Hello! ...and a couple of questions.

[LearDriver 1]

Thought I'd make an introductory post, but wasn't sure where to put it. Had some equipment questions so I thought I'd combine it all here.

I'm 35, live in Kansas and am a corporate pilot. I was born in, raised in, and escaped from Southern California (haha) when I was around 21 Been back here since then.

I played roller hockey in some local leagues during my Jr and Sr years in High School, and for a couple years thereafter in an adult league during Jr College days. After moving back here I didn't play any hockey for several years (wasn't much around), but got a job at the local roller rink to work floor/DJ and keep my skating fresh.

Fast fwd to now... local roller rink and ice rink, each only a couple miles from the house, have leagues. I played Stick & Puck at the ice rink a few times a couple years ago, but my ice skating is nowhere near as good as my inline abilities, so I don't think I'm going to try drop-in until I'm better. But I watched the adult roller league the last couple of weekends and am probably going to start playing again...need to get in shape a bit first.

So that's a little about me, which leads me to my questions...

First off, I'm about 6' 185-190lb. Typical pants waist size around 34-36". I've been looking at Girdles online from several retailers, but it's hard to find something suitable from the reviews: some are great, then some aren't so favorable. This non-check roller league appears very tame (compared to my past leagues) from what I've seen, but I definitely want protection (fall/shot) as breaking my butt, leg, etc and a cockpit do not go well together!

What do you guys use and recommend? I've been looking at the Reebok 9k/7k and Mission Thorax line. Ideally, I'd like to keep the price in the $50 neighborhood since I have a couple of other items to buy, but want something that will protect so I can probably flux the $$ as needed.

Same thing with a padded shirt: any of you use them? Been looking, again, at Reebok with their 9k.

I've never worn chest and leg/hip protection for roller before so this will be a first.

Thanks, and it will be nice to meet the folks here.

[Justin 1933 134]

Welcome to Modsquad.

Based on your information (I'm similar age/height/weight, so I know where you are coming from), skip the protective shirt. You don't need one. As for girdles, it is all about how much protection you really want. I personally don't like the traditional girdle construction, and that is why I created the CA9 and CA5 girdles here at Alkali. These girdles are more like a compression short with strategic padding and a built in cup. They are very comfortable, light weight, and very flexible.

Good luck and glad to hear you are getting back in the game.

[LearDriver 1]

Thanks, Justin! Good to be here.

How do those Alkali's do for fall protection?

[STLHOCKEY 0]

The Alkalis are very nice as are the shock doctor. They provide great protection for roller up front and on the sides, the back is a little light but that is the purpose of these to be lighter and less restrictive. If your planning on taking some tailbone spills def go with the something with more padding.

[LearDriver 1]

The Alkalis are very nice as are the shock doctor. They provide great protection for roller up front and on the sides, the back is a little light but that is the purpose of these to be lighter and less restrictive. If your planning on taking some tailbone spills def go with the something with more padding.

Thanks for the advice. While I don't plan on taking a lot of spills, I will no doubt find myself on the floor quite a bit as I get my balance back, haha. The Alkalis look great, but I think I will go with something that provides a bit more padding as you suggest.

[Justin 1933 134]

Check out the Mission Thorax if you are looking for more protection.

[LearDriver 1]

Check out the Mission Thorax if you are looking for more protection.

Yep, that one is on my list and I'll probably end up going with it. Thank you all for the recommendations!

[LearDriver 1]

Hey guys, new set of questions!

I think I'm also going to buy a new helmet/shield. My old CCM foam feels like concrete, haha.

I was going to go with a Bauer 4500, but felt one up today and forgot how firm that type of foam is. I felt a Re-Akt and OMG...do want...but don't know how the wife would feel about me dropping $200 on that. I feel like spending a little more on a helmet would be better.

Read reviews on the 7500, but looks like a lot of people are complaining about the padding falling out and glue getting all over their heads. Any experience with this?

My other thought is a CCM V10, but have been unable to find one in person. Looks to be pretty nice. Reviews I've read are positive overall.

I also want to go with a Bauer 920 Deluxe Combo shield. My melon measures around 23.5", so I'm guessing I'll probably need a Large in the CCM...guessing the 920 would also need to be a large, too?

[Zombies #77 10]

I love the V10, but don't take anyones word with helmets. Whatever fits you best will be what you want. Go to your nearest LHS and try them all on, don't blindly buy a helmet online. It's your head so hopefully your wife will be OK if it's the $200 helmet that work best for you.

[Billyraye 1]

I agree with Zombies. Always go to the store and try on as many helmets as you can. I was dead set on buying a Bauer helmet until I actually went into the store and tried on an Easton S19. The fit was perfect but if I had not gone in I never would have thought about ordering one.

[LearDriver 1]

I would LOVE to be able to try on several helmets, but my LHS is severely out of everything and won't get a shipment in until right around when my league starts. Don't want to take the risk on going w/o one (and having to use my old one).

I hit a shop here while on a layover and they had several CCM, Bauer and Reebok helmets, but older models. I tried on the V08 and 5100. Honestly, they both felt very nice. It was nice to verify sizing, however. Seems like the Large fit well in both models.

Any word on facemask/shield sizing regarding my last post? They didn't have either of the Bauers that I mentioned at this shop and the employee, while trying her best, was new and didn't know much about what I was asking.

[LearDriver 1]

Well, I placed an order this morning after calling a couple of dealers.

Went ahead and went all out and got the Bauer Re-Akt w/Bauer 920 Deluxe Combo and a Reebok 7k Girdle. Dropped the padded shirt from my order after reading about how hot they are, and our roller rink I guess turns the A/C off for hockey games during the Summer...WTH?

Looking forward to checking this stuff out! Thanks again for the help and advice!!