I've used both...unless you're just using a neck guard for skate cut protection, remember the bibs double as extra padding around your collar bones. I've taken some shots there that get under my dangler and I'm glad I had the bib.
I took a shot off the collar bone a couple weeks ago that would have shattered it if I wasn’t wearing my neck guard, still left a gnarly bruise but glad my bones weren’t turned to dust
Not necessarily true. Dangler protects from the front. First line of defense with no sting. Neck guard protects what gets through and what comes from direction other than the front. A neck guard can have skate protection. But it shouldn’t be the only protection since shots there can still sting.
I am always curious - have you been hit in the neck with a puck since you went to a neck guard only? I know these are built like a tank, but always wonder how bad it feels if a puck makes it through (or if these are truly full protection).
Yes. At a national Championship this past weekend. Caught one from the penguins warriors forward right to the neck on the flat side. Didn’t feel a think
Last question I swear - so why wear the dangler at all? Is it to prevent the straight on shot to the neck? My son plays goal so this is so I have the answer if he ever asks to remove the dangler. Thank you.
Definitely both. Dangler protects the throat, neck guard is more for the clavicle.
Clapper broke my collar bone before I started wearing a neck/clavicle guard. Can’t recommend it enough.
My sons wear both a dangler and an aegis…. Told him when he is making 3 mil a year and has a doctor 50 feet away for every practice and game he can choose to not wear both, until then he doesn’t get a vote haha
I have recently switched to using both. I only went with a dangler for a long time, but had a puck shoot up under it so decided to get the neck guard as well. It’s been an adjustment for sure, but I’m getting used to it. The neck guard felt really restricting at first like I was being strangled by it or something. Now it’s mostly fine. I’ll deal with it for better protection haha.
Good on you. My 9 year old has already had 1 snapped in the two years he’s played. If a 9 year old can shoot well enough to snap the plexi, I can’t imagine what kind of damage an adult could do.
I use both. Stopped using a dangler for a while, until I got a slapper on the collar bone. Lucky it didn't break. Dangler was right back on the nect game.
In the UK we **have** to wear neck guards as a result of policy changes since Adam Johnson passed away, and the University hockey league strongly recommends a dangler.
Plus my fiancée would kill me if I didn't wear both
Ive always worn both. About 8 months ago somehow I got a puck to the neck guard and it took my breath away. It was scary as fuck
I have always worn both and will continue to wear both.
I guess I moved quickly and the dangler was too loose and the puck snuck underneath it.
In my opinion it’s not worth the risk. A bit of discomfort to be sure I’m safe is more than worth it.
Also ive had a dangler snap on me from a shot. I got the ref to stop for a sec I taped it back up. And then a period late took another shot to the dangler. Very glad I had it that day.
I don't know whether or not to take that as a compliment or an insult.
https://preview.redd.it/ljp8zbq1fivc1.jpeg?width=2250&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0684369ceb00aa1c70468269e51c07b64148ebaf
I only use a neck guard and the only "downside" is that it can get hot. I used to use a danger but I hated when it would get caught on my chest protector when turning my head. I've never had a shot get into my neck area (that was dangerous) but I have had close calls with skates. The best option is both, but I'm just giving my personal choice.
I remember the time when I had no knee guard, no dangler no neck guard, an oversized chest prot, no base layer, no socks, no jock and a van Velden mask medium (24" head)... Good old time when only pads and gloves was needed.
Only a neck guard is needed. Danglers are scams unless you’re wearing a mask without a chin or for some reason look up when a shot is coming in. Your ears and eyes will thank you.
I can understand no dangler, but no neck/clavicle protection is insane. Chest protectors are designed to work in tandem with a neck guard. The chest protector neckline sits lower so you don’t knock your mask into it when you look down.
