Our working call on each category — buy new, buy used, or get fitted — plus what to do when the hand-me-down is “almost” right. Based on Season Plan research reviewed August 2026.
A used helmet's impact history is invisible, and certifications expire (HECC stickers run out 6½ years after manufacture). Price predicts almost nothing about protection — the specific model is what matters. The helmet guide →
If it’s too big: Replace it. Protective gear that slides away from what it protects isn't protecting it.
Skate sizing isn't shoe sizing — width and foot volume can't be judged from home. Get fitted at a shop first; then buy new or used anywhere with confidence. Find a shop that fits →
If it’s too big: Have the fit confirmed at a shop before replacing — too-big skates make skating harder and cause blisters.
Check for cracks and chips along the shaft and blade. Sticks are sold long on purpose.
If it’s too big: Cut it down — standing in shoes, stick end between chin and nose is a common starting point. Any shop does it in a minute.
Usually outgrown, not worn out. Check that caps and straps are intact and the padding hasn't collapsed — and that it fits now.
If it’s too big: Replace them. Pads that slide off the area they cover aren't covering it.
Built to take years of abuse. Check the padding and waist adjustment.
If it’s too big: Often workable — tighten the waist or add suspenders. Pads must still cover tailbone, hips and thighs in a hockey stance.
Outgrown long before worn out. Run the raise-the-arms test: caps should stay on the shoulders.
If it’s too big: Replace them if the caps slide off the shoulders when arms go up.
Cheap, durable, constantly outgrown — a classic used-market win.
If it’s too big: Replace them. Pads that rotate or slide down leave the elbow bare exactly when it hits the ice.
Check the palms for wear-through and the cuff for wrist coverage before buying.
If it’s too big: Replace them — too-big gloves make holding the stick hard and expose the wrist gap.
Inexpensive, worn against the skin, and required by most youth programs. We recommend buying new.
If it’s too big: Replace it — it has to sit where it was designed to sit.
Molded to one specific kid and costs a few dollars. Always new.
If it’s too big: If it feels too big it usually hasn't been molded yet — re-mold per the package instructions.
Worn against the skin and inexpensive. Always new.
If it’s too big: Replace it — if it doesn't stay in position, it isn't protecting anything.
Not protective — one of the cheapest items in the bag.
If it’s too big: Totally fine — fold or trim at the top. Spend nothing here.
It just needs to hold the gear. This is the last place to spend money.
If it’s too big: A big bag is fine. Replace only when it genuinely can't hold the gear.
Goalie gear isn't covered yet — our goalie research isn't done, and we'd rather say that than guess. More on how we work →
Each category will show up to five real routes to the same solved problem, each with its total landed cost and the reason it's on the list.
Our top-ranked current model, after identity, certification and recall checks.
Every card carries the date we checked itLast year's model, brand new. Often the same shell with different graphics, for a lot less.
Basis and provenance shownNew condition, retailer-verified return or end of line.
Condition state recordedHelmets are our new-only policy: a used helmet's impact history is invisible, and certification expires. Stated as a policy, not as a claim about any particular helmet.
An honest refusal is a real answerA shop that carries the category, what they actually do, and what to ask when you call.
See the shop directory