Let’s face facts: Ice hockey is a tough sport that requires a lot of equipment. As the name suggests, a hockey net provides a place for the goalie to save the puck and maintain control of the game. You may also have a goalie mask, elbow pads, wrist pads, and shin pads to protect your goalie’s body parts. Aside from the equipment, you need to keep track of your gloves and jersey to maintain authentic looks. With so much stuff to remember, it’s no wonder why so many people struggle with the game. To save you the effort and equipment frustration, we’ve decided to answer the common question, “How much does a hockey net weigh?” Let’s begin.
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How Much Does A Hockey Net Weight?
When you’re shopping for a hockey net, you’ll come across two basic types: portable and fixed. The first one is perfect for traveling or for home use while the latter is best suited for outdoor games. As much as possible, you want a portable net that you can easily transport to and from the game. The best way to ensure this is by checking the weight before buying. Most companies that make portable hockey nets offer a weight range between 15 and 22.5 pounds, with the average weight hovering around 19 pounds. If you’re planning on using it frequently, consider getting the 16-pound model, as it’s quite light.
The Difference In Quality
Aside from the weight, you need to pay attention to the quality of a hockey net. When shopping, you’ll come across various grades ranging from 1 to 5 with the best ones being grade 4 and grade 5. These are essentially the same, but the latter is much sturdier and features thicker steel. Another important factor to look out for is the mesh size, which refers to the size of the openings between the net’s strands. The coarser the mesh, the better the ventilation.
Consider The Weather
Since we’re already on the topic of ventilation, let’s discuss the weather conditions under which you’ll be using your hockey net. You’ll need to consider the temperature to determine whether you should use a regular or a folding one. A typical guideline is to use a regular hockey net in the winter and a folding one in the summer. Of course, you can use either one depending on your climate. Folding nets are easier to store away and transport, especially if you’re running late for a game. But if you’re looking for a more stable and sturdy structure, get a regular one as opposed to a folding one.
Durability
Just like any other sports equipment, your hockey net needs to withstand regular use. This means it should be made out of sturdy materials and designed to last longer. For a standard hockey net, this means you’ll need to look out for materials such as metal, polyethylene, and hard plastic. Another important factor is the coating. Just like any other sports equipment, repeated washing can cause the surface to peel off, exposing the underlayers. This is dangerous as it increases the risk of injury from falling debris or from becoming a choking hazard for small children. One way to avoid this is by choosing a coated hockey net, which will resist such damage easily. Additionally, always check for signs of wear and tear before buying as this will help you determine the durability of the product.
Where To Buy
Now that you know what to look out for in a hockey net, where do you buy it from? This will depend on your location, but popular online stores that sell sporting goods offer a broad range of hockey nets, including portable ones. If you’re looking for a reliable and trusted vendor that offers a wide range of sports equipment and accessories, check out this link to the official website of New York Sports Equipment Co. Inc (NYSEC). They’re a U.S. based company with offices in both Massachusetts and New York. On their website, you’ll find a wide array of products, including hockey nets, for all types of sports including hockey. Not only that, but you can also filter the results based on price or weight. If you buy in bulk, you’ll get a discount as well. Let’s examine each piece of equipment and how much it costs so you can have an idea of what you’ll need to budget for.
Goalie Mask
The goalie mask is another important part of your hockey kit. This piece of equipment protects your goalie’s head and face as he defends or attacks the puck. Just like the name suggests, the mask is worn over the mouth and nose so that the player can’t be easily identified by opponents or spectators. Like the name suggests, the mask serves an important role in keeping the player’s head protected. There are multiple varieties of goalie masks, so take your pick based on what style you prefer. If you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting product that provides good protection at an affordable price, check out this product from Bauer Optics. This particular model has a hybrid-elastomeric face mask that provides the best of both worlds: an elastic fit and a durable and long-lasting shell. If you have a larger head, you may want to consider getting a bigger size to ensure it fits comfortably.
Elbow Pads
Ankle joints are one of the most important parts of the body, as they allow you to move freely while ensuring your feet stay planted firmly on the ground. This is particularly important if you’re running or skating, as the instability caused by the pivot point can lead to injuries. If you’re playing hockey in winter, you need protection particularly around the ankles as falling debris and sudden changes in temperature can cause serious damage to your joints. This is why elbow pads are important, as they help protect your ankles from getting injured. When choosing elbow pads, you need to look out for the thickness as well as the material used to make them. Just like with most other sports equipment, the more dense the material, the better the performance. If you have large arms, you may want to consider getting smaller sizes to prevent strain on the joints as you fight for the puck. If you frequently play hockey in cold weather, you may want to get a pair of underarmours to provide more protection than regular elbow pads.
Wrist Pads
Apart from your ankles and elbows, your wrists are also among the most important parts of your body as they provide your hands with additional stability while allowing you to perform precise movements. This is why you need to protect them carefully as well. When choosing wrist pads, again you need to look out for the thickness as well as the material used to make them. Just like with your elbow pads, the more dense the material, the better the performance. This is why most hockey players wear thick wrist pads to prevent injuries. If you have large wrists, you may want to consider getting smaller sizes to prevent strain on the joints. Of course, you don’t need to have smaller wrists to benefit from the thin wrist pads as they still provide decent protection. This is why it’s important to try on a pair of wrist pads before buying as there are often thin pieces of plastic between the pad and the inner surface of the glove you’re using.
Shin Pads
Your shin pads are another important part of your hockey kit. When playing, the stability of your shin pads is crucial as it helps maintain control over the game. This is why most hockey players wear shin pads on both feet. When choosing your shin pads, again you need to look out for the thickness as well as the material used to make them. Just like with your elbow pads and wrist pads, the more dense the material, the better the performance. This is why most hockey players wear thick shin pads to prevent injuries. If you have large legs, you may want to consider getting smaller sizes to prevent strain on the joints. If you frequently play hockey in wet and cold weather, you may want to get a pair of waterproof shin pads to keep your feet dry and warm.
With so much talk of injuries and safety, it’s important to remember that maintaining a safe distance between you and the puck is the key to preventing injuries. This is why it’s important to wear protective gear, particularly when playing hockey in winter. Make sure to get all of the necessary pieces of equipment as discussed above, and practice doing its exercises to improve your overall fitness level. You should also maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep to give your body the best chance of recovery should you suffer an injury during a game. Finally, make sure to have fun while playing but remember to protect yourself at all times so that you can enjoy the game safely! Good luck out there!