Please help, new to inline hockey

[motochick]

Just moved to a small town and saw that there is an outdoor hockey rink. I have some recreational skates and know how to skate, but that is it. I would like to play but need lots of help on what to buy. I used to ice skate when I was younger if that helps.

What kind of skates? Wheels? Stick? Protective gear? I am female 30 yrs. old, 5'4", and have very small hands and feet.

I really want to play but just need some help getting started. Thank you in advance!

Brenda

[calihockey]

I saw from your post that you are from arizona. There are a few good places to get gear. If you have never played before, your best bet is to make the drive to a hockey shop and have yourself fitted for gear. Each brand of skates slightly differ as do the people who like the skates. Here is a little list for you:

Skates (aluminum chassis)
Helmet with a wire cage (I am sure you dont want some giving you free plastic surgery with their stick)
Wheels (Kuzak makes great outdoor wheels. rather cheaply priced and hold up really well)
Gloves (this will depend on how you like the glove. wear what you like most)
Shinpads
Elbow Pads (most come with a forearm gaurd now. Make sure you get one that does. Just extra safe!)
Girdle (its never required, but trust me, it helps. my step dad uses my ice hockey pants as a girdle when he skates. it helps protect you hips and tail bone. I'd recommend a roller hockey girdle if you are just starting out. The falls won't hurt so bad)
Pants (long roller hockey pants will help protect your girdle and shinpads from being messed up quickly and will also reduce the chances of getting scatched up badly where you dont have padding)
Stick (this all depends on you)

Hope this helps. Good Luck!

[motochick]

Thanks for the help. Why were you so specific about the chassis of the skates being aluminum? What makes a "good" hockey skate?

What kind of stick do I buy? All I know is I need to get one for right handed people?

Are you from CA? Just moved to northern AZ from San Diego!

Brenda

[bullyx2]

agree with cali on the part about driving to a local shop to try on equipment. while it can be tempting to buy online and you can save a few bucks (sometimes even more than a few), everything fits different and feels different. skates imparticular. i'm trying to find some for myself. my shoe size is a 10.5, but I wear anything between a 9 and an 11depending on the manufacturer. and they all feel different on top of that. make sure you get the gear that you are comfortable with. good luck and have fun.

[bauerman]

The Skates having an aluminum frame is for control. The aluminum is stiffer than plastic so it will react faster with less flex.

The stick that you buy will be a personal feel. Find one that feels good in your hands. Try it out. If you like the curve then you have found the stick. If you don't like the curve get another stick. It just has to feel good to you.

[j_bo]

motochick?? sounds like a motocross name to me! (Go MCGRATH, R.C. is a punk)
Anyways, go to your local shop as suggested to see what you like. BUT..I would definately check out prices at www.epuck.com after you visit your shop. You will be amazed at how much money you can save by buying online. Now, I am all for supporting local businesses, but, if they are WAAAY overpriced then I would buy online. No taxes, very good service at epuck! And you can email them and ask them a zillion questions and they are happy to reply with recommendations. Even if you find another website with cheaper prices, just email them and they will match it! laters, j-bo

[motochick]

Thanks for the input, and yes, I ride dirtbikes! I just stick with the same user name on every message board so I can remember it. I don't really have a local shop because of where I live. Very small town and only a skate shop and Walmart. That's it. I will have to drive an hour to do all my shopping, and that is why I want to get educated as much as possible before I go. There will probably be only 1 shop where I am going so I wil probably do most of my ordering online.

Another question, on some of the skates, there are 2 different size wheels, why?

Go McGrath!

Brenda

[bullyx2]

absolutely, i mentioned shopping local to get correct sizing. e-puck rules. if you are going to buy online, i wouldn't go anywhere else. they seem incredibly knowledgable and their service is second to none. maybe a call to them would get you started in the right direction.

[bauerman]

The two different sizedwheels are to help both speed, takeoff, and control. I personally haven't used anything but my Bauer RH1000's with 76mm wheels. I like having the wheels all the same size. I am looing into the new Bauer rocker system. Looks interesting. More of an ice feel with them I guess. We'll see.

I HATE STUPID PEOPLE!!!!!!!

