This may piss off some of the small business loyalists, but if you have a local hockey equipment dealer, hit it up and try stuff on. See how it feels. If you can find it for cheaper online (I usually use Total Hockey) then go for it. They have a bunch of clearence/discount merchandise if budget is a concern.
Like the person above said, and I totally agree: If you're going to spend a lot on equipment, spend it on skates/helmet. Me personally I'd spend at least $200 on a pair of skates.
I don't like that too much. I'd rather support local businesses so I can drive my impatient ass to the store and buy something. I rarely buy online.
For skates it doesn't even pay because you have to then have someone bake them, stretch/punch them, profile them, and/or sharpen them.
Good way to alienate your local businesses. Don't piss off the people who sharpen your skates...
I love Total Hockey, such a great store. Great deals inside too that aren't on the web, unlike Hockey Giant. So much cleaner. I used to live 5 minutes from the Edina store but now I'm in St Paul and haven't found a good shop yet.
Ive been to TH a number of times (the Edina one too) and ive never encountered these "great deals."
More so the opposite. I usually see their merchandise that has been marked down online, are still at full price in store.
I do love the atmosphere, inventory, and the look of the store though.
I'm in the market for some new gloves. My Warrior "Hitman" gloves just have too many holes to continue. I was hoping to spend around 50$ and pick up some good gloves on clearance. Anyone have suggestions? I have used the Warriors and a pair of Easton S7's and they both felt pretty good, just lacked durability.
What size and color you looking at?
I wear 13 gloves and have had the experience that like skates (and shins, I guess), not all 13s fit the same way. Some fingers are wider, some are a little longer and whatnot. Is this a fair impression, or am I just feeling the difference in new 13s and my old broken in ones?
Not ganging up on you...but, most local hockey shops will price match. Sometime's i'll even tell them they can leave $10 or so above the online match, just to show I support tem as a local business. They usually thank me and give me the full price match anyway.My intention was not to alienate local businesses. I had to get all my equipment all at one time and I went with the frugal route. Not saying the advice-looker is doing the same (though it's possible), but that's just my experience.
I have updated the buyer's guide with some new links and added a table with recommendations rather than a listing.
I will say I am VERY impressed by the new Easton and CCM offerings, at least as far as keeping the new lines very simple, as Reebok already did. They have entry-level, intermediate, and high-end protective gear.
I wish Bauer would strip from three lines of protective down to one or two at the most. They continue to innovate and improve their product but it is very confusing and I'm sure stores would prefer having to stock less.