How much will good equipment cost me?

[Ethan_zak 0]

I play inline now, but I hope to switch to ice next season. I have all of my equipment except for ice skates, shoulder pads, ice pants and a neck guard. I'm 13 and am still growing so I don't want to spend too much on equipment but I still want some pretty good equipment. Help please!!

[romdj 26]

are you planning on buying everything new or second hand?

[Chadd 916]

Are you going to play at a lower or higher level?

[hunt3rsean 44]

How much time do you have before you need this equipment?

[Ethan_zak 0]

I plan on getting new stuff, playing in a bantam rec league, and I have almost a year for

The equi

Equipment

[SirJW 207]

Try on some gear at your local shop abs and talk to them about your budget. They should be able to get you outfitted.

[Vet88 674]

For skates a shop will help you get fitted properly (width, length, lock, volume etc) but for the other gear I would recommend ebay looking for stuff that is near new. You will get some good gear at pretty good prices if you can spend time looking and waiting for something decent to come up.

[Zjack38 46]

Get top of the line clearence stuff if you want good equipment for a low price

[althoma1 575]

Since you're likely used to inline girdles already I'd recommend an ice girdle with a shell vs. traditional pants. Personally I have the Warrior Projekt girdle and like that (the stock belt is short, but easily replaced), but there are plenty of girdle options.

For shoulders, like others have said older top of the line clearance models are the best bang for the buck if you can find them in your size - the 2012 Warrior Projekts are on clearance now and were one of the more comfortable and mobile pads I've tried on over the last few years. I don't own them - I use Farrells myself, but they're hard to find now and the Projekts would likely be more protective for a contact league anyway.

As for a neck guard, I'd consider either the Bauer performance shirts with the built in Kevlar neck guards or the separate Kevlar neck guard Easton makes.

Easton EQ5: http://www.icewarehouse.com/descpage.html?pcode=EQ5N

Bauer shirt with neck guard: http://www.icewarehouse.com/descpage.html?pcode=BPLSI

I have to wear a neck guard to ref and I find the Kevlar style way more comfortable than the traditional foam style guards.

For skates your best bet is also an older top of the line model on clearance if you can find them in your size, but it'd be best to grab those in a store. Fit is important for all pieces of equipment, but it's most critical when it comes to skates. You can grab a neck guard or shirt online going by sizing guidelines, but don't do that with skates.