new to the game.

[GoCanesGoFlyers7 0]

hi everyone...new to the site...looked around this one seemed like the best one out there

its been 12 years since i put on a pair of skates...i played competitively since i was a little kid all the way until high school...played travel A for a number of years...AAU...jr olympics..roller hockey..street hockey...anything with a puck...but it has been 12 years..my brothers still play and got me back into it...even watched a hockey game for the first time in about 10 years...i guess i got the itch again...i have been looking at equipment for about 3 months now..its changed ALOT haha...just looking for any advice on buying new stuff since i sold all mine many years ago and need new everything...im not looking to spend much...i used to have top of the line...now im lookin for whatever is cheapest and best untill i get back into it 100 percent..i will be joinng a low level adult league...im looking at the reebok 4k for skates...reebok 2k shoulder elbow an shin(i was a big jofa protective gear user)they still make the 4500 helemt so im good with that..and as far as sticks go this all new one piece stuff is new to me haha...thanks in advance

[fatwabbit 93]

Why not get something mid range instead? That way you can use it in the low level adult league, then as you progress you can slowly change them out or upgrade? Rather than buy a low level set, then buy a high level set later on? Unless of course you intend to have two sets of gear like everyone else on this forum? :)

[reverseit 0]

Hopefully you're not considering the 4K skates just because you want Jofa/RBK equipment.

If you haven't skated at all in 12 years, I think it's safe to assume you're gonna be falling down a few times . You might want to get some protective pants (mid-range and up) to save yourself the bruises and potential injuries.

At low level beer leagues, I wouldn't worry too much about shins/shoulders/elbows. Maybe decent elbows to cushion your falls at start.

And this piece of advice comes up all the time for any piece of equipment - consider getting mid/high end last year's or two years ago's models for the same price as low/mid range current models.

[GoCanesGoFlyers7 0]

yea that does make sense..mid range sounds the way to go..i guess i should try on some and see whats best and go from there...haha yes i will fall down some...i cant just go out and expect things to be like they used to...what are some good mid range skates and pads too look for?i used to wear graf skates...jofa pads..tackla pants...and use easton sticks with montreal blades...im sure things have changed...

[fatwabbit 93]

Mid range, and dont forget to wear protective gear everytime you're on the ice. I went for an ice skate for the first time in a LOOOOONG time today, and slipped, planted my knee straight onto the ice. Lucky I was wearing a pair of knee pads from inline, otherwise I would be hobbling off really quick.

And btw, that gear you listed doesnt sound very old. Make sure you try out as much as you can before you buy. There are different fits for different brands, especially for skates. If you can find some older top of the line models on closeout, you might be able to get some really high end gear to fit into your budget instead of buying the latest and greatest.

Protection - Bauer XXV line is good, and I've heard really good reviews on RBK's 6K line from two years back.

Sticks - why not go with a standard/tapered shaft combo until you know what curve you want. Another way would be to borrow someone's stick and give it a few shots to get a feel of the different brands and their flex points.

Skates - Different fits for different brands. What works for you in previous years might not work for you now. Try as many brands as you can.

Helmet - get the best you can afford. I went with the M11 and will not buy anything else as I really like the fit. Also consider a cage or visor.

Obviously it will take a while to select what you want so take your time.

Good luck, and welcome back to the game!

[Chadd 916]

yea that does make sense..mid range sounds the way to go..i guess i should try on some and see whats best and go from there...haha yes i will fall down some...i cant just go out and expect things to be like they used to...what are some good mid range skates and pads too look for?i used to wear graf skates...jofa pads..tackla pants...and use easton sticks with montreal blades...im sure things have changed...

The good news is Graf and tackla still make great products that still fit just like they used to.

I'll go against the trend here and suggest that you buy whatever level you think you will eventually be happy with, at least for the gear that you know you like. I mean, buying mid level skates now and then buying a higher model later just seems a little silly to me. I understand the desire to keep the cost reasonable, especially with a major outlay like all new gear, but spending it wisely will save you more in the long run.

[bostonjuniorblackhawks 1]

I would get some decent pants. I find mid level bauers have good protection and are fairly priced

[AirTimid 0]

I agree with what everyone else said. I too was away from hockey for a while (19 years between skates) and decided in January this year I wanted to play again. I went cheap to save money, but found I didn't like any of my gear. I have since replaced everything save my helmet. I'm lucky I was able to sell some stuff, but it would have been cheaper just to take the time to try on as much as possible and go from there. Get a decent pair of skates, because they are probably the single biggest cost. Don't want to make a mistake there. Hope this helps.

