Looking to get into ice

[sectachrome 40]

Ive been playing roller for a long time. Im a good skater on inlines. I have ice skated a few times and have done pretty good after I get used to them. I want to start playing ice as well.

I need to get:

skates

pants

shoulder pads

Im looking at getting One55's but havent tried any skates on yet. But $200 or less is my price point on skates.

The other stuff I really have no idea what Im looking at because Ive never used shoulder pads or pants. Im basically looking to get mid range stuff. I pretty much plan on going to drop ins and stick and puck for a while and then joining an adult league. Beer league basically.

Do you guys have any input on the skates or what are some decent pants/shoulders for what Im doing/spending?

Thanks!

[JoeyJ0506 192]

I absolutely love my RBK 4k shoulder pads. Also, since they're going in a new direction with their protective gear everyone has them on sale or clearance right now. Might want to look into them.

[s4gobabygo 0]

if you're on a budget, i'd say skip the shoulder pads and pants. get a shell to use over your roller girdle, and if you're comfortable with a padded shirt, or no shoulders in roller, i dont see any reason you'll want more on the ice, unless you're joining a contact league. i use a roller girdle on the ice and no shoulders... i dont think you'll need more protection for ice than roller (or put differently, i dont think roller warrants LESS padding than ice for any reason). for skates, you might want to look at NBH XXV's. they're very similar to their 2008 top end skates (XXXX), and my LHS sold me a pair for $225 the day after the new vapor line came out. in the end, get the skates that make your feet the happiest, though.

[sectachrome 40]

if you're on a budget, i'd say skip the shoulder pads and pants. get a shell to use over your roller girdle, and if you're comfortable with a padded shirt, or no shoulders in roller, i dont see any reason you'll want more on the ice, unless you're joining a contact league. i use a roller girdle on the ice and no shoulders... i dont think you'll need more protection for ice than roller (or put differently, i dont think roller warrants LESS padding than ice for any reason). for skates, you might want to look at NBH XXV's. they're very similar to their 2008 top end skates (XXXX), and my LHS sold me a pair for $225 the day after the new vapor line came out. in the end, get the skates that make your feet the happiest, though.

True, I have a RBK 3k roller girdle. Its pretty light but does the job. Good idea. Ill look at the XXV's. Ive been looking around online recently to see if theyve been marked down at the new Vapors came out but they havent really yet.

Thanks guys.

[sectachrome 40]

Why would you move this? Its about ice hockey equipment....

[s4gobabygo 0]

no idea why this was moved...

hockeygiant is selling XXV's for $250... thats the lowest i've seen online, but my local shop gave me a better price at $225. problem with online is you wont get to try them on...

[stickfixchaska 0]

no idea why this was moved...

hockeygiant is selling XXV's for $250... thats the lowest i've seen online, but my local shop gave me a better price at $225. problem with online is you wont get to try them on...

I'll be another guy to sing the praises of the Vapor XXV's. Make sure you try them on though. Mine are 2 full sizes smaller then my street shoes.

[s4gobabygo 0]

yea mine are also 2 full sizes smaller than my running shoes, but in EE width.

[sectachrome 40]

Ill look at the XXV's. Are they $75 better than the One55's (assuming both fit me right)? Im 193 lbs so I do need something a bit stiff. Im about to move to CO from NJ in a couple days, so Im not doing anything just yet. Im not sure if there are any decent hockey shops around where Im going. I think I might order them from Ice Warehouse, they offer free return shipping on skates. I can just order a couple sizes and send the others back.