The purpose of this post is to share what I’m using personally, why, other options I’ve considered, and whether something similar may make sense for you.
Note that at the time of this posting (June 15th, 2022) there are no sponsorships or affiliate marketing links included in this article, and the intent is to provide information, not generate profits.
Hockey Bag
What I use (for playing): Drysnake hockey player’s bag
Why: Best quality vented hockey bag I’ve found (with wall plug-in). I live in a 1100sq.ft loft with no dedicated garage and minimal space to unpack all gear for proper drying. Being able to put direct airflow on gear between games using as little space as possible has been lifechanging and those of you that may be in a similar situation as me may find the high cost well worth-it.
Alternates Considered: Grit Inc.’s Airbox Carry Bag and HTFX Tower Bag offer solid ventilation (no active airflow) and are good quality and may be my next bag. Conway & Banks’ hockey bag is probably at the top of my list, given the design, quality and ventilation, but I’d prefer a wheeled option – fingers crossed for this in the future (mixture of my age, and appropriateness for long distance travel). Active airflow for all options would be achieved through external fan pointed at the bag. Traditional bags, even the highly-rated Pacific Rink player bag, don’t offer enough ventilation for how often I play.
What I use (for coaching, shinny or outdoor hockey): Pacific Rink Pond Pack
Why: Fits just enough for a more casual game of hockey. Skates, gloves, shins, some light elbows, helmet (and a few accessories). Light but high-quality backpack style is perfect if you have a bit of a hike to a pond.
Alternates Considered: If you can fit what you need in a basic duffel bag, and the cost of the Pond Pack is prohibitive to you, I don’t think you’ll be at any real disadvantage.
Skates
What I use: CCM Ribcor 100k Pro Senior (8 Wide)
Why: I find the construction of 2020-onward CCM skates to be a step above the competition, with all lines now offering one-piece construction boots, Step Steel runners, and quick-change holders. I prefer Ribcor because I like as much flexibility as possible – I generally leave the top eyelet on my skate untied for maximum ankle mobility and forward flexion. The variable stiffness also allows you to really get on all your edges (at possibly the price of a bit of energy transfer efficiency).
Alternates Considered: Ribcor 90k is a great skate at less than half the price; I would’ve gone for this if it offered one-piece construction (other CCM lines offer one-piece throughout their lineup, not only at the top offering). I don’t normally spend $1200CA on skates and generally don’t think you need to, either. For most skaters looking for versatility and speed, CCM’s Jetspeed lineup offers one-piece throughout the lineup and is available at a spectrum of price points. My two prior pairs of skates were CCM Jetspeed FT490s and Bauer Vapor X:Shift Pro. I personally prefer the minimal negative volume in the toebox of CCM skates vs. Bauer Vapors which is why I did not consider the current Bauer Vapor Hyperlites. I also think True’s custom skate lineup is due for a refresh before I’d consider buying them.
Hockey Pants
What I use: CCM Jetspeed FT1 (discontinued – current model is FT4 Pro)
Why: In my Total Beginners’ Series of articles, you’ll notice that I categories pieces of gear by what you may want to splurge on, vs what you can save some money on (instead favouring fit and coverage) if you can find a deal. For many (not all) pieces of gear, I think CCM’s Jetspeed lineup provides an optimal balance of being lightweight while offering solid coverage across its lineup, at any price point. Pants are one of the pieces of gear I’d suggest coverage, mobility/fit and weight are the most important factors for an adult recreational player playing no-hitting hockey.
Alternates Considered: Like what I recommended to you, I selected the Jetspeed FT1s because they were comfortable, lightweight, fit me well, and were on clearance. For pants, I’d recommend you try on what you can find for coverage & fit, at a great deal, and you most likely can’t go wrong. Additional Tip: Always try on hockey pants with your shin pads to ensure appropriate overlap and fit.
Shin Pads
What I use (for playing): Warrior Alpha LX Pro Senior Shin Pads
Why: Warrior’s Alpha LX Pro lineup offered a great balance of protection and coverage while being priced slightly below competitors’ products. Shin pads are likely the piece of protective equipment to take the most beating, in particular for defensemen, and if you are likely to get in the way of incoming pucks, I’d recommend spending a bit more on them. I am mostly (if not completely) happy with these shin pads however protection along the inside of the knee could be better, and I feel the CCM Jetspeed FT4 Pro shin pads offer better calf coverage. Additional Tip: Try on shin pads with your skates to ensure exposed / unprotected areas are minimal.
Alternates Considered: I probably would’ve gone for the CCM Jetspeed FT4 Pro senior shin pads if they were available (many items unavailable due to supply chain shortages) as they offer slightly superior wraparound calf protection and remain lightweight and mobile. Neither the Jetspeeds or Warrior Alphas are nearly as protective as the CCM Tacks lineup (I previously used the Super Tacks – current model would be the Tacks AS-V Pro) however you’d be adding noticeable bulk which you may find impact your skating. You may want to consider this added protection if you’re playing defense in a league where slapshots are common.
What I use (for coaching, refereeing, outdoor shinny): Sherwood M60 Senior Shin Pads (discontinued)
Why: I wear shin pads while coaching, reffing, and playing outdoors (even though many don’t) because I’ve taken many pucks off the shin – accidentally, saucer passing, etc. and it isn’t fun. Additionally, for a learning adult recreational player, you simply may feel more confident playing and practicing knowing you can fall with some protection. For this purpose, I’m not recommending a specific product, but anything you can find that is well-priced and as light as possible (in my case, to fit underneath track pants). The Sherwood M60s work just fine, as would many other low-end products on the market.
