I like my equipment, but I want new stuff as well!
I’ve always considered myself a gear whore when it comes to hockey. I try to stay on top of what is out at the moment as well as what is on the horizon when it comes to the equipment that we hockey players strap on and utilize in the game of hockey. The truth of the matter is, though, that I simply can’t afford to be the gear whore I want to be!
I carry an interest in the designs and innovations that companies try to produce every year, and I feel it gives me more tools with coaching individuals since I have an insight on what certain types of gear and their features are trying to accomplish. I also like trying on all kinds of new stuff, because dammit, it’s fun!
Hockey is a somewhat expensive sport, but there has definitely been a lot of progress in making lower price yet still good quality gear. If you compare things to how they used to be, a piece of “price point” equipment now-a-days has an extremely higher level of quality to the same kind of equipment of the past.
Unfortunately (and I am definitely the last person to toot my own horn) my level of skill prevents me from using the more affordable gear. Coupled with the fact that I have an affinity for pro stock or pro return (the stuff that the pros wear, not the stuff that is sold in stores), it isn’t uncommon for me to want the latest and greatest.
That being said, hockey is a game of habit and comfort, so when you find a piece of equipment you like, you either want to keep using it or continue to use something like it. I am very comfortable in my current gear, but when the gear whore in me looks at my equipment, he sees outdated brand names, brand logos that are no longer in use, and model numbers that have been surpassed in number value. Is this a problem? I guess it depends on who you ask :p
Here is my current gear line up, which is lagging behind that latest and greatest trend.
- Helmet: Reebok 4k: Doesn’t make me look like a spaceman, and more importantly fits very well. I’ll probably stick with these until I find something that fits better. This is a case where I’d want a new helmet of the same model just so I could get the updated logos. Switched to a CCM 480 cage after I took a puck to the eye, and that serves me well.
- Shoulder Pads: Graf G700: These are a protective yet low profile shoulder pad that I don’t think I’ll be changing any time soon. It’s hidden under the jersey, so it can hang around behind the scenes.
- Elbow Pads: Reebok 5k: Plenty but not too much padding; If anything I would get another pair of the same as I like them.
- Gloves: Pro Stock Reebok 9K: These are starting to show some wear, but it’s hard to find pro stock Reebok gloves that are not the 4-Roll model in 13″ size. I’d like to get new ones ASAP.
- Pants: Pro Stock Easton: These are a bit old, but they are in fine shape. The only reason I would replace them is to get a pant that has current logos, as the Easton logos on the pants are outdated. Finding a size 48 replacement hasn’t been too easy either.
- Shin Pads: Reebok 5K: Same case as the elbow pads. Very comfortable playing in them.
- Skates: NikeBauer ONE95: These skates have served me very well. Best skates I’ve ever had. My initial desire to replace them stemmed on the fact that the NikeBauer brand was outdated, but now they are starting to wear down. Bauer Total ONEs would be the ideal replacement, but their price will delay that for some time.
- Sticks: Bauer ONE95: Definitely the best stick I’ve ever used. I tried a lot of top of the line sticks, but this one was the clear winner. I kind of wish Bauer would just make the same exact stick under a different name because I haven’t had a stick that performed so well with such great durability.
Who knows what my equipment future holds, but I’ll be sure to keep you updated when I get anything new. I haven’t even talked about my goalie gear! I’ll save that for another time though.
