Ice hockey gear: how to choose and buy at a good price
Size and position decide everything
In hockey, sizes are split into Senior (adults), Intermediate (teenagers), Junior and Youth (children). A mistake of one class means either a loose, unsafe helmet or tight gloves. So in your request be sure to give the player's age, height and weight.
Goalie gear is separate: catcher, blocker, pads, chest protector, mask. Don't put it together half-heartedly, and write “goalie” on its own line.
The stick: hand, flex and curve
A stick is chosen by hand (left or right), length and stiffness, known as flex. The heavier and stronger the player, the stiffer the stick usually is, and children need a low flex. The blade curve is given as, for example, P92 or P28: it affects shooting and puck handling.
Composite sticks are lighter and more expensive, wooden ones are tough and cheap for the first steps. For a beginner a low-cost model is usually enough.
What to put in your request
- what exactly — stick, helmet, skates, gloves, protection, goalie gear, pucks, full set;
- size — Senior, Intermediate, Junior, skate size, glove length in inches;
- stick parameters — hand, flex, curve;
- model, for example Bauer Vapor;
- position — skater or goalie;
- age of the player;
- condition — new or used;
- budget and delivery city.
Example: “Looking for a gear set for a boy of 9, size Youth: helmet with cage, gloves, knee and elbow protection. Skates in size 34 as well. Cape Town, courier delivery, budget up to R 2,400.”
Gloves, protection and skates
Glove length is given in inches, for example 11 inch for Junior. They should cover the wrist without restricting your grip. For the chest protector, elbow pads and padded shorts, the fit to your body matters most. Skates are bought for the foot with a proper heel fit, not “to grow into”.
New or used
Children grow fast, so used children's gear is a sensible choice. Check a helmet for cracks, impact marks and a working strap, protection for tears, and skates for the state of the blades and the boot. It is better not to take a helmet at all after hard hits.
A blade can be sharpened, but every sharpening wears it down, so ask how much life is left in the skates.
How to compare offers and where BlaBlaPrice fits in
Compare the same sizes and models, and whether there is a warranty and an exchange if it doesn't fit. On BlaBlaPrice sellers of hockey gear answer your one request in the chat, see where they stand among competitors and improve their terms. Your phone number stays hidden until you choose a seller. Details are on the “How it works” page.
For the ice itself, look at skates, and for off-ice training, athletics and fitness.