Shoulder Pads
What I use (for playing): CCM Jetspeed FT4 Pro Senior Shoulder Pads
Why: I think CCM knocked it out of the park with their FT4 Pro shoulder pads. They’re incredibly lightweight and mobile, don’t absorb moisture, are very adjustable, and are low profile. They don’t add much bulk and yet are protective enough to mitigate a cross-check to the back, the odd puck, and occasional collision. For most recreational adult players, this lineup (even if lower in the lineup) is probably your sweet spot.
Alternates Considered: After research, the FT4 Pro shoulder pad was really what I honed in on. If you’re playing with substantially more contact, you may want to consider the CCM Tacks AS-V Pro, or Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic (or their lineups at varying price points).
What I use (for pick-up hockey): Stark DC9 Stark Naked Shoulder Pads
Why: In recreational adult hockey, many players don’t wear shoulder pads at all. Some find them too bulky or too warm and/or unnecessary given the level of contact. Some may wear a padded dryfit shirt for some protection in case of rare, accidental contact (or a puck) however I find padded shirts absorb a lot of moisture and need to be washed often. While I do recommend proper shoulder pads for most new adult recreational players, where accidental collisions are commonplace (even if simply due to lack of control of other players), if you resonate with the above, Stark’s shoulder pads offer some protection, minimal water absorption, optional shoulder plates (I never use them for my purposes) and are probably the lowest profile option on the market. You can even wear them under a hoodie or track jacket if you want that extra layer of protection for casual hockey. Additional Tip: not the purpose of this article but, Stark makes a variety of women’s gear if you’re a female player looking for better fit options!
Elbow Pads
What I use (for playing): CCM Super Tacks (discontinued – current model Tacks AS-V Pro)
Why: In addition to shin pads, I find my forearms are the body part second-most-likely to be hit (by a puck, or a stick). In a no-hitting league, you may not need crazy protective elbow pads, but proper coverage (of the forearm extending to the glove) is important, as is mobility of the bicep guard (so you can freely move your arm). I feel like the CCM Tacks lineup achieves this balance well. I own a pair of CCM Jetspeed FT4 Pro elbow pads, and really tried to like them, but they leave a 4-inch gap between pad and my glove cuff which on my lower hand has taken way too much of a beating for my liking. Therefore I’ve switched back to my Super Tacks. Additional Tip: Try on your upper-body protective gear (elbows, shoulders, gloves) together so you can determine proper fit, and where your unprotected areas will be.
Alternates Considered: CCM Jetspeed FT4 Pro elbow pads (see above – they don’t work for me); Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic is a compelling and well designed product, as are CCM’s new Tacks AS-V Pros; Warrior elbow pads, in my opinion, do not offer adequate arm mobility through a fairly rigid bicep guard.
What I use (for coaching, pick-up hockey, etc): Sherwood 5030 HOF Elbow Pads
Why: Where you’re unlikely to be hit by someone two-hand tomahawking their stick at your arm, or by a hard shot (or in my case, for coaching or casual hockey), mobile, lightweight coverage at a very reasonable price may be what you’re looking for. While not protective enough for anything serious, they fit under a track jacket, are incredibly comfortable, and cover right up to the glove cuff. Forwards playing fairly casual and friendly hockey may want to consider these. Winnwell’s classic series is also a great option.
Gloves
What I use: Warrior Alpha LX Pro
Why: My last 4 pairs of gloves have been Warrior’s Alpha series (LX Pro, DX Pro, QX Pro, etc.) and I don’t plan on switching any time soon despite having previously used Bauer gloves. They call it “Buttersoft Feel”, and in my opinion, it isn’t just marketing – these gloves have no break-in period.
Alternates Considered: Gloves are largely personal preference. My advice: go to your local shop’s “wall of hockey gloves”, and try on every product within your price range. Buy what feels best to you..
Helmet
What I use: Bauer Re-Akt 150 (with Bauer Re-Akt Titanium Cage) Note: I also use an older Bauer Re-Akt 100 helmet as I keep one helmet without a cage for coaching and casual outdoor play.
Why: Entirely fit. I have a large head, I find CCM and Warrior helmets don’t fit me properly. I wear a Titanium cage because it is noticeably lighter than a stainless steel variant and I would highly recommend one if it’s within your budget. In general, especially for a newer player, I’d recommend a cage over a visor (due to protection – yes, I’ve lost teeth due to high sticks – not fun) or a fishbowl (due to fogging and general low maintenance of a cage).
Alternates Considered: There have been studies that have proven that expensive helmets don’t necessarily protect against concussions any better than less expensive helmets, so my advice for helmet would be similar as gloves: try them all, buy what fits you and your budget best. And be sure to add facial protection. Additional tip: Some players just getting used to their gear may report difficulty properly clipping in their cage (via the default snap buttons). I’d suggest Bauer’s FM Sliding Helmet Buckle paired with their Sliding Buckle Helmet Studs offer a far easier experience. You’ll need 2 of each; they’re easy to install and relatively cheap.
Jerseys
What I use: Bauer Core Senior Practice Jersey (Black and White)
Why: Brand doesn’t really matter CCM’s 5000 or 6000 lineup of practice jerseys are great too. Practice jerseys are far lighter and noticeably more breathable than any heavyweight game jersey. If you’re playing and sweating a lot, the last thing you want is a thick sweater to add to your overheating problems.
Alternates Considered: Nothing screams “new” like wearing a numbered & named authentic NHL jersey to pick-up hockey. Until you’re conned into buying a matching team jersey (I have a literal pile of old team jerseys that no longer serve any purpose), do me a favour and just buy white and black (no, not grey, orange, green, etc.) practice jerseys, put a number on them (so they’re usable during league play), and you’ll never need or want to use anything else.
Comments? Questions? Criticisms? Suggestions? Send me a message!