Kids outgrow gear long before they wear it out, which makes used hockey equipment one of the best money-savers in youth sports. But not every category is a used candidate. Season Plan's working rules:
Good used buys
Shin guards, hockey pants, shoulder pads, elbow pads, bags. These are usually outgrown, not worn out. Check that the plastic caps and straps are intact, the padding hasn't collapsed, and — most importantly — that it fits now. If pads slide off the area they cover when your kid moves, walk away no matter the price.
The raise-the-arms test — the single most useful check for any used protective gear.
Reasonable with inspection
Gloves and sticks. Gloves: check the palms for wear-through and the cuff for coverage. Sticks: check for cracks and chips along the shaft and blade; a stick that's too long is fine — any shop cuts it down in a minute.
Where a stick should reach, measured in shoes.
Our new-only policy
Helmets and mouthguards. A used helmet's impact history is invisible — no inspection can reveal what it's been through — and certifications expire. Mouthguards are molded to one specific kid and cost a few dollars. Season Plan's policy is to recommend these new. That's our policy call, stated as one, not a claim that any particular used helmet has a problem.
Skates: fit first
Skates can be a fine used buy after you know the size and width from an in-person fitting. Skate sizing isn't shoe sizing, and width and foot volume can't be judged from home. Get fitted at a shop first — then buy new or used anywhere with confidence. What to ask a local shop →