help a noob out.

[TheBeatGoesOn 0]

Hello all, this would be my first post on this message board... Over the past year I got into NHL hockey and have been to a few Sharks game when I was home on leave (am in the military). Really started enjoying and appreciating it. I wanted to take my enjoyment a step further and learn to play. I live in NC and luckily there is a ice rink only an hour away that has men's A, B and C leagues, as well as offering beginner hockey lessons, stick and puck and pick up games. It's the perfect situation. Anyways, I ice skated once before when I was maybe 12 and don't remember doing too well(I'm now 21). I went to skate again for the first time since then, the other day. Picked it up faster than I thought I would in just the 2 hours that I was there. So the point of this thread is, in order to advance from just public skate and start learning some hockey skills, I need equipment obviously. The rink has a small pro shop. For equipment should I go all out and get higher end gear? I will be getting a tax return soon and am willing to spend a bit if it's necessary that I do that instead of starting with cheap gear. I plan to invest time and stick with the sport but with my schedule it's hard to say when/if I'll have the time to do it as regularly as I'd like. Any suggestions on specifically which skates, sticks, pants, gloves etc I should look at?

Thanks.

[mack 44]

The basic rule to follow is: Get what's comfortable and fits. You don't need to start right out with the top-end gear, even if you can afford it. Just get some basics and make sure you'll actually like it. Nothing worse than seeing someone go gung-ho about hockey and buy expensive skates, then quit because they can't skate in them.

[TheBeatGoesOn 0]

What about for a stick? I know there's different sizes and different curves and stuff... Is there just a basic all around good stick for someone beginning?

[ashtonhutch05 0]

First of all, congratulations in taking up ice hockey, it truly is the greatest sport there is.

But to answer your question, I would just get the basics first off, nothing fancy or high end. That's all you need in order t learn the basics of the game. Also, higher end skates for example, are stiffer than lower end skates, and are for more experienced skaters, which benefit them. Less experienced skaters however, they can do more harm than good until you get better. Also, there is no sense in spending a lot of money on something you are not positive you will like/stick with. Really, after your first season, then you can decide weather or not you need/want high end equipment, but for now just stick with the cheap/beginner equipment.

[mack 44]

Stick-wise: I'd go with a shaft since you can get blades cheap and tinker with what curves you want. The flex you want will for now be determined by your size, unless you can borrow a friend's and see what suits you.

[kabby15 0]

First of all, congratulations in taking up ice hockey, it truly is the greatest sport there is.

But to answer your question, I would just get the basics first off, nothing fancy or high end. That's all you need in order t learn the basics of the game. Also, higher end skates for example, are stiffer than lower end skates, and are for more experienced skaters, which benefit them. Less experienced skaters however, they can do more harm than good until you get better. Also, there is no sense in spending a lot of money on something you are not positive you will like/stick with. Really, after your first season, then you can decide weather or not you need/want high end equipment, but for now just stick with the cheap/beginner equipment.

100% right. its always good to hear guys taking up the sport.

im not going to give gear advice but i think something useful might be making sure when you buy your skates you dont have a pronate/supanate (feet cave in or out) issue. ask your LHS to check your walk and stance and make sure that if you need a wedge or blade alignment they do it. it will forsure help your skating development. i often see too many beginners pronate really bad and it only prevents them from progressing.

best of luck

[ultraman7k 0]

yeah when i started out it was with pretty low end gear...over time i changed it out piece by piece till i have what i have now...but if you're new at hockey, i'd look at getting a decent pair of pants, cause there's nothing like an aching tailbone after a spill for weeks on end.

[kovalchuk71 212]

Go with a good wood stick so you can get a feel for the puck and experiment with curves and lies.

Good to see someone from NC. Welcome aboard. :)

[-brady2 0]

What about for a stick? I know there's different sizes and different curves and stuff... Is there just a basic all around good stick for someone beginning?

