General equipment advice (shins,elbows,shoulders,pants)

[louierev07 31]

Going from playing street hockey with friends for years to finally playing in a roller league this summer, and then a mens league on the ice this winter. I've been slowly picking up all my stuff as i go, so i didnt have to go and spend tons at once.

Right now I have everything - but im not too sure how much I like what I ended up with so far. I got everything from a shop in town, so i did have a chance to try it on. Heres what I got so far (I will be playing defense if it matters - i can see myself getting in the way of a lot of shots (hopefully) so i was originally thinking i need some nice equipment) Im also 5'9" and about 190lbs.

Shoulders: Originally got the Bauer supreme one80, but they seemed really bulky. A few of my friends dont even wear a chest for mens leagues, so i ended up bringing back the one80, and i picked up the sherwood 9950 - which are pretty minimal, and i think will be ok for a beer league. I'm not wearing any shoulders for roller btw. If i do end up wanting something with more protection, i dont want something that big. To me I looked more like a linebacker than a hockey player when wearing them.

Elbows: Again, I bought the one80's since they were on sale. These are also pretty big - but maybe not so big that i cant deal with. When i wear them with a jersey they look pretty huge. For whatever reason I think just about everything I bought looks huge on me. Not sure if I just need to adjust, or if this stuff is actually really big.

Shins: Bauer one80's again (on sale). Seem ok - wore them around and werent too bad. I do feel like im much quicker with them off than on. Not sure if thats normal, or if i should try to find something slimmer. They did look pretty huge when i had socks over them.

Pants: Bauer supreme totalone. Same case with these as the rest - they just seem so much bigger and bulkier than anything else I've seen either in the pros or amateur. They even come up like almost to the top of my abs - which seems kinda weird.

So lemme know what you think about my equipment. Is it a case of the stuff being too big - or do i just have to adjust?

[Capt.Hook 23]

I know I will probably have a lot of people disagree with me but I don't care too much how I look. I make sure my stuff protects me and that is the main point.

I NEVER don't wear shoulder pads even though I have a lot of friends that don't. It's not what you can see coming that you need to worry about - it's all the random deflections, bender's flying sticks, etc. that will injur you and that you never see coming.

In terms of elbows - make sure they can take a good fall. I got a cheapo pair to start with many moons ago and still have bone chips floating in my elbows from smacking them hard.

Make sure your shins can take a beating. When mine break down, I immediately get new ones. It's not worth injury to my knees or legs.

Same with pants, make sure they give good protection and coverage.

Of course, I guess I'm kind of old school in that I really, really don't care what I look like and never match out there but I still believe that in terms of gear, that you need to find the healthy balance between protection (Number 1 priority) and movement. You don't want it so bulky you can't move but (since I doubt you are getting paid to play) you want to keep protection your paramount concern. Again, not for what you can see coming but for what you never see coming.

Hope that helps and best of luck to you in your roller and ice endeavors!

[Chadd 916]

Your pants should come to the bottom of your shoulder pads, or at least pretty close. As for pads looking "big"; if you aren't getting paid to play, then you should be making sure that you are well enough protected to be able to continue making enough money to play. Guys playing in a beer league are the ones that need protection the most.

[stevenmeier 4]

Gear has become so much more comfortable and lightweight in the past decade. I think it will get better once they are broken on and/or you are used to wearing them.

Bulkiness in Pants: look how big the pants look compared to his gloves, face etc. http://thehockeywriters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/0Y7A4224.jpg

I once tried on a teammates One80 stuff and was surprised how lightweight and unrestrictive it was. I have the One90 pants and they probably weigh 1/4th more than the Totalones, but when I wear them on the Ice I don't notice them at all.

[althoma1 575]

Shoulders: I don't wear shoulders for roller either - it gets too hot and the roller puck (or non-bounce ball depending on the league/division) is lighter than an ice puck. A few players wear padded shirts - but I think they'd get a bit warm and most offer minimal protection from shots anyway. If you find you're taking shots in the chest more often then you'd like and want some protection then something like this seems like it'd be a little more protective (for the chest area...obviously not the shoulders) and well ventilated than most padded shirts: http://www.totalhockey.com/product/CA9_Vest/itm/8147-41/

For ice I wear Farrell H600 pads with the big caps removed - this gives me some protection while still being extremely mobile. Without the big caps on there's less shoulder protection, but I do keep the plastic biceps guards on and have moved them closer to the shoulder to provide a bit of protection. The Sherwood 9950 pads you have really won't provide a tonne of protection if you're hit right in the chest with a hard shot - it's a bit better than nothing though. If you find yourself wanting more protection, but want to avoid bulk and weight then I'd consider the following:

