When it comes to sports, it usually pays to be prepared. This especially applies to hockey, where being locked out of your home arena is one of the more frustrating things that can happen. However, having the right equipment can make all the difference, and in some cases, it can be cheaper to purchase new equipment than it is to fix what you’ve got. This article will tell you exactly how much it costs to sharpen hockey skates, with an average cost of $25 per pair.
Table of Contents
The Materials You’ll Need
The first and most important thing you’ll need to consider is the material your skates are made of. This, of course, will vary based on what type of ice you play on and how well you perform on it; however, the most popular materials in all hockey settings are the following:
- A3 steel (the same material used in cars)
- Man-made materials (for example, plastic or fiberglass)
- ETPBK (a combination of the two mentioned above)
- Ceramic bearings (if you have wheels that are ceramic-based)
- Richestars (for better traction)
- Hockey pants (to keep your jersey cool during games)
- Nike Mercurial Superfly 3 (if you play on any type of ice)
Now, if you’re reading this and you’re wondering, “What is ETPBK?” well, it’s a combination of the three above, and it stands for End-Taper Prismatic Blue-Kryptonite. We won’t go into detail about what it is or why you would mix these materials together, but if you’re curious, you can Google it. The important thing is to have the right equipment for the right cost!
The Cost
The cost of your skates will depend on many factors, including the type of ice you play on, how well you perform on it, and where you live. In general, A3 steel hockey skates with ceramic bearings cost around $200; however, these can range anywhere from $50 to $300, so it’s best to do some research before buying.
Taking the average cost of $200 per pair, you’ll need four pairs to cover your costs for the year (assuming you play five games per week, which is a typical schedule). In addition to the cost of the skate, you’ll also need to purchase a new pair of hockey pants every year; this can range from $60 to $100 per pair, depending on the style and brand.
This, of course, is a rough estimation of the average cost of a hockey skater. This article does not account for all the possible expenses that could arise from playing hockey, such as minor injuries or getting your gear wet (if you fall in the pool during a game). The main point is to get an idea of what kind of budget you’ll need to work with to be able to afford the necessary equipment.
Where Can You Buy Them?
Although you can get A3 steel hockey skates with ceramic bearings from numerous online retailers, it’s best to purchase them from a specialty store, as they will typically have a much better knowledge of the hockey equipment industry and can offer advice on what is best suited for your needs.
In terms of where you can get them, don’t expect to find many retail stores outside of major cities because of the lack of demand, but if you live in one of these urban areas, there will be plenty of choices available. It is also worth looking into buying them from a sporting goods store that has locations across the country, so you can take advantage of the online ordering and have them delivered to your home.
The Maintenance
The maintenance of your skates will depend on how well you take care of them. Depending on how many miles you put on them each week, you may need to replace the shaft every month or two; this can be a very expensive maintenance item, so try to take care of your skates wisely by using a dry brush on them at least once a week and storing them in a cool, clean place. Also, make sure to lubricate the mechanism inside the skate with oil, so it doesn’t rust or jam.
If you use a liquid lubricant, make sure to let it soak into the mechanism and don’t just spray it on, as this can damage the bearings and cause the skate to become un-drivable; if you do end up in this situation, it will be very costly to fix. Finally, if you notice that any of the materials on your skates are looking dull or worn, it’s time for an expensive replacement! Remember to inspect all your equipment, including your skates, before each use so that you don’t have any surprises once the season starts. This way, you’ll be sure to enjoy your sport without any worries.