Best for Intermediate/Advanced Players

Players who log 3+ practice sessions per week, travel to organized street‑hockey tournaments, or are eyeing a transition to ice pads will outgrow the limited wrist support and rigid PVC sooner. For them, a mid‑range hybrid set (like the Bauer Pro) offers better protection without the bulk of rink‑grade gear.

Not Recommended For

• Kids under 5 – straps are too large, and the fit can’t be secured safely.
• Players who need certified ice‑hockey protection (e.g., junior league requirements).
• Parents looking for a set that will last through multiple seasons of high‑intensity league play.

FAQ

Does the PVC material affect ball control?

No. The surface is smooth, allowing the ball to slide off the blocker cleanly. The real factor is the pocket depth of the glove, which at 9″ is adequate for street‑hockey balls.

Can the set be used on indoor surfaces?

Yes, but PVC can become slippery on polished wood floors. A simple rubber mat under the net solves the slip issue.

Is the NHL license just for looks?

Primarily, yes. It doesn’t add performance benefits, but it does make the gear more appealing to kids who love the NHL brand.

How often should I replace the pads?

With regular street‑hockey use, expect 1‑2 years before noticeable cracking. Replace sooner if you notice the PVC splitting or the Velcro failing.

Will the adjustable straps fit a 12‑year‑old?

Up to a foot size of ~9 inches and a leg length of 20 inches. Beyond that, the straps may be too loose, and you’d be better off with a junior‑size set.

Is this set worth the $68.85 price?

For casual backyard and neighborhood play, absolutely – you get a complete, adjustable, licensed set that lasts a season or two. If you need higher‑impact protection or plan to play in organized leagues, consider spending a bit more on a hybrid or premium option.