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Whether you're lacing up for the first time or chasing the next level of performance, the gear you pick can change everything. The right skates, pads, and accessories improve comfort, reduce injury risk, and let you focus on skill not soreness. Think of your equipment as the foundation of a house—get that right and everything built on top is stronger. This guide walks through essential hockey protective gear, figure skating equipment, ice skate parts and accessories, and practical buying tips so you make confident choices that match your budget and goals.
Hockey is fast and physical, so protection isn’t optional—it’s essential. A complete hockey kit typically includes a helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, shin guards, a mouthguard, and protective undergarments. Each item serves a role: helmets protect the brain, shoulder pads shield the chest and collarbone, and shin guards stop pucks and stick impacts. When these pieces fit well together, you move better and play harder. Below are the core pieces to prioritize and how they should feel on the ice.
Your helmet is your lifeline. Look for a snug, non-rocking fit with adjustable padding and a certified safety rating. Many players pair a helmet with a full cage or half visor depending on league rules and personal taste. A properly fitted helmet sits about 1 finger-width above the eyebrows and doesn’t shift when you shake your head. Replace helmets after major impacts and inspect liners periodically for compression.
Shoulder pads protect the upper chest, collarbone, and upper arms from checks and falls. They come in low-profile designs for mobility and beefier styles for maximum coverage. A pad should cover the sternum and extend to the top of the shoulder without binding your arms. Lightweight foams and segmented shells offer protection without feeling like armor, especially if you’re playing in tighter quarters.
Elbow pads must protect the elbow bone and the inner forearm where contact often happens. The right pad stays in place as you skate and bend your arm; it won’t ride up when you shoot. Check for a balance of padding and shell rigidity so you can block puck strikes without sacrificing stick control or comfort.
Gloves protect hands and wrists while letting you handle the stick naturally. Choose gloves that fit closely around the fingers but still allow a full grip on the shaft. Modern gloves use layered foams and strategic padding to defend against slashes and impact without making the hands feel bulky. Try several sizes to find the sweet spot between protection and dexterity.
Shin guards should cover from just below the knee to above the ankle, with the knee cap properly seated in the cup. Straps or integrated liners help keep the guard in place during play. If the guard slides down when you stop or pivot, it’s either too small or not secured correctly—both are recipe for painful blocks from pucks or sticks.
Mouthguards, neck guards, and pelvic protectors are small investments that pay off in safety. Mouthguards reduce concussion risk from jaw impacts, neck guards help prevent lacerations, and pelvic protection is crucial for goalies and players in physical leagues. Don’t overlook these extras—small, light, and often required in youth competitions.
Figure skates and hockey skates look similar at first glance but serve different needs. Figure skates have a longer blade with a toe pick for jumps and spins, while hockey skates have a shorter, curved blade optimized for quick starts and tight turns. Choosing the right skate depends on discipline, skill level, and foot shape. You’ll also want to consider boot stiffness, blade quality, and how much break-in time you’re willing to tolerate.
Figure boots are typically taller for ankle support and come in leather or synthetic materials. Blades vary by profile and radius of hollow—the groove cut in the blade bottom—that affects bite and glide. Beginners benefit from a flatter radius and a medium hollow; advanced skaters often choose a deeper hollow for aggressive edge control. Measure blade length in inches to match your height and style; most adult figure skate blades range from about 9 to 12 inches depending on the model.
Toe picks are the serrated teeth at the front of a figure blade and are essential for launching jumps. They come in different shapes and sizes—some skaters prefer larger picks for secure takeoffs, others smaller for cleaner landings. Learning how to use the toe pick is like learning to use a new tool: practice makes precision. A good coach can help you select the right pick profile for your jumping technique.
Hockey skates prioritize speed, agility, and protection. A stiffer boot transfers power better but needs a longer break-in and may feel tight at first. Consider skate weight in pounds—lighter skates reduce fatigue over long practices but may cost more. The blade holder and steel quality also impact sharpness retention, so look for stainless or high-carbon alloys that hold an edge for several sessions.
Small accessories make a big difference in comfort, performance, and maintenance. From blade guards to laces, these parts keep skates functional and extend their lifespan. Investing in a few key accessories means fewer interruptions during practice and smoother skating sessions overall.
Hard blade guards protect the steel when walking off-ice, while soft soakers absorb moisture during storage. Always dry blades before putting on soakers to prevent rust. Travel cases shield boots and pads when you’re commuting—look for ones with ventilation and compartments for wet gear.
Laces seem minor until they fail mid-session. Choose durable, tapered laces for figure boots and stronger, flat laces for hockey skates. Upgrading insoles can fix common fit issues: a good insole supports the arch, improves ankle alignment, and can shave a small amount of weight from your setup in terms of perceived comfort.