• Farrell pads like I mentioned (discontinued and getting hard to find) - there are threads on those and there's debate on just how protective they are - I think they're more protective than the minimal Sherwoods, but less protective then some of the other high end pads.
• Warrior Projekt (2012 Blue and Grey model) - I found this to be the most mobile of all the high end pads I've tried on and they also have fairly low profile shoulder caps. If I wanted something more protective then this would be the route I'd take - they should be on clearance right now as this line has been discontinued and is being replaced with the Dynasty protective.
• Down Low Hockey Shoulder pad - designed to be a mobile, low profile shoulder pad that's more protective than options like the Sherwood and Bauer Classics. Apparently a new model is being developed, but isn't out yet. The current model is in limited supply. I tried the current model at a Modsquad Summer Jam and it's definitely very mobile, but was a bit warm (it was a warm summer day though and I wore it over a long sleeve dri fit shirt). http://downlowhockey.com/
• CCM U+ CL - expensive, but extremely light and retain virtually no moisture - the caps are definitely bigger than those on the Sherwoods though.

Here is one of many threads discussing light weight mobile shoulder pads for beer league: http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/62885-lightweight-mobile-shoulder-pads-for-beer-league/

Elbows: Most mid-high end elbows that are protective are going to have a bit of bulk to them. If you want something a little more mobile while still maintaining some protection the two high end elbow pads I'd consider are the 2012 blue and grey Warrior Projekts and the CCM U+ CL pads. When trying on all the current high end pads I found those two to be the most mobile (based on trying on the pads and bending my arms in the store) and I went with the Projekts because I found the looser bicep guard to be a more comfortable fit.

Here's a thread discussing mobile elbow pads: http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/62141-what-is-the-hands-down-most-mobile-elbow-pad/

Interestingly the Bauer TotalOnes were mentioned...they're similar to your One80s. I find the Projekts and CLs are a touch more mobile, but as with all equipment; fit and personal preference play big roles.

Shin Pads: Like the elbow pads, most protective shins will have a bit of bulk to them. The One80 pads are actually slimmer and more low profile than a lot of options. Some of the Vapor pads are narrower, but it really comes down to fit. There are definitely wider/bulkier pads than the One80s.

I think you'll adjust to the shin pads after using them, but here's a thread that discusses thin shin pads that may be helpful:http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/61121-slimmest-fittinglightest-weight-shin-guards/

Pants: For roller I'd highly recommend using a light, ventilated girdle and specific roller hockey pants. I use the Valken V-Elite girdle and Valken Pro pants (also have some Mission T8 pants I haven't used yet) and like them, but there are a lot of options there. Traditional ice pants are far too bulky and hot for roller hockey - people just getting in to roller often use them (I did when I first started roller way back), but almost always switch to roller pants if they stick with the sport. Roller pants and a roller specific girdle will be lighter, more mobile and breath better.

V pro pants: http://www.hockeytron.com/58vlk.html#.Ua4V7l9zaUk

V Elite Girdle: http://www.hockeytron.com/4vlk.html#.Ua4WIl9zaUk

Here are a few threads that may be useful:

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/63323-what-girdle/

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/62432-roller-girdles/

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/59999-i-hate-roller-hockey-pants/

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/56583-least-baggy-roller-hockey-pants/

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/58623-help-me-choose-new-shins-and-girdle/

Now, a roller girdle is so much lighter and more breathable than pants you may be tempted to use one for ice hockey - I wouldn't recommend that as they're not meant to protect against an ice hockey puck. You can use a girdle for ice hockey, but you'll want an ice hockey specific girdle and a girdle shell.

I use a Warrior Projekt girdle and find it to be much more mobile and low profile than high end pants, but protective enough for ice hockey: http://www.icewarehouse.com/descpage.html?pcode=WPG

I use these shells with it, but most pant/girdle shells will work: http://www.hockeymonkey.com/bauer-hockey-pants-supreme-shell-sr.html

If you find pants too bulky then a good ice hockey girdle may be something to consider.

Here are a few girdle threads:

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/61170-have-ice-hockey-girdles-died-a-slow-death/

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/55030-warrior-projekt-girdle/

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/62850-girdle-questions/

Another good low profile girdle/shell option is the new TotalOne NXG. They call them pants, but it's really a girdle/shell combo: http://www.totalhockey.com/product/Supreme_Total_One_NXG_Player_Pants/itm/12172-41/

JR has a great teardown on the TotalONE NXG Girdle: http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/63241-bauer-totalone-nxg-girdle-teardown/

[Cosmic 178]

Shoulders: I don't wear shoulders for roller either - it gets too hot and the roller puck (or non-bounce ball depending on the league/division) is lighter than an ice puck. A few players wear padded shirts - but I think they'd get a bit warm and most offer minimal protection from shots anyway. If you find you're taking shots in the chest more often then you'd like and want some protection then something like this seems like it'd be a little more protective (for the chest area...obviously not the shoulders) and well ventilated than most padded shirts: http://www.totalhockey.com/product/CA9_Vest/itm/8147-41/

