True Catalyst Catalyst 9X3 Pro
Top RetailPro tier Catalyst; stiff core, NHL-favored construction
Base price: $1499·Style: butterfly·Level ceiling: College·Sizing: true
The Catalyst 9X3 Pro is True's pro-tier Catalyst pad — sitting below the 2026 Nitro Pro flagship and above the retail 9X3. Intermediate and senior sizing. It's the pad that built True's reputation in the goalie community: pro-spec construction, market-leading strapping, and consistent quality control across builds.
Construction uses True's pro-grade core — reactive enough for AAA and College butterfly play, with True's soft-enough Catalyst feel that gives hybrid goalies room in the lineup. Strapping is community-rated the best available among pro-tier retail pads: multi-point system with well-designed calf and knee attachment. The "factory attention to detail" that True's HZRDUS line gets noted for applies equally here.
The honest distinction from the retail 9X3 below: core grade is higher, materials finishing is more consistent, and the strapping system is the full pro configuration. At $650 more than the retail 9X3, the upgrade is real. Whether it's worth it depends on what level you play and how long you keep pads.
Best for: College-ceiling butterfly goalies who want the best-available strapping and pro-spec materials in a Catalyst profile; goalies who've played Catalyst retail and want to step up.
Not ideal for: goalies who'd get 90% of the same pad from the retail 9X3 at $650 less; anyone who doesn't need pro-spec construction for the level they play.
Scores
Score breakdown
durability
5/5Pro-spec construction and True's market-leading build quality result in the highest durability score in the catalog. True's materials and assembly are community-rated best-in-class. These last.
mobility
4/5True's slim Catalyst profile is lighter than CCM Axis equivalents. Not Warrior G7 RTL weight, but fast for a full-feature pro pad.
rebound
5/5Pro-spec core delivers strong butterfly rebound output. Better than the retail 9X3, close to HZRDUS-line output while keeping Catalyst's softer feel.
sliding
4/5True's slide system is solid. Community puts it below Vaughn QuickSlide and Brian's Primo-Slide — that's consistently the case across the True lineup.
comfort
5/5Market-leading strapping is the standout. The multi-point attachment system minimizes pad movement under load. Best-rated strapping at any price point.
value
3/5At $1,499, pro-spec value depends on your level. For College or serious AAA goalies who keep pads 3+ seasons, the durability ROI is real. For AA-level play, the retail 9X3 delivers more value.
resale
4/5True's growing used market means better resale than three years ago. Pro-tier pads hold value well as the brand becomes more mainstream.