Helmet + cage
A hockey helmet plus a cage or shield. In almost every youth programme it is required, and it is the one item where our answer never changes.
Why we say that
A used helmet's impact history is invisible. A shell that has taken a hard hit can look untouched and no longer perform. Certification also expires: an HECC sticker runs out six and a half years after the manufacture date, and a helmet past that date is not eligible for play in most programmes.
How it should fit
One finger width between the eyebrows and the helmet rim. The helmet should not shift when your child shakes their head. Cage screws tight, chin cup on the chin — not under it. Always follow the fitting instructions printed by the manufacturer of the helmet you actually bought; they differ.
Buying it used
No. This is one of two categories where we say that flatly.
Check these before you hand over money
- Check the HECC sticker date before you buy anything — even new-in-box stock can be old.
- Price is a poor guide here. In Virginia Tech's independent ratings of 34 youth helmets, ten earned five stars at prices from $64.99 to $499.99, and the single best measured score cost $69.99 at testing.
- Buy the cage at the same time and have the shop fit them together.
What it costs
Where do you stand on this one?
Marking an item adds it to your shopping list at the bottom of this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Skates
The single most important fit decision in the bag, and the one families most often get wrong by buying online first.
Why we say that
Skate sizing is not shoe sizing, and width and foot volume cannot be judged at home. A skate that is the right length and the wrong width will hurt, blister, and make skating harder to learn — which children experience as 'I am bad at this'.
How it should fit
Get measured at a shop. Toes should brush the end when standing and pull back when the knee bends. Heel locked, no lift. Do not buy a size up to 'grow into' — it is the most expensive false economy in hockey.
Buying it used
Yes, once you know the size and width from a real fitting. Then buy used anywhere with confidence.
Check these before you hand over money
- Look for rust on the blade, cracked eyelets, and a boot that has gone soft at the ankle.
- Ask how much blade is left — a skate sharpened to the end of its steel needs new steel.
- Baking a used skate can help it re-form, but ask the shop first; not every boot can take it.
What it costs
Where do you stand on this one?
Marking an item adds it to your shopping list at the bottom of this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Stick
Sticks are consumable. Children break them, outgrow them, and change what they like.
Why we say that
A used stick that is not cracked performs like a new one. This is a category where families reliably overspend on a beginner.
How it should fit
Sticks are sold long on purpose. Standing in shoes, the end of the stick between chin and nose is a common starting point. Any shop will cut it down, usually in a minute and often for free.
Buying it used
Yes — one of the best used buys in the bag.
Check these before you hand over money
- Run a hand along the shaft and blade for cracks, chips and splintering.
- Squeeze the blade — a delaminated blade feels soft or crunches.
- For a first-year player, do not buy an expensive stick. It will be outgrown or broken.
What it costs
Where do you stand on this one?
Marking an item adds it to your shopping list at the bottom of this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Shin guards
Shin guards cover the shin and knee. They are outgrown long before they wear out.
Why we say that
Almost every used pair on the market was replaced because a child grew, not because the pad failed.
How it should fit
The knee cap sits in the centre of the knee cup with the leg bent. The guard should reach from just below the knee to the top of the skate boot. If it slides sideways, it is too big.
Buying it used
Yes.
Check these before you hand over money
- Knee cap intact and not cracked.
- Straps present and still gripping.
- Squeeze the foam — collapsed or crumbling padding means retire it.
What it costs
Where do you stand on this one?
Marking an item adds it to your shopping list at the bottom of this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Hockey pants
Hockey pants cover the tailbone, hips and thighs.
Why we say that
Built to take years of abuse and frequently handed down twice.
How it should fit
With your child in a hockey stance, the pads must still cover tailbone, hips and thighs. Pants should end just above the knee cap so they meet the shin guards.
Buying it used
Yes.
Check these before you hand over money
- Check the waist adjustment still tightens.
- Look for split seams at the hip.
- Slightly big is often workable — tighten the waist or add suspenders.
What it costs
Where do you stand on this one?
Marking an item adds it to your shopping list at the bottom of this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Shoulder pads
Shoulder pads cover the chest, shoulders, upper back and often the upper arm.
