Anybody use top level gear for beer league?

[Canuck77 0]

There are alot of guys (usually older) who have played thier share of competitive, fast paced hockey and now just want to have fun.

So true....

Many of us have played competitive hockey at some point in our lives (I have the mouth full of porcelain to prove it..) and as we "mature"..*lol*.. we continue to play for the sheer joy of it.

The fact that we are able to afford higher end gear is a "bonus" - anyone who makes an issue of it is merely jealous....

Here, Here, I just got back into playing after about 10 years. I went to my LHS and basically asked for comfort and good protection. I have a good job and can afford it. If you get hurt you can't work, you know support the family and stuff.

Don't worry about what anyone says, they wish they could afford it.

[Reaper 0]

Personally, I have fairly top level protective equipment and skates. For sticks, I use Easton Ultra Lites with wood blades.

I guess you could say I'm a terrible hockey player. I can't skate well but I know my position and I know where my linemates are going to be. I average a point every 5 or 6 games. I'm trying to get better (currently getting my ass kicked weekly at powerskating) but I have no illusions that because I have fairly good gear that I am somehow a superstar. The reason I have top level gear is mainly for protection. The mortgage still has to be paid regardless of whether I get creamed to cut off a pass or get drilled running a pick to prevent a goal.

My sticks aren't flashy though. I use them for the consistency of composite shafts. I would never buy a $300 stick though. For me, it'd be like including Snap On tools in a Fisher Price "My first workshop."

[santiclaws 0]

Top-level equipment usually:

1. Is more comfortable

2. Is lighter

3. Protects better

4. Lasts longer and ends up being cheaper in the long run

If you can afford it, there's no reason not to go with top-end stuff. It frees you from having to worry about your equipment and lets you just worry about your game. Not to mention the fact that a full set of top-end equipment is still a lot cheaper than just one visit to the doctor.

[BGM 0]

just because you are playing in a beer league doesn't mean you are a C-D player. There are alot of guys (usually older) who have played thier share of competitive, fast paced hockey and now just want to have fun. Sometimes we like to have the high end equipment and are at the point in our lives that we are able to afford it.

If you have played all your life (I have too) that means you can skate. I'm talking about the C, D and I league guys that are falling over the place and can't raise the puck. Pads you can never spend enough on though.

[ju87 0]

The only thing that they will care about is that you showed up and played hard.

that says it all. just play hard and enjoy yourself.

[mrusse01 0]

I don't really care what equipment someone uses as long as they aren't a dick on the ice. I've found the newer players to the game are usually respectful and don't go out there and play like jerks.

I'll admit I might chuckle a bit if I were to see someone who can barely stand up decked out in full pro level gear, but I've never seen someone even close to that. But, if someone who is just learning wants to go out and spend $300 on a Stealth, go nuts doesn't bother me, I'd probably even compliment them on it.

The only thing that I don't like is people wearing something like an OHL practice jersey when they clearly didn't play in the OHL, or I personally wouldn't wear a pro stock helmet or pants with the team's logo on it.

[The Playoff Beard 0]

I don't think it's too big a deal. I'm just starting out, and I by no means have high end gear (in fact most of it is pretty low).

In my opinion it's okay to have pro-level protective gear, because in theory it protects you more than low level gear, like many people have said. What I don't get, is people in my i-league (worse than beer league), rocking all sorts of pro-stock stuff, and having kick ass composite sticks when they can't hold the puck and skate at the same time.

[no.95 0]

The only thing that I don't like is people wearing something like an OHL practice jersey when they clearly didn't play in the OHL, or I personally wouldn't wear a pro stock helmet or pants with the team's logo on it.

Well, that all depends on how/why they got it. I personally wear more or less pro-stock stuff only since my kid brother's playing in the jrs here in sweden and I get most of my stuff through him. Also, pro-stock equipment bought att teams equipment sales (or otherwise for that matter) are usually relatively cheap, so why not?

[technophile 0]

I don't really care what equipment someone uses as long as they aren't a dick on the ice.

Ditto, although I don't even really care what they use even if they are a dick on the ice. ;)

Who cares if some other guy has a $300 composite stick, $400 skates, and his jock strap cost more than my entire outfit? The only thing I care about is having a good time and playing well; his equipment doesn't affect that at all.

