New Player looking for feedback on my equipment choices (not yet purchased)

[jdksaves 56]

I would say try as much on as you possibly can. Helmet, Skates and Elbows are always the products that a person has to be comfortable with. I could give you suggestions all day long, but I have my preferences and others will have theirs, its what works for you. I understand that you may not have a great shop near you, but try, try , try as much as you can and don't get stuck on a certain brand. What I will say is spend the money on a good helmet maybe a little higher end then the 5100, mid to high skates, mid shoulders, mid pants (hip pads, Breezers) mid to low shins, mid gloves, and mid stick, get a pro line bag (Rubber/PVC or 800 to 1200 denier material). Start there figure out your preferences and then 2 to 4 years down the road upgrade in the few areas you would like to and enjoy, Sorry kind of vague, but I would look at prices and where the products fit into a line and start from there without looking at I want Bauer this, Easton that or CCM this. Get into a mind set of being open if its at a certain level and go from that point to see which looks/feels the best for you. Also shop around locally if at all possible and then check online to see if the availability is or isn't there. From there ask more questions.

[AIREAYE 248]

Josh does his good work fitting people over the internet on HM because he is paid to do so. For everyone else here, it's a long process filled with many variables. No one should expect to get the same level of 'service' from strangers as from someone like Josh. Those who do offer in-depth help should always be appreciated.

[Cosmic 178]

Josh does his good work fitting people over the internet on HM because he is paid to do so. For everyone else here, it's a long process filled with many variables. No one should expect to get the same level of 'service' from strangers as from someone like Josh. Those who do offer in-depth help should always be appreciated.

Yea Josh is awesome and is always ultra thorough any time I have sizing questions.

Regarding protection, I don't think that playing in beer league is any excuse to skimp. The puck can leave permanent damage; it doesn't need to be some 6'5 265 pound guy riding you into the wall. The guys I play with are constantly getting hit with pucks in areas where the padding is minimal or non-existent, and then always either missing action of playing in pain. And I am not playing in elite/ physical beer league by any means. The puck is just unpredictable and seems to find the areas where it will leave a mark. So, unless you are playing beer lesgue/ shinny then you may wanna make sure everything is covered (which costs more $$). So, making sure the gear doesn't have gaps, then filling them in when you find them, or just getting the good stuff, is what I did when I was getting geared up. I do this primarily for exercise and it stinks when I have to miss my workouts because the damage sensor on the puck was working.

So, this is my set up:

Skates: (none will protect you, so I wear the skate fenders). Bauer nexus 600 is great value on like arcane right now HM.

Shins: only retail ones that cover the gap above the skates on the interior and exterior at reebok 20k, everything else leaves a huge gap there, where the puck will strike. I try not block shots, but when I forechecking I always catch saucer asses to the insides of my legs. Saucer pass off the plastic of the shin,'and you won't feel it. Saucer pass off of a bone or near a bone or joint, where there is a gap, will hurt and/ or leave damage.

Pants: I wear CCM CL, which is on clearance at HM. CS is great choice too (also clearance HM). Huge falloff protection wise to U 12, I think, just from trying the pants on. I also got a great deal on pro stock warrior franchises at recent Ducks team sale. I have a 2nd set of gear for when I am stateside, so I wear these when I am here.

Shouldies- I love the value of CCM 130 RBZ. U 12 s are ok but lack sufficient rib protection, and they get wet easily. I have worn these my last 2 skates stateside. They are light, low profile, and seem to have great shoulder protection though.

Elbows- I like CCM CL because of how they grab onto the arm. On clearance at HM. Only problem is they are short for me so I wear wrist guards.

Gloves- just ordered 2011 warrior projeckts. Best value otherwise I think is warrior covert dt bone x, which is a HM exclusive and not MAP protected (so when they have 20% off then you can get it at that price). Only thing I don't like about these is that the wrists are a bit stiff.