Why we say that
Outgrown long before worn out, and cheap on the used market.
How it should fit
Run the raise-the-arms test: with the pads on, have your child put both arms straight up. The caps should stay on the shoulders. If they slide off, the pads are too big.
Buying it used
Yes.
Check these before you hand over money
- Caps not cracked.
- Straps and buckles present.
- Padding still firm rather than flattened.
What it costs
Where do you stand on this one?
Marking an item adds it to your shopping list at the bottom of this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Elbow pads
Elbow pads cover the point of the elbow and part of the forearm.
Why we say that
Cheap, durable, constantly outgrown — a classic used-market win.
How it should fit
The elbow sits in the centre of the cup with the arm bent. The pad should meet the glove cuff and the shoulder pad sleeve with no bare gap.
Buying it used
Yes.
Check these before you hand over money
- Cup not cracked.
- Straps still grip.
- Pad should not rotate around the arm — one that spins leaves the elbow bare exactly when it hits the ice.
What it costs
Where do you stand on this one?
Marking an item adds it to your shopping list at the bottom of this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Gloves
Hockey gloves protect the hand, thumb and wrist.
Why we say that
Fine used, but they are the one protective item that genuinely wears out from use rather than from growth.
How it should fit
Fingers should reach near the end without pressing. The cuff must meet the elbow pad with no gap at the wrist.
Buying it used
Yes, if the palms are sound.
Check these before you hand over money
- Turn them over: worn-through or patched palms mean short remaining life.
- Check the thumb moves freely and its protection is intact.
- Too-big gloves make holding the stick harder and expose the wrist.
What it costs
Where do you stand on this one?
Marking an item adds it to your shopping list at the bottom of this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Neck guard
A neck guard, required by most youth programmes.
Why we say that
Inexpensive, worn directly against the skin, and easy to buy new.
How it should fit
Snug but not tight — your child should be able to swallow and turn their head comfortably.
Buying it used
We recommend new.
Check these before you hand over money
- Confirm your league's requirement before buying — some specify a bib style.
- Check the closure still holds; a guard that rides up is not sitting where it was designed to sit.
What it costs
Where do you stand on this one?
Marking an item adds it to your shopping list at the bottom of this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Mouthguard
A mouthguard, moulded to one specific child.
Why we say that
It is moulded to one mouth and worn in it. Never used.
How it should fit
Follow the package instructions for the boil-and-bite process exactly. If it feels too big, it usually has not been moulded yet.
Buying it used
No.
Check these before you hand over money
- Costs a few dollars — this is not a place to economise.
- Re-mould after significant dental changes.
- Many leagues require one; check before the first practice.
What it costs
Where do you stand on this one?
Marking an item adds it to your shopping list at the bottom of this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Jock / Jill
A protective cup (jock or jill), with a supporter or compression short.
Why we say that
Worn against the skin and inexpensive. Always new.
How it should fit
Should stay in position through a full stride without being adjusted.
Buying it used
No.
Check these before you hand over money
- Buy the correct style for your child.
- A cup that will not stay in position is not protecting anything.
What it costs
Where do you stand on this one?
Marking an item adds it to your shopping list at the bottom of this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Hockey socks
Hockey socks, worn over the shin guards. Not protective.
Why we say that
One of the cheapest items in the bag and completely fine secondhand.
How it should fit
Long enough to reach the pants. Fold or trim the top if they are long.
Buying it used
Yes.
Check these before you hand over money
- Team colours are often specified — check before buying.
- This is the last place to spend money.
What it costs
Where do you stand on this one?
Marking an item adds it to your shopping list at the bottom of this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Bag
A bag that holds the gear.
Why we say that
It just needs to hold the gear. This is the last place to spend money.
How it should fit
Big enough for the full kit with the skates in. A big bag is fine.
Buying it used
Yes.
Check these before you hand over money
- Check the zip runs the whole way and the strap is attached properly.
- Wheeled bags cost more and are heavier — a plain carry bag is fine for a young player.
- Air it out after every skate; that is most of equipment care.
What it costs
Where do you stand on this one?
Marking an item adds it to your shopping list at the bottom of this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.