Necessity of Equipment Quality and Perfomance

[samson35 0]

hey everyone, I'm still pretty new at being a player and there seems to be some pretty knowledgeable guys around here. I was a goalie in high school so I know my goalie equipment, but I'm not all that familiar with player gear. The biggest concern I've had so far is how much I should be investing in equipment, especially in shin pads and elbow pads. I currently own a pair of Bauer Vapor Selects II shin pads and Easton ST 400 elbows. now here are my gripes with them. I feel like the shin pads are a too flimsy and brittle. I understand that I'm just a beginner and maybe this level of protection is all i'll ever need. But for those who have experience, how much protection do I really need? I find that I have close to no calf protection and the knee protection is a little weak. I don't feel completely confident landing on my knees. Should I just man up and get used to it? or should I buy something higher end. I know that I don't need the top of the line stuff, but at the same time, I don't want to invest in intermediate level equipment that's a lot more expensive but might break down just as easily. I'm currently deciding between the One60 shin pad and the CCM fit09 shin pad. I can get both for the same price, but I figured that the CCM fit09 shin pad is supposed to be a higher end pad so maybe I should go with that. To be honest, I liked both of them a lot fit wise. The CCM looked a lot wider, but does it make that much of a difference? and the One60's calf protection SEEMED better, but I don't really know how it stacks up to the CCM fit09 in terms of overall protection. Should i spend more money on the one80?

As far as elbow pads go, I feel like they keep slipping lower and lower. It feels snug at first, but as I bend my elbows more and more, the pad slides lower and lower. I feel like I could use a little tighter bicep strap, but truth be told, I don't really know how tight that strap should really be. It just sort of hangs there and I don't know if thats where my problems lie. So like the shin pads, will a higher level piece of equipment solve my issue? I really like what Bauer and CCM have with their anchor straps, but will it make that big of a difference? At the end of the day, its hard for me to justify spending 60$ on elbows (i really like the X40 and the 6K), but if it seems like everyone's finding that great elbow pads make a huge difference, then I'd be willing to buy better ones

Like I said, I don't know too much about player's equipment. As a goalie, I've always been weary of low end gear. I've always been a proponent of getting higher end gear because you get what you pay for and to be honest, it performs a whole lot better. You feel more comfortable and it just makes playing that much more enjoyable. But I'm not sure to what extent this applies to player's gear. Heres a list of what I have in terms of players equipment. I would love to get some feedback on the stuff I currently own just to see if maybe I'm worrying too much and need to just suck it up or if I should invest in better equipment. Like I said, I've only started playing, but ideally, I'd like to get equipment that will last. I'm a strong believer in getting one thing and sticking with it and using it for a long time.

helmet: Reebok 8k

shoulders: NikeBauer Lightspeed

elbows: Easton ST400

girdle: Bauer One95

shin: Bauer Vapor Select II

Skates: Bauer One95

Thanks for the read/help!

[Axxion89 32]

The short answer to your question is pay more to get better equipment but fit is more important. Try on some pads and whack it with your hand at your lhs and whatever fits in mid range should give more than enough protection.

[AIREAYE 248]

Agreed, because at your level, fit should be foremost and protection coming in a close second. The higher/mid end pads such as from the EQ series, Warrior etc all have straps that 'wrap' the bicep, it's just up to you to try them on and getting a feel for it. As for the shins, they should offer that calf wrap protection but again, fit is the most important aspect. Any of the pads you mentioned would do the job protection-wise but it's up to both the employee helping you and yourself to judge for fit.

[Jarick 5]

Here are my expanded thoughts on gear for beginners.

For the shin pads, if the fit is the same, go with whatever has the most cushion/protection in the knee and slash protection in the calves. For elbow pads, find a pair that have the anchor strap along the inside of the elbow and don't move around in the store. Personally I've always had very loose bicep straps even when they are done up tight; I just make sure the elbow and forearm are locked in and then the bicep part floats.

[stick9 905]

As far as elbow pads go, I feel like they keep slipping lower and lower. It feels snug at first, but as I bend my elbows more and more, the pad slides lower and lower. I feel like I could use a little tighter bicep strap, but truth be told, I don't really know how tight that strap should really be

I've never had the bicep strap tight. I fasten it so it moves with my arm, but it's still pretty loose. The key is the anchor strap that runs across the inside of the elbow.

Keep your options open when it comes to body protection. I had my heart set on some Projekt shins, but when I tried them on they didn't work for me (great pad though).

[trukweaz 3]

Ill jump in here with samson.

I am a skinny dude (5'11" and 145 pounds), I play adult non-check.

I wear Supreme One60 elbow's and after every game the boney protrusion (inner part of Ulna I think), is really sore. I think the pad is "squeezing" it and causing pain.

Any feed back on a brand/model that be a bit softer in that area?

Thanks!

[wrangler 157]

I agree that the strap inside the elbow should hold the pad, locking the elbow in. I don't tighten my biceps strap much, either.

Make sure the protection is enough that you don't feel pain when you drop hard to your knees, or slam an elbow onto the ice.

Reebok makes good stuff, too.

[Scotty 8]

If it fits well and prevents pain from impact, it's enough.

I've been wearing the same shin and elbow pads since the 7th grade.