Helmet- whatever fits your head. I like the inhaler for its ventilation, and it fits me perfectly. I wear hybrid bauer cage/ visor combo

Bag- go big when in doubt. Having you bag a bit bigger than appropriate, won't hurt you (unlike gear).

Sticks- I like shaft/ bald because it saves $$

Not trying to promote HM-I buy a lot of gear from IW too. If you are really trying to go bargain though, I find HM's clearance section to be well stocked right now, with nice additional discount.

I haven't seen anyone wearing neck guards- I wear one only because I got it integrated onto a base layer that I wear (Bauer), when I play stateside in cold rink.

[redwing634 1]

So I tried on what was available, and at least was able to get a better idea on sizing (for some things).

Helmet: M11 felt slightly more comfortable in the temples than 5100 but I think I'd be fine with either. Neither is available at HM in black/large so I'll probably look elsewhere for one of these two

Chest: The only ones they had to try on were CCM U+08 and Bauer Supreme One. Didnt like the Bauer at all. But the U+08 was very comfortable (in large). Although I know this model is on the lower end.. do any of the other CCMs have a similar fit but better material? Like CS/CL?

Elbows/gloves: limited selections, and none of the ones I had previously considered. Still not sure whether I should use medium or large. I tried on a medium, along with some 15inch gloves, and the glove cuff kept hitting the forearm guard of the elbow guard. It felt like it would limit my maneauverability. But maybe that's normal, I don't know. Either way, I came out not sure on elbows or gloves (brands or size). 15inch gloves felt slightly large, 14 inch gloves felt slightly small. The closest to feeling the right size were a pair of 14" RBK 7k's. Looking for something that are fairly tight without being undersized. Should the fingertips touch the end of the glove fingers? Or come up just short?

Pants: CCM pants, large seemed the right size. Not sure what model but I know it wasn't the CCM CL's I was considering; they should fit the same though right?

Shin: Still not completely sure; I feel like I'm right between a 14" and 15".

[Cosmic 178]

So I tried on what was available, and at least was able to get a better idea on sizing (for some things).

Helmet: M11 felt slightly more comfortable in the temples than 5100 but I think I'd be fine with either. Neither is available at HM in black/large so I'll probably look elsewhere for one of these two

Chest: The only ones they had to try on were CCM U+08 and Bauer Supreme One. Didnt like the Bauer at all. But the U+08 was very comfortable (in large). Although I know this model is on the lower end.. do any of the other CCMs have a similar fit but better material? Like CS/CL?

Elbows/gloves: limited selections, and none of the ones I had previously considered. Still not sure whether I should use medium or large. I tried on a medium, along with some 15inch gloves, and the glove cuff kept hitting the forearm guard of the elbow guard. It felt like it would limit my maneauverability. But maybe that's normal, I don't know. Either way, I came out not sure on elbows or gloves (brands or size). 15inch gloves felt slightly large, 14 inch gloves felt slightly small. The closest to feeling the right size were a pair of 14" RBK 7k's. Looking for something that are fairly tight without being undersized. Should the fingertips touch the end of the glove fingers? Or come up just short?

Pants: CCM pants, large seemed the right size. Not sure what model but I know it wasn't the CCM CL's I was considering; they should fit the same though right?

Shin: Still not completely sure; I feel like I'm right between a 14" and 15".

Regarding shoulders, that's the whole point of the U Foam in the CS/CL- it's a better material- more protective and it doesn't take on water. CL has U Foam in the chest protector, which I think offers better protection. I a pretty sure the fit is the same across the line for CCM- at least for me, XL always feels perfect in CL, CS, RBZ, RBZ 130 etc.

Gloves and elbows bumping into each other in games would be annoying. I have learned (the hard way) that fit in the store does not equal fit on ice. When you get sweaty and are leaning and bending and hunching, the gear stretches and bumps into each other, and if it is just a little too big, then it will slide when wet and expanded- this is annoying. For elbows I love my CL size large (I am 6'2, 215)- they grab my arm perfectly and never move. Just a bit short so I got wrist guards too.

