GEAR & REVIEWS
Equipment reviews, brand comparisons, and what to buy -- from skates to sticks.
Bauer
Skates & EquipmentNexus • Vapor • Supreme
The largest hockey equipment brand in the world. Three distinct last shapes across product lines.
CCM
Skates & EquipmentJetSpeed • Ribcor • Tacks
Second-largest hockey brand. Known for the Super Tacks line and strong skate heat-molding tech.
Easton
Sticks & EquipmentM5 • M3 • Rival
Carbon fiber stick technology pioneer. Now focused on value-oriented sticks and protective gear.
Warrior
Sticks & EquipmentDolomit • Alpha • Ritual
Grew fast in the stick market with theCoil/Weave technology. Strong protective gear lineup too.
True
Sticks & SkatesA6.0 S1 • A6.0 S2
Direct-to-consumer brand that bypassed traditional retailers. Known for adjustability and feel.
Bauer Re-Akt
ProtectiveRe-Akt 200 • Re-Akt 150
Security shell technology in helmets and shoulder pads. Popular at junior and college levels.
CCM Hyperlite
SkatesHyperLite 2
CCM's lightest skate ever. Asymmetrical toe cap and step-out last designed for maximum mobility.
Bauer Mach
SkatesMach
Next generation of Bauer Vapor with a new suspended Tendon guard and upgraded liner.
Skate Buying Guide
Width, fit, blade quality -- what actually matters when buying hockey skates.
Stick Flex Chart
Find the right flex based on weight and height. Too stiff or too whippy both hurt performance.
Helmet Ratings Explained
CCE vs. HECC certifications, what the ratings mean, and how to spot an outdated helmet.
Goalie Gear Differences
Leg pads, blockers, gloves, chest protectors -- how goalie equipment differs from player gear.
What hockey equipment do you actually need?
The short answer: a helmet, skates, a stick, and protective gear for the body. Everything else is optional. New players often buy full sets before they know what fits them, then end up with skates that pinch or a stick that is the wrong flex. The safer move is to start with the non-negotiables, get used to them, and add the rest as your game develops.
The four big hockey equipment brands
Bauer and CCM dominate the player gear market and together account for the majority of NHL equipment sales. Both make skates, sticks, helmets, gloves, and full protective lines. Warrior built a strong reputation in sticks and is now a full-line brand under the New Balance Hockey parent company. True is the disruptor, selling direct-to-consumer to cut retail markup and offering adjustable skate systems that grow with the player.
How much does hockey equipment cost in 2026?
A full player set (helmet, skates, stick, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, hockey pants, and a bag) ranges from around $400 for a youth starter package to $1,500-plus for senior-level gear. Skates are the single biggest line item and the one piece that should never be bought on price alone. A good pair of skates will outlast three or four sticks, so spending more up front usually pays off.
Where to buy hockey equipment
Pro shops at your local rink are the best place to start because the staff can measure your foot and watch you skate before recommending boots. Big-box retailers and online stores like Pure Hockey, HockeyMonkey, and the brand direct-to-consumer sites (Bauer, CCM, True, Warrior) carry the same gear, often at lower prices, but you lose the fitting help. For used equipment, usedhockeyequipment.com and rink pro shops are worth a look, especially for kids who outgrow gear every season.