Need a new bag

[Fisticuffs 0]

I didn't see anything in the accessories review section, so I wanted to see if you all had any positive or negative experiences with some of the bags I'm considering.

I've had the same Red Star hockey bag since I was a college Freshman almost a decade ago. That one was free, and we had team bags when I was in High School, so I legitimately haven't shopped for a hockey bag pretty much ever (prior to that, I got whatever bag my Dad got me). The Red Star bag has been quite durable, but given the distance from my parking garage to my new apartment, I think its time for a wheeled bag (as much as it pains me to be one of "those guys").

I'd like to have at least one large pocket (for tape, water bottle, socks, etc.), and one small pocket (mainly for my car keys). I'd also like to have skate pockets.

Since I don't wear shoulder pads, and I don't keep any extra equipment in my bag (since having a helmet stolen from the locker room) I'm thinking a 36" bag would work.

Based on a quick look at a couple websites these are the bags that particularly appeal to me:

CCM V10 36" Wheeled Bag

Bauer Wheel Hockey Bags 35" 10

Easton Synergy EQ3 Hockey Wheel Bag 36"

TPS R10 36in

Some thoughts:

Anyone have experience with any of the above? Pleased with the build quality? Any particular gripes? Any input would be great.

[Chadd 916]

I haven't used any wheel bag, but one of the guys I skate with from time to time loves his Grit bag.

http://www.gritinc.net/ht2.html

[DarkStar50 679]

Skate pockets on the side of a wheel bag cause the bag to tip over very easily.

[Chadd 916]

Skate pockets on the side of a wheel bag cause the bag to tip over very easily.

Yes, pockets need to be placed one per side. They also catch on doors and rip from what I have seen.

[wall2727 0]

+1 on the grit ht2 bag...doubles as a stand to dry your gear out too!

[Fisticuffs 0]

Yes, pockets need to be placed one per side. They also catch on doors and rip from what I have seen.

It seems the wheel bag manufacturers have been moving towards putting the skate pockets inside. It also seems like it would be easier to get multiple bags in the trunk without pockets sticking out of the sides, an added bonus I suppose.

I actually stumbled upon the Grit bag recently while looking for info on custom Tackla pants.

I saw it here but previously dismissed it as too flashy, but the versions on the Grit site look much more to my liking.

A hockey shop about an hour from me (which, despite being farther than 10 other shops, is worth the drive, because the service is excellent) is listed as a retailer. I'll drop by sometime in the next couple weeks and check it out.

[thefeebster 0]

A lot of Grit Bags on our Craigslist. I'm not too sure if thats a good sign, but have seen them for as low as $60. So if you are interested and don't want to drop $150, i'd look at used right now since most haven't seen more than a season of use.

[theflash0000 0]

Wow the Grit HT2 looks awesome. Love that you can use it to hang/dry your gear, too.

BTW, I have the Easton S17 wheeled bag and I HATE it. Its way too big for me and it only has a small number of huge pockets which makes organizing stuff really hard.

[DarkStar50 679]

Call the shop before you drive an hour to see the bag. Not all dealers listed have the bags!! I should know, I was put on the list!

[Chadd 916]

Call the shop before you drive an hour to see the bag. Not all dealers listed have the bags!! I should know, I was put on the list!

I've been told that they've had problems meeting demand at times.

[Fisticuffs 0]

Call the shop before you drive an hour to see the bag. Not all dealers listed have the bags!! I should know, I was put on the list!

I just shot the owner a text... we'll see what he says.

The price is steep, but it looks like a great design.

[DarkStar50 679]

I've been told that they've had problems meeting demand at times.

Chadd

I was listed as a dealer but never ordered the bags.

[rachael7 1]

+1 more on the Grit bag. I got the intermediate size and can get all my gear in it (medium or large shoulders, 15" shins). Best bag I've ever owned.

[flyers10 57]

I have the CCM V10 and it works great. No issue after 1.5 years. One big center area, two end pockets for skates or jerseys etc, a mesh bag in 1 of the end pockets for wet clothes and a small flat pocket on outside for keys, cell phone, etc.

[VakarLajos 5]

I'd definitely check the Grit bag out before buying it. It's kind of polarizing. You either love it or hate it.

[Fire Walker 22]

I bought the Grit bag and ended up going back to a $30 carry bag. Depending on what you drive, the Grit bag can be a pain to get in and out of a car.

[Chadd 916]

Chadd

I was listed as a dealer but never ordered the bags.

I've seen that happen before, not good business.

[SouthpawTRK 1]

I'm also in the market for a new bag and was wondering if anyone has had any thing positive and/or negative to say on the Warrior Pro Bag (http://www.warrior.com/hockey/gear/bags/Warrior+Pro+Bag)?

