Hockey players wear shin pads for protection from both the puck and other players' sticks. Pads should cover your shins from the top of the skate to above your knee. When choosing your shin pads, be sure to find a pair that fit properly and are suited to the type of game you play. If you want to maintain a level of speed and agility on the ice, you probably want to consider lighter shin pads. If you tend to block a lot of shots, look for shin pads with maximum padding and protection.
Bauer
Bauer offers a variety of shin pads for any type of player, from a child playing hockey for the first time to a seasoned professional. In its Vapor line of protective gear, Bauer offers four styles of shin pads. The Vapor line is designed to offer better mobility. The Supreme line of protection gear is designed more for power players. These shin pads offer protection using Bauer's MAX-SORB impact-displacement technology. There are five styles to choose from in this line. Bauer also offers its Bauer Pro Shin pads.
CCM
CCM offers a variety of shin pads for amateurs and professionals. Its lighter-weight shin pads offer great mobility. CCM also carries more absorbent shin pads for aggressive players. Most of the shin pads offered by CCM have a deep-moulded, vented knee cap. Some of the models also offer additional side-of-the-knee coverage. CCM shin pads also typically offer a cross-over strapping system that allows for a great fit as well as mobility.
Easton
Easton also has a solid reputation for providing quality protective hockey gear, including shin pads. Easton offers multiple styles in its Stealth and Synergy lines. Easton's shin pads are designed ergonomically, and they create a distance between the body and impact zones. Many of Easton's shin pads offer Calf Wrap protection. Easton also offers a range of cooling systems in its products that provide the player with a cooler and drier playing experience.
Consideration
You may find the number of brands and styles of hockey shin pads staggering. Narrow your choices by researching several brands. Also, spend time at an athletic store trying on different pads to find ones that fit your body and style of play. Your shin pads should be comfortable and durable, and able to take some abuse from skate blades and hockey sticks. Above all, find shin pads that will best protect your body and prevent serious injury. Safety should be your first priority.
Member Comments