[samson35 0]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Trukweaz, I know exactly what you are talking about. I tried on one 60's in the store today and the first thing i felt was this pinch. I tried the x40s and they might be the next pair. loved the segmented fore arm as well as the anchor strap. That strap really does wonders. The elbow pad felt very comfortable on my arm. Now I just need to go and try on some other ones just to be 100% sure. I still think 70$ for elbow pads is too high, but I might have to just suck it up.

As far as shin goes, can anyone shed any light on the donut shaped knee that the CCM pads have. Like i said, one of my concerns is how much padding as at the knees. The Bauer pads look sturdier just because it looks like a thick cushion as opposed to a suspended hole on the CCM. I tried on the One60s and really liked the calf protection. I thought the CCM fit09 could've used a little more calf protection but the guy at the store told me that the CCM fit09 had higher quality foam so although it feels softer than the One60's hard plastic, it is actually more protective. Both felt great and I'm really in the limbo on this one. The CCM's look a little too wide. Does that really make that much of a difference other than looks?

Thanks again for all the feedback!

[stick9 905]

samson35, try Easton's ST16 elbow pad. I picked mine up for $59ish earlier in the year. I have the ST16 shins and absolutely love em.

[jeremyp 3]

As far as shin goes, can anyone shed any light on the donut shaped knee that the CCM pads have. Like i said, one of my concerns is how much padding as at the knees. The Bauer pads look sturdier just because it looks like a thick cushion as opposed to a suspended hole on the CCM. I tried on the One60s and really liked the calf protection. I thought the CCM fit09 could've used a little more calf protection but the guy at the store told me that the CCM fit09 had higher quality foam so although it feels softer than the One60's hard plastic, it is actually more protective. Both felt great and I'm really in the limbo on this one. The CCM's look a little too wide. Does that really make that much of a difference other than looks?

Thanks again for all the feedback!

I have last years CCM shin pads with the donut hole style knee padding and I've been extremely happy with them. They work great for protection and I have to say that the strapping system is near perfect...they never move. I've taken several shots, slashes and falls to the ice without any pain, injury or issue of any kind. Protection will not be a questions with the CCM's, I can promise you that.

[samson35 0]

thanks for the suggestions/feedback guys. I wish I could find the ST16 elbows to try them on. It seems like most stores around Vancouver aren't carrying them anymore. I'm pretty set on getting the X40 elbows and the fit09 shins...but still some thinking left to do!

[cwc2134 1]

just wanted to throw in my personal opinion. I have used a decent amount of equipment throughout playing in college and now a high level men's league and the best advice I can give to someone who has questions about equipment is first find something that fits and second find something that when your playing you aren't bothered by it at all. I personally use RBK 5k shin guards and elbows and i love them. they fit my so well that I don't even really know they are there. This is not to bash other products but I used to use Nike elbow pads because I thought they were cool looking and I paid the price when I landed on my elbow and it blew apart. Same thing with my knee pads. I used to use an old Easton model and i ended up bruising my knee really bad because the pad wasn't what i needed at the time. Also another thing to take into account is how much time you spend on the ice and i don't mean skating. I know it sounds stupid but if you are someone who falls a lot maybe more protection is the way to go.

[HockeySavants 5]

here's what I always say (may have stolen this phrase lol)

Comfortable and protective isn't cheap

cheap and protective isn't comfortable

[samson35 0]

anyone with good/bad things to say about the X60 elbows? I'm finding a lot of people prefer the Supreme line more (and even the X40). Thanks!

[JSK81 400]

anyone with good/bad things to say about the X60 elbows? I'm finding a lot of people prefer the Supreme line more (and even the X40). Thanks!

I found the TotalOne elbow pads comfier and for some reason more mobile than the X60's. I had X40's, but the TO's felt so good on I had to buy them.

[ponder 0]

anyone with good/bad things to say about the X60 elbows? I'm finding a lot of people prefer the Supreme line more (and even the X40). Thanks!

Like em but not completely in love. When I got them I tried on all the high-ish end pairs in the store, the X60s had the best mobility for me, but honestly I feel like the anchor strap is a touch too stretchy and they don't lock in place quite as securely as I like, move around a touch during games. The store didn't have high end CCM elbows (U+ 09s and U+ pros) in stock when I bought my X60s, but having tried them on since I wish I'd got them instead, roughly as mobile and seem to lock in place really well (in the store at least).

[samson35 0]

Thanks for that info! I was actually debating between CCM and Bauer. I'm reading so mediocre things about X60s so I think I might just go with the fit09 or the U+s! I don't know! Ive been flip flopping for a while now!

[watchgreat 4]

Get Reeboks.

[samson35 0]

Get Reeboks.

I was actually trying on the 9ks in store the other day. I found them a little tight, but I wasn't sure if it was because it wasn't broken in. I liked the bicep guard and I liked how secure everything was, but For some reason It felt a little restrictive.

[wrangler 157]

I've got the 10K, it has a biceps guard, too. Feels kinda tight in the dressing room, but I never notice it hindering my motion on the ice.

[JSK81 400]

To me the newer Reebok elbow pads have been very restrictive. I had 6k's and couldn't get my arm straight in them. I wanted to believe it was only the 6k's that were crappy but after trying other models (8k, 9k, 11k) I found they were all like that.

[Jarick 5]

Had the same issue when trying on Reeboks, so I scouted around until I found the old JOFA pro elbows. Need those at retail again.

[watchgreat 4]

I have reeboks and i couldnt be happier. I have elbows and shin guards and am now going to get pants and shoulder pads.