Ice Hockey
Ice Hockey Skates: Something to Consider Before Making Your Purchase
Before you spend a lot of money for a new pair of ice hockey skates, first consider your level of play among two basic categories: the recreational skater and the amateur hockey player. Chances are, youll fall somewhere within these two groups and finding the right skate for you can save you plenty.
1.) The recreational skater, one who enjoys ice skating as an occasional pass-time, wouldn't necessarily require a high-end hockey skate like those designed for amateur league play. On the other hand, the same skater should not compromise comfort and safety merely to save a few dollars. One could easily find a suitable pair of hockey skates from a major manufacturer without spending a lot of money and still get a good skate. The BAUER Vapor VI is a good example for those wanting a quality skate without draining their wallet. All name brand hockey skates are highly engineered and available in a wide price range to fit almost any budget.
2.) The amateur hockey player is usually involved in organized sports such as school hockey teams or private leagues. This level of play requires skating long periods of time several days per week. Typically, an amateur hockey player requires a hockey skate designed for heavy use and structured to maintain a high level of comfort and durability. A mid-level skate such as CCM Super Tacks or the CCM Vector series is a likely choice. If a more high-end skate is preferable, the BAUER XXX or GRAF 707 nears the top out the list of some of the best skates available.
The NHL is probably the most effective venue hockey skate manufacturers have to market their retail products to the general public. When kids see the skates their favorite pro players are wearing, they want a pair just like them. However, professional hockey players have their skates custom made by major skate manufacturers so dont expect to find an exact replica of their skates on the pro shop shelf or any web site you may run across. What you will find is a retail version of the same skate. Even though they are not the exact skates, they are a quality product engineered by the same manufacturers.
Weather you are a recreational skater or an advanced league hockey player, you can easily find a pair of ice hockey skates suited for your specific needs without overspending. While shopping, keep this in mind. Even the biggest name brand manufacturers will have a line of skates to fit almost any budget. So, look closely, ask a lot of questions and save money.
Choosing Hockey Sticks For Your Best Game Play
Hockey equipment is required for all players who step onto the ice but some differences exist regarding the hockey equipment utilized by different leagues. Players hockey equipment generally consists of skates, shin pads, gloves, hockey pants, sticks, and helmets. The hockey stick tends to be the most vital, apart from your body protection.
Choosing hockey sticks that suit you best is important. If you choose the wrong sticks you could end up playing badly or even doing yourself an injury. So how do you work out which hockey sticks are right for you? Here are some helpful tips.
Firstly, when standing in your skates, your stick should reach your chin. Some defence based players prefer a longer stick to give them more reach when they're defending. If you can, buy your sticks a little long and have the shop cut them down. This is far better than having a stick that is too long or too short. Most people tend to find they have to have their stick customized to give them their optimum comfort.
You can work out what length you need by looking closely at the wear of the tape on the bottom of your stick. If the tape is worn down near the toe, then you should probably consider a longer stick. If the tape instead is worn near the heel, then you should probably consider a shorter stick. Ultimately you should try sticks at different lengths until you find one that's got a comfortable weight and feel for you.
When choosing hockey sticks you should also consider weight and blade size. Most players recommend wrapping both the stick handle and the blade with a layer of tape. This is done to assure both a tighter grip on the handle and so that the puck does not slide off of the blade as easy as normal. If you are new to the game and have yet to tape your stick then we recommend that you do this early on. As outlined above, it will help you measure your game.
Different curves will affect the way you stick handle and shoot the puck too. Again, when you're starting off and new to the game, it is a good idea to try different curves until you find one that feels comfortable. Like with all sports equipment, the best idea is try out a few different hockey sticks so that you find one that conforms to your style.
