Pants, Shins and Elbows

[IPv6Freely 2100]

A bit of background: I play pickup twice a week, and Men's league on Saturdays. I just started in 2010 so I'm still new to the sport, and am wearing mostly low-end Bauer stuff (just so I wouldnt be wasting a lot of money if I hated it):

- X:30 shoulders and shins

- X:20 elbows

- X:40 gloves

- One15 Pants

Started with a Bauer 4500 helmet, upgraded to a CCM V10.

The shoulders are fine, but the elbows I find uncomfortable, and the shins actually leave bruises where my knee hits my shin from the plastic seam if I fall. The pants are okay mobility-wise, but have absolutely zero butt support and falling hurts quite a bit.

I'm looking at possibly RBK 9k pants, and RBK 8k shins and shoulders. However, I found a set of Jofa 9177 elbows on ebay for cheap and am considering those.

What do you guys think? I don't really NEED pro-level equipment by any means, but if its anything like helmets, the expensive ones ARE worth it (the CCM V10 felt like I wasn't wearing one at all, the CCM V05 hurts my head..).

[danno25nh 3]

Another option is midrange equipment. From my experience low end equipment is just that. Midrange on the other hand is pretty high quality minus a few of the niceties.

If you have a particular area of concern e.g. bad wrist then get upper end gear in this case gloves.

Skates and helmets are always my exception. Cheap skates hinder performance and cheap helmets are a risk we should never take.

[Yinzer57 0]

I'm looking at possibly RBK 9k pants, and RBK 8k shins and shoulders. However, I found a set of Jofa 9177 elbows on ebay for cheap and am considering those.

I have the Reebok 11k pants and love them, a ton of padding, but very mobile and comfortable. The 9k pants are a definite upgrade from what you have and should give you the right amount of padding. The shins and shoulders are all very good as well. The Jofa 9177 elbow pads are great, I have been looking for some Jofas to replace my older worn out ones. I have the Reebok 8k and they are a little restrictive and bulky for me. I agree with the other poster, skates and helmets are areas you do not want to skimp on. Pro level equipment can be awesome or too bulky and hot; depends on make, model etc. It also depends on what you think is comfortable and what fits you well for the amount of padding you need. You should like the choices you listed better than what you have, they are really good options.

[dayroc 0]

If you are new to the sport, dont worry about the "bulky, non bulky" stuff. Just get better protection, as you would not know the difference anyway.

That being said, i wear big bulky shoulders and shins(easton synergy 300s). I know it's not the macho thing in a mens beer league, but honestly, i dont get paid to play hockey, i pay huge $$, and i'm totally not going to get hurt no matter what. It's not macho to be an injured man. Back to your question, if you find a piece of equipment uncomfy, go to a LHS and try them on. "Pro- level" does not necessarily mean it is heavy duty. Al though, if i had to do it again, i would have bought all top end stuff fitted correctly, it would last me a life time and still come out cheaper.

ps. i like your avatar pic. I wish in some way they made the playoffs.

[nyquil 43]

As far as beginners go I am a fan of get decent (not necessarily pro stock) skates that definately fit and feel right.

Depending on your skating ability mid range shins and pants will help cutting down on the pain until you can skate a bit without the falling. Then you can go ahead and upgrade your gear slowly one piece at a time.

[Hermans 9]

I have my stuff from a variety of on line and large chain and smaller LHS. I watch for sales and for skates and helmets and sticks it's the LHS.

If a chain or the LHS has items on sale go check it out. The more you try things the more you will learn what works for you.

[bobbyj1049 0]

I would go with the Jofa elbows, they will give great protection. I wear one95 shins but they're are a great fit if you have skinny legs. I would go with mid-range stuff that fits you best

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Thanks all! I certainly agree about the skates and helmet. The benefits of good skates are obvious, and I'm fine in that category. Head protection is not something to skimp on. There are some mid-range helmets that I'm sure would have been sufficient, but with a CCM V10 helmet only running me about 80 bucks, it seems silly to buy anything less.

