Purchasing New Gear

[River Hill 0]

After a 7 year layoff, because of a broken ankle and leg from playing hockey I decided to start playing again. I am 35 years old 5'11 and 200# and I live in MD. There a very few equiped hockey stores around and it is tuff to try out different things. I did pruchase new Graf Skates and will be breaking them in on Saturday. I want to purchase new equipment as my old equipment is over 10 years old. My Easton Gloves are still very good, but my CCM 210 pads are junk. I need a new helmet, pants, shin-shoulder and elbow pads. So I need it all. I will be playing in a mens league with little contact. I am looking for some suggestions on decent equipment that will last a while. I don't need overkill, but I don't want junk. I know this is a open ended question. I have spent many hours reading and I am learning alot. I am thinking about the CCM 492 pants or maybe a Bauer 4000. I appreciate any help. The problem I have found with local shops is they will try to sell what they have even if it does not fit.

[Chadd 916]

If you're in southern MD, send a PM to UMWHockey. He is in northern VA and may be able to help you find a reputable shop.

[asdfa 0]

i recommend nike v10 shin and elbow and shoulder pads. they should be cheaper now that nike has come out with the new V line (v 11, v14 etc) but they are still excellent equipment. a lot of guys on my hockey team have used the nike pads since the v line has come out, and they say they're the best pads they've ever used, fit wise. i believe the nike v12 pads also won the MSH product of the year awards. the v10s are a lot cheaper and only have slightly downgraded features (nike air vs. nike zoom air pockets).

[Krog7d7 0]

After a 7 year layoff, because of a broken ankle and leg from playing hockey I decided to start playing again. I am 35 years old 5'11 and 200# and I live in MD. There a very few equiped hockey stores around and it is tuff to try out different things. I did pruchase new Graf Skates and will be breaking them in on Saturday. I want to purchase new equipment as my old equipment is over 10 years old. My Easton Gloves are still very good, but my CCM 210 pads are junk. I need a new helmet, pants, shin-shoulder and elbow pads. So I need it all. I will be playing in a mens league with little contact. I am looking for some suggestions on decent equipment that will last a while. I don't need overkill, but I don't want junk. I know this is a open ended question. I have spent many hours reading and I am learning alot. I am thinking about the CCM 492 pants or maybe a Bauer 4000. I appreciate any help. The problem I have found with local shops is they will try to sell what they have even if it does not fit.

I too am recently 35 years old....although I've been playing since I was 17....only out 1 season with a blown knee....

But anyway...

Helmet - Get the new Reebok 8k. Very nice, very comfy.

Pants - Any mid range to high end will do. I find that going high end is a little much for the mens league.....but it's up to you.

Shins and elbows - I've always gone with the Bauer 3000 line. Maybe I'm old school but I haven't found anything that feels better. I also like all of the adjustable velcro and it seems to work for me.

Shoulder pads - If I could, I wouldn't wear them...but the league makes me. I just go out and find the cheapest, thinest chest pads I can find and I'm good.

I know it's not a whole lot of help...but at least it's a start. Don't pass up the helmet! =)

[sogaduch 0]

i saw go with the D&R classic shoulder, elbow. RBK 3K shins, bauer 4000 bucket

[River Hill 0]

What is D & R?

[Eazy_b97 1]

What is D & R?

Older company, I believe went under right around the time Nike purchased Bauer. I'm not sure if it was related or not.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Eazy - the name is still around - they just took out the ampersand - just DR now.

[sogaduch 0]

Eazy - the name is still around - they just took out the ampersand - just DR now.

oops my bad

[Sven 1]

Welcome back to the drug of hockey !

[duch 0]

AS you will be playing in a non-contact league I advise you get equipment that is reasonable but will protect you if, say you trip and hit the boards or a goalpost. My advice is you go for middle of the line or better equipment from CCM, Bauer/Nike or Easton. CCM will probably be the most economical so go for 652's or better yet 852's ( now 692's or 892's if you buy brand new) for shins, shoulder. gloves,elbow pads and helmet. In Bauer that is about the Supreme 4000 line and Nike you go for the V-10 line with the Bauer 4000 helmet or the Nike 004 helmet. Easton you go for the Ultra Light or Air line which would be about Snergy 500 or 700's in their newer stuff. You could try the Itech 95 helmet as well if you don't like the other brands I've mentioned. Easton doesn't presently make a helmet but I hear there is one on the way. Hope this helps you out. I don't think you can go wrong with this stuff for the hockey you play. ;)

[Eazy_b97 1]

Eazy - the name is still around - they just took out the ampersand - just DR now.

I've seen it around. Are they still producing on their own? or is it like a Sportscheck type of thing because I've only seen it at Nationals and Sportschek.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Yes, they are a brand - not a Sportchek special.

[JBP 18]

As all on this thread will attest, buy equipment that fits and will suit the needs of you level of play, try on a few different brands and you'll find what is most comfortable for you and your bodies characteristics.

[River Hill 0]

Thank you guys for all of your help. I now have good starting points. I am sure I will post a few seperate questions on specific equipment as I know this was a very general post. I am sure to visit daily as you guys made me feel at home. Much more than I can say for some other sites I visited.

[River Hill 0]

What pad replaced the Nike V 10 series? Is there a Bauer equivalent? If so do you know what model it is? I saw some V 10 stuff it was light and nice but too small.

[ultraman7k 0]

i think the v11 replaced the v10 and the v14 replaced v12 in protective.