New to Hockey!

[epstud74 24]

Do you skate down at the arena in Pineville/Matthews?

[Styrr 0]

Do you skate down at the arena in Pineville/Matthews?

I have skated there. The one I normally skate at is smack dab in the middle of Charlotte. Pineville one is called Pineville Ice or something correct?

[Ice Pirate 0]

I have a few suggestions. In regards to your exact question. I agree with whoever said get the best helmet you can afford, specifically one that uses EPP or FXPP. I also agree not getting top level skates as they will be hard to break in for you and remain too stiff for a casual player. However, IF you can afford it, I highly recommend buying all higher quality gear. I can't tell you how many times my arm would have been fractured if it was not for 2 more inches of forearm coverage that cost me $20 bux extra on my RBK elbow pads. Ever since buying pro tack pants I also no longer get a sore tail bone from falls.

In addition to your question I also thought I would offer this advice. You said you are 6'1, but kinda skinny...well let me tell you something you may already know from lacross. People will take note of you because of your height...and nothing will make them feel better about themselves if they can mess with the "big guy" who is learning. Just always remember to keep your head up and remember that people take note of the tall guys on the ice. Depending upon how serious you are about playing, you might want to start lifting weights and putting on some pounds to better match your appearance that you have with gear on. Being tall is nice, but it makes you a big target for punishment when learning.

[Steve_v3 289]

i would recommend mission skates. xp's are great defensive skates and have alot of protection.

Don't commit to any one skate brand. Mission's are great skates but all skates fit a little different. Mission's may not fit you the best. Your best bet is to go to your local hockey shop and get fitted. Try on as many brands as you can. If your feet are still growing consider you may only have them for a year or two. If you get poorly fitted skates you will be uncomfortable. Nothing is worse then having your feet hurt the whole time your on the ice. Plus if they don't fit right it will effect your skating.

The biggest difference between mid level skates to high end ones are the stiffness and the weight. High end skates will be lighter and be more stiff.

[Styrr 0]

Totally unrelated, but I typed Evgeni Malkin into google, it corrected me, asking if I meant Sidney Crosby. Just made me laugh.

[shoeshine boy 246]

Do you skate down at the arena in Pineville/Matthews?

I have skated there. The one I normally skate at is smack dab in the middle of Charlotte. Pineville one is called Pineville Ice or something correct?

that's not one in the Eastland Mall is it? I skated in a 4v4 tourney there one summer. that place was hot as hell with the sun coming through the skylights!

[epstud74 24]

Eastland is in the ghetto...

I'm not sure why anyone would say "Mission skates are for defensemen" I've never, ever heard that before.

Besides, Mission is no longer, having been bought out by Bauer

Make sure you get a skate that is snug, yet comfortable.

[pizzakid13 5]

i used my lacrosse gloves and elbow pads for a while when i started. that should save you some cash.

[Styrr 0]

Eastland is in the ghetto...

I have pretty much faced that every hockey rink/ice rink in the Charlotte metro area is ghetto. I was at one, can't remember the name, that was taken care of less than an abandoned building, smelled and looked moldy.

[Styrr 0]

I have seen some of the pro-stock stuff and I wonder why its around 50 dollars off of retail. Is something wrong with it?

[tony1233 0]

I have seen some of the pro-stock stuff and I wonder why its around 50 dollars off of retail. Is something wrong with it?

from what I can gather (I could be completly wrong though) the product was made to pro specs but, due to some small flaw (ex paint on a stick or a small knick) the pro's won't use it so they sell them to the outlet companies like hockeygiant, hockeymonkey, etc. and then they sell them off at a reduced price. But don't hold me to that definition.

[Ahriman 1]

the giant doesnt carry any prostock but the monkey sells some stuff they call prostock

[tony1233 0]

that's my mistake.. no trouble to tell that I don't use the giant a whole lot lol... anyone else know any other sites where you can get prostock gear ?