I'm not necessarily interested in pro stock gear just to be a gear whore, but more along the lines of it being something tried and tested - ie. the pros wouldn't be wearing it if it sucked. I'm not going to buy something that is far above what I need just because the pros wear it, by any means.

Looks like people seem to like the Jofa elbows, so I think I'm going to pick those up. Hell if I hate them, I can just re-list them.

Shins aren't a huge concern because I have the feeling that ANYTHING higher than what I have will suffice. I'll probably just hit the LHS and check them all out.

Pants are tough because it's hard to decide if you like them simply by slipping them over your pants in the LHS.. you really need to skate in them to make a real decision. I also can't decide if I want to go girdle/shell or just pants. I think the RBK 9K are girdle/shell, aren't they?

[ponder 0]

For trying on pants, wear thin sweat pants to the store and spend some time in them, walk around a bunch, you'll look a little foolish but should be able to find a nice fit. I'm a big fan of my Rbk pants, and they're not even high end or anything, 5ks I think. They are light, mobile and seem fairly protective, but I'm just playing non-contact beer league hockey in them so don't fall often. Pants vs. girdle is personal preference, I personally like the way girdles move with your body, but a good pair of pants is almost as nice, and faster to put on/less fuss.

Nobody can tell you what elbows you'll like, it's a personal preference and fit thing, just buy whatever gives you good mobility while staying in place. Try on tonnes. I think the ccm fit09s have a real nice system when it comes to staying in place, but it all depends on your arm shape.

As for shins, I've owned high end shins and hate them, they're all so bulky and I feel like the protection they provide is super excessive for beer league. I'm actually currently in the X30 shins that you don't like, and I like them far more than any of the higher end shins I've owned - light, slim fitting, protect me when I block shots. Never had the problem you have with feeling falls on my knees, but again, I don't really fall that often.

Sounds like you're happy with your helmet/skates/gloves/shoulders.

[AIREAYE 248]

In regards to pants, I find that as beginners (I'm no beginner, but my balance isn't up to par lol), better pants offering more protection should be a priority. I get shoved around alot and fall (cause I'm a smaller player) and I find that I could definitely benefit from better tailbone and hip protection (I wear One35s so I know where you're coming from)

[IPv6Freely 2100]

I ended up buying a pair of RBK 4K elbows today. I put them on and they felt even more comfortable than some of the higher-end stuff, at half the price. Very good mobility too. The old Bauer X:20s seemed to bunch up when I'd straighten my arm (a byproduct of the "hinge" design they use), but these move very smoothly.

I tried on countless pairs of pants. I really liked the way the RBK 7K's fit in the waist, but the front leg padding just seemed.. awkward. As if the plastic was curved too much. They stuck out at the front, and dug into the side of my leg. Loved the X:60 girdle, but I can't afford it. After trying on as much as I could, I narrowed it down to two reasonably affordable pairs with good tailbone protection (the main reason I want new pants):

- Easton S13 - $100

- CCM Fit09 LE - $100

I'm going to have to dig through reviews to see if anyone has used them. I'm leaning towards the CCMs, I think. Thoughts?

Shinpads - well... neither of the LFS's had RBK shins in 14" (I've settled on RBK because I like the construction), so I was unable to actually try any. Looking at them though, it's a tossup between the 4K and the 8K (for some reason the 6K is COMPLETELY different). The only real difference I could see between the 4K and the 8K was the wraparound back, which I don't care too much about. I think I'll go 4K here. Thoughts?

Also picked up a Tacki-mac grip that I'm going to modify and try (I dont like the 1" knob, nor how long it is in general, so I'm going to trim it).

[wrangler 157]

I tried on countless pairs of pants. I really liked the way the RBK 7K's fit in the waist, but the front leg padding just seemed.. awkward. As if the plastic was curved too much. They stuck out at the front, and dug into the side of my leg. Loved the X:60 girdle, but I can't afford it. After trying on as much as I could, I narrowed it down to two reasonably affordable pairs with good tailbone protection (the main reason I want new pants):

- Easton S13 - $100

- CCM Fit09 LE - $100

I'm going to have to dig through reviews to see if anyone has used them. I'm leaning towards the CCMs, I think. Thoughts?

