Equipment level question

[vnderachiever 3]

Quick background: 15 year roller hockey player, big guy (currently 6'2 245, was 6'2 305 last year), game has been improving alot needless to say over the past year. I'm a strong skater on roller, but now making the transition to ice which i've never played (or even skated before).

So since I'm a bigger guy, I usually gunned for the top end (read: stiffest) roller skate (currently in a Bauer x:60) but I didn't want to break the bank on a pair of ice skates just yet so I ended up in a pair of Bauer x:70s. I'm going tonight to my first open skate just to get up on the skates and see how I do.

I'm looking into starting to accumulate the gear that I need to start playing Ice hockey once I get more used to skating on the ice. My question is: For protective gear, what level of protection should I be looking at? I can get a pair of totalOne pants for 100 on clearance which I think is a no brainer, as i'll probably be spending alot of time on my backside in the beginning. But as for shoulder pads, do I need anything crazy? I have a pair of 9k elbow pads that I can use and my old easton synergy shin pads should do the trick for now, but i'm not sure on the shoulders and pants yet and would love to hear what you guys think I should be looking at.

[CTB 32]

Cliche answer: Get whatever feels comfortable

More informed answer involves a couple of questions such as "what level are you going to try to play on ice?", "do you have any injuries or other conditions that would warrant getting a more protective set of pads?", "what's your budget?"

If you're playing beginner level, then I'd go with a mid-range type pad. I found that after I got back into organized hockey after a decade plus away, the bulkier and more productive upper body padding I owned when I played full contact wasn't quite necessary in a non-check league. As it seems like most of your roller equipment is standard ice equipment anyway, I'd look into some of the lines you've bought for other pieces of equipment. I myself am partial to Bauer (helmet, gloves, pants, shins, skates, sticks) but my shoulder and elbow pads are Reebok (5K, 7K respectively).

[Stewie 721]

i feel your definitely going to want something in terms of shoulder pads a little higher than roller level. Currently i am in CCM fit05 shoulder pads and really like them. you can get something fairly protective without sacrificing too much movement nowadays.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

For pants, I'd find something with good tailbone protection. In that regard, the new Easton Mako pants are amazing. Nice thick plastic tailbone inserts.

I'm with Stewie 100% on shoulders - Anything CCM, really. I had Fit05 also for a long time, then went to CrazyLight. Most CCM shoulders seem to be the same fit, generally.

[Stewie 721]

also to add on, i have the CCM CL pants. they offer really good protection and are very light weight. Pants are gonna be huge on fit though, CCM pants i feel run shorter than some other manufacturers so at 5'8" they are a great fit for me, but someone a bit taller would find them not worthy.

[crazykoreo 3]

As someone who converted from roller as well, I'd agree with the suggestion for better shoulder pads.

I agree with Stewie and Optimus on the shoulder pads - I have the CCM Fit07 for the past 3 years and they are great. Right level of protection vs mobility and they stay light.

For pants, I like the Supreme One80. It's not too bulky but it has the a good level of padding for non checking play, especially in the tailbone and it's on clearance now for $70.

If you can, try on as many pants and shoulder pads to see what you like and go with what fits you best.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

also to add on, i have the CCM CL pants. they offer really good protection and are very light weight. Pants are gonna be huge on fit though, CCM pants i feel run shorter than some other manufacturers so at 5'8" they are a great fit for me, but someone a bit taller would find them not worthy.

That's good to know. I'm wearing XL pants because of my gut, which makes them far longer than I'd like. Maybe I'll check them out.

[Stewie 721]

That's good to know. I'm wearing XL pants because of my gut, which makes them far longer than I'd like. Maybe I'll check them out.

i was in between sizes coming down from my fit07 large pants, to the medium CL. they were a bit tight in the rumpial portions for a while, but i have since broken them in to a nice fit. I do however feel they are quite tight on the waist, but i like that.

[wrangler 157]

For shoulder pads, I'd get protection as serious as the league you're going to play in. If it's relaxed beer league or pickup, you shouldn't need much. Some guys don't wear anything for pickup. I like to have some protection front and back for falls. I don't really care much about collisions, as I don't play high level, and get hit harder playing basketball.

For pants, elbow pads and shin guards, the protection level should be something you find acceptable to fall on; 9K elbow pads sound fine. Additionally, for pants and shin guards, get a protection level you find acceptable for the puck impacts you expect to experience.

Balance this against comfort and mobility to suit yourself.

Check out this thread on shoulder pads: http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/62885-lightweight-mobile-shoulder-pads-for-beer-league/

[stick9 905]

Another +1 on CCM shoulders. I'm wearing some V06 LE's and find they offer a decent level of protection without sacrificing mobility or comfort.

[mjpisat 36]

I've worn Bauer supreme one.40 shoulder pads, Easton stealth 65s elbow, vapor 3.0 shins for a year and have been fine. They are all lower level. I would get good protective pants. Bauer supreme one80 are on sale now and have been great for me. I bet one60 would be good as well

If its d league rec non check, you'll be protecti g urself mainly from urself..