Buying hockey equipment

[metallicat]

Should I be going the new, or used route? I haven't had equipment since I last played organized hockey when I was a teenager, so I have to start from scratch pretty much. I have a helmet, skates, and sticks, but that is it. If I am looking to buy shoulder pads, elbow pads, pants, shin pads, and socks, is it best to go used? Or are there good deals to be had buying new? I am hearing ads right now for Sport Check sales for new equipment.

[Coach]

for shin pads id say new...ud probably be fine with used pants and shoulderpads though....new elbow pads might be best

[Ice]

I just got my son a stick (that was on closeout) on totalhockey.net. It was in the pro shop for $139 and other sites as low as 99.99 but I got it on totalhockey.net for 59.99. I ended up buying two so I could get free shipping and used an internet coupon for an additional ten dollars off.

I'm definitely looking there in January for my hockey pants and a new stick. I don't like used hockey gear, it seems kinda gross. Plus, if you get a used stick and you don't know how the previous owner handled it, you might use it a couple of times and it breaks on ya.

[jayswin]

I would buy your pants used, because they tend to be pretty expensive new, and your pants don't touch the body at all.

Then pay about $50 - $60 for new shin pads, $30 - $40 on new elbow pads, and new socks for about $12.

Adreniline source for sports is awesome, but I don't know if they have those in Edmonton.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Ice

I just got my son a stick (that was on closeout) on totalhockey.net. It was in the pro shop for $139 and other sites as low as 99.99 but I got it on totalhockey.net for 59.99. I ended up buying two so I could get free shipping and used an internet coupon for an additional ten dollars off.

I'm definitely looking there in January for my hockey pants and a new stick. I don't like used hockey gear, it seems kinda gross. Plus, if you get a used stick and you don't know how the previous owner handled it, you might use it a couple of times and it breaks on ya.

I dont know if places even sell used sticks

[Temporary_User]

Everything you listed I think I would buy used if possible. Nothing wrong with buying used. I think most places clean the gear, if not many places offer such a service.
I think helmet, and gloves would be the only thing I would definitely buy new. Socks are cheap enough to buy new.
A stick can be expensive, but I don't know if I would buy a used one, you don't know how it was used, and they break fairly easy.

[jar_e]

Originally Posted by MattyC

I dont know if places even sell used sticks

Places like Stick Fix do sell repaired sticks...not sure if that's really considered used....

[metallicat]

Thanks guys. I'll go used shopping tomorrow. We have Play It Again Sports which might be in Calgary as well. Appreciate all the advice.

[Montana Moe]

Hockeygiant.com is a good site for gear as well.

They are consistently less expensive on skates than totalhockey.net.

[Jayems]

I bought used pants when I first got new player gear about 3 years ago (I was a goalie my whole life, so no player equipment). Anyways, I got some pants that fit for about $20. Great, I thought. They got me through the first year alright, still not much protection as some had fallen out or shifted awkwardly during skating.

But as our team (not the puckers) began to recruit skilled players and we started getting up in the divisions, I found that going in front of the net guaranteed you a cross-check to the lower back 99% of the time. Of course, there was a great gap between my shoulder pads' back protection and the top of my flimsy pants. I finally went out and splurged and got a new pair of pants that have a little piece of plastic and some padding around that area. Now, there's only a small gap and it doesn't hurt nearly as much (except the shots you get in the ribs from the side... they're crafty, those defensemen.) So I guess it depends on what level you're going to be playing at. Even a no-contact league gets pretty physical in front of the net. But it doesn't hurt all that much unless you've pissed them off... and I tend to piss people off for some reason... so it was a great purchase.

[Sainters7]

I'd say used for sure, besides a few of the smaller things(ie helmet). I'm a goalie so especially for me hockey gear is so overpriced that used is a very good option. I've never done it yet, but I have a few buddies who have told me that you can get some very good deals for decent gear on Ebay. They've gone that route before and seemed pretty pleased with the gear and price.

[wpgflamesfan]

Originally Posted by Jayems

I found that going in front of the net guaranteed you a cross-check to the lower back 99% of the time. Of course, there was a great gap between my shoulder pads' back protection and the top of my flimsy pants.

Next time that happens stand beside him and lift up your stick. Pretend you are going to put your stick back down on the ice but instead slash him right on the top of the laces it hurts like hell. If your not down for cheap shots just fight him.

Anyways with regards to equipment i'd try to go new when possible. Just something about wearing something someone else has sweat in makes me feel dirty.

[Jayems]

Originally Posted by wpgflamesfan

Next time that happens stand beside him and lift up your stick. Pretend you are going to put your stick back down on the ice but instead slash him right on the top of the laces it hurts like hell. If your not down for cheap shots just fight him.

Anyways with regards to equipment i'd try to go new when possible. Just something about wearing something someone else has sweat in makes me feel dirty.

That's just it... I don't get why I get whacked 3-4 times in the back before I respond, and these guys just go mental when I do the exact same thing back to them... they just spaz and is why I seem to make so many enemies in a game. I can't fight, because I'm fairly small compared to most players and would get TKO'd because I'd probably lose my balance easy (the being a goalie thing my whole life... never fought in hockey).

They love to dish it out but can't take it.

[nickerjones]

hockeymonkey.com and goaliemonkey.com are good too usually on HM you can buy a whole set of pads for cheap (i.e. the shoulder, shin, and elbow in one package)

[Ice]

Originally Posted by Montana Moe

Hockeygiant.com is a good site for gear as well.

They are consistently less expensive on skates than totalhockey.net.

This is true, especially if you like Bauer skates. Hockey Giant is the number one retailer for Bauer. Both my son and I like Vapor skates, and Hockey Giant is always substantially cheaper than any other place.

I'll be at Hockey Giant this weekend since my son's game is down there. Sometimes there are even better deals in the store than there are online.

[metallicat]

Unfortunately I don't really have time to order online, as I might be playing Friday night, so it's either I go new or used. I suppose what I can do is buy used this time around, and then sell them afterwards and then look for better stuff online for next time.

[ken0042]

When I started playing I got most of my stuff at Wal-Mart. This time of year it may also be on sale there too; as it was also in December when I was looking.

[FlamesKickAss]

i had to replace my shin pads, paid like 35 bucks or something and they are good. You can get some pretty cheap stuff now. Even decent pants for around 50 bucks. Just go to sport chek or like Ken said try Walmart, canadian tire generally has some good prices. Just get the basic and cheap stuff and then if you continue to play slowly replace it with better stuff one piece at a time if you want.

I know its different sport but thats what I did with golf clubs, get something oso you can play and then improve equipment that you want to improve when they wear out.

I think my shin pads are Vic, I know they have cheap shoulder pads too, not really big though.

[dustygoon]

I have bought all of my stuff online except skates, and I would buy those online now that I know my size/fit. You can get great deals online including new stuff on eBay. Temp User is right about gloves and helmet.....definitely buy those new.

Sticks.....i have shelled out quite a bit on composite one piece sticks. They are light and give a better snap shot than wood, but they can't touch my woody for good old wrist shots. Everyone can do just fine with a good wood stick.

[Buff]

I bought all new stuff. I've got sensitive skin and even though the used equipment is cleaned I don't want to take the risk of getting a rash from the equipment... not that new stuff won't get you a rash, I've already replaced my shin pads once because I got a rash on my knee from them.

You can get new stuff for cheap. I went to Canadian Tire and Sport Mart and got all of my stuff from them for cheap. I looked for the sales at the beginning of the season. I just bought new pair o'hockey gloves for 50% off from a local Source For Sports store (Bert & Mac's) here in Lethbridge.