Get a somewhat neutral stick, nothing overly expensive, I might start with wood because it will teach you better shooting mechanics, you can't cheat as much with wood.

[mickz 107]

Welcome to the addicting drug known as buying hockey equipment. Since you're starting out I would start of by getting the best pair of skates you can afford if you haven't already done so. Next I would pick out a comfortable helmet that fits. The helmet doesn't have to be expensive, just something that fits.

Everything else like shoulders, elbow pads, shin pads, pants, gloves you can cheap out on at the beginning and possibly upgrade as your skill improves.

I would personally go for a wood stick since they're inexpensive so it gives you the option to tinker around and try out different lengths and curves. If you choose to go the composite route, don't buy any of the cheap composites but buy a nice wood stick instead.

[ashtonhutch05 0]

Yeah go with a woodie, with not much curve on it. If you want, you can torch the blade and tweak it however you want also. But you can't go wrong with wood. Teaches you good shooting techniques, customizable, and cheap if you break them. Plus they're very simple as you don't need to worry about flex and such.

[Chadd 916]

yeah when i started out it was with pretty low end gear...over time i changed it out piece by piece till i have what i have now...but if you're new at hockey, i'd look at getting a decent pair of pants, cause there's nothing like an aching tailbone after a spill for weeks on end.

That's pretty much spot-on. Don't go out and spend a fortune on high end gear as you don't know what you're going to like or dislike once you start playing. Get stuff that is good enough to start and eventually you will replace it all anyway.

[k.nick91 0]

yeah when i started out it was with pretty low end gear...over time i changed it out piece by piece till i have what i have now...but if you're new at hockey, i'd look at getting a decent pair of pants, cause there's nothing like an aching tailbone after a spill for weeks on end.

thats so true. the pants dont have to be top of the line just make sure they have a decent tailbone pad in them. my first practice ever i fell on my tailbone so bad i couldnt sit down at dinner that night. if your gonna shell out a little extra on anything go with pants. and as all the other guys said just work your way up to better equipment as your progress and get more comfortable playing.

GOOD LUCK!

[-brady2 0]

yeah when i started out it was with pretty low end gear...over time i changed it out piece by piece till i have what i have now...but if you're new at hockey, i'd look at getting a decent pair of pants, cause there's nothing like an aching tailbone after a spill for weeks on end.

thats so true. the pants dont have to be top of the line just make sure they have a decent tailbone pad in them. my first practice ever i fell on my tailbone so bad i couldnt sit down at dinner that night. if your gonna shell out a little extra on anything go with pants. and as all the other guys said just work your way up to better equipment as your progress and get more comfortable playing.

GOOD LUCK!

If you're going to concentrate on getting anything for someone starting out, get skates that fit comfortably, even if you maybe have to go up the priceline a bit, and get good pants that fit, because if those to are uncomfortable it won't be nearly as much fun for you and even more frustrating because you are just starting out

[ramensandwich 1]

where do you live in NC? small pro shop, A, B, C league? sounds to me like you're talking about the Pineville Ice House or the Xtreme Ice Center. i'm from concord, and i play at both 3-5 times a week.... maybe i know you.

yes, like the previous poster, spend your money on skates and pants, and a nice pair of gloves. skates are important, and gloves too, make sure they fit you well. pro shops in NC don't stock a lot, but i'm sure MSH can help you get the right skates.

as for pants, go for the middle models of pants. they have better all round protection for the ass and legs, but won't feel like a cardboard box either. i think the pants are very important. if you haven't skated much before, skating in hockey pants might be a bit of a challenge at first, so its important to choose ones with a good balance of mobility and protection... for your first pair, id suggest staying away from CCM pants, because they are extremely stiff and hard to break in in my opinion. the $100 range has nice pants for beginners.

i wouldn't spend so much on pads.. like chadd said, you will figure out your preferences and probably want to replace them after your first season...

