Equipment for a poor guy

[Matt1487 0]

Been wanting to play goal for a while now, but my financial situation does not allow me to go out and buy gear like I want to. Is there any good way to pick up goalie gear without breaking the bank?

I mean, Jesus, I was at my LHS today and saw a pair of Brians leg pads on display for the cool price of $1600. Do people actually buy that stuff?

I appreciate your input.

[RadioGaGa 162]

Been wanting to play goal for a while now, but my financial situation does not allow me to go out and buy gear like I want to. Is there any good way to pick up goalie gear without breaking the bank?

I mean, Jesus, I was at my LHS today and saw a pair of Brians leg pads on display for the cool price of $1600. Do people actually buy that stuff?

I appreciate your input.

That's the wrong question to ask on this board. LOL!

There are always deals to be had. Check used places...kijiji...or sometimes people will post gear at the local rink. Good luck!

[ibeck 38]

ebay, play it again sports

[Tondog 12]

Check around with your adult leagues in the area and see if anyone has any equipment that you can purchase, or even borrow (I know gross right), to play awhile in. Most leagues are hurting for consistantly showing up netminders and welcome someone willing to do it. Our leages give a drastic price discount for goalies for season play as well so you'd save there as well. Talk to your local netminders and see if they have extras too since goal tenders tend to be really picky about fit of their equipment and may have closets full. You can't throw a dart in this town without hitting someone who has pads for sale.

Don't let gear keep you from the ice!

[LivHockey84 0]

check goaliemonkey.com

[Phantom 19]

Your best bet would be to go to a LHS and try on all the equipment. If there are multiple brands of an item, try them all on. Each brand will differ slightly from the others, so that will help you get a feel for which brands you like, and your sizing in that brand.

THEN, go online and start looking for deals on used equipment. It is a much better idea to buy used, pro quality gear if you can find it, rather than buying cheap, new gear. That lower level equipment might seem nice and shiny new, but the inferior quality means it won't last as long, might be lacking in protection, and certainly will not hold any type of resale value. Used pro gear, though, usually holds its value well, and you can resell it later without taking a complete bath on your purchase. A year old set of cheap senior gear will sell for next to nothing compared to what you bought it for. You may find your preferences in gear will change; all the more reason to save money and buy used. I went through four sets of used gear before I finally found what I wanted to stick with. Some people get it right the first time, others like to play around a little bit.

Check out eBay, GoalieStore.com's classified sections (forums are invaluable for new goalies too!), and other online listings. The Goalie Store classifieds are usually a very solid source of gear, but I've had equal amount of luck on eBay too. Clearance section on Goaliemonkey can be incredibly useful as well. If you have a consignment store like Play It Again Sports, definitely check that out too, because there can be some gems. Just know your size and keep your eyes open. Have fun in net!

[EvilPepe 24]

I agree with just about everything Phantom said, but if you decide to use your LHS as a fitting room before buying online make sure you do them a solid and purchase SOMETHING from them (not just a roll of tape). I'd suggest a mask because it is a bit harder to get a used mask you know is in decent shape online. That brings me to the next point...

Don't go cheap on the head protection! If you have read even a few of the posts in this forum you should know this (or if you happen to have a bit of common sense about you, which seems to be tossed out the window surprisingly often by people making equipment purchases). Spend $300-$350 on a mask and save money elsewhere.

Just as Phantom said, your best bet is buying used pro level gear. All said and done, you should be able to get a new mask, and serviceable used pro gear for a fair bit under the $1600 for the new Brians pads.

[Matt1487 0]

Been talking to a few goalies at my local rink, and they've been less than helpful. One of the guys gloated about how he doesn't pay for equipment because one of his friends is an assistant equipment manager for an NHL team, so he gets his gear for free. Another guy just looked at me funny and said, "why don't you just go buy new stuff?" and the last guy I talked to said ebay.

I'm going to keep looking into it, even if it's going to take a few years to gather all the equipment.

