New Gear

[Tman09 0]

Hey everybody, after playing street hockey for a long time, I've decided to make the move to ice hockey, and I can't wait! That being said, I need to buy equipment. Just bought Bauer Vapor X:30 skates which feel amazing. Aside from that, I'm using some really old easton gloves and a few cheap wood sticks. I've been trying on gear over the last few months, just trying to get a feel for everything. I'll have to say I'm a fan of the bauer vapor series, mostly because they're light and not too bulky (shoulder, elbow, shins). I also know Bauer is coming out with their new line in 2 weeks. So, I have a few questions: is it worth getting this new equipment, or should I try and grab the last bit of Nike/Bauer Vapor 40 stuff still lying around? I plan on using this stuff... basically forever, so I'm not sure if I should make an investment in what's new, or settle for what came out 2 years ago. In terms of price, I know the difference altogether won't be too much. I'm just curious to see what everyone else thinks. Also! gloves - Should I buy new ones? Thanks everybody.

Tom

[fatwabbit 93]

welcome, and hopefully you utilize this board to become like the rest of us gear whores.

My opinion would be to get what is comfortable for you, not saying that Bauer makes bad stuff, but you have to try them out to see if it fits you.

The Vapor 40 stuff isnt too bad, and i believe you can get them at pretty decent prices. I've been playing hockey for about 15 years, and in the last 10 havent really gotten anything new. I've only started to get brand new stuff that I REALLY want in the past 12months...

[skarbro 0]

Welcome to the ice.

Vapor XXXX stuff is really good for the money. I have the shins, shoulders, and stick - all on clearance prices.

[Tman09 0]

Welcome to the ice.

Vapor XXXX stuff is really good for the money. I have the shins, shoulders, and stick - all on clearance prices.

So do you think it's worth getting the X:60's (shoulders) since they're only $25 more, or is there not that much of a differenc?. I know they aren't out yet, but from your experience, how do the 40s fare, being the top model from 08? I mean, ultimately it's going to come down to how they feel, I know that. just looking for an opinion :-)

[The Mafia Line 0]

If your just starting out, go for the cheapest thing that fits well. Don't get hung up on 60's or 40's or whatever else. just get whatever fits you best. It does look like you have the gear whore gene.

[Krev 86]

If your just starting out, go for the cheapest thing that fits well. Don't get hung up on 60's or 40's or whatever else. just get whatever fits you best. It does look like you have the gear whore gene.

Keep in mind that cheaper = sacrificing protection about 90% of the time. You will fall... a lot, even though you played roller. Usually going for the middle of the road pads, in this case, the X:40's, is a pretty safe route. That said, if the X:60's fit you better, and offer the same protection, I'd go for those.

[skarbro 0]

Do NOT buy the cheapest stuff. You will fall and bumpo into things. And I guarantee you will regret it because you will want to upgrade when you get more into it.

[LivHockey84 0]

Keep in mind that cheaper = sacrificing protection about 90% of the time. You will fall... a lot, even though you played roller. Usually going for the middle of the road pads, in this case, the X:40's, is a pretty safe route. That said, if the X:60's fit you better, and offer the same protection, I'd go for those.

thats pretty much my thoughts exactly

[$m0k3 0]

Because Vapor40 is on clearance right now i would say go for that as long as it fits you. The new x60 line could fit the same, better or worse, you really don't know. And don't get stuck to one brand for everything.

[SirJW 207]

Go middle of the road, as you progress and get to know gear better and how you like the fit you will want to upgrade anyway.

[duch 0]

Go middle of the road with your equipment and you'll do fine, both financially and protective. Some of the hockey websites (ie Hockeygiant, HockeyMonkey ) sell equipment packages. You can buy shoulder pads, elbow pads and shin pads in sets. You get a discount as opposed to buying them individually. Thats a good place to start if you know your size. You could also go to a local hockey shop and they'll probably do the same thing if you buy all your equipment there. The good thing about going to a LHS is they'll fit you properly while your there so there will be no guessing. As far as the equipment line is concerned, some examples of middle of the line things would be the Reebok 5K, Bauer Supreme 50 or Easton Synergy ST6 or 500 series of equipment. (The Vapor 40 series you are considering is a good start as well.) Go with one brand or mix and match to your hearts content. This example also applies to gloves ,helmets and skates as well as protective and the one thing that should be the deciding factor is fit. Fit is number one after protective considerations when buying equipment not name brand. Good luck and welcome to the game of ice hockey.