For ice I wear Farrell H600 pads with the big caps removed - this gives me some protection while still being extremely mobile. Without the big caps on there's less shoulder protection, but I do keep the plastic biceps guards on and have moved them closer to the shoulder to provide a bit of protection. The Sherwood 9950 pads you have really won't provide a tonne of protection if you're hit right in the chest with a hard shot - it's a bit better than nothing though. If you find yourself wanting more protection, but want to avoid bulk and weight then I'd consider the following:

• Farrell pads like I mentioned (discontinued and getting hard to find) - there are threads on those and there's debate on just how protective they are - I think they're more protective than the minimal Sherwoods, but less protective then some of the other high end pads.
• Warrior Projekt (2012 Blue and Grey model) - I found this to be the most mobile of all the high end pads I've tried on and they also have fairly low profile shoulder caps. If I wanted something more protective then this would be the route I'd take - they should be on clearance right now as this line has been discontinued and is being replaced with the Dynasty protective.
• Down Low Hockey Shoulder pad - designed to be a mobile, low profile shoulder pad that's more protective than options like the Sherwood and Bauer Classics. Apparently a new model is being developed, but isn't out yet. The current model is in limited supply. I tried the current model at a Modsquad Summer Jam and it's definitely very mobile, but was a bit warm (it was a warm summer day though and I wore it over a long sleeve dri fit shirt). http://downlowhockey.com/
• CCM U+ CL - expensive, but extremely light and retain virtually no moisture - the caps are definitely bigger than those on the Sherwoods though.

Here is one of many threads discussing light weight mobile shoulder pads for beer league: http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/62885-lightweight-mobile-shoulder-pads-for-beer-league/

Elbows: Most mid-high end elbows that are protective are going to have a bit of bulk to them. If you want something a little more mobile while still maintaining some protection the two high end elbow pads I'd consider are the 2012 blue and grey Warrior Projekts and the CCM U+ CL pads. When trying on all the current high end pads I found those two to be the most mobile (based on trying on the pads and bending my arms in the store) and I went with the Projekts because I found the looser bicep guard to be a more comfortable fit.

Here's a thread discussing mobile elbow pads: http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/62141-what-is-the-hands-down-most-mobile-elbow-pad/

Interestingly the Bauer TotalOnes were mentioned...they're similar to your One80s. I find the Projekts and CLs are a touch more mobile, but as with all equipment; fit and personal preference play big roles.

Shin Pads: Like the elbow pads, most protective shins will have a bit of bulk to them. The One80 pads are actually slimmer and more low profile than a lot of options. Some of the Vapor pads are narrower, but it really comes down to fit. There are definitely wider/bulkier pads than the One80s.

I think you'll adjust to the shin pads after using them, but here's a thread that discusses thin shin pads that may be helpful:http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/61121-slimmest-fittinglightest-weight-shin-guards/

Pants: For roller I'd highly recommend using a light, ventilated girdle and specific roller hockey pants. I use the Valken V-Elite girdle and Valken Pro pants (also have some Mission T8 pants I haven't used yet) and like them, but there are a lot of options there. Traditional ice pants are far too bulky and hot for roller hockey - people just getting in to roller often use them (I did when I first started roller way back), but almost always switch to roller pants if they stick with the sport. Roller pants and a roller specific girdle will be lighter, more mobile and breath better.

V pro pants: http://www.hockeytron.com/58vlk.html#.Ua4V7l9zaUk

V Elite Girdle: http://www.hockeytron.com/4vlk.html#.Ua4WIl9zaUk

Here are a few threads that may be useful:

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/63323-what-girdle/

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/62432-roller-girdles/

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/59999-i-hate-roller-hockey-pants/

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/56583-least-baggy-roller-hockey-pants/

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/58623-help-me-choose-new-shins-and-girdle/

Now, a roller girdle is so much lighter and more breathable than pants you may be tempted to use one for ice hockey - I wouldn't recommend that as they're not meant to protect against an ice hockey puck. You can use a girdle for ice hockey, but you'll want an ice hockey specific girdle and a girdle shell.

I use a Warrior Projekt girdle and find it to be much more mobile and low profile than high end pants, but protective enough for ice hockey: http://www.icewarehouse.com/descpage.html?pcode=WPG

I use these shells with it, but most pant/girdle shells will work: http://www.hockeymonkey.com/bauer-hockey-pants-supreme-shell-sr.html

If you find pants too bulky then a good ice hockey girdle may be something to consider.