[j_bo]

Hmmm..here is my very old motocross site: http://olympia.fortunecity.com/stonecold/269/home.html maybe you've seen it before? anyways..
2 different size wheels is from a "hi/lo" setup....it's purpose is to make it easier to turn, and easier to stop and start without sacrificing speed by still having a bigger wheel in the back... I would highly recommend getting this setup...check out www.epuck.com as they are a great source because not only do they have a sizing chart, but they also have user opinions that you can read to see how others liked what they bought... and you can always email them with any questions.....as a beginner, the things you want to spend the most $$$ on is the main stuff....stuff you don't want to skimp on...mainly good comfy skates! don't skimp on the skates!! you can skimp on everything else ... go to the place you are gonna play at and ask them what they are using and what works for them , even ask to try on their stuff, at least it doesn't cost you anything! Be aware: your feet WILL BE SORE until you break your skates in, and it usually takes a little while...the TOUR boot supposedly breaks in easier and I think they have a fine skate personally, although I am using Mission's now...as far as a helmet... buy a CCM HT2 with cage... cheap and great, after all it's been around for ever for a reason! since you are playing on an outdoor rink(asphalt, i am assuming)..buy some cheap pants, because whatever you get are gonna wear badly...all the other protective stuff is basically the same, go for price 1st. you don't need 85 dollar gloves, nor a 150 stick...buy cheap. Once you are sure you love it, and why wouldn't you?? you love MX ;-)! but by then you will have more of an idea of what you would want.... hope this helps.. laters, j-bo

[John]

Before you go out and drop a small fortune on new equipment.

Go to the rink when people are playing and talk to them.

Its possible that someone else did what you are planning and didin't like it, or just had a baby and has no time etc.

By all means spend money on decent but not top of the line skates and see if the folks your going to play with can help you round up some previously enjoyed stuff for the rest.

John

[Rinkside_playa]

Motochick
Having a daughter that plays competitive hockey, you need to understand a few things about the hockey gear. Most skates were made for boys and men, the heels support is wider and unless you really try all skates you will develop an ugly callus on your heel. Bauer skates are narrower then CCM or Mission skates, but there is a trade off. CCm make one of the best boots, Mission is the best skates for males for the price, but mission has an arch support in the boot that killed my daughter foot. Gloves are you next problem, any decent glove comes in the 13" size, which is way to big for small hands. Bottom line is find a good hockey store and try everything out. Don't buy a pair of skates based on a cheap price, you'll regret it in a few weeks when your feet are killing you.
PS. I hope you find what you need, with the amount of women and girls players out there, one more is always welcome.

[motochick]

It is so nice to hear from a womens point of view! I VERY much appreciate the help the guys have given me, but it is always helpful to have a female perspective.

I went to epuck and found a lot of great deals. I used their fit guide but it did me no good because the results were too low in the window an I couldn't see it. Anyways, I emailed them late last night and Kevin already responded! I am interested in the Bauer Vapor 2 size jr4. I just wanted to make sure I was in the ballpark. Are these decent skates?

I am going to try to try on some skates today and figure out what size pads and helemt I need. It has been raining all week and will continue so going to the rink will do me no good at this point. I hope to be set up by the weekend!

Thanks again for everyones help! You all have sure made this easy for me. What would I have done before message boards?

brenda

[motochick]

I ride bikes remember? There is no way I will skimp on the skates! I will look for a good deal on last years models though. I am all to used to my feet being sore during break in. Motocross boots aren't excaclty tennis shoes!

I totally agree with your theory. I will try to find some used pads and stuff. I don't think the rink is actually asphault. It looks kinda smooth. I will find that out today.

I checked out your webite. Cool. I know I will like hockey A LOT! I have been trying to get my husband to let me play ice hockey for 10 years now. I used to compete in figure skating but all I wanted to do was play hockey. Now I will get my chance.

Gotta go shopping!!!

Brenda

[j_bo]

AHHH..if you liked the mx website.. maybe you will like my hockey one too eh?
http://zip.to/brhockeyreport
If you need more sites to look for gear, prices, etc. click on the links page on IHC or email me, I have about 10 or so places to look at.
You might try going to www.tourhockey.com to see their skates too. I think they now have womens sizes, not positive on that. I have a number of girls that play roller hockey and I am sure they wouldn't mind if you emailed them to ask them questions too. Just email me at: [email protected] and I will give you their email addy... Oh. BTW, going to new orleans sx this weekend...:-) laters, j-bo

[headhunter]

I suggest that you go to hockeygiant.com. They have a special section for womes's skates.

