the currency exchange of hockey

[Aussie Joe 0]

This is something that I worked out the otherday and thought how amazing the cost of hockey has become here in Australia...

Upon watching SkyNews and finding out the Aussie dollar is now fetching 83 US Cents I went on abit of a search for gear. In particular a Stealth. In my LHS (the best one in Melbourne) I discovered a silver Stealth (1st batch) for AUD $450! Appreciating the fact that you get a warranty with it as well as supporting shops in Aus I logged onto HockeyMonkey's site to see if I could get a comparison. Obviously they wont sell a Stealth to me as per Easton's BS rules about shipping outside of the US. So I took a look at the NBH ONE70 and came up with a comparison....

x1 1st batch Stealth bought in Aus = AUD$450

x3 ONE70 sticks bought and shipped to Aus = AUD$435

Now I know a ONE70 is very different stick to a Stealth but seriously, in terms of value for money these days due to the Aussie dollar's climb Im sure the vast majority of ppl in my situation would go with the ONE70 deal. Especially considering Im currently using a Yellow Synergy grip and loving it! I guess its just hard for me as I really prefer Easton sticks, but at the prices they reach in Australia retail, whats the point?

[fatwabbit 93]

Hey Aussie Joe, I've noticed the same problem. I've actually contacted a LHS in Melbourne as well, and even though they quoted me a discounted price, its still more expensive than shipping in items from the US.

The LHS here has Wicked 7 Skates going for AUD$499! At that price, I know you can get a Wicked 3 from the US and that includes shipping. Some of the guys will buy from the LHS here, as they are friends/mates with the owner. For myself, I still prefer buying from MSH, or scout ebay for some deals.

Also, they dont do rivetting, so even if I were to buy a skate from the LHS, I cant get the chassis swapped out.

I may be heading to the US in Sep for a conference, and if I do Im going to stock up on equipment big time! Let me know if you want anything in particular, and I'll try looking for you if I go. PM me your email or contact number. I live in WA btw.