Must-Have Padding for a Newbie?

[DigDug 5]

Tomv713's awesome post, Tales From a Beginner made me realize that, in my quest to really learn to skate, I need to get some padding to allow myself to step outside my comfort-zone. I'm not made of money, and as I don't expect to play hockey (at least not in the forseeable future), I was wondering if you guys had recommendations on what your consider the most essential protective gear to buy, and perhaps, some recommendation of inexpensive ones to go after. I'm not fielding pucks, but rather want to be able to have myself protected from the 8,000 falls I plan to make on the journey to getting good. I have elbow pads, but nothing else.

Thanks in advance for any advice you may have!

Dig

[skyscrape 5]

What exactly will you be doing? Free Skates? Pond Skating? Stick Times? Learn to play classes?

[Davetronz 109]

I'd say the following is minimum (based on the fact that you're just learning to skate and don't expect to play hockey):

- Helmet (anything to protect your head - you'd probably be fine with a bike helmet - but an entry level hockey helmet ~$40 range wouldn't hurt)

- Knee pads / shin pads (protect your knees - you're going to fall on them while you're learning - a low cost ~$30 pair of shin guards would work, or something as simple as volleyball knee pads or a knee paid that you find at a hardware store)

- Gloves (regular snow gloves or a low-cost pair of hockey gloves)

- Elbow pads (I recommend them for new skaters, others dont. A bone bruise on your elbow really sucks and can be avoided by wearing elbow pads)

- Hip/Tailbone protection (OPTIONAL - You'll be falling on your knees, but you can also fall backwards and land on your hip or tailbone. Your choice, but something like a padded referees girdle ~$80 might save a bit of potential pain)

[Thepandamancan 0]

All your gear can be entry level and cheap. To use Bauer as an example, everything in their One40 line would be ok. However, for pants or girdle...that's where you wanna spend the most money. I'm out of the beginner phase, but I'm still a terrible skater. I fall on my tailbone and hips when I fall. You probably wanna get the One80 or whatever is below the brands top of the line. The One60 which is the low-mid level of the brand is suitable, but they tend to not be as durable and if you fall...things break down other than your body.

[DigDug 5]

Great suggestions, thanks a bunch for your answers. I"m going to do some research and post back if I have any other questions.

[AIREAYE 248]

There will be places where they won't let you on the ice without a proper hockey helmet. That is where you should spend your money and get the one that fits the best.

As for butt protection, try biker shorts under your pants.

[n3gkiwi 1]

How big are you? I have some OLD gear but it'll get the job done for a newbie and free is free. I have pants, shins, and some elbows I think - maybe even a pair of old gloves - not sure about those though. Hope I can help.

[DigDug 5]

n3gkiwi - 5'10" 250lb. That would kick MEGA ass, man.

[Vet88 674]

I recommend you hunt eBay, craigslist and other forums for second hand gear aiming for the advanced range that is 2 - 3 years old. Some recommendations of the brands and models you might want to look for:

Helmets - Bauer 5500, 8500, 9500, Easton S15, S17, S19, SE16, CCM V08, V10, Rbk 7k, 8k. (cost from $40 - $50)

Elbow pads - Bauer 0ne80/90/95, Bauer Vapour xxxx and xxxx, Easton / CCM as above, Rbk as above + 9k (cost as above)

Shin guards - models and cost as above for elbow gaurds.

For hip protection, buy a girdle. You can wear it under track pants etc and still go to a general skate or muck about in the park. CCM pro or Rbk 9k or Bauer X60 for excellent ice protection. Mission Thorax, Gear Big Daddy or other inline girdles for medium protection.

At this point someone might want to throw in some recommendations for top models from Warrior or Sherwood or Tour or other brands I haven't mentioned.

[Chadd 916]

I recommend you hunt eBay, craigslist and other forums for second hand gear aiming for the advanced range that is 2 - 3 years old. Some recommendations of the brands and models you might want to look for:

Helmets - Bauer 5500, 8500, 9500, Easton S15, S17, S19, SE16, CCM V08, V10, Rbk 7k, 8k. (cost from $40 - $50)

I would never buy a used helmet, especially one with EPP foam. You have no idea what kind of impacts that it sustained before someone else decided to sell it.

[hockeymass 11]

I would never buy a used helmet, especially one with EPP foam. You have no idea what kind of impacts that it sustained before someone else decided to sell it.

Helmet and jock are the two things it's always worthwhile to me to buy new.

[MarsB 33]

I'm not made of money, and as I don't expect to play hockey (at least not in the forseeable future), I was wondering if you guys had recommendations on what your consider the most essential protective gear to buy, and perhaps, some recommendation of inexpensive ones to go after. I'm not fielding pucks....

I recommend you hunt eBay, craigslist and other forums for second hand gear aiming for the advanced range that is 2 - 3 years old. Some recommendations of the brands and models you might want to look for: Helmets - Bauer 5500, 8500, 9500, Easton S15, S17, S19, SE16, CCM V08, V10, Rbk 7k, 8k. (cost from $40 - $50) Elbow pads - Bauer 0ne80/90/95, Bauer Vapour xxxx and xxxx, Easton / CCM as above, Rbk as above + 9k (cost as above) Shin guards - models and cost as above for elbow gaurds. For hip protection, buy a girdle. You can wear it under track pants etc and still go to a general skate or muck about in the park. CCM pro or Rbk 9k or Bauer X60 for excellent ice protection. Mission Thorax, Gear Big Daddy or other inline girdles for medium protection. At this point someone might want to throw in some recommendations for top models from Warrior or Sherwood or Tour or other brands I haven't mentioned.

If the guy is not planning to play hockey, and does not have much money, why would you recommend upper mid-level or better equipment? And totally agree about not buying a used helmet.