[Rinkside_playa]

Brenda
You should like the Bauer Skates, as far as the boot fit thet were my daughter favorites. She is wearing a Mission Wicked Light right now, but she has a big foot for an eleven year old that weighs 90 pounds. Is the rink you are skating on concrete or asphalt? It will matter for your wheels. The other problem with the smaller skates is getting replacement wheels. You'll probably have the 59mm wheels on the front and I haven't found any local retailers that sell them.
Epuck is excellent on all products and prices. I have had kevin call me when they were out of stock and offer a higher end product for the same cost. That speaks volumes.

[motochick]

Actually, the wheels are 72 and 80. I hope that is good. It seems to be a common size. The rink I will be trying to kill myself on is concrete. I don't think I would be so excited to play, if I had to play on asphalt. What type of gloves does your daughter wear? Size? I have very small hands for my size and age so I will definatly be a sub 13. I will go to the "skate" (boarder shop who also sells some hockey stuff but not much) and try on some gloves. I will buy the gloves from them because it is the right thing to do. Without them we wouldn't have a free access rink and skate park. They just don't have a big selection and have no hockey skates in stock.

Another question, how long will my bearings last? I have a cleaner and solution for them and will have no problem cleaning them often. How often should I clean them? The good thing is I can use the ABEC 5 bearings from my rec skates so I don't have to wait for them to get cleaned!

Brenda

[Rinkside_playa]

Brenda
Well I'm glad to hear about the wheels, thats the perfect size. The gloves are a different story, she wears a size 13. You need a good glove, because one of the top injuries is to the wrist when you fall. If you don't fall then its no worry. Look for a glove that fit good and will provide protection. Did you buy a helmet? I hope so, especially since you motorcross you should know that. Keep posting to let us know how the equipment fits and how you're progressing. I know there is a women's team based in AZ, probably the Phoenix area. So in 6 months when you get tired of banging the boys around go check them out.

[zamboni]

Hi Rinkside,

Is it better to have your gloves nice and tight for support if ya tend to fall a lot in order to prevent injury? (Ya that?s me!!!))
Is that what to look for when we buy new gloves? I have small hands and use a 14?. which are kinda floppy and loose. Thanks for your help; it is good that we can get the knowledge of our fellow players/parents. (Here?s to message boards!!!!)
I have heard woman?s shaft of their sticks are a bit smaller to fit the female hand. (ABS head a must for concrete/asphalt)
In my opinion, best deal around on skates has to be Bauer 3000 hi/lo's (green chassis) from around the 1998/99 year. These are still brand new skates-just old stock. Great boot and strong chassis and most kids will out grow them before you wreck them. $99.00 --head to your local dealer for fitting and then purchase over the net.

Cheers
Zam

[bullyx2]

who has those for $99? i like the way the bauers fit and wouldn't mind picking some up myself.

[motochick]

Of course I got a helmet. Jbo recommended a CCM HT2 so I got the HT 10 which is the same thing with a cage. We won't even warm the bikes up or ride around the block without a helmet. I like what little brains I have!

I am not to sure about the womens team in phoenix because that is a few hours away. Right now they have a womens league in Prescott on Tues. nite but it is still an hour + drive both ways. We will see what happens here when they get the rink totally finished. I know of one other lady who is interested, and I hope when she sees that I got all this stuff it might jump start her enthusiasm.

What state are you all in?

[Rinkside_playa]

Brenda
We are in California, the San Diego area. Katie plays on two boys teams and plays with a women's team at Topcat Tournaments. She has skated since she was three. My wife wanted her to be a figure skater, but luckily my son was in roller hockey and we prevailed. Roller hockey is expensive when you play tournaments, but figure skating cost can get out of hand.

[motochick]

I just moved to AZ from San Diego. We lived there for 9 years and it just got to much like LA. Crowded. I had to give up figure skating when I was a kid because of the cost. What's cool about living here is now that I have all the gear, I can play for free because it is on city property. I would have to pay if I joined a league. Don't know when they will start up the leagues because the rink isn't quite finished.

B

small world heh?