Best Hockey Pants for Flexibility While on The Ice
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Bauer Nexus 1000 Hockey Pants -
Easton Stealth RS Hockey Pants -
Reebok 20K Hockey Pants -
Warrior Covert DT1 Hockey Pants -
CCM U+ Crazy Light Hockey Pants -
Buyer's Guide
There are so many hockey pants to choose from these days. So how do you find the best one for you? Look no further than the pants listed here. These were selected based first and foremost on protection, but also on durability, flexibility, and the ability to work for different kinds of players at different levels of the game. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best hockey pants in 2022, We have listed below the available hockey pants on the market to help you decide what product is best to buy.
Best Hockey Pants Worth Considering in 2022
Bauer Nexus 1000 Hockey Pants - Best Hockey Pants Overall
What makes these pants the best? Try them on and see for yourself. They just feel perfect. There’s just the right amount of lower back protection to make you feel safe, where most pants will annoy you by being too tight and bulky in the back or too loose and not offering enough padding to make you feel secure. The thigh pads are removable, and the liner dries very quickly, which will help the stitching last longer, making the pads more durable. But most importantly, the pads seem to bend with your body perfectly and absorb impacts magnificently without being too bulky in certain areas.
Easton Stealth RS Hockey Pants - Runner Up
Easton equipment just lasts forever. And when you’re paying top dollar for pants (often the first piece of equipment to fall apart) you’re going to want something that won’t fall apart after a few dozen games. These pants are a little lighter than some other newer models, but still have more than enough padding to protect you from most falls and shots. Most forwards that are looking for pants they can really move around in should look to these pants for its flexibility and lightness.
Reebok 20K Hockey Pants - Honorable Mention
To begin, Reebok has outfitted their latest pants with heavy padding for the lower back. And while you can’t go wrong with extra kidney protection, it can at times limit your range of motion if you find yourself having to turn awkwardly. But that shouldn’t turn you off to these pants, because the impact dispersing technology these pants have been outfitted with will keep you safe game after game (which is especially thick and nice in the hips). And will also help these pants last longer than most.
Warrior Covert DT1 Hockey Pants - Consider
Warrior makes tough pads. Plain and simple. They’re made to protect players at all costs, and these pants are no exception. They’re thicker than the others on this list, but not thick to the point where it should slow you down to any significant degree. They’re definitely ideal for defensemen that find themselves frequently making big hits and blocking shots. Speaking of blocking shots, the lower back protection actually extends up further than other pants and should leave no part of the back unprotected as they perfectly mesh with proper shoulder pads.
CCM U+ Crazy Light Hockey Pants - Best Hockey Pants
CCM makes one thing. Light equipment to help players focus on their speed during games, not their equipment. They sacrifice a little bit of padding to keep the pants so light, which is the only thing keeping them from being higher on the list. However, unless you’re playing at a very high level or you find yourself blocking shots frequently, these pads should be more than enough to keep you protected. They also feature a molded lower back system (something all modern pants will have within a few years) which is pleasantly comfortable and will help you keep your mind on the game, not on your equipment.
Buyer's Guide
If you have ever been in a hockey store and felt overwhelmed with the choices on the shelf, you're not alone. There are a lot of quality hockey pants out there, and some brands cost more than others. It can be difficult to determine where to buy your new gear and what features you really need to get the most out of your purchase. This is why we have curated this extensive buying guide which will help you make an informed decision.
Why Do You Need A Pair Of Hockey Pants?
Hockey pants are arguably one of the most important pieces of equipment in a hockey player's arsenal. Hockey pants protect the hips, tailbone, groin area, upper thighs, and knees. They also protect you from an opponent who wants to beat you with his stick.
Jokes apart, hockey pants are designed to help players improve their balance and skating ability. And the best thing is, there is a belt running along the waistline of the pants so that players won't get too cold while playing on the ice. This belt is made of thick leather and helps players get more balance when they skate backward, forwards, or sideways. So, that means that if a player doesn't wear hockey pants, they could get big bruises on their thighs from falling down too hard on the ice. The hockey pants are, therefore, an essential piece of athletic gear that every player should buy.
6 Essential Factors To Look for While Choosing the Best Hockey Pants
Below are some tips and factors to keep in mind when buying a pair of hockey pants.
