Acceleration slower with equipment

[Irbe1 0]

Not sure if this should be in the equipment forum or here.

Anyways, for some reason with equipment on my acceleration is a lot slower than without it. I don't mean just a little bit, it is very noticable. I can't seem to figure out exactly what the problem is. Could it be my shin pads? Maybe they are too long and restrict movement. Is this a problem for everyone?

I am not the lightest of people but without equipment on I can keep up with most anyone, but it is a whole different story with it on.

[Kobe 0]

Well you're lugging around another 15-20 lbs with all of your stuff on so that will obviously make you slower. It could be your shinpads but they would have to be really oversized for you if it affects your skating that drastically. How tall are you? What length are your shinpads?

[MDE3 0]

For many people the biggest restriction is the hockey pants..too small and they will be very restrictive.

Shin pads which are very large could inhibit your stride as well..but even more maybe how you attach them. If you wrap your lower pad around your ankles..sometimes this will seriously restrict the ability of your foot to flex and finish the stride properly. If you happen to wrap your upper shin pads above the knee..to keep the upper flap "in place"..this wil significantly reduce your knee bend, as well as add a lot of resistance making you fatigue more quickly.

Sometimes a lycra girdle with a loose shell feels much less restrictive than full hockey pants.

[Irbe1 0]

I am only 5'9, actually I am not too sure on how long they are I 've been wearing the same ones for a few years. 15 inch sounds right though...

[Hockeyman9621 0]

I am only 5'9, actually I am not too sure on how long they are I 've been wearing the same ones for a few years. 15 inch sounds right though...

I'm about 5'11 and I use 14 inch..... Do your pads go into your skate too far maybe? Rub against your pants?

[Chadd 916]

I'm 6-1 nd use 15s and they're bordering on being too long. I just like the extra protection when I play D.

[Irbe1 0]

I just checked, they are 14's. They do go into my skates, I think right to the top laces, I've never really thought to take note, I'll have to do that next time I have my gear on.

[Keith 0]

Maybe you are just running a bit too heavy for your frame and the gear's weight on top of it is just too much for your body to drive efficiently?

[Irbe1 0]

Thats what I thought before. I probably should have mentioned that I also feel awkward on my skates at times when in full gear. Not only is it the acceleration I just flat out can't skate as well, but the acceleration is the most noticable. Maybe it is time to buy some new stuff and ensure it is fitted properly, unfortionatly I am not made of money.

[Dangles 0]

Is it just me or am I using the wrong size shin pads? I'm 5'5 and use 14" but like a very protected shin, I just got new ones, I went from a 12" Itech to a 14" Easton and as for it rubbing against your legs.. pull your shin guard of the tongue of your skate.

[kosydar 0]

I guess everybody is different. You could just have very long shins. Me personally, I'm 5'11" and have 15", but they're a small 15". In fact, I'm getting some V-10s this week in a 15" that should fit a little bit bigger. I do wear them over the tongue.

[Eazy_b97 1]

I wear mine over the tongue, 17" and I am 5'11. It took me a little while to get used to, and they may be a little too long, but nothing noticable, and I always blocked alot of shots when I played.

[bulletproof_funk 0]

I wear my shin guards over the skate tongues too. I tried shins-in-tongue but always felt awkward when the shin guards push down into my skate as I'm bending my ankle. I don't feel restricted with shins-over-tongue, but then I don't do up the bottom strap or use sock tape either.

[Karly14 21]

I'm 5'7 and use 16inch pro stock shin pads, im all about the big shin pads, heatley or gagne are too. its ends up getting me a lot breakaways when d try and dump/shoot in the puck

[Irbe1 0]

Maybe I'll try putting them over the tongue, how exactly do you do it?

[echi24 1]

Every one will have different skating styles that they have developed over time, and my guess is to stick to what works. If your thinking of getting new shinpads, maybe bring your skates along and see what they feel like with skates. Im 5'7.5" and my 14" Easton Ultra Lite shinguards are getting a bit small, but as long as they dont dig into your foot when skating, i dont think shinguards are the problem. Maybe work on your foot work off ice, and get stronger calf muscles.

[Eazy_b97 1]

Maybe I'll try putting them over the tongue, how exactly do you do it?

You get dressed like normal, then once your lower half is on you tuck your tongue tight to your leg and put the shin pad over it so it is hanging down over the tongue and towards your laces.

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

I don't think it's because of your shinpads. I am 6foot 2" and I have 16 inches shin pads. I wear them under my tongue like Kovy and Fedorov.

Maybe your pants are too big for you, your shin pads sounds to be ok.

[Kobe 0]

I wear them under my tongue like Kovy and Fedorov.

Dude, seriously. You're starting to scare me a little...

[2048 0]

I wear them under my tongue like Kovy and Fedorov.

Dude, seriously. You're starting to scare me a little...

That surprises you at this point?

[mack 44]

"I wear them under my tongue" would have sufficed.

[LkptTiger 1]

I'm about 5'11 and wear 14" pads. Keep in mind that I am a small 5'11", which basically means I need to gain much more weight, so I usually have to be quicker and more agile then the bigger guys throughout the league. It sounds weird, but if you think about it, I am better protected with smaller pads.