If you play goalie in box lacrosse, your gear brand isn't a small decision — it's the difference between stopping a heavy shot cleanly and wearing the bruise for a week. Boddam has become one of the most trusted names in box lacrosse goaltending equipment, and it's the brand our staff at Sanderson Lacrosse gets asked about more than almost any other when a goalie (or a goalie's parent) walks through our door in Orangeville.
The catch is that Boddam doesn't sell "one" chest protector or "one" pair of pants. Everything is built across three protection tiers — Cat 1, Cat 2, and Cat 3 — and figuring out which tier actually fits your level of play is where most people get stuck. This guide breaks down what each category means and walks through Boddam's leg pads, uppers, and pants lineup so you know exactly what you're buying.
Cat 1 vs Cat 2 vs Cat 3: What the Categories Actually Mean
Boddam's numbering system is a protection scale, not a size chart. Cat 1 is the entry-level tier, Cat 2 sits in the middle, and Cat 3 is competition-grade. Here's how our staff explains it to customers.
Cat 1 — Entry Level
Cat 1 gear is built to be lightweight and easy to move in. It trades some of the bulk of the higher tiers for extra mobility, which makes it a common starting point for younger or newer box goalies who are still getting comfortable squaring up to shots.
Cat 2 — Intermediate
Cat 2 is the middle tier — a balance between protection and flexibility aimed at intermediate and developing goalies who are facing harder, more consistent shots than a true beginner but aren't yet playing at a rep or Junior level.
Cat 3 — Competition Grade
Cat 3 is Boddam's thickest, most heavily padded tier, engineered for the shot velocities seen in Junior, Senior, and pro-level box lacrosse. It's noticeably bulkier than Cat 1 or Cat 2 gear, and that extra material is the point — it's built to take the hardest shots in the sport without transmitting all of that force straight through to the goalie.
Boddam builds its higher-tier gear around what it calls its Energy Protective Platform, a shell construction that stands the hard protective shell slightly off the body so impact force disperses across the pad rather than punching straight through it. It's part of why Cat 3 gear can be thick without feeling like you're playing in a mattress.
Boddam Goalie Leg Pads (Cat 1, Cat 2 & Cat 3)
Boddam's Lacrosse Goalie Leg Pads line runs across all three categories and multiple lengths (10" through 22"), so the right pick really depends on your goalie's size and level rather than a single "best" option.
Right now in Orangeville, we've got Cat 1 pads in stock in 11" and 12" lengths (Matte Black on Black), which cover most younger box goalies moving up from beginner gear. On the Cat 3 side, we're currently carrying the 18" length in White on Maroon/Gold — a solid fit for older youth and adult goalies who need the highest protection tier. Cat 2 leg pads are back in limited stock in the 14" length (Matte Black on Black, White on Black, and Matte Black/White), so if that's the tier you need, our Boddam leg pads collection is the fastest way to see what's back in stock first.
A quick general rule our staff uses when sizing leg pads: the pad length should run from roughly mid-thigh down to just past the top of the skate or shoe, without so much overhang that it restricts the goalie's shuffle. If you're unsure what length your goalie needs, our goalie sizing guide walks through measuring at home before you buy.
Boddam Goalie Uppers (Cat 2 & Cat 3)
"Uppers" is Boddam's term for the chest-and-arm pad set that covers a goalie's torso, shoulders, and arms — arguably the piece of gear a box goalie relies on most, since it's absorbing shots on every high save.
Cat 3 — 2026 NLL Pro Series
The Boddam 2026 NLL Pro Series Cat 3 Uppers are the current flagship chest-and-arm set, built for competitive and elite box goalies who are seeing the hardest, most frequent shots. We have L, XL, and XXL in stock in Orangeville right now. At this protection tier you're paying for maximum coverage without giving up the reach and rotation a goalie needs to track a shot and get an arm up in time.