[Shayno 1]

I agree with what everyone else said. I too was away from hockey for a while (19 years between skates) and decided in January this year I wanted to play again. I went cheap to save money, but found I didn't like any of my gear. I have since replaced everything save my helmet. I'm lucky I was able to sell some stuff, but it would have been cheaper just to take the time to try on as much as possible and go from there. Get a decent pair of skates, because they are probably the single biggest cost. Don't want to make a mistake there. Hope this helps.

I made same mistake....ended up upgrading about 2 months down the road...buy what fits right and what you like....within reason...I find a lot of gear on used gear sites...check out kijiji.....GL

[Zombies #77 10]

I agree with what everyone else said. I too was away from hockey for a while (19 years between skates) and decided in January this year I wanted to play again. I went cheap to save money, but found I didn't like any of my gear. I have since replaced everything save my helmet. I'm lucky I was able to sell some stuff, but it would have been cheaper just to take the time to try on as much as possible and go from there. Get a decent pair of skates, because they are probably the single biggest cost. Don't want to make a mistake there. Hope this helps.

I too made the same mistake, except I replaced everything. I guess the good thing is I have 2 sets of equipment now and if something fails I have an immediate backup plan. I can add however, check out online hockey stores clearance sections. They have some mid to high range equipment for very low prices, due to them being "last years model". I have saved a bunch of money for some really nice equipment this way. As for skates I have RBK 5k's and I love them (nothing fits me better), and I also have rbk 2k shins, and have had no issues with them so far. Good luck.

[puckhoggy 0]

When I started, I found most of my protective gear at shops that carry used gear. Mid level gear with low level prices :)

Hopefully you can find a location that still has some used inventory left in your sizes. Otherwise you might have to wait a while until people start trading in their old gear.

[kredmore 2]

I'll go against the trend here and suggest that you buy whatever level you think you will eventually be happy with, at least for the gear that you know you like. I mean, buying mid level skates now and then buying a higher model later just seems a little silly to me. I understand the desire to keep the cost reasonable, especially with a major outlay like all new gear, but spending it wisely will save you more in the long run.

Agree with this...avoid the regrets and/or desire to upgrade down the line. With this purchase, and others as well.

[GoCanesGoFlyers7 0]

wow...i didnt expect this many people to give advice...thanks alot to everyone...really means alot...thanks to each person for taking their time to reply to my post..every answer has helped out...i will let everyone know soon what i decide on

[Rashiki 0]

Yeah. I just started playing and I bought Reebok 6K gear. I didn't want the top, but I wanted just a bit down from that so that I didn't have to buy again and so that I would be protected decently from injury. I take care of my gear, so I know it will last a long time, as I've seen guys playing with some really old gear. I'm glad that I bought just a step down from top level gear.

[Stoop 1]

I'll put my first post hear, because it seems to fit.

I'm also new to the game, starting a class next week, and hopefully joining my area's beginner league after that. I've done some messing around previously, but never had gear. Here's my tally:

After trying on several skates at the lhs, and talking to the salesguy (who has his own motives) I decided to spend nearly $300 on skates. I thought I'd be spending $100-150. But they feel great, and I love them so far.

Bought most of the protective gear online or in the local sporting good store. All of this is new, and mostly on clearance.

• $110 total for shoulder pads, elbow pads, and shinguards.
  
• $50 for pants.
  
• $35 gloves.
  
• $60 helmet w/cage.
  
• $10 socks.
  
• $15 jersey.
  
• $30 jock shorts.
  

For the stick, after considering a bargain stick, I decided to splurge on myself. I can't really justify it as any kind of investment like the skates, and I hope it doesn't hurt me, but dropped $125 on a stick (Sherwood T90). Anyway, it's my toy.

So close to an $800 step. Sure, you can start playing basketball for less, but I guess it's similar to taking a step forward in skiing, or cycling, or fly-fishing.

I've been to stick-and-puck a handful of times with just my helmet, gloves, skates, stick, and cup, but the rest of the gear came tonight. Putting it on was a monumental task, and I felt enormous. I'll try it all out tomorrow.

(Searching around here and elsewhere, it looks like the proper order is to put on your shin guards, socks, pants, and then your skates. But I can't really get my skates on properly with the shin guards and socks down there. I can move the shin guard aside, lace up the skate, and then drop the shin guard down on top of it. But then what about the socks? I was able to put them on over the skates, but it wasn't easy. Once it's all on, it seems to fit fine, but do I need shorter shin guards?)

[bostonjuniorblackhawks 1]

(Searching around here and elsewhere, it looks like the proper order is to put on your shin guards, socks, pants, and then your skates. But I can't really get my skates on properly with the shin guards and socks down there. I can move the shin guard aside, lace up the skate, and then drop the shin guard down on top of it. But then what about the socks? I was able to put them on over the skates, but it wasn't easy. Once it's all on, it seems to fit fine, but do I need shorter shin guards?)