Material
Most hockey pants are made of solid materials like mesh, which is composed of woven material. But the choice is not limited to mesh. You will also find pants made of nylon or polyester material. You should choose a pair made of lightweight yet durable material with dual-density foams and hard plastic shells that offer extra protection and durability.
Breathability
Another factor to consider is if they're made of breathable material or not; if you play in humid climates where you sweat a lot, then the hockey pants must be made from breathable material. It will also help you stay cool even if it's hot out on the ice.
Padding
Another vital factor to consider when buying hockey pants is the level of padding they have on them. Whether or not you have padding in your pants is a personal preference, but if you want to maximize the protection, it would be wise to either go for a pair of pants with minimal padding or one with a full amount of padding. A full amount of padding will keep the pad from moving around and make it harder for you to slide out from under any hits. On the flip side, a pair with very few amounts of padding will help you slide out from under a hit much easier but won't do much to protect against shots going into the groin area.
Style of Playing
Hockey pants are available in three different fittings and are usually classified as snug, mid, and wide fit. The most commonly used fitting is the wide one as it provides maximum protection. On the other hand, the snug fitted pants feel closer to the leg but offer excellent mobility and flexibility. However, the mid-fitted pants fall in between snug and wide fit. You should go for the one that matches your comfort level.
Style of Playing
What position will you be playing in? Some pants are designed for the goalie, while others are for the defensemen.
Which padding you want in your pants also depends on your style of play, so choose wisely. If it's a fast-paced game and you're constantly going back and forth between the boards, you'll want a pair of pants with the least amount of padding to help you slide out from under hits as fast as possible. Now, if it's more of a checking-type game, where most players stay in their own zone for most of the time, then you'll probably want a pair with more padding to protect against shots coming toward you.
Outer Shell
The last but equally important factor is the shell of the pants. Some hockey pants come with durable nylon shells that provide cut resistance during the game and increase the lifespan of the pants, while others have zippers on the inner legs for easily putting them on. Opt for the one that is comfortable to wear and has high cut resistance for maximum protection.
How To Choose the Right Size of Hockey Pants?
Choosing the right size of hockey pants might not be a big challenge for everyone, but if you're a goaltender, it's worth taking the time to find one that fits well. Wear too large or small pants, and your mobility will suffer; ultimately, you'll have to buy a new pair. Most hockey pants are categorized as youth, junior, intermediate, and senior. Even though it is pretty important to buy the perfect size, you might also be amazed to know how simple the whole process is!
. Measure how your pant leg falls around the hips and thighs as well as around your knees; also, measure from the crease to make sure it falls correctly around them before buying it.
. When buying your hockey pants, use the chart from the manufacturer to determine the best fit for you. Don't just guess, have someone help you choose wisely.
. Don't just look at what size is written on the tag; try them on first and if your pants don't fit perfectly, get them tailored for your exact body measurements.
Hockey pants price rangesThe price of hockey pants can vary from brand to brand, but typically, they're priced around $50-$250. Some of the higher-priced pants are made using technical fabrics like spandex, making them more breathable, comfortable and have articulated cuts. However, the least expensive pair of hockey pants is currently priced at 70$ that provides players with the best mobility and comfort. You can also buy hockey pants with ankle or shin guards for protection at higher prices.
Hockey Pants FAQ
How to buy Hockey Pants for kids?
Coaches often advise wearing hockey pants when practicing or playing sports involving lots of lateral shuffling, quick accelerations, or decelerations. For kids just starting out the game, try getting a pair of hockey pants that don't feel baggy or bulky; instead, have a snug hip fitting and extend past the kneecaps for maximum protection.
How Often Should I Wash My Hockey Pants?
Of course, this varies depending on usage. In general, when wearing hockey pants, the goal is to avoid any rank odor from getting out there. We'd recommend washing your gear once or twice a week. That should do well enough and will keep bad smells at bay all season long.
How Long Does a Pair of Hockey Pants Last?
Well, this depends upon how often you play. If you are an occasional player, a pair of hockey pants made from high-quality material can last for a good 3-4 years. But if you are a professional, try replacing it every 6-12 months if you inspect any damage like rips and tears.