Cat 2 Uppers
Boddam's Cat 2 uppers are built as the intermediate step — lighter than the Cat 3 set while still offering real torso and arm protection for goalies who've outgrown beginner-level gear. They're sold out across every size as of this writing, so rather than list them as something you can buy today, we'd point you to our Boddam uppers collection, which will show current stock the moment more comes in.
Boddam Goalie Pants (Cat 2 & Cat 3)
Box lacrosse goalie pants carry heavy hip, thigh, and tailbone padding since so many rebounds and low shots end up right at leg level. Boddam's Lacrosse Goalie Pants come in both Cat 2 and Cat 3 builds.
In stock today, we've got Cat 3 pants in the all-black-with-white-stripe colourway in L and XXXL, and Cat 2 pants in the one-size black-with-black-stripe option. Because sizes and colourways move quickly on Boddam gear, we'd always recommend checking the Boddam pants collection directly before making the drive in, or give us a call so we can confirm what's on the shelf.
Bonus: Boddam Practice Pads
If you're outfitting a goalie for the first time or just need something for daily reps, Boddam's Busted Knuckles Practice Pads are a lighter, more casual option worth knowing about — currently in stock in Orangeville. They're not a substitute for full Cat 2 or Cat 3 gear in games, but they're a comfortable, lower-cost way to train without wearing out your competition-grade set.
Boddam Cat 1 vs Cat 2 vs Cat 3 at a Glance
| Category | Best For | Feel | Typical Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat 1 | Entry-level protection | Lightest, most mobile | Younger or newer box goalies |
| Cat 2 | Intermediate protection | Balanced protection and flexibility | Developing goalies facing harder shots |
| Cat 3 | Competition-grade protection | Thickest, most coverage | Junior, Senior & elite box goalies |
How to Choose the Right Category for Your Goalie
If your goalie is new to the crease or still playing recreational box lacrosse, Cat 1 gear (where available) or a lighter Cat 2 setup is usually the more comfortable starting point — the extra mobility helps while they're still developing their positioning and reads. As shots get harder and more frequent at the Junior or Senior level, moving into Cat 3 gear across the uppers, pants, and leg pads becomes less about comfort and more about durability over a full season of heavy use.
It's also worth noting Boddam doesn't require you to upgrade every piece at once. A lot of goalies mix tiers — for example, running Cat 3 uppers for chest protection while still in Cat 2 pants — based on budget and what's actually taking the most punishment in their game.
FAQ: Boddam Goalie Gear
What does "Cat" mean in Boddam's product names?
It refers to the protection category or tier — Cat 1, Cat 2, or Cat 3 — with Cat 3 offering the thickest, most competition-focused protection and Cat 1 offering the lightest, most mobile build.
Can I mix Cat 2 and Cat 3 gear?
Yes. Many goalies pair pieces from different tiers based on fit, budget, and which area of their body sees the most contact.
Are Boddam leg pads only for box lacrosse?
Boddam's leg pads in our catalog are built specifically for box lacrosse, which uses bulkier, more heavily padded leg protection than field lacrosse goalies typically wear.
What size leg pads does my goalie need?
It depends on height and position preference more than age alone. Our goalie sizing guide has a full breakdown for chest pads, pants, and leg pads together.
What if the size or colourway I want is sold out?
Boddam gear moves quickly, especially in popular sizes. Check the relevant Sanderson collection page for current stock, or reach out to our team directly — we can flag you when new stock arrives.
Related Reading
For more on outfitting a box goalie from head to toe, see our full 2026 goalie gear guide, our breakdown of box vs. field lacrosse gear, and our look at Canadian box lacrosse rules vs. field lacrosse rules. If you're in Ontario and looking for somewhere to play, our guide to box lacrosse leagues in Ontario is a good next stop.
Shop Boddam Goalie Gear:
All Boddam Goalie Equipment
Boddam Leg Pads
Boddam Uppers
Boddam Pants
Have questions about which Boddam category is right for your goalie? Our staff in Orangeville works with this gear daily and is happy to help you sort it out — reach out through our contact page any time.
— Sanderson Lacrosse Gear Team
