Playing street hockey is growing more and more popular, and it can be a wonderful way to spend time with friends and have some fun at the same time. However, in order to play the game successfully and be safe while doing it, you need the right gear and equipment.
This includes things like sticks, balls, helmets, pads, and nets. Without these pieces of gear, playing hockey is next to impossible. But where can you go to get all of this gear that you need?
Without any further ado, this guide is going to go through a couple of great destinations where you can get all the street hockey gear you need, and go over some of the pros and cons of each of them.
1. Online Retailers
One of the first places you should consider going is online. There are a number of different online retailers (such as Amazon) that stock a wide range of street hockey gear for relatively reasonable prices and it can often be shipped to you quickly.
In some cases, this street hockey gear may be different from ice hockey gear, but in many cases it is the same, which opens up your options. For example, an ice hockey helmet will work just fine for street hockey, but street hockey sticks often have plastic blades instead of wood.
So always make sure you are looking for the right gear. One of the big advantages of shopping online is for the sheer amount of equipment that you have access to. No matter what sort of gear you need, you can certainly find it in the exact size and style that you desire.
A drawback is not being able to actually see and interact with the gear before purchasing it. If you shop online, make sure to find the right size and be certain about the item you are buying. Always consult the reviews to make sure others have had a positive experience with the item.
2. Local Sporting Goods Stores
Your local sporting goods store is another place you should consider visiting. Many of them have sections dedicated to hockey in particular, and many carry a variety of street hockey-specific gear like nets, balls, targets, and sticks.
Of course, this depends on where you live. If you live somewhere where the sport is popular, you will likely have an easier time finding gear in a store than if you live somewhere where hockey isn’t commonly played.
A benefit of this option is that you get to see, try out, and physically hold the gear before buying it to make sure it is what you’re looking for. You also get the benefit of being able to take it home and use it that day, and not need to wait for delivery.
One drawback of shopping in stores is that the selection might be more limited. You may only be able to choose between an option or two, instead of the dozens you would have easy access to online.
3. Garage Sales/Second Hand
Another great idea to find gear and equipment for your street hockey games is to buy used ones. This can be done by searching through local garage sales or similar sales, or even buying second-hand from online classifieds ads like Craigslist.
This type of gear might be a little older and will be used, but has the potential to save you a lot of money. It can be picked up at a fraction of the price of buying new, and might still have plenty of usage left.
Unfortunately, in many cases, many of the items you find may be on their last legs. Of course, there are some hidden and affordable gems, but you need to be careful not to buy something that will only last a single game before breaking.
If you have friends or family who play hockey of any kind, asking to buy or borrow their old gear can also be an affordable way to get what you need.
Final Words
I hope that this guide has been able to help you learn a few great places to buy your street hockey gear from. Let me know in a comment below if I missed your favorite or if there are other destinations that you feel I should have mentioned.
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