Here are a few girdle threads:

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/61170-have-ice-hockey-girdles-died-a-slow-death/

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/55030-warrior-projekt-girdle/

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/62850-girdle-questions/

Another good low profile girdle/shell option is the new TotalOne NXG. They call them pants, but it's really a girdle/shell combo: http://www.totalhockey.com/product/Supreme_Total_One_NXG_Player_Pants/itm/12172-41/

JR has a great teardown on the TotalONE NXG Girdle: http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/63241-bauer-totalone-nxg-girdle-teardown/

Farrell Shoulder Pads $139.99: http://www.prohockeylife.com/hockey-shoulder-pads-senior-hockey-shoulder-pads-c-3_26_87/farrell-h600-sr-hockey-shoulder-pads-p-3439

[althoma1 575]

Farrell Shoulder Pads $139.99: http://www.prohockeylife.com/hockey-shoulder-pads-senior-hockey-shoulder-pads-c-3_26_87/farrell-h600-sr-hockey-shoulder-pads-p-3439

At $139 I'd probably start leaning toward the Projekts on clearance or spending a bit more on the CCM CLs unless one is dead set on the Farrells. If you can find the Farrells for under $100 and are willing to sacrifice a bit of protection for great mobility then they'd be worth grabbing.

They used to pop up on eBay for $50 or less in some cases, but that's less common now. I believe HockeyMonkey was clearing new old stock at around the same price a few years ago, but that stock is gone.

I picked up my current pair used (but in excellent condition) locally from another member here, jds, for about $85 if I recall correctly (I'd bought other pairs in the past - one off eBay that the seller thought was a large that I grabbed for under $50, but they turned out to be a small so I had to resell them for around the same amount. I originally had the white H500s in medium that I'd also bought used off eBay for around $65, but decided to hunt down a pair of large to get a little more coverage).

$139 is steep, but if someone really wants the Farrells and doesn't want to wait for a used pair to pop up somewhere (here, eBay, craigslist, play it again, ect.) then it's an option.

[Cosmic 178]

At $139 I'd probably start leaning toward the Projekts on clearance or spending a bit more on the CCM CLs unless one is dead set on the Farrells. If you can find the Farrells for under $100 and are willing to sacrifice a bit of protection for great mobility then they'd be worth grabbing.

They used to pop up on eBay for $50 or less in some cases, but that's less common now. I believe HockeyMonkey was clearing new old stock at around the same price a few years ago, but that stock is gone.

I picked up my current pair used (but in excellent condition) locally from another member here, jds, for about $85 if I recall correctly (I'd bought other pairs in the past - one off eBay that the seller thought was a large that I grabbed for under $50, but they turned out to be a small so I had to resell them for around the same amount. I originally had the white H500s in medium that I'd also bought used off eBay for around $65, but decided to hunt down a pair of large to get a little more coverage).

$139 is steep, but if someone really wants the Farrells and doesn't want to wait for a used pair to pop up somewhere (here, eBay, craigslist, play it again, ect.) then it's an option.

Agreed, I would not pay $140 for the Harrells. I just ordered up the Makos, have not received them yet, but for $140, all that protection + mobility looks good. The M5s (for $100) look pretty ideal too, but the protection is not quite as ideal. I considered the CCM CLs but the chest plate is too short. It's a shame, because they would still be "crazy light" if they had an extra 3 inches of chest (belly) coverage.

[Souldriver 64]

For roller I would play a game or two, if your getting hooked or slashed a lot look into a padded shirt. They're pretty good now but they will be hot for summer play. I was looking into one but they are suspect to the usual roller ailment of making equipment for a guy that is 180lbs tops, I am much bigger.

For pants my compression shorts have my cup and some padding on the sides and back but it's not a girdle. My pants also have a tiny tiny tiny bit of padding on the back, but they're an older mission pair.

Shins, when you get hit with a shot that hits the side of your leg and barely misses the shin protection you'll be wishing you had bigger guards there.

[louierev07 31]

Wow, thanks for all the responses. Didnt realize anyone responded, because for some reason its still showing up as 0 replies in my subscriptions - not sure why.

As far as most of my equipment goes - after reading these posts, i think ill probably just have to get used to most of it. I think some of it has to do with the fact that im relatively short compared to NHLers, and equipment looks bigger on someone who is 5’9” vs someone who is 6’3”. I did notice that marchand’s equipment looked pretty huge last night.

Shins and elbows - i think I’m pretty good with after playing a bit more with them.

Pants - Tomorrow I’m going to take a picture and upload it to see what you guys think. Even compared to the picture of Letang that someone uploaded they seem pretty bulky. I’m 5’9” and about 190, so theres no way there too big, since i bought a medium. I really like the idea of just wearing the ice girdle, and then just a shell over it. If I did buy the girdle, would i be able to take the pads out of my current pants and just use those shells?

Ive only heard good thing about the pants I got - but man do they seem huge.

@althoma1: I think for roller, I’m definitely going to pick up a girdle. am i better off with the lighter valken ones you linked - or should i just buy the warrior projekts and use them for both ice and roller.

If I did buy something like that, what would you use to hold socks up? I plan on using shock doctor compression with the velcro on the front and back. Would i have to get some jock shorts instead?

I think for now ill try out the sherwood 9950 shoulder pads, but once i do decide to upgrade, im thinking those CCM CL’s look really good, I just need to find a place around here that would sell them, since i really hate ordering online.