EDIT: if i were to make recommendations: (i assume you will probably buy online)

Pads: Bauer Supreme 50 set

Pants: Easton Synergy 700, Bauer Supreme 70

Gloves: Bauer 4-roll (top protection at a low price)

Helmet: well all helmets are protective, find something you like the looks of.

[Super Star 0]

What about for a stick? I know there's different sizes and different curves and stuff... Is there just a basic all around good stick for someone beginning?

Get a somewhat neutral stick, nothing overly expensive, I might start with wood because it will teach you better shooting mechanics, you can't cheat as much with wood.

I would suggest for your first stick to go with a PM9/Forsberg/Modano curves they are similar to each other and will help with stick handling so you can actually get to a place from which you can get a shot off.

The evolution of a hockey player is skating>stick handling>shooting if you can't do the previous you can't do the latter.

[TheBeatGoesOn 0]

Thanks all for the tips and pointers so far. I appreciate it. ;)

Go with a good wood stick so you can get a feel for the puck and experiment with curves and lies.

Good to see someone from NC. Welcome aboard. :)

I see you're from Cary which according to the map is right outside of Raleigh. How is the Cool Sports Hockey pro shop?

where do you live in NC? small pro shop, A, B, C league? sounds to me like you're talking about the Pineville Ice House or the Xtreme Ice Center. i'm from concord, and i play at both 3-5 times a week.... maybe i know you.

yes, like the previous poster, spend your money on skates and pants, and a nice pair of gloves. skates are important, and gloves too, make sure they fit you well. pro shops in NC don't stock a lot, but i'm sure MSH can help you get the right skates.

as for pants, go for the middle models of pants. they have better all round protection for the ass and legs, but won't feel like a cardboard box either. i think the pants are very important. if you haven't skated much before, skating in hockey pants might be a bit of a challenge at first, so its important to choose ones with a good balance of mobility and protection... for your first pair, id suggest staying away from CCM pants, because they are extremely stiff and hard to break in in my opinion. the $100 range has nice pants for beginners.

i wouldn't spend so much on pads.. like chadd said, you will figure out your preferences and probably want to replace them after your first season...

EDIT: if i were to make recommendations: (i assume you will probably buy online)

Pads: Bauer Supreme 50 set

Pants: Easton Synergy 700, Bauer Supreme 70

Gloves: Bauer 4-roll (top protection at a low price)

Helmet: well all helmets are protective, find something you like the looks of.

I live outside of Wilmington, NC. The Wilmington Ice House is where I am going. It's where UNC Wilmington practices and plays games. Concord is near Charlotte, right?

I don't know what sizes I wear for anything so I'd need to go to a pro shop to get fitted. Not sure if it would be a better deal for me to buy from the shop or then order online though...? I'll probably go check out that pro shop in Raleigh if kovalchuk71 gives it a thumbs up. The pro shop in wilmington is pretty small and has a very limited selection.

[MR.Bobby.Orr 0]

props on starting to play hockey, get ready for a long and expensive addiction. :lol: Your gonna love it. As far as equipment goes, i'm going to have to agree with everyone that you shouldn't buy real expensive equipment. The most important thing is you feel comfortable in what you wear. I wouldn't recomend the internet. Try to find a good pro shop, no matter the distance. I promise you, when you walk in there and tell them you need the whole setup, someone will walk you through all the equipment you'll need and you could ask all the questions you need as far as fitting. They will treat you like a king for all that buisness your going to give them. Do some research before you go because they'll try to get you to buy all the expensive stuff. Skates and pants you don't want to cheap out on and try to get middle of the line stuff. Shins are also pretty important, try to get something light and not to bulky as you're just learning. Plus, the people you'll probably play with won't have very hard shots.

Again, Good luck and have fun, just remember to go to work, this new little habit your picking up can really empty your pockets.

[TheBeatGoesOn 0]

bump

[ubitsa 0]

Stick-wise: I'd go with a shaft since you can get blades cheap and tinker with what curves you want. The flex you want will for now be determined by your size, unless you can borrow a friend's and see what suits you.

