Reliable hockey bag for ~$40?

[technophile 0]

I've had a Warrior Dolomite hockey bag for a couple of years, and I'm really unhappy with it; of the 6 zippers, 3 have failed (one of them within a year IIRC) to the point where I can't close the top flap at all (which isn't a huge deal) and closing the end pockets is a PITA. The bag itself hasn't ripped, but without zippers it's not terribly useful. I'm not all that hard on the bag; once or twice a week it gets driven to the rink and back.

I'm looking for a new bag, about the same size (38x16x16 or so), ideally for around $40-50. The only place local to me is these"]http://www.playersbench.com/]these guys, so anything online needs to not be a ripoff on shipping. I don't care about brand, colors, etc; I just want a hockey bag that has skate pockets, decent ventilation, and room for all my (defenseman) gear.

I'm looking at the Easton Synergy F5, which looks decently laid out, but I have no idea of the quality.

Anyone have a recommendation for a reliable bag with good zippers that's not wildly expensive?

[Chadd 916]

I know this doesn't exactly fit the criteria, but I would go with this bag at Players Bench. Unless you're putting goal gear in there, everything should fit. The first series of MSH bags were SMI bags and they have held up pretty well.

[shoeshine boy 249]

http://www.icewareho...html?pcode=BCHB

this bag is a STEAL for $40!!! large enough that it holds everything but not so large that it takes up half the lockerroom. I've been very pleased with mine.

I know the reviews on IW aren't good but wtf are these guys doing to these bags????

[forbs02 20]

I recommend bags from Z2 enterprises. I have had one since college and it has held up awesome. http://laurinbags.com/

[nyr386 0]

Have this bag and its great: http://www.hockeymonkey.com/reebok-hockey-equipment-bag-pro-36in.html

They also make a 40" if you need it.

[Stoop 1]

I have that Bauer carry bag and think it's great - skate pockets, end pockes, big mesh top for ventilation, plenty of room. But I had one of the (four) zippers go bad, almost right away. Compared to some of my friends' hockey bags, it doesn't feel nearly as sturdy, but the layout and size is perfect. Can't expect it all at that price.

[mwerth 5]

I've had a version of this Bauer bag forever, the interior skate pockets are great:

http://www.hockeydawgz.com/servlet/the-53408/Bauer-Team-Canvas-Carry/Detail

[Coldclay 53]

If you can find something else to buy along with the bag, Totalhockey.com offers free shipping on all orders over $75... I had a $10 off coupon from USAhockey and spent it on an Easton EQ20 wheeled jr bag for my 7yo and an Easton S13 wheeled backpack for my self and the total was $78 shipped. No tax, no oversized item service charge and free shipping...

[skyscrape 5]

I second the reebok pro team bag. Very durable.

[LeMagnifique66 0]

I know you asked for a longer bag, but, believe me, the 32" model of this bag is MORE than big enough with how wide and deep it is.

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/reebok-hockey-equipment-bag-pro-32in.html

I use big gear (Large-Tall Tackla's, 17" shins, 15" gloves, large helmet...) and there is still room inside this bag for more stuff even with jerseys, pucks, laces, sharpeners, tighteners, tape all loaded up. That said, if you just don't trust it they also make two longer models still for under $40. It's about as close to a "pro bag" as I've found mainstream retail. It has been durable. I like it a lot.

[snuzzo24 0]

I have the 36" Reebok Pro Player bag as well and really like it. Its definitely feels more durable than my EQ40 bag that ripped.

The Reebok bag is big and has plenty of space for all my gear and then some.

[McCabe#1 0]

http://www.flitehockey.com/shop/product_info.php/cPath/21_1_26/products_id/58

Great bag, great price

[Tapiolaboy13 0]

http://www.hockeytron.com/tr126.html

hockey tron has the same bauer bag with internal skate pockets for 29.99 plus you can get for 20 percent off. 24 bucks. its a nice bag.

[akravetz 29]

I use a hockey bag we got at Target. it's a no-name, nylon bag that is big enough to hold my stuff. Sure, it's crappy but it was $15. I have 13" shin guards, CCM helmet, 8E skates, pucks, jersey or two, sharpener, elbow pads, CCM u o5 shoulder pads. It's tight but it works.

[Chadd 916]

http://www.hockeytron.com/tr126.html

hockey tron has the same bauer bag with internal skate pockets for 29.99 plus you can get for 20 percent off. 24 bucks. its a nice bag.

The only tron products I've seen have not been made to the same specs. The locker bag is the same bag he bought for Hockey Giant and it was a piece of junk. Everything ripped or fell apart within a month. I wouldn't trust any bag from them.