Plus, that means it will suck that much more for him when his $300 composite stick breaks; I'll just go drop another $20 on a blade or $40 on a shaft and be perfectly happy. ;)

[yipperzz 28]

what it really comes down to is jealousy just like others have said. if you had a hundred million dollars, would you drive a toyota tercel or would you drive an exotic sports or luxury car? it's just human nature. if you see someone with something better than you that you can't afford, you will feel some sort of resentment. some people take it harder than others. so if you can get it, use it. who cares what they think?? :P

[mrusse01 0]

The only thing that I don't like is people wearing something like an OHL practice jersey when they clearly didn't play in the OHL, or I personally wouldn't wear a pro stock helmet or pants with the team's logo on it.

Well, that all depends on how/why they got it. I personally wear more or less pro-stock stuff only since my kid brother's playing in the jrs here in sweden and I get most of my stuff through him. Also, pro-stock equipment bought att teams equipment sales (or otherwise for that matter) are usually relatively cheap, so why not?

You're right, I would wear pro stock stuff if I was able to get it like that. I just personally don't like wearing a lot of logos of a team that I wasn't on, I would probably buy Leaf pants for example if they were a great deal, but I don't think I'd wear a pro stock Leaf helmet. I saw a guy with pro stock Coyotes old shitty CCM helmet and gloves, I thought he looked like a tool.

[BGM 0]

what it really comes down to is jealousy just like others have said. if you had a hundred million dollars, would you drive a toyota tercel or would you drive an exotic sports or luxury car? it's just human nature. if you see someone with something better than you that you can't afford, you will feel some sort of resentment. some people take it harder than others. so if you can get it, use it. who cares what they think??

All of us know how to drive a car. If you saw a 14 year old or 97 year old who couldn't see over the steering driving 40 mph in the slow lane in his Ferrari 360 Modena do you think I'm jealous ? No. I would laugh. But if they want to buy it go right ahead.

[johnpace2 0]

I'll wear my Capitals practice jerseys (got from the team) in pickup or stick and puck.

I'm pretty sure no one thinks I played for the Caps. :P

[Jim A 4]

As long as people get gear that is right for them, whether it is top of the line, pro-stock or whatever doesn't matter..

some of the old guys from my old group have XX's and likely now XXX's..why? they would benefit more from supremes...but they walked into an LHS..were seen as a wallet..and left with high priced but poorly matched gear...lightest and stiffest doesn't always equal best...160lb people with pro stock + 1 skates (not calling out anyone in this thread..just an example ) is overkill...great for a guy like Rob Blake who gets a new pair every 10 games but not for the average beer leaguer..

will a pair of pro stock gloves protect you that much different than a good retail glove in all but the rarest circumstances? of course..

[penaltybox 0]

I dont care what gear people have.I'm to busy making sure no one gets around me on the ice. Its hockey not a fashion show

[gavin 0]

As far as gear goes, I would agree with what everyone has said so far. Protect yourself, buy whatever feels good/will protect yourself the best. You can get hurt skating with sub-par equipment.

One thing I would like to add: if you can't slapshot, do a good wrist shot, or one-time a crisp pass, you'll waste your money buying 200$ sticks. Just get a woodie or a low-end composite with a blade that you work well with. Having "advance technology" in your stick is only going to help you if you are a really good shooter. Other than that, 10$ sticks at Crappy Tire will mean that you can spend more money on powerskating lessons or dropin at lunchtime.

[yipperzz 28]

what it really comes down to is jealousy just like others have said. if you had a hundred million dollars, would you drive a toyota tercel or would you drive an exotic sports or luxury car? it's just human nature. if you see someone with something better than you that you can't afford, you will feel some sort of resentment. some people take it harder than others. so if you can get it, use it. who cares what they think??

All of us know how to drive a car. If you saw a 14 year old or 97 year old who couldn't see over the steering driving 40 mph in the slow lane in his Ferrari 360 Modena do you think I'm jealous ? No. I would laugh. But if they want to buy it go right ahead.

there are plenty of people with nice cars that don't know how to drive. there are people who have race cars and all they do is drive straight in it. so should these people not be able to drive these cars because they suck at driving or won't use the cars to it's full potential? no. they had the money to buy it, so they can do whatever they want with it. that was my point.