You can only change the blade if you have a hollow composite shaft though, right?

[Fire0nIce228 1]

I live in Wilmington. Love this place.

The pro shop from what I saw last time I went in should have some decent stuff to get you started. They have wood sticks and all price range of the composites. They dont have the greatest selection of skate brands which is a potential problem, so hopefully someone around knows of a better shop.

With the canes in Raleigh theres bound to be a few shops, maybe try searching for shops in Raleigh with some pictures of the inside with more selection.

[D aka speck 0]

Stick-wise: I'd go with a shaft since you can get blades cheap and tinker with what curves you want. The flex you want will for now be determined by your size, unless you can borrow a friend's and see what suits you.

You can only change the blade if you have a hollow composite shaft though, right?

A shaft is only availabe in a hollow composite.

There are woods, which are just as they sound, all wood.

OPS (one piese stick), which are hollow shafted, composites molded (with a blade) in one piece.

Shafts, which are just that, they do not have a blade and are hollow composites

and...

2 piece sticks, which are, usually, a shaft AND blade pre assembeled at the factory.

As for changing the blade...

you can change the blade in almost any composite, including OPS because composites are, pretty much all hollow.

An OPS would have to be broken and/or cut to change the blade while the shaft or 2 piece requires only heat (and some patience).

Search the forums a while and learn about the differences, including "tapers".

As for what equipment to get...

Don't fall for gimicks, get what works best, for you and you alone.

Go for comfort, fit AND safety rather than marketing dollars.

Expensive equipment WILL NOT make you a better player.

I'm not saying you should draw the budget at the cost of safety, just that the most expensive is not always the best.

PP=personal preference.

Welcome to MSH and the game of hockey!

[lb33knight 0]

I don't know what sizes I wear for anything so I'd need to go to a pro shop to get fitted. Not sure if it would be a better deal for me to buy from the shop or then order online though...? I'll probably go check out that pro shop in Raleigh if kovalchuk71 gives it a thumbs up. The pro shop in wilmington is pretty small and has a very limited selection.

Using a shop to get fitted then purchasing online instead is kinda frowned upon here. Not fair to the shop and the guys that work there to do all of the work and not get the sale. You're a noob, so no harm done. If it's not too much of a drive for you come by the Carolina Ice Palace in Charleston, SC. Biggest shop in NC, SC, an GA hands down.

[ctaz 0]

I don't know what sizes I wear for anything so I'd need to go to a pro shop to get fitted. Not sure if it would be a better deal for me to buy from the shop or then order online though...? I'll probably go check out that pro shop in Raleigh if kovalchuk71 gives it a thumbs up. The pro shop in wilmington is pretty small and has a very limited selection.

Using a shop to get fitted then purchasing online instead is kinda frowned upon here. Not fair to the shop and the guys that work there to do all of the work and not get the sale. You're a noob, so no harm done. If it's not too much of a drive for you come by the Carolina Ice Palace in Charleston, SC. Biggest shop in NC, SC, an GA hands down.

Also since you don't know your sizes and are new, you'd be best served in my opinion by going to a pro shop and letting them size you and fit you and share their knowledge. It'll be worth the money to have everything fitted properly and this way if you run into any problems you'll have some place to go for help. Better not to burn bridges, when you're starting out having knowledgable and experience individuals to help you out is always a plus. You're probably going to end up having your skates sharpened locally, so if you do burn the bridge by fitting and then buying online; you're probably going to frustrate the person that helped you in that shop and remember s/he could end up being the person who gets a hold of your skates to sharpen them.

[TheBeatGoesOn 0]

Thanks again for all advice. Tomorrow's the big day. Finally got my freakin tax return check so I'll be headed to Raleigh to a pro shop there to get fitted and buy what I can afford. I'm gonna try not to spend more than $500 so I'll start with new skates and see what else I can do from there. I'm pumped.