What to look for when buying a hockey uniform

Choosing a hockey uniform? What to pay attention to.

Skates

 must be special, designed for hockey. Even if you are an amateur, you shouldn’t wear figure skates to a game or practice. Of course, it all depends on how many times you play per season and how passionate you are about hockey. If not often, then choosing the middle price category, you can’t go wrong. If you aspire to become professionals, then pay attention to leading brands and premium skates. They protect the foot while playing, so the last should be comfortable. When choosing skates, comfort is the most important factor.

Helmet

The most important factor when choosing a helmet is comfort. The helmet should not rub or press anywhere. It should be loose enough, but not loose. You should choose head protection from serious brands, regardless of whether you are a professional player or an amateur. Choose a protective face mask right away. For greater safety, it will be better if the mask covers the entire face, not just the eyes.

Sticks

Hockey sticks come in wood and composite. Wooden ones are heavy and fragile. Basically, they are purchased for children's and amateur play in the yard. Composite ones last much longer, are lighter than wooden ones, and, accordingly, more expensive.

The first thing you need to decide is the grip. It can be right or left. The direction in which the hook will be bent depends on what grip you have. When choosing the length of your stick, remember that you will be taller on skates than in regular shoes.

Sticks are also available in one-piece and composite versions. Composite ones are cheaper to operate, since if they break, only the hook can be replaced.

Shin guards and knee pads

Hockey pads have two main parts - the cups and, directly, the shield itself, which fits the shin. The shields are wide and narrow. Their main function is to reliably protect the knee joint, calves and shins of a hockey player. Wide ones are suitable for those who prefer to place the tongue of the skate under the guards, narrow ones are the opposite. Wide shields are more massive and provide maximum protection. Narrow ones are more maneuverable and limit movement less.

Elbow pads and breastplate

It is most convenient to choose elbow pads in combination with a bib. They must be combined with each other so as not to interfere with the movement of the hockey player, and at the same time there are no unprotected places on the body. When choosing these elements, players prioritize minimal weight, while goalkeepers choose maximum protection. The ideal combination is a high degree of protection with maximum mobility.

Shorts

Hockey shorts are designed to protect the hip area, kidneys and tailbone of the player during falls, collisions and hits with the puck. Forwards most often choose light weight and speed, while goalkeepers prefer maximum reliability. When trying on, pay attention to convenience and comfort. But there should also be no unprotected areas between the bib and panties. And, don't forget to purchase a protective shell for maximum safety.

Leggings

If you are choosing hockey gloves for playing in the yard, then inexpensive models that provide protection from small impacts will suit you. But if you plan to improve your level of play and take hockey more seriously, the risk of injury increases significantly. In this case, take a closer look at models from well-known brands with a good level of protection and made from higher quality materials.

Convenience and reliability also play a big role in choosing hockey gloves. They should not fit too tightly to the elbow pad, as this may hinder movement. But there should not be a gap between them, since unprotected areas of the body increase the risk of injury.

Take a club with you to the fitting, try holding it in your hands and make a few movements. Fingers wearing gloves should be able to straighten and bend easily.