And lastly, since i haven't asked yet: cage or visor?

Thanks again!

[Stewie 721]

Wow, thanks for all the responses. Didnt realize anyone responded, because for some reason its still showing up as 0 replies in my subscriptions - not sure why.

As far as most of my equipment goes - after reading these posts, i think ill probably just have to get used to most of it. I think some of it has to do with the fact that im relatively short compared to NHLers, and equipment looks bigger on someone who is 5’9” vs someone who is 6’3”. I did notice that marchand’s equipment looked pretty huge last night.

Shins and elbows - i think I’m pretty good with after playing a bit more with them.

Pants - Tomorrow I’m going to take a picture and upload it to see what you guys think. Even compared to the picture of Letang that someone uploaded they seem pretty bulky. I’m 5’9” and about 190, so theres no way there too big, since i bought a medium. I really like the idea of just wearing the ice girdle, and then just a shell over it. If I did buy the girdle, would i be able to take the pads out of my current pants and just use those shells?

Ive only heard good thing about the pants I got - but man do they seem huge.

@althoma1: I think for roller, I’m definitely going to pick up a girdle. am i better off with the lighter valken ones you linked - or should i just buy the warrior projekts and use them for both ice and roller.

If I did buy something like that, what would you use to hold socks up? I plan on using shock doctor compression with the velcro on the front and back. Would i have to get some jock shorts instead?

I think for now ill try out the sherwood 9950 shoulder pads, but once i do decide to upgrade, im thinking those CCM CL’s look really good, I just need to find a place around here that would sell them, since i really hate ordering online.

And lastly, since i haven't asked yet: cage or visor?

Thanks again!

the CL shoulder pads are really nice, I dont currently own them because i still got some mileage on my fit05 shoulder pads, but the CL might be my next purchase.

as for cage and visor, i use a cage. NHL'ers use a visor, but they get paid ;) for a beginner D league a cage will suit you just fine, and protect you better from errant pucks/sticks/elbows.

[Cosmic 178]

For roller, you typically wear the roller hockey pants, which breathe better and will keep you cooler than the socks. They are the long style, the cover the girdle and pants. It might be a challenge to fit ice girdles into the typical pant.

(Full) Visor will get hot inside and will not breathe as well as a cage. I was watching a video of the Alkali team, and they all wear full cages, for what it's worth. I am not one of these guys who needs to wear everything like the pros wear because I will think it will make me better (because they sacrifice protection and durability a bit too much for my needs, in favor of traditional feel, mobility, lightness, etc.), but I tend to think it is interesting regardless that they are all going full cage. I cannot comment on the half visor, not sure if you are looking to go that route. I would not, considering all of the teeth that I have seen knocked out from inadvertent high sticks, but that's just me.

[louierev07 31]

the CL shoulder pads are really nice, I dont currently own them because i still got some mileage on my fit05 shoulder pads, but the CL might be my next purchase.

as for cage and visor, i use a cage. NHL'ers use a visor, but they get paid ;) for a beginner D league a cage will suit you just fine, and protect you better from errant pucks/sticks/elbows.

For roller, you typically wear the roller hockey pants, which breathe better and will keep you cooler than the socks. They are the long style, the cover the girdle and pants. It might be a challenge to fit ice girdles into the typical pant.

(Full) Visor will get hot inside and will not breathe as well as a cage. I was watching a video of the Alkali team, and they all wear full cages, for what it's worth. I am not one of these guys who needs to wear everything like the pros wear because I will think it will make me better (because they sacrifice protection and durability a bit too much for my needs, in favor of traditional feel, mobility, lightness, etc.), but I tend to think it is interesting regardless that they are all going full cage. I cannot comment on the half visor, not sure if you are looking to go that route. I would not, considering all of the teeth that I have seen knocked out from inadvertent high sticks, but that's just me.

Im still 50/50 on cage vs visor. A lot of friends of mine ive talked to said once they switched to visor they cant go back. We've played a lot of street hockey, and I have been hit in the face a few times, but nothing too bad - and its not like i was wearing anything then. If i wear the visor instead of the cage, Id be wearing a mouthguard, so im guessing that should kinda protect me from getting any teeth knocked out. I used to do some mma, and had been kicked pretty hard in the mouth with a mouthpeice in and my teeth seemed very protected. For the first game I might go cage, and then if i think its really bothering me i might switch to visor.

When you have seen teeth knocked out, were they wearing a mouthguard?

As far as socks and the girdle, I meant when you are in the ice, what would you use? (assuming i got the girdle to use for ice as well)

And how much better are roller pants than some stretchable under armour type pants? I already have a pair, and besides some mesh panels, they look pretty similar to roller pants.

[SirJW 207]

A friend on my team the other day revealed he has a bridge for his top teeth. He's our best player imo, any way the next game two players came w/ new helmets and cages.

[Stewie 721]

cage or not, i always wear a mouthguard. The only time i havent worn one, i had 4 teeth shattered with a cage on.