[raganblink 82]

Go middle of the road with your equipment and you'll do fine, both financially and protective. Some of the hockey websites (ie Hockeygiant, HockeyMonkey ) sell equipment packages. You can buy shoulder pads, elbow pads and shin pads in sets. You get a discount as opposed to buying them individually. Thats a good place to start if you know your size.

As a LHS manager, I can not tell you how many people do this because they think they are going to save 15-20 bucks, and then end up realizing something is wrong and go to us and get another pair of whatever. Just don't do this. You don't know what something feels like on you until you wear it. Their fitting size is usually correct, however sometimes it is off and you end up getting something too big/small. Also, you are taking money away from your local economy, which basically is a dick move to do. Especially considering most shops try to match or beat internet pricing to keep people from going to them.

The only thing I have ever recommended to people if buying online is sticks, and only if we don't have it/can't get it within a couple days. Because once you know your stick/curve/flex, its pretty self explanatory on what to get next.

Also your LHS should give you some sort of discount if you're buying all your gear there at once. If they don't then either their prices are below internet, or its again kind of a dick move if you blow 600 and don't get SOMETHING discounted or free (5%, tape and laces, whatever).

" You could also go to a local hockey shop and they'll probably do the same thing if you buy all your equipment there. The good thing about going to a LHS is they'll fit you properly while your there so there will be no guessing."

Okay didn't see you post that... dead on.

Also just fyi, you'll be spending close to 600-800 depending on what you get. If you go with a little nicer stuff closer to 800, but a basic package where you spend good money on your helmet and skates, you'll be looking at 600. Cheapest you can go with all gear is 250, but its bottom of the line shit, I really do not recommend it for "hockey". That's the key word. Its fine for recreational skating, for hockey, not so much. You'll be complaining your first time on the ice.

[Tman09 0]

Ok, thanks everybody. This is really helpful. One thing I did notice about the LHS near me is that their prices are well above internet prices. If I bring this up, do you think they'll price match + help me out knowing I'm buying everything there at once? And, I've done the math, I know about how much I'm willing to spend, and you're right, it's looking about 600-800 depending on what fits best. Should I bother driving further to another LHS? It's not too much further, but I feel like since the one near me is a Flyers Skate Zone pro shop, all of their gear is marked up. Suggestions? Thanks.

[raganblink 82]

I'd call first on shops and just kinda ask like do you match internet? Or something so you don't drive to a shop and find out its the same as the one closest to you.

[dsjunior1388 81]

One thing a lot of people don't think about is, when you get your first set, you'll realize after awhile that there are things you'd like a little different. I bought 15 inch shins, they fit great for me at 6'1" but after a while I decided I wanted longer ones, to cover more of my arch, and with a better calf wrap. Went from 15 inch bauer supremes to 17" CCM vectors and they were perfect for me. Same thing happened with my pants, I decided after a while I wanted ones with zippers on the inside leg so I could have more room. Little things like that will become apparent as you progress, so I would go lower end now and then wait 6 months to see if you want to get something a little different later on.

[Rogueldr 0]

Also! gloves - Should I buy new ones?

Yes, for no other reason than the fact that my wife won't let me get new ones and those are the only part of my equipment she recognizes on me while I'm playing. So yes buy new gloves. Do it for me.

[Big Jim 1]

I'm like yourself and just got into the sport and subsequently just bought gear for the first time about a week ago. Most of the stuff I got was Bauer One55 gear. Check out my thread on the second page of this forum if you're interested in what I bought. It feels good and so far plenty protective. I took some spills my first "practice" and couldn't believe how much it DIDN'T hurt! Did you buy skates yet? I can't remember if you said you did or not. If not, take the most time on that. Here's a great article about the fitting of skates I came across as well-

http://www.epinions.com/content_3832651908

Good luck man.

[Tman09 0]

I'm like yourself and just got into the sport and subsequently just bought gear for the first time about a week ago. Most of the stuff I got was Bauer One55 gear. Check out my thread on the second page of this forum if you're interested in what I bought. It feels good and so far plenty protective. I took some spills my first "practice" and couldn't believe how much it DIDN'T hurt! Did you buy skates yet? I can't remember if you said you did or not. If not, take the most time on that. Here's a great article about the fitting of skates I came across as well-

http://www.epinions.com/content_3832651908

Good luck man.