Good question about gloves/ fingertips- some might prefer tips to touch end of gloves but this leaves you vulnerable to slashes if the gloves stretch out though, then it might be good to start at fingertips and figure on the gloves expanding and length being added. Dunno for sure, interested to hear what the more seasoned guys think.

CM CLs do not necessarily fit the same as other pants. I find my CLs to be a bit shorter in XL than the U 12s. Could be an illusion or they just feel shorter because they have so much more padding in the CL. I'd ask Josh at HockeyMonkey to measure the pants you are considering, and figure out which ones you tried on for reference.

[bunnyman666 445]

So I tried on what was available, and at least was able to get a better idea on sizing (for some things).

Helmet: M11 felt slightly more comfortable in the temples than 5100 but I think I'd be fine with either. Neither is available at HM in black/large so I'll probably look elsewhere for one of these two

Chest: The only ones they had to try on were CCM U+08 and Bauer Supreme One. Didnt like the Bauer at all. But the U+08 was very comfortable (in large). Although I know this model is on the lower end.. do any of the other CCMs have a similar fit but better material? Like CS/CL?

Elbows/gloves: limited selections, and none of the ones I had previously considered. Still not sure whether I should use medium or large. I tried on a medium, along with some 15inch gloves, and the glove cuff kept hitting the forearm guard of the elbow guard. It felt like it would limit my maneauverability. But maybe that's normal, I don't know. Either way, I came out not sure on elbows or gloves (brands or size). 15inch gloves felt slightly large, 14 inch gloves felt slightly small. The closest to feeling the right size were a pair of 14" RBK 7k's. Looking for something that are fairly tight without being undersized. Should the fingertips touch the end of the glove fingers? Or come up just short?

Pants: CCM pants, large seemed the right size. Not sure what model but I know it wasn't the CCM CL's I was considering; they should fit the same though right?

Shin: Still not completely sure; I feel like I'm right between a 14" and 15".

The Cascade M11 is carried on in the Bauer IMS 7.0, fyi.

[AIREAYE 248]

CM CLs do not necessarily fit the same as other pants. I find my CLs to be a bit shorter in XL than the U 12s. Could be an illusion or they just feel shorter because they have so much more padding in the CL. I'd ask Josh at HockeyMonkey to measure the pants you are considering, and figure out which ones you tried on for reference.

CCM pants for the past few iterations have always been shorter. It's only with this year's RBZ line that they added the +1" zipper.

[tburns517 3]

So I tried on what was available, and at least was able to get a better idea on sizing (for some things).

Helmet: M11 felt slightly more comfortable in the temples than 5100 but I think I'd be fine with either. Neither is available at HM in black/large so I'll probably look elsewhere for one of these two

Chest: The only ones they had to try on were CCM U+08 and Bauer Supreme One. Didnt like the Bauer at all. But the U+08 was very comfortable (in large). Although I know this model is on the lower end.. do any of the other CCMs have a similar fit but better material? Like CS/CL?

Elbows/gloves: limited selections, and none of the ones I had previously considered. Still not sure whether I should use medium or large. I tried on a medium, along with some 15inch gloves, and the glove cuff kept hitting the forearm guard of the elbow guard. It felt like it would limit my maneauverability. But maybe that's normal, I don't know. Either way, I came out not sure on elbows or gloves (brands or size). 15inch gloves felt slightly large, 14 inch gloves felt slightly small. The closest to feeling the right size were a pair of 14" RBK 7k's. Looking for something that are fairly tight without being undersized. Should the fingertips touch the end of the glove fingers? Or come up just short?

Pants: CCM pants, large seemed the right size. Not sure what model but I know it wasn't the CCM CL's I was considering; they should fit the same though right?

Shin: Still not completely sure; I feel like I'm right between a 14" and 15".