[althoma1 575]

If I did buy the girdle, would i be able to take the pads out of my current pants and just use those shells?

If you bought a girdle then it would come with the necessary padding - you'd just use the girdle with a shell and you could sell the pants.

@althoma1: I think for roller, I’m definitely going to pick up a girdle. am i better off with the lighter valken ones you linked - or should i just buy the warrior projekts and use them for both ice and roller.

Most players that I know that play roller either play with a light roller girdle or only wear jock shorts simply because it gets so hot when you play roller. With that said, there are two guys I know in the league I play in (one is also a member of this board) who use ice girdles for roller - one uses a blue Easton ice girdle (S10 I believe?) and the other has a Bauer TotalOne. I also read a review of the Warrior Projekt where a guy specifically mentions using it for roller and liking it for that purpose.

So you could technically use the Projekt for both ice and roller, but the ice girdle would be hotter and heavier than a roller girdle and probably more protection than you really need. I'd go with something like the Valken V-Elite for roller or you could get from Farrell 5 pad compression shorts on clearance for $20: http://www.hockeymonkey.com/farrell-hockey-7650-compression-shorts-with-velcro.html

I use the Farrells to ref - they wouldn't provide great protection for ice pucks, but are very light and mobile and provide some fall protection and will help a little with the lighter roller puck or ball (depending on what your league uses).

If I did buy something like that, what would you use to hold socks up? I plan on using shock doctor compression with the velcro on the front and back. Would i have to get some jock shorts instead?

I use under armor long pants with Velcro on the front and back so the shock doctor shorts should work just fine. You just put the shorts or pants with the Velcro on first, then your shins, then your socks and you secure the socks to the tabs. Then you pull the girdle over the shins and socks if you have a compression type girdle or you just Velcro it on if you have a wrap style girdle like the TotalOne. Then you pull the shell on and put your skates on...at least that's how I do it. Oh, and I put the jock in the Projekt girdle and not the long pants - it feels more comfortable for me that way, but you can try it in the shorts and then in the girdle and see which you prefer.

And lastly, since i haven't asked yet: cage or visor?

You aren't getting paid to play and people can get carless with sticks in a competitive environment so I'd recommend a cage to be on the safe side. I grew up playing pond and street hockey with no protection, but no one was wearing protection and everyone kept their sticks down. Plus, on the pond no one was supposed to intentionally raise the puck and on the street we'd use tennis balls. When you're on the ice you're using a very hard puck that people will raise, shoot hard and can be deflected (both intentionally and unintentionally).

I'd recommend the Bauer Re-akt titanium cage - thinner flat bars then most cages, it's titanium so it's unlikely to rust like some other cages and it's the lightest one out there. I have an itech titanium myself, but that's no longer being produced...if I needed a new cage today I'd go with a Re-akt.

And how much better are roller pants than some stretchable under armour type pants? I already have a pair, and besides some mesh panels, they look pretty similar to roller pants.

The stretchable under amour pants will get torn up after you get tripped or fall a few times. A good quality pant will be much more durable - they also aren't as tight as under armour pants which makes it easier to fit a girdle under them.

[Cosmic 178]

Im still 50/50 on cage vs visor. A lot of friends of mine ive talked to said once they switched to visor they cant go back. We've played a lot of street hockey, and I have been hit in the face a few times, but nothing too bad - and its not like i was wearing anything then. If i wear the visor instead of the cage, Id be wearing a mouthguard, so im guessing that should kinda protect me from getting any teeth knocked out. I used to do some mma, and had been kicked pretty hard in the mouth with a mouthpeice in and my teeth seemed very protected. For the first game I might go cage, and then if i think its really bothering me i might switch to visor.

When you have seen teeth knocked out, were they wearing a mouthguard?

As far as socks and the girdle, I meant when you are in the ice, what would you use? (assuming i got the girdle to use for ice as well)

And how much better are roller pants than some stretchable under armour type pants? I already have a pair, and besides some mesh panels, they look pretty similar to roller pants.

Well, two of the people were by my stick. At the time, I was in 7th grade (I am 37 now, so that is like 26 or so years ago), and they were camp instructors at this week long camp (Brick Hockey Club). They were both messing with me, I think trying to get me revved up, figure if I was tough, or just picking on me. So, one came in and hit me a few strides after I passed the puck, and I was not expecting it. So, as I was falling, my hands kinda flailed and my stick caught the chick in the mouth. She was pissed, needless to say. I do not recall if she was wearing a mouthguard.

