What To Look For
According to the website Skating Fitness, hockey pants should be close fitting and yet still comfortable and reach down one to two inches below the shin pad to ensure there is no exposed leg between the two pieces. Another factor to look for is a high waist with a thick belt to help protect your lower abdomen. Hockey pants are designed to protect the kidneys, tailbone, hips and thighs, so they should be stuffed with high-quality padding. According to online men's magazine MadeMan, how much padding you opt for depends on how mobile you expect to be during play. If you want more freedom of movement, choose pants with less padding, although bear in mind that this will compromise protection.
Common Pitfalls
The primary purpose of hockey pants is to protect your bones and vital organs -- it is therefore imperative that they are of good quality. Cheaper pants may also be a false-economy as they will wear out more quickly and you'll just have to buy some more. When buying pants for children, according to the website Skating Fitness, it is very important to get pants (and all other equipment) that fit and are not oversized so they will last longer. Ill-fitting clothing and equipment, the site says, can lead to serious accidents.
Where To Buy
As ice hockey pants need to be a snug fit, it is better to go to a sports store where you can try them on rather than buy online. Large sports shops and retailers should sell hockey pants; however, if there isn't one in your area, ask your local hockey team -- it might sell equipment through the club or ice rink where it practices.
Cost
Hockey pants cost between $60 to $150 depending on the quality, while goalie pants will run $100 to $300. Goalie pants are more expensive as they must have more padding and durability. Children's hockey pants cost between $40 to $70, also depending on the quality.
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