Blade maintenance is part science, part art. Hand-held sharpeners and stone kits let you maintain a consistent hollow measurement—measured in inches for radius and depth—so your edges bite predictably. If you don’t want to sharpen at home, local pro shops usually offer precision sharpening services and will recommend hollows based on playing style and shoe size.
Regular maintenance keeps gear reliable and safe. A few minutes after each session saves hours of frustration down the line. Clean, dry, and store equipment properly and replace worn items before they fail on the ice. Below are practical daily and monthly care tips that most skaters can adopt without expensive tools.
After every session: dry blades with a microfiber cloth, slip on soakers, and air out boots and padding to prevent odor. Remove insoles periodically to dry them separately. Never store wet gear in a sealed bag—this breeds mildew and weakens materials. These small steps keep gear fresh and extend service life.
How often to sharpen depends on your time on ice and the surface quality. For recreational skaters, sharpening every 15–20 hours on ice is a good starting point; competitive players often sharpen more frequently. Pay attention to how your edges feel—if you drift or feel less bite when pushing, it’s time for a touch-up. Always measure and record the hollow depth in inches so you get consistent results.
Padding compresses and shells crack over time. Replace elbow or shoulder pads when they lose shape or show persistent odors after cleaning. Inspect shells for seams pulling apart and replace gloves when padding thins to the point where you feel protection loss. A general rule is to reassess protective gear each season and replace anything that no longer provides firm coverage.
Fit is king for both performance and safety. A skate or pad that’s too loose can cause blisters and instability; too tight and you’ll sacrifice circulation and comfort. Follow a few clear steps to find the right size and don’t be afraid to try multiple brands—fit varies significantly across manufacturers.
Measure feet in inches from heel to longest toe while standing, then compare to the manufacturer’s sizing chart. Remember that figure skate boots often require half to a full size different from street shoes. For gloves and pads, measure hand length and forearm circumference in inches to match product specs. Accurate measurements prevent headaches and returns later.
Skates should feel snug across the heel and midfoot while allowing wiggle room for toes. When standing, your toes may lightly brush the boot front; once you bend your knees and assume a skating stance, toes should pull back slightly. Walk around in them and simulate skating motions if possible—this reveals hot spots or pressure points you'd miss sitting still.
Brand choice often boils down to fit, budget, and intended use. For hockey skates, names like Bauer, CCM, and True are common for a reason—reliable construction and a range of stiffness options. Figure skaters frequently opt for Riedell, Jackson, or Edea for boot feel and blade-mounting precision. Protective gear makers such as Warrior, Bauer, and CCM cover most needs across levels. Use comparison tools to line up features, sizes, and prices before committing.
Beginners should prioritize comfort and fit over the latest tech; entry-level gear is easier to break in and kinder to lighter wallets. Performance-level skates and pads are stiffer, lighter, and more durable but require careful sizing and often some break-in time. Ask yourself how many hours per week you’ll be on ice—if it’s a lot, investing in higher-quality gear pays off faster.
Buying ice sports gear is an investment. A decent pair of entry-level hockey skates can start around a modest price point, while performance skates and top-tier protective kits push the budget higher. When planning purchases, factor in secondary costs like sharpening, skate guards, and replacement laces. Balancing price against longevity and fit usually leads to wiser choices than chasing the cheapest item available.
Save on accessories like guards and laces, but invest in skates and helmets. A safe helmet and properly fitting skates will influence your speed, control, and injury risk more than an expensive set of guards. Also consider buying last season’s models—often the tech differences are marginal but the savings can be significant.
Shopping online offers variety and convenience; in-person fitting offers certainty. If you buy online, use a reputable comparison site to filter by size, features, and customer reviews, then confirm return and fitting options. If possible, try on boots and protective gear in a store to feel how different brands fit your anatomy before you commit to a purchase.
Comparison tools are great for narrowing options by price, size, and feature set. Make a short list of models, then check local shops for in-person trials or consult brand sizing guides. A smart mix of online research and a single store fitting visit often produces the best results for price and fit.
Choosing the right hockey or figure skating gear doesn't have to be overwhelming. Focus on fit, essential protection, and a maintenance routine that keeps equipment performing session after session. With smart shopping and a bit of care, your gear will support your progress and let you enjoy every glide, spin, and stride.
| Figure Skating & Hockey | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Om025 Oak Fire Check Hockey Stick Glass Bead 26x23x2400mm Fsc | £ 18,73 | |
| Ray - Ban Replacement Arms Ray | £ 31,- | |
| Ice Vantra V1 Roll - 6 | £ 41,99 | |
| Ice Xtn Roll - 9 | £ 50,99 |