I don't think you need shorter shin pads. Anyone on my team who put their shin pads on after their skates put their socks around the bottem of their ankles whiling tying their skates and then just pulled them over the shin pads when they put them on after tying their skates. I don't see how socks would make tying your skates harder, I can see how shins would be bothersome to some people though

[Stoop 1]

I don't think you need shorter shin pads. Anyone on my team who put their shin pads on after their skates put their socks around the bottem of their ankles whiling tying their skates and then just pulled them over the shin pads when they put them on after tying their skates. I don't see how socks would make tying your skates harder, I can see how shins would be bothersome to some people though

Thanks, that makes sense, I'll try that next time.

First time out with pants, shoulder pads, socks this morning. I thought the shoulder pads would take the most time to get used to, but I didn't notice them. The pants, though, still felt huge. By the end of the skate, I was forgetting about them. And I did take a fall -- it was downright comfortable.

[IniNew 53]

I go Jock-Socks-Skates-Shins-Pants-Elbows-Jersey.

When you put your socks on, pull them up until they stay, tie your skates, push them down around the top of the skate. Then put your shin pads on, and then pull the socks up over them. Fasten them to your jock from there and then slide the pants on. Walla.

[xrickyb86x 1]

lol I go shins over skates but my shins go on before my skates. I pull them up and tie my skates then push the shins back down and tape them. It's just whatever works for you.

[Rashiki 0]

My sock/shins step is hard to explain with typing, but I go:

1. Garter/Cup

2. Pants

3. Socks (pull up a bit for skates)

4. Skates

5. Move socks down a little and then:

5a. Put the tight elastic bottom at about the bottom of my calf so that the "top" of the sock is pointing towards the skate (or the "outside" of the sock is touching my leg)

5b. Put shins "on" the socks and over the skates

5c. Pull the socks up over the shins so that the socks, at the bottom of the shins, now "wrap over" the shins at the bottom

6. Drop pants

7. Attach socks to garter

8. Pull up pants

9. Tape shins

10. Tuck excess sock at the bottom behind the skate's tendon guard

11. Shoulder pads

12. Elbow pads

13. Jersey

14. Helmet

15. Gloves

[nyquil 43]

(Searching around here and elsewhere, it looks like the proper order is to put on your shin guards, socks, pants, and then your skates. But I can't really get my skates on properly with the shin guards and socks down there. I can move the shin guard aside, lace up the skate, and then drop the shin guard down on top of it. But then what about the socks? I was able to put them on over the skates, but it wasn't easy. Once it's all on, it seems to fit fine, but do I need shorter shin guards?)

Don't worry we were all new once. This is my order of all my equipment:

Compression Shorts w/Cup (or Cup and Garter)

Shin Guards

Sox (again I use Velcro but this is where you would attach them with your garter belt)

Pants

Skates

Shoulder Pads

Elbow Pads

Jersey

Helmet

Gloves

...I think thats it.

As far as your issue with the Shin Guards they might be a bit too large. Mine come down to the tounge of my skates and I have never had an issue getting them tied.

[AIREAYE 248]

I go Jock-Socks-Skates-Shins-Pants-Elbows-Jersey.

When you put your socks on, pull them up until they stay, tie your skates, push them down around the top of the skate. Then put your shin pads on, and then pull the socks up over them. Fasten them to your jock from there and then slide the pants on. Walla.

I believe the term is 'Voila' LOL

I do

Jock

shins

socks

pants

skates

upper body gear

[ponder 0]

I have always gone:

1) Jock (I currently have underarmour bottoms that have a pocket for the jock and velcro for the socks)

2) Shins

3) Pants

4) Socks

5) Skates (just pull the shins up out of the way)

6) Clear tape socks/shins

I like my pants real tight so it'd be hard to get them on over skates. I don't at all find it a problem to push the shins/socks up while tieing my skates, and I'm 6' tall with 16" shins that cover decently far down my skate when I push them back into place, basically like this:

Just save the clear tape till you have your skates tied, obviously.

[Stoop 1]

Thanks all. I'll try it both ways, and see what works for me.

Another trivial question based on Ponder's response: Why the tape if you have the velcro already?

[ponder 0]

Thanks all. I'll try it both ways, and see what works for me.

Another trivial question based on Ponder's response: Why the tape if you have the velcro already?

Tape over the socks holds them on tighter, with the velcro alone they can move around a bit, especially if you get knocked down and are sliding on your knees.