Adult Hockey Gear: What to Buy Used, What to Buy New and How to Fit It

Adults starting rec hockey can buy most of their gear used and save a lot, but the helmet and cage need care. Health Canada's guidance on second-hand products says ice hockey helmets must meet CSA standard Z262.1 and display that number and the date of manufacture, and that helmets more than five years old should not be bought or sold, because the materials may break down with age. Face protectors must show CSA Z262.2. Shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, pants and gloves are usually fine used if they fit and are intact. In the made-up example below, a used starter kit with a new helmet costs $430, against $1,050 all new.

Helmets and certification: buy new

Health Canada's Industry Guide to Second-hand Products summarizes the Ice Hockey Helmet Regulations for anyone selling used gear. Ice hockey helmets must meet the performance and labelling requirements of CSA standard Z262.1, and the number CSA Z262.1 must appear on the helmet along with the date of manufacture. Helmets should be in good condition with no cracks or missing padding or hardware, should not have been modified by drilled holes, stickers or repainting, and must have a functioning chin strap. Helmets more than five years old should not be bought or sold.

Face protectors (cages and visors) must meet CSA standard CAN3-Z262.2-M78, and the guide recommends the most current CSA Z262.2 standard. The CSA Z262.2 number must appear on the face protector, which should be in good repair, with no cracks or bent wires, and fastened securely. Because the label and date rules are strict, many adults simply buy a new helmet and cage and save on everything else.

Gear that is safe to buy used

Most other protective gear is about fit and condition. Check that straps and buckles work, padding is intact and not compressed flat, and there are no cracks in hard plastic caps. Gloves wear through at the palm first, so check for holes. Pants should fit at the waist and cover the thighs and tailbone.

Skates and fitting

Skates are the most important fit. They should hold the heel firmly, let the toes brush the front when standing, and leave no pressure points after a few minutes. Used skates can be good value if the boot still supports the ankle and the blade has steel left. Budget a sharpening for any used pair. For a full checklist, see buying and sharpening skates.

Where to find used gear

Sports swaps run by minor hockey associations and community groups, second-hand sports stores, online marketplaces and teammates who are upgrading are all good sources. Bring your skates and a helmet when trying shoulder pads and pants, since they need to work together. Ask sellers for the helmet's manufacture date and a photo of the CSA label before meeting.

• Community sports swaps; check your local calendar.
• Second-hand sports stores, where you can try gear on.
• Online marketplaces; ask for photos of labels and dates.
• Teammates and league message boards.

When to replace gear

Used gear saves money only if it still protects you. Replace any piece that no longer fits after a change in weight, has cracked hard caps, broken straps or padding that has gone flat and no longer springs back. Gloves with holes in the palm can be repaired by some shops for less than a new pair. For helmets, check the manufacture date each season against Health Canada's five-year guidance for buying and selling, and replace any helmet after a crack or a hard impact. Write the purchase date on a piece of tape inside the helmet so you do not have to guess later.

Cleaning and odour control

Used gear often comes with a smell, and new gear gets one quickly. Air out gear after every skate rather than leaving it in a closed bag, use a drying rack or hang it near a fan, and wash removable liners, jerseys and socks. Check each item's care label before machine washing. Wipe the helmet and cage with a mild soap. Some sports stores offer gear sanitizing services; ask about the price.

A starter-kit budget

These numbers are an example with made-up inputs. They are not store prices. An adult buys a new helmet with a cage for $150, used skates for $90 plus a $10 sharpening, used shoulder pads, elbow pads and shin guards for $60, used pants for $40, used gloves for $35, a new jock for $25 and a stick for $20. The kit costs $430. Buying everything new at the same made-up mid-range prices costs $1,050.

Plan

1. Buy a new or recent CSA-certified helmet and cage.
2. Fit skates carefully and sharpen before your first skate.
3. Buy pads, pants and gloves used, checking fit and condition.
4. Bring your gear when trying pieces that need to fit together.
5. Set up a drying routine from day one.
6. Check your league's equipment rules before the first game.

For league fees and ice costs, see adult rec hockey costs.