[BGM 0]

there are plenty of people with nice cars that don't know how to drive. there are people who have race cars and all they do is drive straight in it. so should these people not be able to drive these cars because they suck at driving or won't use the cars to it's full potential? no. they had the money to buy it, so they can do whatever they want with it. that was my point.

No one is saying they aren't supposed to drive in it. People buy their kids Mustangs etc when they get their drivers license and barely know how to drive. It's just whether they are getting real performance out of something. But yes people can buy whatever they want.

[t1tan 19]

there are plenty of people with nice cars that don't know how to drive. there are people who have race cars and all they do is drive straight in it. so should these people not be able to drive these cars because they suck at driving or won't use the cars to it's full potential? no. they had the money to buy it, so they can do whatever they want with it. that was my point.

No one is saying they aren't supposed to drive in it. People buy their kids Mustangs etc when they get their drivers license and barely know how to drive. It's just whether they are getting real performance out of something. But yes people can buy whatever they want.

That always drove me crazy in highschool, sorta jealousy there but when a kid wrecks his new Mustang, and is given a new BMW and wrecks that to move on to a Boxster or something drove me crazy cause they have no appretiation for what they were given.

For example leaving school one day, girl got a dark blue Porsche Boxster S for her sweet 16, she tries to be cool and peel out, what does she do? Puts it in reverse and smashes the damn rear-end up. I'm sure you can imagine my disgust sitting there in my rusted up '94 Ford Ranger.

But as far as top level gear, I really don't care what people use. As long as they don't constantly get in my way or ruin the game for everybody else or has to act like a spoiled little bitch when they get hit or have the puck taken from them because they think they're a pro and if things don't go their way they think have been wronged in some way and whine about it all night. Personally I do use high-end gear because I've always played competative hockey and that's the gear I have, and that's what I'm comfortable with using, but then it's also helpful to have the sort of personality where you don't care what people think of you lol

[iceholes 0]

hey when you have played for as many years as us old guys... you buy whatever you want!!!.. I buy what protects me best, feels the best...and makes me feel good!!!! I am like you./... started out mid level stuff... now forget it.. the "pro" stuff protects you better... If its light and gives kick ass protection... Ill buy it...

[TBLfan 25]

I think that everyone should use some low end equipment, that way when they get the higher end stuff they will appreciate what they have. I don't use a vapor XXX stick but I have a friend in D(he's played in B, oh and he just bought some 9k pumps) league and I have a better shot than his but whatever. He's also one of those guys that would let his friends borrow it(vapor XXX) to play. If you can get your hands on higher end equipment then go for it! Anyone that has a problem with you having something better isn't respectable enough for their opinion to matter. Oh and be nice when we're drooling over your new equipment!!!

btw, I hear you guys talking about C and D league being really crappy. Down here; B,C and D are pretty competitive, there's a "beginner's league" for the guys falling all over eachother.

[Quintin 16]

I don't use a vapor XXX stick but I have a friend in D(he's played in B, oh and he just bought some 9k pumps) league and I have a better shot than his but whatever. He's also one of those guys that would let his friends borrow it(vapor XXX) to play.

Is it because you use a Warrior Dolomite or Vapor XXX LITE? :D

[hockeyherb 1]

He's also one of those guys that would let his friends borrow it(vapor XXX) to play.

That dudes crazy or he has a ton of money! What happens when they break it - does he expect them to buy a new one or does he just shrug it off. I have money but not the kind where I don't wince if I have to shell out another $200.

I was crapping the other day when one of my teammates (a really big guy) grabbed my XXX Lite and starts flexing it like there's no tommorrow. I've learned enough on this board from other threads that you just don't do that to an OPS. So you can imagine if I don't want anybody flexing my stick I certainly don't want anyone playing with it.

I guess MAYBE if it was a really good friend of mine.... not just an average teammate.

[t1tan 19]

i'd make them put down a security deposit for the price of the stick if they want to borrow lol

[GH_ID 0]

I don't mind to see an average player as myself wearing top of the line gear, but at least if it's made for him. Like if you have an awfull shot, don't go get a 7k or xxx, you won't even see different results. Or if you dont play contact hockey as a rec player, why go get some big bulky shoulder pads. But if you have the money and the piece of equipment suits you well than go for it! It's top of the line equipment after all that drives the market and alows us to benefit from all the new innovations.