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I'm starting to get more serious about getting into ice, skating more often, stick handling, practice in general. However I'm not familiar with modern day shin guards, elbow pads, chest protectors and companies that make them. I'm looking into CCM, Bauer, Easton for protective gear, but I don't know who to go with or why and there doesn't seem to be a large review site for gear; That's why I'm asking you guys.
Best thing to do, is wear some shorts and short sleave shirt and go down to hawk hockey and try stuff on. Get what you feel is comfortable and does not restrict movement.
I just went through this, after a long time of not playing hockey.
There is no substitute for going to a place with a nice amount of inventory and trying different stuff on. Hope I am not breaking any rules or anything by posting an outbound link, but I found: www.modsquadhockey.com very helpful for finding info about gear.
One of my only real mistakes was ot getting shins that were long enough. (I like to stick the skate tongues underneath the shinguards.)
Have fun out there!
Agreed.Quote:
Originally Posted by mudfisher
Don't be afraid to mix and match either. Certain stuff just fits better. For example, my shin guards are RBK 7K. They're perfect. I've block many a shot off my shin guards and it def. eases the blow. However, my main chest protector/shoulder pads are Easton. And my elbow pads are RBK 9K. It's just the best fit for me, all around.
Go to a shop, try them out, ask for store help/advice from the hockey players there (most are), and buy whatever's comfortable.
I was planning on going down to Discount Hockey and trying stuff on, but their site only shows CCM and Bauer gear. So I'm thinking of going down to Hockey Monkey since they have more variety.
I don't know what weight it carries or whether this is the right state of mind, but I put a lot of stock into Easton because they make gear for other sports and are able to extend that R&D into Hockey. That said, that's why I'm considering going down to Hockey Hawk instead of Discount Hockey.
Discount Hockey in Woodland Hills doesn't have a whole lot of inventory. It's a place I'd suggest you go to if you already know what you want. I'd suggest taking a drive down to Hockey Monkey and Hockey Giant and trying stuff on. See what is comfortable and what fits in your price range. Of course, if you want to keep it on the cheap, check out your local Play It Again Sports and check out some used equipment. For beginners, I'd suggest getting used gear first since you won't be wasting too much money if it turns out you don't like playing.
It's all up to you man, everything fits everyone differently. Like everyone's been saying, try on what you can and see what works for you. When you try something, don't forget to check out your mobility while you're wearing it. You don't want anything too constrictive. Unless you're endorsed, you can't live by one brand too. All of my gear is all sorts of brands, so yeah, check it all out.
They've moved up the 101 to Agoura Hills. I was there (at the Woodland Hills location) in January taking advantage of the sales they had while moving and talking to the employee, he said the newer place was much bigger. I haven't been there to verify that, and while I'm sure it won't come close to the sizes of Hockey Giant/Monkey, it may be worth checking out before driving down to the OC if you're closer to Discount Hockey.Quote:
Originally Posted by UnholyGoalie
Yes definitely try out the different brands. IF they fit, RBK/Jofa are the most protective gear out there. But they don't all fit me that well and to me they're a little TOO protective. I sacrifice some protection for mobility (depending on which pads) so I don't always go with them. I do have their shin guards and love them. But the other brands offer good protection too. But I think the consensus is that RBK/Jofa will protect the best if it fits you.
I went to Discount Hockey's new place and yeah, it's not nearly as big as HockeyGiant/Monkey. Discount Hockey's current location is very 'rag tag'(Last time I was there a couple months ago), there were a lot of boxes in the center of the store with unopened merchandise and a guy working there named Rick, who was f'ing rad.Quote:
Originally Posted by Watti
The only thing making me hesitant to go all the way down to Giant or Hawk is how far it is, driving all the way down from Santa Clarita/Newhall.
