40 year old virgin needs helmet & pants

[Lee-Bro 1]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for some opinions/advice. I'm 40 year old (that's 27 in Canadian years), 6', 220lbs (38in waist, 44 chest) so if I was buying pants at Sears, they'd direct me to the "husky pants." I've never played hockey and will be joining a non-checking (but not non-contact) league after the holidays. I'm looking for a pair of pants and a helmet (w/ cage). Unfortunately the 2 guys @ the LHS are directing me in opposite ends of the price spectrum.

I'd like to get some recommendations from you guys. I'm training for another marathon so the waist size will drop to 34 in a few months so there's a good chance whatever pants I buy now, won't be used long. I'd be more willing to upgrade when I'm down to my running weight than I am now.

So here's what I've been suggested so far and the reasons I was given on helmets:

Easton

S17 -because everyone is blowing them out because no one likes 'em.

S9 -because they're a standard NHL helmet.

S7 -because that's all I need getting started in non-checking league

Bauer

9500 -same reason as S17

7500 -because it has 3 layers of foam (this comes from 2 skaters, not LHS guys)

4500 -same as the S7 (it's all I need now)

Mission

Intake -it's been discontinued, if I can find one I should buy it. (came from 1 LHS guy)

Reebok

Reebok 8k -because it's one of the best venting helmets

RBK 6k -because it's the same as the Reebok 6k but being phased out & vents just like the 8k

As for the pants, I prefer a longer leg and a bit higher rise on the waist pads. I've been told to pick up older Bauer Supremes or CCM Tacks. But it's hard to find info on those.

So any ideas or insight would be greatly appreciated.

[Jsmells 0]

For helmets I would go for the safest if you're just starting out; so from my experience I would recommend the 9500, but really get what fits you best.

[RussianDangler15 0]

I'd recommend the 9900 buts thats just my opinion. Whatever fits you is what will protect you the best.

[camhockey16 5]

i was going to ask if this is steve carell - but he has played hockey most of his life..

[Chadd 916]

For helmets I would go for the safest if you're just starting out; so I would recommend the 9500

What makes the 9500 safest?

Hey guys,

I'm looking for some opinions/advice. I'm 40 year old (that's 27 in Canadian years), 6', 220lbs (38in waist, 44 chest) so if I was buying pants at Sears, they'd direct me to the "husky pants." I've never played hockey and will be joining a non-checking (but not non-contact) league after the holidays. I'm looking for a pair of pants and a helmet (w/ cage). Unfortunately the 2 guys @ the LHS are directing me in opposite ends of the price spectrum.

I'd like to get some recommendations from you guys. I'm training for another marathon so the waist size will drop to 34 in a few months so there's a good chance whatever pants I buy now, won't be used long. I'd be more willing to upgrade when I'm down to my running weight than I am now.

So here's what I've been suggested so far and the reasons I was given on helmets:

Easton

S17 -because everyone is blowing them out because no one likes 'em.

S9 -because they're a standard NHL helmet.

S7 -because that's all I need getting started in non-checking league

Bauer

9500 -same reason as S17

7500 -because it has 3 layers of foam (this comes from 2 skaters, not LHS guys)

4500 -same as the S7 (it's all I need now)

Mission

Intake -it's been discontinued, if I can find one I should buy it. (came from 1 LHS guy)

Reebok

Reebok 8k -because it's one of the best venting helmets

RBK 6k -because it's the same as the Reebok 6k but being phased out & vents just like the 8k

As for the pants, I prefer a longer leg and a bit higher rise on the waist pads. I've been told to pick up older Bauer Supremes or CCM Tacks. But it's hard to find info on those.

So any ideas or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Try on every helmet you can get your hands on. Get the one that fits your head the best, it could be a $60 helmet or $160. The last thing you should ever do is buy one because someone says it's the best or most popular. Any helmet that doesn't fit your head is worse than useless, it's dangerous. All of the helmets listed will not fit you the same, they have very different shapes to them. That brings me back to "try on every helmet..."

If you can find them, try the tackla 951s. They were a very good pant for the price and they should meet your protection criteria. But again, try everything on before buying.

[Lee-Bro 1]

What makes the 9500 safest?

Try on every helmet you can get your hands on. Get the one that fits your head the best, it could be a $60 helmet or $160. The last thing you should ever do is buy one because someone says it's the best or most popular. Any helmet that doesn't fit your head is worse than useless, it's dangerous. All of the helmets listed will not fit you the same, they have very different shapes to them. That brings me back to "try on every helmet..."

If you can find them, try the tackla 951s. They were a very good pant for the price and they should meet your protection criteria. But again, try everything on before buying.

Yeah, I understand the fitment issue. I've ridden motorcycles since I was a kid and certain brand of motorcycle helmets just don't fit my head shape. I've tried on several listed and def. noticed diff't pressure type points.

Also, I should mention that I do actually know how to skate so I'm not completely virgin to the ice.

[Steve_v3 289]

What makes the 9500 safest?

Try on every helmet you can get your hands on. Get the one that fits your head the best, it could be a $60 helmet or $160. The last thing you should ever do is buy one because someone says it's the best or most popular. Any helmet that doesn't fit your head is worse than useless, it's dangerous. All of the helmets listed will not fit you the same, they have very different shapes to them. That brings me back to "try on every helmet..."