Shinpads - well... neither of the LFS's had RBK shins in 14" (I've settled on RBK because I like the construction), so I was unable to actually try any. Looking at them though, it's a tossup between the 4K and the 8K (for some reason the 6K is COMPLETELY different). The only real difference I could see between the 4K and the 8K was the wraparound back, which I don't care too much about. I think I'll go 4K here. Thoughts?

I see IW is showing the new Reebok stuff available 4/11, so you might find some nice closeout deals now, or if you wait a little while.

I have the 8K shin guards and like them a lot. I haven't felt an impact from a puck, or dropping to my knees, at 6', 255 lbs. The ventilation seems to help, and the materials used dry out very quickly. The straps keep the pads in place; I've never taped.

I think you'll find a difference in materials between the 4K and 8K, among other things.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

I see IW is showing the new Reebok stuff available 4/11, so you might find some nice closeout deals now, or if you wait a little while.

I have the 8K shin guards and like them a lot. I haven't felt an impact from a puck, or dropping to my knees, at 6', 255 lbs. The ventilation seems to help, and the materials used dry out very quickly. The straps keep the pads in place; I've never taped.

I think you'll find a difference in materials between the 4K and 8K, among other things.

No question the 8K has a nicer build. I like the ventilation a lot, which both the 4K and 8K have (but nothing in between). I'm just deciding if its worth the price increase for a guy who can barely skate. I'm only buying new shins at all because the old ones give me bruises on my shins when I fall.

[DumpN'Chase 1]

I'd say go for it. As long as ur not growing, u might as well get something you can progress with. IMO there should never be a reason to skimp on protective equipment unless it feels uncomfortable.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

I'd say go for it. As long as ur not growing, u might as well get something you can progress with. IMO there should never be a reason to skimp on protective equipment unless it feels uncomfortable.

I certainly agree with that. I hummed and hawed over buying a CCM V10 helmet, but said to hell with it... an extra 20 bucks or whatever to have the best head protection (and the highest level of comfort - 10000x more comfortable than the V08)... it's a no-brainer.

I think I'll pick up the RBK 8Ks, but I'll wait until the 2011s are out (April 11 apparently) and hope I can get the 2010s for cheaper.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Hey guys. I've narrowed down my choice in shins to these:

Bauer X:40 - http://www.hockeygiant.com/bau10vx40sgsr.html

RBK 8K - http://www.hockeygiant.com/rbk098ksgsr.html

Easton EQ30 - http://www.hockeygiant.com/eassyeq30shnsr.html

I'm looking for about the $60-70 range. I play in a Div5 men's league, as well as pickup once or twice a week. Not a pro by any means, just an old man looking for some decent protection!

I've tried them all on, and they all fit fairly well. It truly is a toss-up which I buy, so I was hoping some of you might have experience with these products.

I like the Easton and Bauer because of the calf wrap, but I like the RBK because of the shin vent (does this really do anything?)

Thanks all!

[stick9 905]

Hey guys. I've narrowed down my choice in shins to these:

Bauer X:40 - http://www.hockeygiant.com/bau10vx40sgsr.html

RBK 8K - http://www.hockeygiant.com/rbk098ksgsr.html

Easton EQ30 - http://www.hockeygiant.com/eassyeq30shnsr.html

I'm looking for about the $60-70 range. I play in a Div5 men's league, as well as pickup once or twice a week. Not a pro by any means, just an old man looking for some decent protection!

I've tried them all on, and they all fit fairly well. It truly is a toss-up which I buy, so I was hoping some of you might have experience with these products.

I like the Easton and Bauer because of the calf wrap, but I like the RBK because of the shin vent (does this really do anything?)

Thanks all!

