GK Tech 

Mercian Hockey

We are proud that Mercian Goalie Gear Foam equipment is made in the UK, but even back in the days of cane and leather pads, leather kickers and the most basic of equipment, we were still proud to use English craftsmanship and materials.

As UK manufacturing became less economical and the Indian and Pakistani cities of Jalandhar and Sialkot came to the fore of hockey equipment manufacture, Mercian moved production of its goalie gear out to Asia and we still use both those nations to produce our soft (not legguards, kickers and gloves) equipment.

Soft Goalie Goods

However, we decided over ten years ago that whilst there were cost advantages to some equipment from Asia, the technology and raw materials did not provide the high levels of performance needed to create the ranges that we wished to bring to market. At that time (and still now), the type of local foams available in these Asian cities cannot be heat and pressure bonded, resins have to be used. This creates an inherent weakness as the resin can fail in both high and low temperature conditions. This means the foam laminates can come apart and the product then fails. Our process uses foams that are heat sensitive, they are bonded together using heat and pressure, essentially making a single piece of foam from multiple sheets, maximising the performance outcome whilst also maximising durability.

The ‘boss’ of the foam manufacturing facility is a previous Head of Physics so has huge materials knowledge and has been involved in foam goalie kit manufacture since the early days of ‘moon boot’ kickers in the 1980s so has an intimate knowledge of product development over many years, meaning that the technical input we can put into our products is exceptional. This has resulted in the most recent developments in the goalie equipment ranges with all the legguards and kickers (except the junior Genesis 0.3 ranges) having the slide skin on the foam to reduce surface friction and allow keepers to slide, dive and smother easily in our equipment.

The two other specific advantages of UK production both come from the quality of the raw materials. The consistent manufacturing process, with high levels of quality control result in fantastic foams, with great protective and durability elements. The foam is very lightweight, aiding mobility, but the heat sensitive nature means that multiple densities can easily be bonded to give great protection and high rebound – the most desirable of outcomes!

So, with excellent raw materials, intelligent design and construction we can offer some of the highest level goalie foam on the planet. But don’t just believe us, read what some of our sponsored players, but also our everyday club players say…

Products Online

Natural White Chamois

The original and best chamois hockey grip – made in the same factory as the original Dita Chamois Grip.

For best results, dampen grip before use. The average player will probably need half a dozen of these throughout a season.

Natural Yellow Chamois

The original and best chamois hockey grip – made in the same factory as the original Dita Chamois Grip.

For best results, dampen grip before use. The average player will probably need half a dozen of these throughout a season.

Fox 40 Whistles

The original and best, piercing tone, immediate attention. The decision may be questionable, but everyone will know it’s been made!

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As a specialist retailer it is vital we work with a brand that provides a wide range of high quality items, that have a proven heritage and record of performance – hockeycentre.nl

Email Us

info@mercianhockey.com

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+44 (0)1483 757677

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1 Manor Way, Old Woking
GU22 9JX. UK