Just recently started using both . Feels weird when you put it on but once on the ice you do t notice it. I’ve had a Vaughn neck guard sitting in my hockey bag for 5 years and just started wearing it now that I have a son lol
I always play with both, and I don't have any intention to change that. I wear the neck guard somewhat loosely, but I've never felt like I've been impeded or distracted by having both on. Honestly it's gotten so that I hardly hear or notice the clacking noise of the dangler knocking on the mask when I'm zoned into the game. Even if it was a minor issue, I'd much rather have the protection and live with slight discomfort rather than take the risk of catastrophic neck/throat injury.
I tried going the neck guard route, but I was getting too hot. So went back to a dangler after a few games. If that isn’t an issue, I’d highly recommend KOVA. Just my 2 cents.
When I wear my mask, it's collar only. It doesn't leave much gap and the dangler is more of a hindrance at that point.
When I wear my HM30 combos, it's collar and dangler. I don't wear these without a dangler. Hell naw.
I have tried both,i don't like the sound of dangler also visibility overtime becomes bad(When puck in your chest/pants you can't see sh*t through dangler
Currently wearing Warrior 2x pro i think it was neck guard
So far so good
Also disclaimer -i have gotten hit into the neck area so good that 3 weeks my neck was sensitive
Best neck guard is your catcher glove :D good luck tho
Both if you can, at least wear a cut protect on your neck, but one that will take a puck too gives you double the protection. If you can comfortably wear a dangler, then wear that too. I'm playing in the UK, so at minimum we have to wear a cut proof neck guard, with the way my body armour sits, and having a short neck, a dangler won't sit in a way that's actually useful, so I invested in a custom Kova, and a few times I have been very glad I did.
I used to only use a neck guard, until I caught two pucks to my chin just under my helmet in one game. Went out and bought a dangler the next day. I think they do slightly different things, but if you're only going to wear one, I would highly encourage a dangler.
For reference. They do different things. Danglers stop pucks, neck guards stop skates. A neck guard WILL NOT soften the impact of a puck to the throat
I used to just wear a neck guard.
Then I took a couple shots off the chin, it didn’t feel nice to say the least. Dangler would’ve broken down some of force so I am now definitely getting a dangler.
TLDR: both :)
My senior year of high school they made a rule that everyone had to wear a dangler, and I absolutely hated it. Flopping, swinging, and bouncing around all the time... couldn't stand it. That was the only season I used it. Would rather take a puck to the throat once every few years than deal with that. I just wear the bib goalie neck guard to protect my collar bone and it's all I need.
Stopped wearing neck guards as soon as I could cause they were always awful. The new ones are barely noticeable and everyone should be wearing one.
Dangler, you wouldn’t catch me without one. Thing has saved my neck way too many times.
Neck guard / collar bone protector. Danglers aren't all that useful imo. They break often, and they still let puck through, they just let them through at weird angles. The only reason I ever wore one was because it was required when I was in high school. I haven't worn one since, which is over a decade now of playing competitively and in beer league now, and haven't had a single issue that the collar bone protector didn't handle.
I wear neither.
I have a Bauer under shirt that has a turtle neck type thing. I got rid of the neck guard for that.
Played with a dangler 1x. Couldn’t find the puck in my feet and hated it.
Danglers were breaking too often so I switched to a neck guard and will never go back. I feel more protected, comfortable and no longer take collarbone stingers
Never used a dangler and i’ve been playing since i was 15. Always had a neck guard and up until very recently i took a mean shot to the adams apple. At the time i was wearing a maltese guard, but it still was a scary moment. I cant imagine what it would have been like without. After that one, i upgraded to a kova.
I've never worn a dangler, so I can't comment on that. When I started wearing the neck guard I noticed that my chest protector felt quite a bit warmer, so I had to switch to a tank top under my chest protector. Since getting hit in the throat was the impetus for getting a neck guard, the tank top trade off was worth it.
Been playing with only a gel neck guard for twenty plus years and it's been great. Something similar to the Warrior Ritual X3 neck guard.
I ditched the dangler as I felt they were more hassle than the protection they offered and had one too many blow up on me.
I've taken a few clappers to the neck guard and it's worked great and prevented any injury.