They have a Bauer 5100 helmet in Black in Large at Total Hockey: http://www.totalhockey.com/product/5100_Helmet/itm/2969-2/?mtx_id=0

I own this helmet in Medium with a Bauer hybrid shield. I don't know if I bought the wrong size, or if this helmet is a little narrow for me, but after an hour or so of play I feel pain in the area of my temples. I also noticed the shield is too small for the helmet, as it makes the helmet close in on the sides of my head even more. Overall, I'm not really satisfied with it, and I have to place a dumbbell in the helmet after every game to widen the padding on the inside a bit. Personally, I would go for something a bit better from Bauer. I tried on the IMS 7.0 helmet, and noticed a huge difference in comfort, regardless of my issues.

As far as the rest of the protective gear goes, I can't really help much. I own some Easton Synergy EQ50 Gloves and they are great, also with an adjustable cuff. For shoulder and elbow pads, I have the older Reebok 5k line, which I really like for rec league. They aren't bulky and do not limit your mobility. I don't think you can find them anymore, but Reebok has some other great lines of protective gear. I have some Warrior Syko pants which are super light-weight. For shin pads I have always gone with Easton, but I've heard good things from Bauer and Reebok also.

I actually own the Easton E500 bag, and I had a very difficult time deciding on it. I got the Medium size and it is ideal for all of my gear. At the same time, all of my stuff is Medium since I'm not a big guy. I don't think you could go wrong with the large. The only thing I don't like is that there is only one compartment for your skates. I've had it for over a year and it's still in perfect condition. If you end up getting this bag, I recommend getting skate guards and/or laying a towel down in the skate compartment, because I feel it would rip easily if you didn't have anything there. I also recommend getting a helmet bag too, just so it doesn't snag and rip the bag.

I'm not sure where you live, but if you do live in or near Detroit (based on your username) there are a lot of Total Hockey stores near that area, and they are super nice with a wide selection of gear.

[Stewie 721]

In my experience the ccm shoulders for the same on the different lines, although they feel slightly different based on material and presence or absence of the collarbone protector. The RBZ line to me fits slightly more snug on the chest but I think it's due to the sternum redesign.

Their pants fit pretty much the same as well in terms of the CL line although I did note a slightly different fit or feel to the RBZ and liked the CL feel a little better. Between the CL and 12s they should fit the same, but the 12s will feel roomier due to less padding and also are lighter than CL (cl being still rediculously light compared to protection they offer.

If your between a 15 and 14 in gloves, the reeboks probably felt best because they run a little longer than other brands in my experience. The gloves will relax and stretch out a little as you use them, but you want to make sure your fingers don't press into the gusset as this will limit your protection, but you also don't want to be swimming in the gloves and get poor feel.

If your between a 14 and 15 I'd check out maybe some warrior shins, their ax2 dynasty are pretty nice and the 15s almost fit me but I went back to my beloved CCM shin fit in 14s when the RBZ line came out because they are rediculously comfortable to me.

Helmet I am of little assistance. I've tried on most helmets and the 11k fits me the best, with the ims 11.0 close. Again, I can't over emphasize trying on enough helmets until you get a great fit. A lot of people will leave negative feedback for a helmet just because it didn't fit them properly and thus it's "uncomfortable". Most helmets out right now have a market and at least some quality to them, when it comes to non contact leagues, pick comfort and fit, as this is a lot of where how protective the helmet will be

[Tech1208 27]

Redwing,

I returned to the ice a few weeks ago after a 29 year hiatus. I am 6’00 and 250lbs. I now play in a non-checking over 35 league. Living in Orlando, FL, you can imagine the wealth of ice hockey stores I have to shop and look in for equipment. That basically pushed me online, where I found Hockey Monkey, Hockey Giant, and Discount Hockey. I reviewed hockey forums, youtube, HM and HG user reviews, and then spoke with a few players at the local rink. After all that I downloaded all the manufacturer sizing charts from their websites and started measuring every limb with a tailor’s tape.

