We all know the importance of having the right hockey equipment. Without it, you’re pretty much guaranteed to hurt yourself or end up in tears.
The fact is, not all hockey equipment is created equal, and there are various size and shape variances that can affect your gameplay. One of the most essential factors to consider is how tall the pieces of equipment are. Knowing the length of the skate blades, for example, helps you determine how high your hockey boots should be.
Here’s a basic guide to help you choose the right height for your hockey equipment.
Table of Contents
Skate And Blade Length
The length of your skate blade determines how fast you can skate and how high you can jump. Truth be told, we’re not really dealing with speed here, but the ability to stop and change direction quickly. Hence, shorter skate blades are better suited for quick turns and sudden stops, while longer ones are preferable for those who need to push their speed.
Additionally, the shape of your skates also matters. For instance, some skaters prefer to have their toes pointed forward, while others prefer their toes pointed backward. This can make a difference in terms of how well you perform certain moves.
As for the length of the blade itself, again, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to hockey blades. You want a balance of speed, control, and maneuverability. When choosing your skates, you also want to consider how the ice is. Are you playing on an outdoor lake or pond, or an indoor sports arena? The former offers you a faster pace and more explosive turns, whereas the latter provides better stability. Keep that in mind.
Hockey Helmet
Your helmet is a crucial piece of equipment. It not only defends your head but also acts as a cushion to prevent any serious injuries to the neck area. When choosing a hockey helmet, the main thing to consider is whether you need a cheek pad. The former is a protective device that rests against your cheek when you’re not wearing your mask. It offers you some bite protection and makes you look more intimidating to your opponents.
As for the material the helmet is made of, you want to go for a hard shell with a thick coating of foam inside. This provides you with both toughness and comfort when on the ice. Most importantly, it allows you to play the game you love without any worries.
Hockey Gloves
Besides your helmet and your knee pads, your gloves are among the other crucial elements that protect your hands from getting injured. There are various styles of gloves that you can choose from, so be sure to experiment with each one to find the one that gives you the best fit.
If you’ve opted for a pair of metal knuckles, then thin plastic or rubber gloves won’t protect your hands from getting torn or scratched. It’s also a good idea to get a pair of cycling gloves for those who train and compete in road cycling. It’s not only fashionable but also offers better dexterity and protection.
When choosing a pair of hockey gloves, the most important thing to keep in mind is how large your hands are compared to your wrists. When they’re huge compared to your wrists, it’s usually an indication that the gloves are too small, which can cause a number of problems. When your hands are smaller than your wrists, the opposite is usually true and can lead to injuries and accidents. This is why it’s crucial to measure the circumference of your wrists before making any purchases. Knowing the difference in size between your wrists and your hands can help you determine if the gloves you’re choosing are big enough for you or your partner’s hands.
Jacket And Pants
Your jacket and your pants are essentially the same piece of clothing, and it’s important to keep in mind the difference in terms of fit. Your jacket is usually loose and baggy, whereas your pants are formfitting. This makes a huge difference in terms of how you perform on the ice. Your jacket helps you move around easily, even if the temperature is quite low. If your jacket isn’t long enough, you can also bump your knees easily when jumping into the air, which isn’t something you want to do if you’re in a game.
As for the material the jacket is made of, you want to go for a soft fabric such as silk or synthetic leather. Some very elegant skaters even prefer a pebble-grain leather jacket, as it makes them look extremely classy and cosmopolitan.
Shoulder Pads
Your shoulder pads are one of the most recognizable parts of a hockey player’s attire. They’re also one of the most critical elements that increase your safety while playing. At the end of the day, it’s all about being able to withstand the impacts that occur during gameplay. Some of the better known brands for hockey shoulder pads include Riddell, Bauer, and Brooks.
To determine how tall your shoulder pads should be, simply measure the height of the front board attached to your skate. This measurement will give you an indication of how high you should raise the front of the pad to provide proper protection. Keep in mind that the height of your shoulder pad will affect the height of your helmet, gloves, and pants, too. When choosing a pair of hockey shoulder pads for your son or daughter, it’s also important to measure the circumference of their upper arms to determine if the size is large enough.
As for the material the shoulder pads are made of, you want to go for a synthetic material, which is durable while at the same time looking cool and comfortable. Some of the better known brands for hockey shoulder pads include Bauer, Riddell, and Adidas.
Jock
If your favorite color is white and you play on an outdoor rink, then there’s a good chance that you need a pair of white jock straps. These are essentially the same as the shoulder pads, but for the other team member. Your jock straps are there to keep your team’s clothes from getting soiled during gameplay, and they also keep the other team members from seeing your naughty bits. Some of the better known brands for white jock straps include Riddell, Bauer, and Adidas.
To determine how tall your white jock straps should be, simply measure the distance from the top of your head to the bottom of your knee. This measurement will give you an indication of how high you should position your jock straps when putting them on. Keep in mind that the higher your knees, the faster you’ll be able to accelerate after a rush or when intercepting a pass. When choosing a pair of white jock straps for your son or daughter, it’s also important to measure their upper arms to determine if the size is large enough.
As for the material the jock straps are made of, you want to go for a soft synthetic material, which is durable while at the same time looking cool and comfortable. Some of the better known brands for white jock straps include Riddell, Bauer, and Adidas.
Gloves
Besides your jacket and your pants, you have another opportunity to keep your extremities warm and dry. This comes in the form of your gloves. Like your baseball glove, your hockey glove is a part of your arsenal of equipment, and it’s a crucial element that allows you to control the puck. When choosing a pair of hockey gloves, the most important thing to keep in mind is how large your hands are compared to your wrists. When they’re huge compared to your wrists, it’s usually an indication that the gloves are too small, which can cause a number of problems.
If your hands are smaller than your wrists, the opposite is usually true and can lead to injuries and accidents. This is why it’s crucial to measure the circumference of your wrists before making any purchases. Knowing the difference in size between your wrists and your hands can help you determine if the gloves you’re choosing are big enough for you or your partner’s hands.
When choosing a pair of hockey gloves, the most important thing to keep in mind is how you intend to use them. If it’s for blocking shots, then thin plastic or rubber gloves won’t protect your hands from getting torn or scratched. If you’re playing on an outdoor rink, then a hard hat and earmuffs are also a great idea. If it’s for handling the puck, then a medium-thickness leather fingerless glove is preferable, as it offers both toughness and flexibility.
As for the material the gloves are made of, you want to go for a durable synthetic material, which is also breathable and flexible. Some of the better known brands for hockey gloves include Bauer, Riddell, and Adidas.