I'm a NOOB that just bought gear for the first time!....

[Chadd 916]

You should be able to tighten it yourself, RBKs do have the screws exposed. Just make sure you don't cross thread them. A little blue loc-tite will help keep it secure.

[TBLfan 25]

what's scalloped steel?

compared to:

[Big Jim 1]

TBL fan- thanks, I'm trackin now.

I went and looked and my skates and kinda figured that was it. So is this normal with a scalloped blade?

I only noticed it when walking on them too, not when skating, although I can't say I was paying attention to that on the ice.

[bostonjuniorblackhawks 1]

TBL fan- thanks, I'm trackin now.

I went and looked and my skates and kinda figured that was it. So is this normal with a scalloped blade?

I only noticed it when walking on them too, not when skating, although I can't say I was paying attention to that on the ice.

I noticed the clicking noise on my skates too. Now I know its the scalloped steel and the fact that I'm a bit overweight ;)

[Vathsdrop 0]

Easy fix just tighten the 2 screws (make sure the blade is fully insert into the holder before) . I use an electric screwdriver, it screws hard & for long !

It always happens at one point or other with e-pro/PL3 holder.

[TBLfan 25]

Tightening doesn't work with that steel, I believe it's actually the middle of the steel flexing. I've known plenty of people with the issue, the good news is that none of them said that it hurt their skating.

[chippa13 1844]

First "practice" tonight. I did fairly well especially for my first time in gear. I was surprised at how much it didn't hurt to fall with gear. Threw my lower back out a little bit trying to save myself(I think) which sucks but not unusual for me. Should be fine by next week, I'll just have to try to be more careful.

My left skate "clicks" when I walk on it. Something tells me that that's not normal. Any advice?

My one piece of advice here, instead of trying to catch yourself you should learn how to fall. More knee and back injuries come out of folks who catch themselves from falling.

[mug25 2]

TBL fan- thanks, I'm trackin now.

I went and looked and my skates and kinda figured that was it. So is this normal with a scalloped blade?

I only noticed it when walking on them too, not when skating, although I can't say I was paying attention to that on the ice.

Jim, I'm a big dude too — 320lbs to be exact and I've got the RBK 9K's, scalloped steel as well...never heard the clicking/clacking. You may get away with just tightening it. Lemme know how that works out b/c I've got the same blade.

Also, when you're skating on them, you're not really putting as much pressure on the flat of the blade like you would when you walk. You should be using your edges rather than the flat of the blade when on the ice.

[Chadd 916]

Tightening doesn't work with that steel, I believe it's actually the middle of the steel flexing.

Both are legit issues with the ePro. I've seen guys lose steel because the bolts/screws came loose and fell out. No way to know for sure without having the skates in hand. Fortunately, it's easy to figure out and address either way.

[TBLfan 25]

Both are legit issues with the ePro. I've seen guys lose steel because the bolts/screws came loose and fell out. No way to know for sure without having the skates in hand. Fortunately, it's easy to figure out and address either way.

Good point, it could be either issue.

I wonder if some silicon or something else on the top of the steel might help eliminate the noise. I'd personally use it as an excuse to get rocket runners. :P

[furlanitalia 1]

My one piece of advice here, instead of trying to catch yourself you should learn how to fall. More knee and back injuries come out of folks who catch themselves from falling.

That's a great point. Don't throw your arms behind you if you're falling backward, instead focus on keeping your chin pressed against your stomach (to avoid smacking your head on the ice). Also, if you're careening into the boards, you want to get your feet up so that you can absorb the impact with your legs (I remember practicing this as a kid).

My understanding is that if you own an E-Pro holder you're going to experience that at some point but it usually isn't the end of the world. Hearing it on my old LS2 Powers though was definitely not a good thing.

[zacharius 0]

Everything looks pretty good to me for a beginner, somewhat. Looks like you got the stick for a good price, compared to the RM19's they sell in my LHS for around 180. From my perspective, I dont find protective equiptment to vary so much in terms of comfort, mobility..but then again I have been using whatever since I was a little kid. I usually splurge in the glove, stick, helmet, skate department :D . And, playing AAA hockey I'm not having any problems with my mid-line protective stuff.

So, in conclusion, great job and have a amazing time playing the best sport in the world.

[Fire0nIce228 1]

Pretty cool thread, great enthusiasm from the OP and members as well, I like it! I think you did great on the gear. When I first started I picked most of my stuff at a Play It Again Sports. You'll start tinkering and such soon ;) Matter of fact I still use the same shinguards as what I bought for my first time, and just recently got new elbow pads to replace the originals. As long as its comfortable and your not hurting when you fall or take a puck you should be fine. Enjoy the ice!

[Big Jim 1]

Whoever said learn how to fall....this is great advice. After yesterday I more than agree.

After skating and sweating in the gear it became comfortable so that was nice.

I'm a little concerned about my back... my lower back will never be 100% again. I did a couple tours as a grunt with the Marines(once as a radioman so more weight obv). I tweak it every now and then and yesterday was one of those times. It'll get back to "normal" pretty quick bc it wasn't that bad it's just irritating. I'm going to have to try and be even more focused on my posture, etc. Sucks, but it's just one of those things.

Thanks for all the kick ass advice btw.