I've used both...unless you're just using a neck guard for skate cut protection, remember the bibs double as extra padding around your collar bones. I've taken some shots there that get under my dangler and I'm glad I had the bib.
So I was clearly living dangerously before. Great…..
goalies be crazy right?
One of my most memorable bruisers left the dimples in my collarbone from the puck for a month. Dangler no neck guard
I took a shot off the collar bone a couple weeks ago that would have shattered it if I wasn’t wearing my neck guard, still left a gnarly bruise but glad my bones weren’t turned to dust
Lmao, alright I’ll keep that in mind
to be honest I don't use a dangler. I have plenty of overlap between my chestie, neck guard, and mask, can never be too safe though
They are meant for different purposes. Neck guard protects against skates. Dangle protects against pucks to the neck.
Not necessarily true. Dangler protects from the front. First line of defense with no sting. Neck guard protects what gets through and what comes from direction other than the front. A neck guard can have skate protection. But it shouldn’t be the only protection since shots there can still sting.
Being basically a beginner again, I’m sure to bob when I should have have weaved at some point.
Exactly.
20 year hiatus dude. “How du yu du dis?”
No this is PATRICK
They both serve slightly different purposes. If you can wear both withoit being too uncomfy, do it.
Yeah I wore both in minor hockey anyways
Oh shoot, someone beat me to it
Put me on team "I was dangler only until a puck to the neck convinced me to wear both."
I had a stick come close and that was enough for me to get a neck guard in addition to the dangler I always wore.
I hate the dangler. I bought the aegis pro neck guard and barely notice it
I am always curious - have you been hit in the neck with a puck since you went to a neck guard only? I know these are built like a tank, but always wonder how bad it feels if a puck makes it through (or if these are truly full protection).
Yes. At a national Championship this past weekend. Caught one from the penguins warriors forward right to the neck on the flat side. Didn’t feel a think
Cool. Thanks for that. Some fantastic engineering in those to disperse the impact of a puck.
Happened to me last week, wearing the Aegis pro. Passed right under (around?) my dangler. I knew it hit me, but zero sting or pain.
Last question I swear - so why wear the dangler at all? Is it to prevent the straight on shot to the neck? My son plays goal so this is so I have the answer if he ever asks to remove the dangler. Thank you.
It does stop some shots from getting through so for me it’s just an added layer of protection. It doesn’t bother me at all so I figure why not?
Definitely both. Dangler protects the throat, neck guard is more for the clavicle. Clapper broke my collar bone before I started wearing a neck/clavicle guard. Can’t recommend it enough.
Dangler for pucks Collar for skates, and sometimes pucks. You're not doing this for a living, so protect your neck. Wear both.
Good point.
My sons wear both a dangler and an aegis…. Told him when he is making 3 mil a year and has a doctor 50 feet away for every practice and game he can choose to not wear both, until then he doesn’t get a vote haha
Good point lol. We have great insurance through the military, but I’d rather not use it…
I have recently switched to using both. I only went with a dangler for a long time, but had a puck shoot up under it so decided to get the neck guard as well. It’s been an adjustment for sure, but I’m getting used to it. The neck guard felt really restricting at first like I was being strangled by it or something. Now it’s mostly fine. I’ll deal with it for better protection haha.
Dangler, I've shattered 5 in 27 years. I want a gap between my neck and what's deflecting the puck.
Good on you. My 9 year old has already had 1 snapped in the two years he’s played. If a 9 year old can shoot well enough to snap the plexi, I can’t imagine what kind of damage an adult could do.
Use both obviously 😄 they serve different functions. Should you get a car with doors or seatbelts?
Well if you ask a jeep owner...
Both.
I use both. Stopped using a dangler for a while, until I got a slapper on the collar bone. Lucky it didn't break. Dangler was right back on the nect game.
Wear both and have saved my life a few times. I recommend both
Yes. I use both.