Hey, yeah I actually was reading your thread before I posted. And I have bought skates, Vapor X:30s. Anyways, about buying low end then upgrading, I feel like that's a waste of money. I would rather go somewhat middle-high now instead of buying both... kinda doesn't make any sense to me to buy gear now, knowing I'll have to go through the process again in a few months.

Yes, for no other reason than the fact that my wife won't let me get new ones and those are the only part of my equipment she recognizes on me while I'm playing. So yes buy new gloves. Do it for me.

And I've decided I will be buying new gloves! My easton's are too big to begin with. I only bought them because they were literally the only senior sized gloves I could find at the time. So, new question. Under-apparel. I'm pretty sure I want long sleeves/comp shorts when playing. Any opinions on that stuff? And should I get shorts w/velcro or is a garter belt better? Thanks!

[dsjunior1388 81]

Hey, yeah I actually was reading your thread before I posted. And I have bought skates, Vapor X:30s. Anyways, about buying low end then upgrading, I feel like that's a waste of money. I would rather go somewhat middle-high now instead of buying both... kinda doesn't make any sense to me to buy gear now, knowing I'll have to go through the process again in a few months.

And I've decided I will be buying new gloves! My easton's are too big to begin with. I only bought them because they were literally the only senior sized gloves I could find at the time. So, new question. Under-apparel. I'm pretty sure I want long sleeves/comp shorts when playing. Any opinions on that stuff? And should I get shorts w/velcro or is a garter belt better? Thanks!

After Richard Zedniks' incident, I bought a Mission shirt with attached kevlar collar, basically a turtleneck. The shirts are really nice, and the protection is nice to have. Mine is a short sleeve but they have two long sleeves, one is with wrist protection and one without. Also, I think Bauer is picking up the line, starting in the spring, with the protective collar if you want to wait for that to happen.

[raganblink 82]

Yeah Bauer's new "turlte neck" UA is very nice. Should be out soon.

And for your jock, almost all compression shorts come with velcro on them. Defeintaely easier imo with velcro than garter belt. but to each his own.

[Rogueldr 0]

Personally I use a sleeveless Adidas moisture wick or whatever they're called under my equipment. I just can't stand the amount of sweat that comes with wearing a long sleeve. Although, I am one of those guys that sweats in 50 degree weather so that should tell you something. As for the shorts/garter question; I wore a garter and jockstrap cup for the longest time just because thats what I was used to but I found a pair of Easton compressions on a clearance rack one day so I picked them up. At first I was skeptical about the velcro holding up my socks but after using them I'll never go back. The velcro holds just as well as my garter did and I dont have the clips to annoy me. Not to mention that the shorts have a built in cup so I never have to worry about forgetting my jock in the laundry again.

[dsjunior1388 81]

Personally I use a sleeveless Adidas moisture wick or whatever they're called under my equipment. I just can't stand the amount of sweat that comes with wearing a long sleeve. Although, I am one of those guys that sweats in 50 degree weather so that should tell you something. As for the shorts/garter question; I wore a garter and jockstrap cup for the longest time just because thats what I was used to but I found a pair of Easton compressions on a clearance rack one day so I picked them up. At first I was skeptical about the velcro holding up my socks but after using them I'll never go back. The velcro holds just as well as my garter did and I dont have the clips to annoy me. Not to mention that the shorts have a built in cup so I never have to worry about forgetting my jock in the laundry again.

I wish Reebok would have thought of that when they brought out the EDGE socks, going back to a garter is a pain in the ass.

[Rogueldr 0]

I wish Reebok would have thought of that when they brought out the EDGE socks, going back to a garter is a pain in the ass.

I thought about buying a pair of those but someone told me that the velcro didn't hold them that well. Its just as well anyway, 10 bucks for a pair of socks is alot better than 25 a pair.

[Tman09 0]

Yeah, sounds like it's a lot easier to just have the velcro on the jock. Ok, so I was looking at helmets today. Is it really worth almost $200 to buy Bauer's new helmet/cage (9900), or do you think picking up a 9500 would be fine? It's about $50 difference. I mean, I know they changed the fit to feel more like the 8500, and changed the logo.. and added a "new" foam... but really, $200? Once again, go for fit? haha

[skarbro 0]

I would say that the 9900 is going to be worth the extra $50 IF it is more comfortable to YOU. It is lighter than the 9500. Have you tried the 5500 and 5100? These are very good helmets at good prices. The most important thing is that the helmet fits properly.

Now if you are set on getting high end, then you might as well look at the highest priced Easton S19. It weights almost half the 9500.