The other situation was a face off against her boyfriend. He tried to lift my stick and steal the puck out from underneath my lifted stick. I think he thought I was stronger than I was (I was a scrawny, lanky, weak kid), and lifted my stick right into his mouth. He was pissed too. I think this happened first actually, and then his girlfriend's late hit on me seemed to be a retaliatory measure. It is foggy, I was not very good, that was my first week on ice, aside from a 6 day 1x/week clinic. So yea, I am pretty sure that neither was wearing a mouthguard. they were definitely only wearing helmets, shins, and gloves, which I thought was insane, because there were some pretty good players at the camp that could rip off some hard shots, and these instructors skated with us in the scrimmages. (It was all pretty surreal, this was in the lead up to the end of the week scrimmage, in which I scored a hat trick and we won 5-2. This was the highlight of my organized ice hockey career- the hat trick, not the teeth knockouts, it was just surreal that it all happened over the course of one afternoon.)

The third guy I cannot recall either if he had a mouthguard. This was my sophomore year in college at pick up. He wore a Lindros jersey, and thought he was a tough guy, so when he got his teeth knocked, he seemed pleased, and smiled.

Aside from these 2 years, I played zero ice hockey. Alot of roller, but even that, I have not played since high school. So, very limited experience, and alot of injuries witnessed. (I am buying equipment online and having it brought out to me in Asia, which is ironic that I cannot just get it here, but the companies do not want us getting it cheap out here, apparently. Thus, I have been researching the gear matters quite a bit, mostly here.)

I have not gotten my hands on the roller pants yet. I too was thinking the same thing about whether I could wear my UA long pants. I am sure I can, but I know that they will run hotter and restrict my movement. My UA pants are all cold gear, unfortunately, which was good for working out in gyms in LA, but won't be good for inline in the sauna that I now live in. The roller hockey pants seem much thinner in the areas that do not need to flex as much, and then have the stretch gussets in the areas that do stretch. So yea, I may try my UAs for inline, but I suspect that I will heat up and then just go with the made for inline pants.

On a side note, the guys that I am about to start skating with; only 2 out of 12 wears full cage. Alot do not even wear a visor. I had heard that everyone plays super clean, never any high sticks, no need for super armour gear against slashes or anything, etc. So, the week I go down there to check it out, there are 2 guys screwing on visors as everyone is getting dressed, as one of the guys had gotten into a scrap the previous week with one of the local players, and gotten a bit of a gash or shiner on his face (he was not there, so I did not see him, just heard the story of the scuffle/ fight).

[ccarrigan 2]

Well, two of the people were by my stick. At the time, I was in 7th grade (I am 37 now, so that is like 26 or so years ago), and they were camp instructors at this week long camp (Brick Hockey Club). They were both messing with me, I think trying to get me revved up, figure if I was tough, or just picking on me. So, one came in and hit me a few strides after I passed the puck, and I was not expecting it. So, as I was falling, my hands kinda flailed and my stick caught the chick in the mouth. She was pissed, needless to say. I do not recall if she was wearing a mouthguard.

The other situation was a face off against her boyfriend. He tried to lift my stick and steal the puck out from underneath my lifted stick. I think he thought I was stronger than I was (I was a scrawny, lanky, weak kid), and lifted my stick right into his mouth. He was pissed too. I think this happened first actually, and then his girlfriend's late hit on me seemed to be a retaliatory measure. It is foggy, I was not very good, that was my first week on ice, aside from a 6 day 1x/week clinic. So yea, I am pretty sure that neither was wearing a mouthguard. they were definitely only wearing helmets, shins, and gloves, which I thought was insane, because there were some pretty good players at the camp that could rip off some hard shots, and these instructors skated with us in the scrimmages. (It was all pretty surreal, this was in the lead up to the end of the week scrimmage, in which I scored a hat trick and we won 5-2. This was the highlight of my organized ice hockey career- the hat trick, not the teeth knockouts, it was just surreal that it all happened over the course of one afternoon.)

The third guy I cannot recall either if he had a mouthguard. This was my sophomore year in college at pick up. He wore a Lindros jersey, and thought he was a tough guy, so when he got his teeth knocked, he seemed pleased, and smiled.

Aside from these 2 years, I played zero ice hockey. Alot of roller, but even that, I have not played since high school. So, very limited experience, and alot of injuries witnessed. (I am buying equipment online and having it brought out to me in Asia, which is ironic that I cannot just get it here, but the companies do not want us getting it cheap out here, apparently. Thus, I have been researching the gear matters quite a bit, mostly here.)

I have not gotten my hands on the roller pants yet. I too was thinking the same thing about whether I could wear my UA long pants. I am sure I can, but I know that they will run hotter and restrict my movement. My UA pants are all cold gear, unfortunately, which was good for working out in gyms in LA, but won't be good for inline in the sauna that I now live in. The roller hockey pants seem much thinner in the areas that do not need to flex as much, and then have the stretch gussets in the areas that do stretch. So yea, I may try my UAs for inline, but I suspect that I will heat up and then just go with the made for inline pants.