One other item- I was quite a stickhandler as a roller hockey player when I was a teen. I knew a puck was a lot different but I'm looking forward to progressing in that area as well. Just receiving passes is different. I know this is obvious...I'm just throwing it out there. Can't wait to go to a stick and puck this weekend to work on some skating and maybe take a few shots. That was one thing we didn't do at all yesterday. I wan't to take a couple wristers/slappers. Maybe get a "postage stamp" from the short side if if lucky..hahaha... I used to love practicing that shot when i was younger...such a sick shot

[Chadd 916]

Hockey will give you a pretty good core workout, it's not uncommon for new/returning players to feel it in the back/abs quite a bit at first.

[SirJW 207]

Re: Stickhandling and shooting.

I know you just spent a $100 on a nice stick but you might want to use wood blade for a bit.

[Big Jim 1]

Re: Stickhandling and shooting.

I know you just spent a $100 on a nice stick but you might want to use wood blade for a bit.

Yeah, I went in to buy a wood stick originally but wanted something longer and this stick was a great deal. I might go back and get a woody though because I don't know how crazy I am about the length of this stick(dont want to cut it yet though) and they're relatively cheap.

[col890 0]

Don't mean to jack the thread but I'm not sure if I should make a new thread so I'm just going to post here. Well I'm also a noob that just bought gear for the first time and I also want to know if the stuff is ok or if they will last because I'm completely lost on what's good and what's not.

Helmet: Bauer 4500 w/ cage

Shoulder Pad: Graf G700

Elbow Pad: Bauer One35

Shin Pad: Bauer One35

Pants: Graf G700

Gloves: Bauer 4 Roll

Stick: Bauer One55

Skates: Bauer X:30

I basically just went with what the guy at the store suggested me to try on and got what fitted best out of all the ones he picked for each piece of equipment. Didn't really pay attention to the prices until after I was done trying on the stuff.

[Krev 86]

As long as everything there fits, including the skates, I'd say you did pretty well. You'll end up upgrading as you get better and start really enjoying the sport, but yeah I'd say you well. 4500 is a solid helmet, and the Bauer 4 Roll gloves are like butter. You'll be fine.

[kklinder 0]

Don't mean to jack the thread but I'm not sure if I should make a new thread so I'm just going to post here. Well I'm also a noob that just bought gear for the first time and I also want to know if the stuff is ok or if they will last because I'm completely lost on what's good and what's not.

Helmet: Bauer 4500 w/ cage

Shoulder Pad: Graf G700

Elbow Pad: Bauer One35

Shin Pad: Bauer One35

Pants: Graf G700

Gloves: Bauer 4 Roll

Stick: Bauer One55

Skates: Bauer X:30

I basically just went with what the guy at the store suggested me to try on and got what fitted best out of all the ones he picked for each piece of equipment. Didn't really pay attention to the prices until after I was done trying on the stuff.

All in all, I like what you did here. I, for one, like Graf stuff. With the G700, you got pretty good protection and nice mobility. Some of their lower lines are shy on protection. Enjoy!

[skarbro 0]

Hockey will give you a pretty good core workout, it's not uncommon for new/returning players to feel it in the back/abs quite a bit at first.

Just to add to this - Strengthening the core will help reduce lower back pain. Hockey actually cured my back problems.

[Big Jim 1]

Just wanted to give a little update here.

I LOVE HOCKEY!

I should have started playing (ice) a long time ago. It's been about 4.5 months now and I am progessing at an unreal rate. I've been getting on the ice about 3 times a week. One of those times is a "hockey camp" of sorts ran by an X-NHLer so the coaching is great. I play in a Novice Leage and most of the guys have been skating for a couple years at least. I would say I'm one of the better skaters on my team. I have adjust to the puck from a ball in my street/roller hockey days 15 years ago quite well too:) Tied for ninth in the leage in points right now. I can't believe it. It's been a blast. I don't post much but I'm a helluva lurker here. I just ordered a new set of steel a long with a profile and FBV cut from NoIcingSports so I'm anxious to try that out. A bit nervous about the combination radius they recommended but we shall see...

The gear bug has already hit me. I ordered a "mystery" pack of hockey sticks from hockey monkey to force myself to try new curves and flexes even though I love my RM19. Ended up getting an RBK 9k 85 flex heel curve open face and a Mission Pulse 100 flex with a minor mid curve. Should be interesting. My RM19 is 85 flex(cut 4 inches though so it's pretty stiff) with a Statsny curve that I've grown to love.

[Hermans 9]

Why? He's not playing in a contact league and unless he's gonna have some freak accident where he falls directly on his elbow...the ones he has are just fine.

why do you say that(about the elbow pads?) The only reason I'm not crazy about them is because they aren't terribly comfortable. They seem to be very protective and they stay put(from what I can tell so far).

I just taped my blade up, did a pretty nice job for my first time, no wierd bumps or anything. I put a strip of tape on the bottom of the blade and have the majority of my of the whole blade taped up. I probably would have done it over the toe as well, but didn't think I'd be able to do that without screwing it up.

I'm going to tape up the shaft for grip now, gonna try to but a bit of a knob on the end as well, but nothing too crazy. Let's see how my candy cane skills are, it's been about 14-15 years....

elbow pads, in my opinion, are best when they are equal betwen 1) fitting and 2) not restricting movement of the lower arm. Like most other equipment I find they break in. Elbows and skates are the two things I notice when I'm off the ice and yet I never notice them on the ice. Good luck with them!