You might want to check out some Easton ST16 shins. Excellent pad for the price.

http://www.hockeygiant.com/eassst16sgsr.html

I'd look for anti-bacterial or bio-dri liners before shin vents. Once you put a sock over them you restrict the air flow.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

You might want to check out some Easton ST16 shins. Excellent pad for the price.

http://www.hockeygiant.com/eassst16sgsr.html

I'd look for anti-bacterial or bio-dri liners before shin vents. Once you put a sock over them you restrict the air flow.

Much appreciated, but I think at this point I'm just going to stick with the three I've chosen - just because I've tried them all on already. :)

If the shin vents really don't do much, I think I'm leaning towards the Easton EQ30.

[Hermans 9]

I picked up some RBK's on sale; they feel more solid in the knee cap than any I have worn before. They also feel more "restrictive in movement" but when it comes down to it I skate nearly as well with them as any other shin pad I've owned (including Nike "ignite 44" from Canadian Tire similar to a lower end Vapour, some Itech 955's, some Winwells and some Shock Doctors). They are solid pads, they dont' "vent" well but they do dry well and are comfy.

they are the only pads that I have worn that I never stable when I am on one or both knees (I can't stay "flat" over the knee) and they are the only knee pads that I've yet to have a painfull experience landing on my knees. In short they don't hurt but when I land I have a hard time staying upright or getting up as I keep rolling over the flat part of my knee cap.

[DumpN'Chase 1]

I currently own the x60 shins and love em. I looked at grabbing the x40s but my lhs had nothing in my size. Awesome pads tho. Taken a few shots to the knee and upper knee and it didn't hurt at all. Also very light unrestricted pads.

And if ur worried about ventilation, I'd pick up sum Reebok edge socks. Really light and breathable. Prob help more than anything in terms of breathability.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Well, I went back to the store today. They finally had a pair of RBK 8Ks in 14". Tried them on.. holy crap they are WIDE. Had planned on buying Easton EQ30 shins, but they didn't have them. Ended up going with Bauer Supreme One60. They were really narrow (I like that), and very comfortable. The only issue I've had is there's a lot of "roll" when on one knee. I'm not sure if I can live with that, but I don't have much choice since I can't return them after I've worn them. I really do like the fit, though.

I tried on some more pants, and now I'm very much leaning towards the Easton EQ30 pants now. Man, they were comfy! If they had had them in Navy at the store, I would have bought them then and there. Unfortunately I'll have to order them online. They were even more comfortable than the CCM Fit09 LE I had tried on earlier. And very good tailbone protection, from what I could tell.

I currently own the x60 shins and love em. I looked at grabbing the x40s but my lhs had nothing in my size. Awesome pads tho. Taken a few shots to the knee and upper knee and it didn't hurt at all. Also very light unrestricted pads.

And if ur worried about ventilation, I'd pick up sum Reebok edge socks. Really light and breathable. Prob help more than anything in terms of breathability.

Already wear reebok edge socks :) And Bauer Vapor skate socks (I had tried oxysox, but found they werent form-fitting enough for me).

[Kiwi 0]

Im having problems finding shin pads, Im 5´5Ft and I should be wearing 13" shin pads problem is that I cant seem to find any big enough for my calvs, so Im using 14" instead and they are just too long for me.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Im having problems finding shin pads, Im 5´5Ft and I should be wearing 13" shin pads problem is that I cant seem to find any big enough for my calvs, so Im using 14" instead and they are just too long for me.

So you need something wide? After trying on countless pairs of shins, by far the widest ones I tried were Reebok 8k (I'm sure 10k as well, but I didn't try those). Have you tried on 8ks?

[snuzzo24 0]

Optimus, how narrow are the One60s compared to the eastons and the vapors?

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Optimus, how narrow are the One60s compared to the eastons and the vapors?

I actually found them to be much more narrow than the eastons, and slightly more narrow than the vapor x:30s I was using before.

Like I said, the only thing I don't like about these One60s is how pointy the knee cap is.