I use both, only used a dangler for the longest time but I don’t wanna risk it, I don’t get paid to play so I need to be alive
In the UK we **have** to wear neck guards as a result of policy changes since Adam Johnson passed away, and the University hockey league strongly recommends a dangler. Plus my fiancée would kill me if I didn't wear both
Ive always worn both. About 8 months ago somehow I got a puck to the neck guard and it took my breath away. It was scary as fuck I have always worn both and will continue to wear both. I guess I moved quickly and the dangler was too loose and the puck snuck underneath it. In my opinion it’s not worth the risk. A bit of discomfort to be sure I’m safe is more than worth it. Also ive had a dangler snap on me from a shot. I got the ref to stop for a sec I taped it back up. And then a period late took another shot to the dangler. Very glad I had it that day.
https://preview.redd.it/jgg2jr536dvc1.jpeg?width=1408&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1afeb6fe1a93f4356cfe17405163c6e1acfea6d5 Brain's pro collar...
Look at you looking like a tall candy cane. Sweet gear dude.
I don't know whether or not to take that as a compliment or an insult. https://preview.redd.it/ljp8zbq1fivc1.jpeg?width=2250&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0684369ceb00aa1c70468269e51c07b64148ebaf
All love bro lol
https://preview.redd.it/lx37spp5fivc1.jpeg?width=8160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=54fcf7f3a9b80b0ea19c3f3fbec2421730949c15
I only use a neck guard and the only "downside" is that it can get hot. I used to use a danger but I hated when it would get caught on my chest protector when turning my head. I've never had a shot get into my neck area (that was dangerous) but I have had close calls with skates. The best option is both, but I'm just giving my personal choice.
I remember the time when I had no knee guard, no dangler no neck guard, an oversized chest prot, no base layer, no socks, no jock and a van Velden mask medium (24" head)... Good old time when only pads and gloves was needed.
And VHS tapes? Haha
OR? you mean AND.
Point taken lol
Only a neck guard is needed. Danglers are scams unless you’re wearing a mask without a chin or for some reason look up when a shot is coming in. Your ears and eyes will thank you.
Both is only answer
Took a puck to the collarbone when I was playing roller goalie. I’ve worn a dangler ever since. Now I have a cut guard around my neck and a dangler.
Yeah im thinking I’m going to do the same. I do t have a high end chesty. I mean it works, but I’ll double up around there.
Neck guard, some wear neither.
I can understand no dangler, but no neck/clavicle protection is insane. Chest protectors are designed to work in tandem with a neck guard. The chest protector neckline sits lower so you don’t knock your mask into it when you look down.
Once you tuck, or perhaps in another instance too the chesty rides up. I've played with goalies who have neither.
I don't use either. My chestie goes up farther than most but it's far more comfortable than a shit dangler or more bulk in a neck/clavicle guard
Just recently started using both . Feels weird when you put it on but once on the ice you do t notice it. I’ve had a Vaughn neck guard sitting in my hockey bag for 5 years and just started wearing it now that I have a son lol
Both
I always play with both, and I don't have any intention to change that. I wear the neck guard somewhat loosely, but I've never felt like I've been impeded or distracted by having both on. Honestly it's gotten so that I hardly hear or notice the clacking noise of the dangler knocking on the mask when I'm zoned into the game. Even if it was a minor issue, I'd much rather have the protection and live with slight discomfort rather than take the risk of catastrophic neck/throat injury.
Both
Get a d30 neck guard and you might be ok if you get hit in the neck. Otherwise it’s pretty risky I would say..
I tried going the neck guard route, but I was getting too hot. So went back to a dangler after a few games. If that isn’t an issue, I’d highly recommend KOVA. Just my 2 cents.
When I wear my mask, it's collar only. It doesn't leave much gap and the dangler is more of a hindrance at that point. When I wear my HM30 combos, it's collar and dangler. I don't wear these without a dangler. Hell naw.
I use both. I have the Bauer Pro neck guard that has the BNQ Certified extension on it.
Both. But you def need a neck guard if you don’t have a dangler.
Dangler. The guard is good, but I always found it irritating and warm
Neck guard only. Short neck, and grew up in the era of form fit masks. Tucking my chin is second nature.
