PA/NJ Pro Shops?

[Phi11yguy19]

I've had a very bad run trying to buy skates online, so now I just want to find a decent pro shop with a good selection in the Philly, S. Jersey area. My biggest problem is the local shops usually have limited selection and high prices, but maybe someone knows a few good new places for me to look?

Looking for an advanced level skate that won't break down within a year.

I've tried Sportsplex in Feasterville, PA...not bad but prices are nothing special. Del Val Hockey in Bristol has almost nothing in stock. Most rinks like FSZ don't even carry roller. And I know Marple has a shop but it seems small and rarely open so I don't want to make that run unless it's worth it.

Any suggestions??? Thanks

[whalercane]

I've had a very bad run trying to buy skates online, so now I just want to find a decent pro shop with a good selection in the Philly, S. Jersey area. My biggest problem is the local shops usually have limited selection and high prices, but maybe someone knows a few good new places for me to look?

Looking for an advanced level skate that won't break down within a year.

I've tried Sportsplex in Feasterville, PA...not bad but prices are nothing special. Del Val Hockey in Bristol has almost nothing in stock. Most rinks like FSZ don't even carry roller. And I know Marple has a shop but it seems small and rarely open so I don't want to make that run unless it's worth it.

Any suggestions??? Thanks


Most pro shops do not stock roller gear. Some won't even order it for you because it's not worth the time or expense. These reasons are why most people generally order their roller gear online.

Now, if you are lucky enough to find a local shop that carries ANY roller gear, you have the option of trying it on at the shop and then ordering online (not the most ethical thing to do, but it's a money saver). I would recommend Del Val; for service and knowledge, there is NO BETTER pro shop in the greater Phila area, period.

Remember, selection is a mute point: there are so few roller-equipment-carrying pro shops in the area that you have to sacrifice either price or immediate availablity no matter which of the shops you choose. If they know what product you're looking for an can order it, I'm not sure why "availability" would even be an issue.

Your only other feasible options are to check this site's classified's or Ebay.

Hope this helps...

-Ryan

[-venom-]

Another vouch for DelVal... if they don't have it in stock, they can/will get it and help you get fitted...

[Phi11yguy19]

Thanks guys. Just wanted to make sure there were no hidden gems out there.

[Number25]

Max's hockey shed in havertown pa has a good shop, but they dont have the new line of mission skates (if thats what youre looking for?) i called there and they didnt have any of the 09 equipment yet. Ive bought skates from marple before, cant complain, call in advance to see when theyre open, theyre usually open during games

[skaterschoicenj]

The Hockey Stop is a great pro-shop inside Choice Inline(formally Skater's Choice). They are up to date on all the equipment. In the event they dont have what you're looking for, they can order it. Usually takes a couple days. Not sure exactly what you're looking for, but prices are very affordable. Hours vary for different days. Call ahead just to make sure they are open. 609-221-6932 ask for vince.

[Alex Kozik]

I would recommend Marple. They have a very good selection, always the new stuff. They are generally open during the night games. And if they are not, you can always go to the front desk and ask they if they can open it since and that you want to buy something. You should call to double check though.

I don't know if they have it going on now, but for a while there they had a price match thing going, even on any online prices. You should ask then about this.

Alex

[Phi11yguy19]

I'll definitely have to check out Marple, especially if they price match. I play there occasionally in the weeknight leagues but i've never seen the shop open. Maybe I'll call ahead and hit there and Max's soon...

On a side note, the reason I'm looking is I wore Mission my whole life (playing at an advanced/gold level) until I had back-to-back pairs fall apart (plus the same thing happened to my brother) within a few seasons. Seems Mission got really cheap there for a while so I ditched them.

I tried buying online and got Tour Code Reds, Code 1 Carbons, and Beemers, and they all killed my ankles. I recently bought Mission Boss '08 skates online and they ripped up my arches. I'm considering dropping down to the Soldier Blacks just so my feet can heal, but I'm guessing I'll trash them pretty quick too. Anyone have any experience with Soldiers at an advanced level before I make (another) bad purchase?

I know I should probably post a separate thread (and I'm not looking to start a "what skate should I get" thread), but it's all to the same end so I figured I'd ask.

Thanks again!

[Alex Kozik]

Just an FYI, I was at Marple yesterday and they still had a big banner hanging that they price match any ad, including online.

[ScrantonHockey]

gonna hafta vouch for delval myself, those guys have helped me more times than i can even remember

[nj jester79]

consignment sports in howell nj, we have more roller stuff than you could imagine. most of the guys that work there play roller and have lots of experince. it might be a bit of a drive for you but it will defently be worth it. if you are looking for something specfic you can pm me, i work there just about every day. you also might want to look into a ice hockey boot with a roller chassis on it, thats what i do and i love it. what size are you? i have a few sets of skates laying around that you could try out.

matt