I was also if anyone had any feedback on a backpack style hockey bag (if you own one, which make/model)? I am curious to know how everything fits into the bag, since they seem smaller (at least on the web) compared to a carry bag.

Thanks in advance for all of the help!

[Chadd 916]

I'm also in the market for a new bag and was wondering if anyone has had any thing positive and/or negative to say on the Warrior Pro Bag (http://www.warrior.com/hockey/gear/bags/Warrior+Pro+Bag)?

I was also if anyone had any feedback on a backpack style hockey bag (if you own one, which make/model)? I am curious to know how everything fits into the bag, since they seem smaller (at least on the web) compared to a carry bag.

Thanks in advance for all of the help!

I use a mission backpack for my dive gear and it's not bad. Unfortunately, it doesn't hold up well to airline baggage handlers.

[DarkStar50 679]

I had a RBK backpack bag returned to the shop. I decided to take it home just to see if my gear would fit. All the equipment just fit. However, all my clothing gear(socks, jock combo, jersey, undershirt, towel, etc) I put in a clear plastic Bauer pant/shoulder pad bag that the gear comes in at retail. I get them at the shop when I put a product on display. They make a great heavy duty bag to throw the dry stuff in on the way to the rink and then when its all wet afterwards back into the bag. Anywho, I couldn't get that bag into the backpack! There was simply no room left. So I just brought the bag back to the shop and knew it would never work for me. The one other consideration in a back pack bag is how tall are you. The bags can get a bit long down your back and bump against your butt once they are strapped on over your shoulders, if you are 5'6", like me. FWIW, I have a standard bag. I use a wheel bag now and then if I have to bring extra gear for someone but the WB is a pain getting into the locker room and around everyone's bag on the locker room floor.

[Ansonwolfe 0]

Wow the Grit HT2 looks awesome. Love that you can use it to hang/dry your gear, too.

BTW, I have the Easton S17 wheeled bag and I HATE it. Its way too big for me and it only has a small number of huge pockets which makes organizing stuff really hard.

Ditto on the big pockets though I actually really like my S17 bag. I got mine in size small and even though it still is too big for my gear, I find that I really like the mesh panels on 3 sides of the bag plus the removable skate bag feature. The removable skate bag is actually one of the end pockets which can be zippered loose and is big enough for my skates plus a bit of gear. It's been really handy on times when I just want to go ice skating. The real skate pocket is located in front of the bag which does become cumbersome when going through doors. But I could have just as easily kept my skates in the end pocket.

I'm now habitually rolling around with the mesh panels open and without the skate bag on top. Unzipping the end pocket (skate bag) reveals a big mesh panel which helps even more with airflow. The skate bag is used to hold other things in my trunk.

I should add in too that my gear is small enough and light enough that I also 'wear' my hockey bag as a backpack at times when going up and down stairs. The handles are not padded but they work to get the job done vs. having to lug the bag clumsily with one hand.

[theflash0000 0]

Ditto on the big pockets though I actually really like my S17 bag. I got mine in size small and even though it still is too big for my gear, I find that I really like the mesh panels on 3 sides of the bag plus the removable skate bag feature. The removable skate bag is actually one of the end pockets which can be zippered loose and is big enough for my skates plus a bit of gear. It's been really handy on times when I just want to go ice skating. The real skate pocket is located in front of the bag which does become cumbersome when going through doors. But I could have just as easily kept my skates in the end pocket.

I'm now habitually rolling around with the mesh panels open and without the skate bag on top. Unzipping the end pocket (skate bag) reveals a big mesh panel which helps even more with airflow. The skate bag is used to hold other things in my trunk.

I should add in too that my gear is small enough and light enough that I also 'wear' my hockey bag as a backpack at times when going up and down stairs. The handles are not padded but they work to get the job done vs. having to lug the bag clumsily with one hand.

Ha! You really get maximum use out of those features. The mesh is definitely nice, but I find the removable bag is too small--only fits my skates (X60s). I'll probably keep using it for a while, but having a bag with better organizational features is very tempting.

[VakarLajos 5]

The HT2 looks good. Looks like they improved on the original. Still looks like it can be cumbersome, but I'm not sure if that's avoidable with the overall concept of the bag.

[IniNew 53]

I currently use the Warrior Mac Daddy backpack. Love the thing. I don't wear shoulder pads, and with proper tetris skills am able to get everything in there with room to spare. I'm not a tiny guy either. XL Pants, 14"shins, L Elbows, 14"gloves. Pretty average-to-big sized gear. After packing the protective in, I push it back and then jersey/socks/undershirt/towel go in.

[kovalchuk71 212]

I use a mission backpack for my dive gear and it's not bad. Unfortunately, it doesn't hold up well to airline baggage handlers.

Really? I've had mine for over three years and havent had any problems, even with multiple plane trips.