Definitely try on whatever helmet your going to buy the fit is important.

As pants go, I would try on different ones & find whatever is most comfortable. If you don't want a heavily padded pant you should be able to find something in the $50 - $60 range easy. It really depends on how much pant you want. If you think you will not use them long you could always try getting a inexpensive pant or girdle. At least until you get to your "running weight".

[mug25 2]

You may also want to look into the M11 Messier Cascade helmet. It's on the pricey side but it's a great helmet in terms of protection, weight and it looks pretty nice too.

Some of the higher end helmets have lots of adjustability. I wear a Reebok 8K and it fits me very well. Pressure points don't exist for me with this helmet. It's all about what fits YOU best so try on as many helmets as you can to see what's right.

Seeing as you're not going into a checking league you might want to consider a Girdle+Shell combo for your pants. I'm switching to that once I drop some more weight.

[number21 3]

I think the helmet thing has been well covered.

As far as pants, Chadd's selection is probably a good one. When I was new to hockey I had high-end bauer (8000) pants, they were great pants but the padding in the hips/rear area was pretty minimal. I believe that is still the concusses on bauer pants. So since your new to hockey keep the read padding in mind since odds are you'll be hitting the ice a lot. You can search the forums a bit to get more info, but usually it's agreed Tackla, Reebok/CCM have better upper padding. I would start off trying those brands on.

I ended up piecing together a 2 piece pant via ebay, Jofa 7000 uppers (now similar to pro-reebok/ccm) and tackla lowers. They're great.

[ReggieDunlop 3]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for some opinions/advice. I'm 40 year old (that's 27 in Canadian years), 6', 220lbs (38in waist, 44 chest) so if I was buying pants at Sears, they'd direct me to the "husky pants." I've never played hockey and will be joining a non-checking (but not non-contact) league after the holidays. I'm looking for a pair of pants and a helmet (w/ cage). Unfortunately the 2 guys @ the LHS are directing me in opposite ends of the price spectrum.

I'd like to get some recommendations from you guys. I'm training for another marathon so the waist size will drop to 34 in a few months so there's a good chance whatever pants I buy now, won't be used long. I'd be more willing to upgrade when I'm down to my running weight than I am now.

So here's what I've been suggested so far and the reasons I was given on helmets:

Easton

S17 -because everyone is blowing them out because no one likes 'em.

S9 -because they're a standard NHL helmet.

S7 -because that's all I need getting started in non-checking league

Bauer

9500 -same reason as S17

7500 -because it has 3 layers of foam (this comes from 2 skaters, not LHS guys)

4500 -same as the S7 (it's all I need now)

Mission

Intake -it's been discontinued, if I can find one I should buy it. (came from 1 LHS guy)

Reebok

Reebok 8k -because it's one of the best venting helmets

RBK 6k -because it's the same as the Reebok 6k but being phased out & vents just like the 8k

As for the pants, I prefer a longer leg and a bit higher rise on the waist pads. I've been told to pick up older Bauer Supremes or CCM Tacks. But it's hard to find info on those.

So any ideas or insight would be greatly appreciated.

9500 are on closeout not because nobody likes them! - newer models come out and need to sell old stock - what make them the safest? - independent testing

http://www.livestrong.com/article/95723-safest-hockey-helmets/

As everybody states what feels best for your husky body type - maybe they make hockey pants called toughskins - personally I use the 9500 because it was on closeout, fit the best, and is a good protective helmet - I also use Reebok 9k 2010 pants - good protective pants that covers all major points

[Chadd 916]

9500 are on closeout not because nobody likes them! - newer models come out and need to sell old stock - what make them the safest? - independent testing

http://www.livestrong.com/article/95723-safest-hockey-helmets/

That's not an article, it's a copy and paste of the marketing info. There is also the issue with HECC and CSA testing methods and the nature of EPP versus VN, but that has been covered in a number of topics and this really isn't the place for all of that. The short form is, there is no "safest" helmet.

[boconnor811 0]

I also use Reebok 9k 2010 pants - good protective pants that covers all major points

I'm generally a Bauer guy, but recently Reebok protective gear has looked to be top notch. Not sure if Reebok made some updates to their pants this year, but the newest Reebok pants that I've seen have looked especially very nice.

[Andoy 5]

I would suggest going for mid range pants that fit well and have lots of padding. You're bound to fall on your hips and butt for the next little while. So I would look for something with decent hip and tailbone protection. The Tackla 951 as Chad suggested is a great mid range pant that is great if you're good with the fit.

[Lee-Bro 1]

Well, I settled on the Bauer 9500 for the lid and ended up w/ CCM V02 pants. Also, getting a set of CCM Tacks from a friend.

I snagged a used Easton wheeled gear bag $20 and found a used pair of Mission Fuel 110 shin guards for $25 but I already have a set of Mission Method shin guards -obviously they're diff't. Wondering if ya'll think the $25 for the 110s is good enough to snag?

[CAmmon 2]

I wouldn't by used gear, but thats a personal preference.