On a side note, the guys that I am about to start skating with; only 2 out of 12 wears full cage. Alot do not even wear a visor. I had heard that everyone plays super clean, never any high sticks, no need for super armour gear against slashes or anything, etc. So, the week I go down there to check it out, there are 2 guys screwing on visors as everyone is getting dressed, as one of the guys had gotten into a scrap the previous week with one of the local players, and gotten a bit of a gash or shiner on his face (he was not there, so I did not see him, just heard the story of the scuffle/ fight).

I saw a guy with a mouth guard get hit in the mouth with a slapshot and just spit out all his teeth. Complete jaw reconstruction. The pucks are no joke, and I can't think of a single reason to not wear upper and lower protection. Unless you get paid.

[MarsB 33]

Well, two of the people were by my stick. At the time, I was in 7th grade (I am 37 now, so that is like 26 or so years ago), and they were camp instructors at this week long camp (Brick Hockey Club). They were both messing with me, I think trying to get me revved up, figure if I was tough, or just picking on me. So, one came in and hit me a few strides after I passed the puck, and I was not expecting it. So, as I was falling, my hands kinda flailed and my stick caught the chick in the mouth. She was pissed, needless to say. I do not recall if she was wearing a mouthguard.

The other situation was a face off against her boyfriend. He tried to lift my stick and steal the puck out from underneath my lifted stick. I think he thought I was stronger than I was (I was a scrawny, lanky, weak kid), and lifted my stick right into his mouth. He was pissed too. I think this happened first actually, and then his girlfriend's late hit on me seemed to be a retaliatory measure. It is foggy, I was not very good, that was my first week on ice, aside from a 6 day 1x/week clinic. So yea, I am pretty sure that neither was wearing a mouthguard. they were definitely only wearing helmets, shins, and gloves, which I thought was insane, because there were some pretty good players at the camp that could rip off some hard shots, and these instructors skated with us in the scrimmages. (It was all pretty surreal, this was in the lead up to the end of the week scrimmage, in which I scored a hat trick and we won 5-2. This was the highlight of my organized ice hockey career- the hat trick, not the teeth knockouts, it was just surreal that it all happened over the course of one afternoon.)

Wait, you knocked the teeth out of a girl & her boyfriend?!! In the same game?

[Cosmic 178]

Wait, you knocked the teeth out of a girl & her boyfriend?!! In the same game?

Within minutes of each other. It wasn't the "official end of camp game", it was like a serious scrimmage where they (the boyfriend and girlfriend) were trying to set a battle type energy so that the game was more serious/ live/ competitive.

[Eesh 5]

Easton makes the best Shin pads hands down.

[wrangler 157]

"Best" varies with the player, considering the mix of protection, mobility, weight, and fit.

[louierev07 31]

OK just to report back, I ended up returning bauer supreme total one pants, and ordering the warrior project girdle. Im also ordering the mission girdle for 30 bucks just to use for roller.

I should also note though that after watching some videos online, that style pants have other tighteners on the side to make it so the back doesnt stick out so far - which i think was probably my biggest problem with them. I think either way, i think i would prefer the warrior girdle to traditional pants anyway - i felt much more mobile when trying on the tackla girdle, and the warrior looks less bulkier than that.

I also decided to cage. We just played our first game, and i think even though those roller pucks weigh less, i think that they probably move faster. Either way, if im gonna be crouching in front and blocking shots, I dont wanna have to worry about getting my teeth knocked out.

Thanks again for all the help!

[althoma1 575]

I think you'll like the Warrior Projekt - just note that the belt that they use is small for most people (you may have seen that mentioned in some threads about the Projekt). So once you get them don't assume they're too small if the belt doesn't want to do up - if they rest of the girdle fits well without the belt then just replace the belt with a longer belt.

I also think you made a good decision by going with the cage. Your face will be protected and another benefit of a cage vs a visor is better air flow and no fogging.

[louierev07 31]

Hey althoma1, had a question about this:

I use under armor long pants with Velcro on the front and back so the shock doctor shorts should work just fine. You just put the shorts or pants with the Velcro on first, then your shins, then your socks and you secure the socks to the tabs. Then you pull the girdle over the shins and socks if you have a compression type girdle or you just Velcro it on if you have a wrap style girdle like the TotalOne. Then you pull the shell on and put your skates on...at least that's how I do it. Oh, and I put the jock in the Projekt girdle and not the long pants - it feels more comfortable for me that way, but you can try it in the shorts and then in the girdle and see which you prefer.

Not sure if my shins are big or what, but I have a lot of trouble pulling the girdle over my shins (bought a medium girdle, wear 14" shins). I worry about ripping the girdle since im pulling so hard sometimes to get them on. Been thinking about either gluing or ironing on velcro right on the girdle so I can secure my socks to that. If its easy enough to do and wont rip off or damage the girdle, I think it'll be a lot better for me. Any problem in doing this?

Also which shell do you use with yours? I have a tackla TGS60, and theyre starting to fall apart already. Plus I dont really like the spandex on the top that covers the top part of the girdle, its kinda dumb, id rather just have that part hang out.