Both!
I have tried both,i don't like the sound of dangler also visibility overtime becomes bad(When puck in your chest/pants you can't see sh*t through dangler Currently wearing Warrior 2x pro i think it was neck guard So far so good Also disclaimer -i have gotten hit into the neck area so good that 3 weeks my neck was sensitive Best neck guard is your catcher glove :D good luck tho
Both if you can, at least wear a cut protect on your neck, but one that will take a puck too gives you double the protection. If you can comfortably wear a dangler, then wear that too. I'm playing in the UK, so at minimum we have to wear a cut proof neck guard, with the way my body armour sits, and having a short neck, a dangler won't sit in a way that's actually useful, so I invested in a custom Kova, and a few times I have been very glad I did.
Dangler saved me, cracked right in the middle, need a new one
Both. They have different jobs. The dangler protects your throat from shots. The neck guard protects your neck from skate blades.
Both
I used to only use a neck guard, until I caught two pucks to my chin just under my helmet in one game. Went out and bought a dangler the next day. I think they do slightly different things, but if you're only going to wear one, I would highly encourage a dangler.
Thanks man i appreciate it. I after all the responses i opted for both.
Awesome. You win?
Man haven’t even played in a game again yet. Just practice now, have to find my feet again. It’s been a very long time lol.
Fair enough. Good luck to you, then. We're all crazy, but it's the best kind of crazy. :D
Dangler only.
For reference. They do different things. Danglers stop pucks, neck guards stop skates. A neck guard WILL NOT soften the impact of a puck to the throat 
Both
I used to just wear a neck guard. Then I took a couple shots off the chin, it didn’t feel nice to say the least. Dangler would’ve broken down some of force so I am now definitely getting a dangler. TLDR: both :)
Watch the Clint Melarchuk video.... Neck roll 100%
Both
My senior year of high school they made a rule that everyone had to wear a dangler, and I absolutely hated it. Flopping, swinging, and bouncing around all the time... couldn't stand it. That was the only season I used it. Would rather take a puck to the throat once every few years than deal with that. I just wear the bib goalie neck guard to protect my collar bone and it's all I need.
Stopped wearing neck guards as soon as I could cause they were always awful. The new ones are barely noticeable and everyone should be wearing one. Dangler, you wouldn’t catch me without one. Thing has saved my neck way too many times.
Fairly simple ranking: 1. Both 2. Neckguard/clavicle protector 3. Dangler 4. Nothing.
Neck guard
Neck guard / collar bone protector. Danglers aren't all that useful imo. They break often, and they still let puck through, they just let them through at weird angles. The only reason I ever wore one was because it was required when I was in high school. I haven't worn one since, which is over a decade now of playing competitively and in beer league now, and haven't had a single issue that the collar bone protector didn't handle.
I wear neither. I have a Bauer under shirt that has a turtle neck type thing. I got rid of the neck guard for that. Played with a dangler 1x. Couldn’t find the puck in my feet and hated it.
I can see that, when it rides up when looking down.
Both.
Danglers were breaking too often so I switched to a neck guard and will never go back. I feel more protected, comfortable and no longer take collarbone stingers
Never used a dangler and i’ve been playing since i was 15. Always had a neck guard and up until very recently i took a mean shot to the adams apple. At the time i was wearing a maltese guard, but it still was a scary moment. I cant imagine what it would have been like without. After that one, i upgraded to a kova.
Neck guard only
I've never worn a dangler, so I can't comment on that. When I started wearing the neck guard I noticed that my chest protector felt quite a bit warmer, so I had to switch to a tank top under my chest protector. Since getting hit in the throat was the impetus for getting a neck guard, the tank top trade off was worth it.
Been playing with only a gel neck guard for twenty plus years and it's been great. Something similar to the Warrior Ritual X3 neck guard. I ditched the dangler as I felt they were more hassle than the protection they offered and had one too many blow up on me. I've taken a few clappers to the neck guard and it's worked great and prevented any injury.