New to ice

[BucksAway 16]

Hi

Im wanting to start playing a little bit of ice hockey, I have played inline for about 2 years now.

I'm trying to decide what gear to buy and i have no idea whats good for beginner/intermediate. I live in Australia so really the only products available to me are CCM, Reebok and Warrior

Skates really are not the issue at the moment, i tried some on and figured im a size 7.5 - 8.0 in skate size. I tried on both reebok and CCM and the 7.5 CCM's seem to run very very narrow, the D was crushing my foot and then when i went to a size 8 Reebok 10k D they just seemed to fit wonders, very comfortable skates.

But as i was unable to try on 8k's the skates i plan on buying im unsure if i well get the same comfort level? Has anybody compared these skates? Is there much difference?

Any help would be appreciated in regards to skates.

From inline i have shins and gloves but i need shoulders and ice hockey pants and have absolutely 0 idea on what i should be looking at and what makes a good pad.

If i could get some recommendations for this stuff it would be much appreciated again. Obviously as i will only be playing in a few pick up games and hopefully joining a team later on i dont need the top of the line gear but something that offers good protection and will last me for a decent amount of time.

Thanks for your help

[raganblink 82]

8k and 10k are very similar skates, they should feel the same. Main difference is quantity of foam on inside 10k has more, and the quarter panel is made of a lighter stronger more durable material.

For pants and shoulders get what's comfortable, on shoulders I'd recommend least constructive mid line to low mid line pad you can find. For pants I'd recommend something with great ass padding

[TeamHonda401 54]

Can't really go wrong with the 8k or the 10k skates. The difference in performance is going to be minimal. I'm a big fan of RBK's gear in general, and would suggest either the 4k or 6k shoulders. The 4k's are at a good price point, and don't constrict movement much at all. Pants are going to be pretty similar at the mid-level price point, but I'd suggest the RBK 5k pants, $50 and have a good amount of protection and mobility.

+1 of the ass padding. Fallin on the ass is the worst fall to take in hockey, with the exception of head-first into the boards.

[BucksAway 16]

What about the 6k Skates? over $100 difference?

[fatwabbit 93]

Kyle, good to see you making the transition? I'm trying to do the same thing this year, but I think I have it on the back burner now due to this %^&*( leg thing.

What skates are you using now? Some brands have similar lines for inline and ice.

Ever though of using a girdle/shell combo? That way you can still use the girdle for inline as well

.

[BucksAway 16]

Im using Mission BSX or something like that which are over 2 years old now, I tryed on all different brands and reebok where the most comfy by far. The girdle i use for inline isnt very protective so i kind of need those ice pants.

I dont want to spend a lot of money for something im just starting but i know skates will be a big deal, its just theres over $100 difference between the 8k and 6k ice skates and i cant see any difference :S

[BucksAway 16]

I have decided to get the Rbk 8k's but have no ideea what to do about ice pants...im buying from Hockeymonkey and unfortunately they are out of the 5k's

What can comebody reccomened at a similar price that is available in Small

thanks

[nicksmission14 0]

I have decided to get the Rbk 8k's but have no ideea what to do about ice pants...im buying from Hockeymonkey and unfortunately they are out of the 5k's

What can comebody reccomened at a similar price that is available in Small

thanks

Honestly, Pants are something you really need to try on. I've tried pants on and absolutely hated them. Go to your LHS try the pants on and see what you like and support them :)

[BucksAway 16]

unfortunately that's a luxury i cant have :( living in Australia there isn't much available and all my purchases are blind.

So far it has all worked out well in regards to sizing and comfort but hasnt worked yet for elbows, they all suck to me :(

[HockeySavants 5]

Bauer Vapor X:40s are amazing pants for the price and performance. I suggest those above all.

[number21 3]

Why are you limited to hockey monkey?

As far as I can tell ice warehouse and hockey giant also do international sales.

I had a pair of Bauer Supreme 8000s, which were good protection except in the rear. I think I have read hear that Bauers are generally light on the rear padding if you think you're going to fall a lot. I did so I upgraded to a 2-piece set up because I do still fall a lot.

I think the Reebok mid-levels are decent protection, use the search function see if you can find some more opinions on the 5Ks or other pants in your price range.

[BucksAway 16]

Hockey monkey because there shipping is cheaper by over $70