I next started on the clearance buttons on HM and HG like you intend. I started to piece together what I thought was the correct gear. I felt the shoulders, pants, and helmet needed to have the most protection to avoid injury. I narrowed down to Bauer Vapor APX pants (XL) and APX shoulder pads (XL). I went with a basic Bauer 4500 with cage helmet combo (XL). I found some RBK14s for elbow pads (Large), and CCM U+12 (16 inch) shin and knee. I wear a 7 3/8 Long oval hat. The 4500 helmet adjusted very well to my long oval head. I’ve worn it now for several games and skills sessions, and after a few minutes, I don’t feel it on me. The key for me was adjusting the helmet corerctly with the screws to get the right length.

I have been truly amazed at the mobility and weightlessness of the pants and shoulder pads. Compared to the potato sacks of carpet remnants strapped with canvas or leather adjustments I used to wear, these modern items are fantastic. I’ve never worn pants without suspenders and I truly love the feel of it now with the APXs. I bought medium rated gloves, Bauer Vapor 5.0s (15 inch). I found a Bauer roller bag in large. I think the large may be a little too big, however that beats too small in my book for the gear hauler. The medium is seven inches smaller in length and that might be too small.

All of these items were bought on clearance and I hit the 25 & 20% off coupons on HM, and HG. I was also able to get the pants and helmet in black, and the gloves are a Navy, Red, and White pattern. Can’t go wrong with those colors. I was fortunate and felt that all the time spent on the manufacturer’s sites for sizing charts paid off with accurate measurements. All gear fits as it should and I did not have to return anything. I can't give you any idea on skates, as I already had some "New Old Stock" in my closet from when I thought I would attempt this again back 20 years ago. I am now using those skates. I will offer this on skates though. The newer skates are light years ahead in weight and boot mold compared to what I'm using. When I wear these out, I will be looking forward to the modern era of boots and blades.

Good luck with your search!

[stick9 896]

For me, helmet is the one area I don't cut costs. I'll gladly pay a little extra for fit and protection. Afterall, it's your head. I wear the 5100, nice bucket. Only beef is the adhesive holding the pads in, is starting seep through. I can feel some of it in my hair.

Check out Reebok 9k pants. They should marked done by now. Even at full price I thought they were a great value.

There are so many choices now. As others have said, go to a shop and try stuff on. Stuff may fit fine, but you may not like the mobilty or where a certian strap lands.

[bunnyman666 445]

Try shins on WITH your skates. That's how I determine which ones to buy. Another mistake I made was buying Sherwood 5030 shins. They fit fine, but they do not prevent you feeling slappers in the shin. Don't skimp on shin guards, either.

[redwing634 1]

What size practice jerseys? Again, I'm 6'0, 175 lbs, and my chest measurement is 39-40inches. According to HM chart that'd be a Medium, but wanted to make sure, considering Id be getting a Large Chest protector (CCM CL)

Thinking about getting a couple RBK Platinum jerseys (or if anyone has other recommendations)

[JSK81 400]

XL. You'll never fit into size M with gear on. I'm 5'10 and I wear L/XL jerseys.

What size practice jerseys? Again, I'm 6'0, 175 lbs, and my chest measurement is 39-40inches. According to HM chart that'd be a Medium, but wanted to make sure, considering Id be getting a Large Chest protector (CCM CL)

Thinking about getting a couple RBK Platinum jerseys (or if anyone has other recommendations)

[redwing634 1]

Okay this is my shopping cart right now. I had to make guesses on sizing for some (elbows, shins, gloves), and there are some notably absent. They are...

-Helmet (hard time finding Large/black in stock anywhere for Bauer 5100 or M11, which were the only two I was able to try on anywhere. I may have to choose something blind and hope it fits)

-Compression jock pants (large). Some recommendations would be great. Something that has velcro and jock preferably.

-Practice Jerseys (one black, one white). Ive always liked the RBK platinum ones (which I have for my goalie gear). Not sure on sizing still. Supposedly either L or XL.

-Socks (suggestions?)

