Help with Shin Guard Sizing for Beginner

[kjvelo]

Hey everyone,

I’m an adult beginner and just finished my first “season” (two sets of 8 week learn to play classes). I didn’t need full equipment up until now, but will need it for next year (for a beginner / low-intermediate league), so I’m picking up a bunch of stuff on clearance right now.

For shin guards, I picked up Bauer Supreme S170s and got them in both 14” and 15”, to figure out what fits better. I’m hoping to get advice on the sizing. I’m 5’10” and 165 lbs.

I read a bunch of fit advice online, and assuming I understood correctly, my goal is to get as much coverage as possible, so ideally I want the bottom of my shin guard to meet (or come close to) the top of my skate boot when I’m in a hockey stance (I’m going to b wearing them over the skate tongue), but also for the shin guard to fit well and not move around too much.

I think the 15” gives me the the coverage I want, but I find I have to tighten the velcro straps almost all the way (especially the calf strap) and the fit might still be a bit loose. The 14” gives me a little less coverage, but the straps fit better and they’re a bit more snug overall. From what I’ve been able to find online, the advice seems to be to go with more coverage (so the 15”) and then use tape, additional straps, or even shorten the built in the velcro straps to get a tighter fit, but I’m not totally sure what to do.

Any advice on the better fit would be great! I’ve attached some pics. The first two are the 15” and the second two are the 14”. Thanks in advance!

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[tarheelhockey]

Hey everyone,

I’m an adult beginner and just finished my first “season” (two sets of 8 week learn to play classes). I didn’t need full equipment up until now, but will need it for next year (for a beginner / low-intermediate league), so I’m picking up a bunch of stuff on clearance right now.

For shin guards, I picked up Bauer Supreme S170s and got them in both 14” and 15”, to figure out what fits better. I’m hoping to get advice on the sizing. I’m 5’10” and 165 lbs.

I read a bunch of fit advice online, and assuming I understood correctly, my goal is to get as much coverage as possible, so ideally I want the bottom of my shin guard to meet (or come close to) the top of my skate boot when I’m in a hockey stance (I’m going to b wearing them over the skate tongue), but also for the shin guard to fit well and not move around too much.

I think the 15” gives me the the coverage I want, but I find I have to tighten the velcro straps almost all the way (especially the calf strap) and the fit might still be a bit loose. The 14” gives me a little less coverage, but the straps fit better and they’re a bit more snug overall. From what I’ve been able to find online, the advice seems to be to go with more coverage (so the 15”) and then use tape, additional straps, or even shorten the built in the velcro straps to get a tighter fit, but I’m not totally sure what to do.

Any advice on the better fit would be great! I’ve attached some pics. The first two are the 15” and the second two are the 14”. Thanks in advance!

The advice you found is correct — first resort is to use tape or velcro straps outside your socks to keep them from moving around. A snug (But not so tight that it bites) bit of tape below the knee and one near the bottom should do the trick. Shortening the straps is always an option too.

You may also find that they fit a little differently if you wear them under the skate tongue. That’s up to personal preference, but might be worth playing with to see if it changes the fit... maybe it could help lock in the bottom so it doesn’t wiggle. Either way, still use sock tape.

 

[Deadpool8812]

Honestly, you'll just have to try it out. It's all about personal preference. Putting tape around your sock under your knee will help if it feels loose without it, like you said it does for the 15" ones. If you want more protection, I would stick with the 15". I'm 5'9", wear the shinpad (15") over the tongue and have the same issue with them being a bit loose. Tape under the knee helps.

I'd try wearing your shinpad different ways though since this is your first time. You may find it feels better under the tongue. Every one is different

 

[kjvelo]

Great - thanks to you both for the helpful advice!