Looking for some new equipment

[goosedennis 0]

Well, I think it's time to get some new equipment. After the season I assessed the damage (and there was a lot) that I had done to it, and noticed some small things like the paint on the shin guard wearing off, but there were some major concerns.

Pants:

I've had these pants for six or so years, so I'm really unsure of prices. I ripped the bottom of my pants off when I fell down once (don't even ask how) and tore the crotchal region taking a really nice slash. I'm looking into some Tackla 9000's, but I've heard the 5000s are similar. Would the pricing be different and how do they compare?

Price range: $200

Shoulders:

These just don't protect my stomach at all. I have no clue where to start on these.

Price range: ????

Skates:

These aren't OLD old, but there are some visible things, like burn marks from someone sharpening my skates improperly, and chips in the logos, but what I'm concerned about is a solid tongue. I took a weak wrister off the right ankle and it hurt like shit because there's no cushion there. I'm also concerned because I have a foot that doesn't come up high but is very wide. I heard the APX is good, but I don't want to drop $800 on skates, not including initial sharpening + baking.

Price range: $500

[Monty22 835]

The 5000's will be a bit heavier than the 9000's. Try them both on and see witch ones you prefer. Both should be in your price range, and both are geat pants.

Most pads don't protect your stomach- it's a "hinge" area. Some models will come down further than others. Bring your old pads with you to the LHS. They may very well tell you they fit you just fine. If you want something new, your level of play and amount of protection you desire will drive the choices you have. You'll find pads from $40 to close to $200.

For skates you"ll really need to try some on and get an idea of what fits your foot the best.

[Doctor Hook 0]

Was going to recommend Sher-Wood 5030s for shoulder pads but I wouldn't say they have significant stomach/beer cooler protection. I'd say any standard set of $40-50 pads should provide adequate sto-pro.

[wrangler 157]

If all you're concerned about is foot protection, and your current skates still work fine, you should consider skate fenders. They're a lot cheaper than new top of the line skates. In my opinion, if you have to get new skates, you should select them for what they do for your skating, and add skate fenders if you need protection.

[Chadd 916]

I'm a big fan of tackla pants and they do come up a bit higher on the sides than most retail pants I've tried. I love my 9000s and they have held up very well over the years. With shoulders, I am really looking forward to the new CCMs, they should be out soon. Warrior also has some very nice shoulder pads worth checking out. I would try on stuff together if possible and see if the various pieces provide the coverage that you want.

[flyers10 57]

I have last season's CCM U+ Pro shoulders and they are mobile and do have a removable belly pad. Good deals on them now with the new CL pad just out. (My LHS got them in a few days ago and are so freaking light) As for skates try on every pair your shop has and buy what fits the best; the brand is irrelevant.

[goosedennis 0]

I'm a big fan of tackla pants and they do come up a bit higher on the sides than most retail pants I've tried. I love my 9000s and they have held up very well over the years. With shoulders, I am really looking forward to the new CCMs, they should be out soon. Warrior also has some very nice shoulder pads worth checking out. I would try on stuff together if possible and see if the various pieces provide the coverage that you want.

That's good, especially considering I have childbearing hips. Are the 9000s heavy or decently weighted?

[Chadd 916]

I don't think they're heavy, the weight only falls on the hips so you don't feel it all over.

[innotastic 12]

how do the 9000 compare to the 1051 and 951?

[t6lock 24]

Skates:

These aren't OLD old, but there are some visible things, like burn marks from someone sharpening my skates improperly, and chips in the logos, but what I'm concerned about is a solid tongue. I took a weak wrister off the right ankle and it hurt like shit because there's no cushion there. I'm also concerned because I have a foot that doesn't come up high but is very wide. I heard the APX is good, but I don't want to drop $800 on skates, not including initial sharpening + baking.

Price range: $500

since these are the most expensive of the bunch i always try to buy the last year's top end models. right now u can get some rbk 11k's or bauer x60's for a good price. total one nxg's are coming out soon too so u could probably expect a price drop on the current TO's in the near future