I think I covered everything else below, based on advice/suggestions in this thread

[Cosmic 178]

Crazy Light shins have had a lot of complaints. I tried them on and didn't like them. At that price I'd say go Bauer nexus 600.

I'd say CCM crazy strong elbows too for that price point. I like. 3 piece elbow- I think those vapors are just 2.

[Stewie 721]

The CL shins disappointed me as well, but I love the RBZ.

[Rustyhole 1]

Typically i get XL on jerseys for sure, you're a bit taller/slimmer than me but you'll want the exra looseness for mobility. Esp. if you have shoulder pads on the bigger side

[tburns517 3]

-Helmet (hard time finding Large/black in stock anywhere for Bauer 5100 or M11, which were the only two I was able to try on anywhere. I may have to choose something blind and hope it fits)

You may have overlooked my post, but Total Hockey has the Bauer 5100 helmet in Black/Large in stock: http://www.totalhock...969-2/?mtx_id=0

[redwing634 1]

Typically i get XL on jerseys for sure, you're a bit taller/slimmer than me but you'll want the exra looseness for mobility. Esp. if you have shoulder pads on the bigger side

The RBK Platinums are out of stock, are the CCMs any good?

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/ccm-hockey-jersey-10200s-two-tone-practice.html

The RBK Platinums are out of stock, are the CCMs any good?

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/ccm-hockey-jersey-10200s-two-tone-practice.html

I did, but I also noticed you said it put pressure on your temples. I've had issues with this in the past (notably my referee helmet, which is rather uncomfortable). So it worries me to get a helmet that might end up doing this. The M11 didn't really seem to have that feeling when I tried it on.

[tburns517 3]

I did, but I also noticed you said it put pressure on your temples. I've had issues with this in the past (notably my referee helmet, which is rather uncomfortable). So it worries me to get a helmet that might end up doing this. The M11 didn't really seem to have that feeling when I tried it on.

If that's the case, I would definitely get the M11. On the other hand, I think the Bauer 5100 may have worked better for me if I would have gotten it in a large instead of a medium. Plus, the hybrid shield I put on it pushes the helmet inward even more because it's a little too narrow. I'm not sure if those factors are the main reason why it is uncomfortable for me, or if it is the helmet itself. I haven't tried it with any other shield.

[redwing634 1]

Crazy Light shins have had a lot of complaints. I tried them on and didn't like them. At that price I'd say go Bauer nexus 600.

I'd say CCM crazy strong elbows too for that price point. I like. 3 piece elbow- I think those vapors are just 2.

Reviews on the CS elbows mentioned issues with the straps falling apart. Would these RBZ 110 be good?

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/ccm-hockey-elbow-pad-rbz-110-le-sr.html

[Cosmic 178]

Reviews on the CS elbows mentioned issues with the straps falling apart. Would these RBZ 110 be good?

http://www.hockeymonkey.com/ccm-hockey-elbow-pad-rbz-110-le-sr.html

My straps came undone on my first CL elbows, and CCM warrantied them. When I inquired, CCM said that the neoprene was faulty in the early production, and they corrected it for the recently manufactured. Sure, they might just be saying this, but my second pair has held up fine. If it’s true, then the CS’es floating around as “new” items ought to be a good batch.

[stick9 896]

-Helmet (hard time finding Large/black in stock anywhere for Bauer 5100 or M11, which were the only two I was able to try on anywhere. I may have to choose something blind and hope it fits)

Hockey Monkey has the 5100 in stock.

-Compression jock pants (large). Some recommendations would be great. Something that has velcro and jock preferably.

Shock Doctor compression jock with the flex cup has never let me down.

-Practice Jerseys (one black, one white). Ive always liked the RBK platinum ones (which I have for my goalie gear). Not sure on sizing still. Supposedly either L or XL.

Bauer Premium jersey's are excellent.

-Socks (suggestions?)

Personal preference, but once I went to the Edge socks I never went back to knit.

[chippa13 1844]

I haven't had any problems with the straps on my CS elbow pads.