When it comes to buying ice hockey equipment, there are a few key things you need to keep in mind. Aside from the obvious – your budget and intended use – you need to also consider the make and model of the skates, along with the size and gauge. While there are no hard and fast rules, following these guidelines will at least get you on the right foot when it comes to matching the right equipment to your game.
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Budget
This one is pretty self-explanatory; you need to consider your budget before making any purchases. You can’t expect to spend thousands on a pair of hockey skates if you don’t have the money. Fortunately, there are several economical options available that will serve your needs just fine. For example, you can find cheap but functional used skates from popular brands like Bauer and CCM through online marketplaces like eBay. You’ll definitely want to do some research before buying a used pair of skates though; make sure the previous owner was reputable and had good feedback before committing.
Game Use
The first thing to consider is whether you’ll use the equipment for hockey or another sport. If it’s not originally designed for hockey, then you’ll have to adjust it to suit your needs. This could be difficult and may require professional help from an equipment expert. Having said that, there are several economical options available that will still allow you to play the game you love. For example, there’s the adaptors that allow you to use standard ice hockey skates with basketball shoes; or the BladeSync technology that lets you switch back and forth between a pair of hockey skates and a pair of shoes without any drawbacks.
Size
One of the most important things to consider when buying any type of sports equipment is size. Every sport has its specific size requirements for the equipment and these factors can vary from one sport to the next. For example, speed skates are generally larger than regular ice hockey skates and this is particularly relevant when you consider the fact that you’ll have to move around more when playing.
Fortunately, there are also several affordable options available that will still fit you perfectly. If you want to play at a higher level, then you can either spend the money to buy bigger equipment or consider borrowing or renting them. Bikes are another one of the most important sports equipment items and this is due to the fact that they can make or break your athletic performance. This is why almost all bike brands make several different sizes to accommodate everyone’s feet and legs. It’s the same with roller skates as well; make sure the wheels are the right size for the track you’ll be using so that you do not experience any discomfort while skating.
Gauge
Gauge is the general term used to describe the material used in making a sports equipment item. For example, there’s lightweight polyester and there’s also the thicker, more traditional materials like leather or vinyl. While there are no hard and fast rules about which gauge is better than the other when it comes to specific types of equipment, you should follow the general rule that the thinner the gauge, the more flexible and comfortable the item will be for you to use. In the case of hockey boots, for example, the traditional leather boots are typically thicker and have a heavier build so that they can handle the rigors of a hard game on the ice. Thicker boots are also more comfortable; they hug the feet better and keep the wearer’s legs warmer than thin ones because they trap more air.
Model
The model of a pair of sports equipment is also important to consider and this can vary from one sport to the next. Some equipment is designed to be lighter and more mobile while others are built to withstand much more physical activity. As a general rule, the heavier the model, the more mobile it will be and this is particularly relevant when you consider that you’ll be carrying it around during your game. This is why almost all bike models are designed to be lightweight and this also makes them more maneuverable. If you are planning to do any biking activities, then consider buying a lighter model so that you can have more fun while still being able to complete your workouts.
When it comes to ice hockey, having the right equipment is important for the sport itself as well as for your personal safety. Aside from your budget and intended use, you need to also consider the size and gauge of your equipment as well as the model. Just remember that being cheap does not necessarily mean you get what you pay for in terms of either quality or reliability. As long as you follow the above mentioned guidelines, you’ll be able to find a nice pair of hockey skates that will serve your needs for many years.