[Tapiolaboy13 0]

The only tron products I've seen have not been made to the same specs. The locker bag is the same bag he bought for Hockey Giant and it was a piece of junk. Everything ripped or fell apart within a month. I wouldn't trust any bag from them.

my buddy has the bag and it seems to be sturdy and holding up fine. He's been using it for about 7 months, I'm just waiting for my bag to be trashed so I can pick one up.

[technophile 0]

Thanks for all the great recs everyone -- I went ahead and ordered that 32" Reebok Pro Player bag, simple seems better with bags; less to break.

Out of curiosity, will I be able to fit both skates (one upside down) in one of the skate pockets (size 9 skates) and use the other for jerseys/headband/tape/etc, or is that stuff just going to need to be loose in the bigger section?

[th6252 25]

Thanks for all the great recs everyone -- I went ahead and ordered that 32" Reebok Pro Player bag, simple seems better with bags; less to break.

Out of curiosity, will I be able to fit both skates (one upside down) in one of the skate pockets (size 9 skates) and use the other for jerseys/headband/tape/etc, or is that stuff just going to need to be loose in the bigger section?

doubtful...i do exactly that but i wear a size 6 skate, and even then, both skates barely fit in one pocket. i have the warrior version of the same bag that's an smu from perani's.

[krwwc6 0]

Thanks for all the great recs everyone -- I went ahead and ordered that 32" Reebok Pro Player bag, simple seems better with bags; less to break.

Out of curiosity, will I be able to fit both skates (one upside down) in one of the skate pockets (size 9 skates) and use the other for jerseys/headband/tape/etc, or is that stuff just going to need to be loose in the bigger section?

I don't have the reebok bag, but I have a 32in Fury bag and love it. It's the same design basically. Both of my skates won't fit in one pocket. I use a dopp kit bag to put all of my things in it. My tape, extra steel, helmet hardware, stone, wax, scissors, etc. I don't know why it took me so long to think of it. Guys on the team laugh at me when the dopp kit bag comes out the hockey bag. . . but I always know where all of my stuff is, and it can sit right next to me in the lockerroom rather than digging through my bag for it.

[AlphaSierra 1]

If anyone else is looking, another vote for the Reebok Pro. I have the 36in and still have plenty of room. The simplicity and durability make the bag perfect. Been using it for just over a year and thinking of ordering another one or two for the price.

[krwwc6 0]

I also ended up getting a red bag, and am really happy with it. My previous bags were all navy or black. With the bright red bag, it is very simple to see all of my equipment in my bag.

[snuzzo24 0]

Thanks for all the great recs everyone -- I went ahead and ordered that 32" Reebok Pro Player bag, simple seems better with bags; less to break.

Out of curiosity, will I be able to fit both skates (one upside down) in one of the skate pockets (size 9 skates) and use the other for jerseys/headband/tape/etc, or is that stuff just going to need to be loose in the bigger section?

I can fit both my skates in one skate pocket on my 36" bag. The top skate does hang out though. I use both pockets for my skates and use 2 meshs bags to store everything else. One to store my jock, undershirt, socks, ect and the other to store tape, wax, ect.

[LeMagnifique66 0]

Thanks for all the great recs everyone -- I went ahead and ordered that 32" Reebok Pro Player bag, simple seems better with bags; less to break.

Out of curiosity, will I be able to fit both skates (one upside down) in one of the skate pockets (size 9 skates) and use the other for jerseys/headband/tape/etc, or is that stuff just going to need to be loose in the bigger section?

My 8.5 D's just fit into one pocket like that. (I can't snap the snap at the top of the pocket, but the skates are all the way in.) So, you might have a chance. Jerseys, socks, jock go into the other skate pocket. Tape, wax, laces go into the small mesh pocket inside the front. I think the only small item I have in the bag floating around loose is a bag ball deodorizer. I really think you'll like this bag. K.I.S.S. all the way.

[technophile 0]

Yeah, I've got a small mesh bag I can use for tape/etc (I keep a fair bit of hardware in my bag, including two screwdrivers; those have saved the respective butts of myself and a few teammates more than once), so it's not a huge deal, just something I was used to.

Thanks again guys, I'll post back and let you know what I think.

[technophile 0]

So the bag showed up Saturday. On first impression... this thing is huge. I could probably sleep in it (curled up, wouldn't be comfortable for too long ). I did manage to fit both skates in one skate pocket fairly easily (though as noted I can't snap it shut, but that's fine; it's not like I'm going to flip the bag upside down or anything). I do wish it had a dedicated socks/jerseys/etc pocket, but there's plenty of room otherwise. If I end up going to that hockey camp this summer I may not even have to take a separate suitcase, I think I could probably get a week's worth of street clothes in there with my gear.

Otherwise it looks/feels sturdy, the adjustable strap is a little odd since only one side adjusts, which means that if you make it shoulder length the bag isn't centered (although on reflection that's probably intentional -- makes it easier to carry it on a shoulder since it's offset), and it's not ugly.

Thanks for the recs all!