As far as masks go, are there any I should DEFINITELY stay away from? On the other side, are there masks that are recommended?

[EvilPepe 24]

Been talking to a few goalies at my local rink, and they've been less than helpful. One of the guys gloated about how he doesn't pay for equipment because one of his friends is an assistant equipment manager for an NHL team, so he gets his gear for free. Another guy just looked at me funny and said, "why don't you just go buy new stuff?" and the last guy I talked to said ebay.

I'm going to keep looking into it, even if it's going to take a few years to gather all the equipment.

As far as masks go, are there any I should DEFINITELY stay away from? On the other side, are there masks that are recommended?

Ebay along with the Goaliestore BB are probably your best options if there isn't a local market where you are.

For the masks, take a gander at this thread for some answers:

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php?/topic/55020-new-mask/

[Phantom 19]

That thread explains in more detail, but yes, get a Hackva if possible. Very solid mask for about $350, and worth it. I'm absolutely agreed with Pepe - spend money on a good mask. Save money elsewhere.

[greyraven8 9]

agree with above posts - ads on bulletin boards at local hockey arenas, goalies you know, kijiji, craigslist, play-it-again (mine has a special sale on goalie stuff a couple times a year - usually lots of used leg pads and other stuff to choose from), goaliestore.com classifieds, clearance section of online hockey/goalie stores.

only thing i think you would need new is stick and jock and possibly mask (hackva seems to be one recommended a lot on goaliestore.com bulletin board for being a good quality mask that's not that expensive).

when getting a goal stick, it's probably easiest to get one from local shop. along with help getting the proper size at a local shop, shipping on a goal stick is only economical when getting a few at a time (price for shipping 3 is usually not much more than shipping 1).

also, if don't have the money for a new mask check out the equipment forum on goaliestore.com under 'calling all combo wearers' for advice on helmet cage combos that work well for goalies (I use a jofa 390 helmet with a Cooper GL-100 L cage for playing in net).

[EvilPepe 24]

also, if don't have the money for a new mask check out the equipment forum on goaliestore.com under 'calling all combo wearers' for advice on helmet cage combos that work well for goalies (I use a jofa 390 helmet with a Cooper GL-100 L cage for playing in net).

Thats right, get to them early for the brainwashing

In all seriousness, this isn't a bad option, but some research (hit up that thread) should be done before making the decision. I'm a combo guy myself, but had a fibreglass clone made of a Cooper SK2000 and put a Sportmask cage on it - I used the GL100 and an SK2000 for the longest time before doing this.

If nothing else, I would put my faith in a combo in good shape LONG before I would one of those cheapo Itech/Bauer jobbers.

[Justin Liedloff 13]

I can also vouch for a quality combo. The last few times I actually played goal, I wore a Jofa 390 with a Sportmask cage on it. Excellent sight lines, and great facial coverage. The Jofa is a bit warmer than a mask, but the open face basically erases the extra heat.

I was a die hard Van Velden wearer for many years. I bought up just about every one that came up for sale. After that, I switched to an Eddy Custom LT, which I still have. For the price, Hackva seems to be the way to go, but I have never personally worn one.

Whichever route you take, above all else, make sure it fit properly. It shouldn't be tight in the cheeks, and your forehead should rest all the way up to the padding in the front. There should be no gaps in the padding and your melon.

[Thinkingjack 51]

My question is, since i havent played goalie in almost ten years and forgotten how to measure and no one at the lhs knows how since they only play forward, how do i measure for leg pads? i'm 6'2 i kept hearing that 36 +1 or +2s would be good for me is that accurate?

[vision 0]

Skate size + either ankle to knee or floor to knee + height of thigh rise is the standard formula. The main number that you need to worry about is the ankle/floor to knee. It is that measurement that will help you to determine what size of pad you need. The plus (+) number is just a matter of how tall a thigh rise you want/need.

::m