What to buy

[doorknob 0]

Hi, my son moves to next age group - 13 to 15 years old.

I need to get a new shoulder pad, pants, shin guards and skates for him. (he is growing :) ). Kind of hard for me to pick all that - I never played hockey or even stkate.

So, some questions I have:

What skates (I am looking at something under $100) to choose? Does it really matters at his level? It is just a house leage.

Shoulder pads - I was looking at koho 4460 - is it a good one?

Shin guards - have no idea what to pick.

[EBondo 233]

For skates, I would give the Vector 6.0 a try...they are over 100, but you can find them for cheaper now. They are awesome skates, and I did a review, as did Hooah4 in the review section. Let him try on what he likes, and if they fit him very well, it's best to let him use the best fitting product.

[QandA 0]

The most essential part of a hockey player, IMO, is the skate. If theirs anything to go expensive on, IMO, it's the skate. You make want to look at something a little more expensive, maybe midline, which I think is around $200US.

[doorknob 0]

By the way guys, would suggest to buy all that online, or try to find all that in some local hockey shop? In case of local shop - anybody knows a good shop in Washington DC area?

[whbd18 0]

Definately buy local, http://smartpages.com/sp/yellowpages/ypres...equestid=285871

[jrhky36 1]

i would buy local. especially the skates. because if you have a problem it it easier to return the items. besides would you rather give your money to some other economy your invest in your local one?

[whbd18 0]

check a Modells sporting goods.they should have everything you need

[doorknob 0]

Forgot to ask about hockey pants. What to look for?

(From my point of view that should be made from steel and cover him from armpits to knees.)

[whbd18 0]

If all he is playing is house league than dont go all out on gear.For pants get something in the $30-40 range.Just go to a store and have him try on stuff and he should be able to decide what he likes and dislikes at that age

[Eazy_b97 1]

Set aside a budget, go out, have him try on everything. Try and find a good LHS (Local Hockey Store) and get fitted properly. If your fitted correctly, the protection should be decent on everything and go from there. Also try used equipment, especially skates, if you are trying to keep costs down, but make sure the fit is perfect on everything thats the main priority.

[doorknob 0]

Try and find a good LHS

We had a good store really close (The hockey stop), but it got closed couple month ago. I found another one right now - For Sports in Laurel. I will give it a try tomorrow.

About him choosing things - I would like to push him in a right direction. I need to understand what to look for, so he will not end up buying something because it looks cool

[Eazy_b97 1]

It's kind've difficult to say, like I personally like less bulky equipment, while others are the opposite, alot is personal prefence. Close-outs are a good way to go. Get last seasons top of the line stuff for cheap. Very few companies, if any, will put out an unprotective product. As long as it fits, you should be good. Look for his lower half to be covered. Pants coming down just to the tip of the shin pads, shin pags coming into the skates (or over the tongue). Do the "pen test" when he tries on skates. Get'em sized up, have'em up them on. Move his foot fully forward, and see if you can get a pen behind his heel, you shouldn't be able to get any more room than that. Look for caps in the padding in the pants and try to avoid those. Have him suit up in the stuff in the store, and kind've pound certain areas. Hit in the middle of his chest (obviously not too hard) and see if it can hold up against it. Shins shouldn't be a big concern really, most are very good and very similar. For pants try and make sure there isn't too much open space between padding. There will be some, but try and keep it to a minimum. You can find good, protective equipment for a reasonable price.

Good Luck.

[Chadd 916]

Try and find a good LHS

We had a good store really close (The hockey stop), but it got closed couple month ago. I found another one right now - For Sports in Laurel. I will give it a try tomorrow.

About him choosing things - I would like to push him in a right direction. I need to understand what to look for, so he will not end up buying something because it looks cool

Send a PM to UMWhockey here on this website. He is just a bit south of you in suburban VA and can help you find a good shop in your area.

If he's still in junior skates, I would look at the Mission S300. It's $149 and you get a free stick with it if you purchase by August 31. Never buy skates for the freebie, but if you like them it's a nice little bonus.

With pants, I like the Mission L3. They offer a lot of features for the price.

For shoulder pads, I like the DR SP15. They should be more than sufficient for a house league.

[jimmy 194]

check a Modells sporting goods.they should have everything you need

I especially like the "experienced" teens they have sharpening skates. That's if they are not too busy helping some soccer mom fit on some running shoes, or stocking the baseball gloves.

I can't even count how many folks have come to me with Modell skates to Repair. You get the servive you pay for.

[whbd18 0]

Im not saying get skates sharpened there,but for a house league they should have the necessary equipment to get.But yes he still would need to find someone to sharpen the skates

[DarkStar50 679]

doorknob,

I agree with the guys steering you to a LHS. There has to be a knowledgeable sales guy there to help you and guide you. When your son tries on equipment for size, also try on a model that is either a few $ more or a few $ less. This method will allow your son to feel the difference in protection and price, and you will see the difference in fit from model to model. Some brands will fit your son better than others, just like in shoes, right? If the sales guy knows his products, you will be able to tell pretty quickly. If he is a bit lost trying to fit your son, move on. I think we all agree: your equipment has to fit properly and you have to be comfortable in it. Certain things, like skates and gloves need to be "broken in." Even ask your son if any of his buddies have already bought their gear and where did they get it. Ask the hockey department guy at the rink that is running the house league as well for info. Just a few ideas.

Peter