Sled hockey, also known as sledge hockey, is an exciting adaptive sport that offers thrilling action on the ice.
As a high-speed, full-contact sport, players need specialized equipment to stay safe.
Protective gear is essential for sled hockey athletes, ensuring they can fully enjoy the game while minimizing the risk of injury.
When gearing up for sled hockey, you’ll need a combination of standard hockey protective equipment and specialized gear designed for the unique aspects of the sport.
The right protective gear allows you to focus on your skills and strategy without worrying about potential impacts or falls.
It’s crucial to choose equipment that fits properly and meets current safety standards.
When selecting sled hockey protective gear, pay attention to the fit, durability, and specific features designed for the sport.
Look for equipment that offers a balance of protection and mobility, as you’ll need to move freely while seated in your sled.
Consider factors like padding thickness, ventilation, and adjustability to ensure comfort during intense gameplay.
With the right gear, you’ll be ready to hit the ice with confidence and take on the exciting challenges of sled hockey.
Top Sled Hockey Protection Gear
Get ready to hit the ice with confidence! We’ve compiled a list of the best protective gear for sled hockey to keep you safe and comfortable during intense gameplay.
These essential items will help you focus on your performance without worrying about injuries.
Winnwell Youth Hockey Gear Kit
You’ll find this comprehensive starter kit a solid choice for young hockey players taking their first strides on the ice.
- All-in-one package for beginners
- Includes storage bag for easy transport
- Comfortable and breathable design
- Limited size options
- Hip padding could be thicker
- Doesn’t include helmet or jersey
The Winnwell Hockey Protective Gear Set offers a convenient solution for young players embarking on their ice hockey journey.
This kit includes shoulder pads, pants, gloves, elbow pads, and shin pads, providing essential protection for budding athletes.
The set comes with a storage bag, making it easy to carry your gear to and from the rink.
Designed with comfort in mind, the equipment allows for a good range of motion without compromising on safety.
The NXT technology incorporated into the gear helps improve breathability and reduce odor, potentially extending the life of the equipment.
Available in three sizes, the kit caters to children aged 4-9, depending on their weight and build.
While the set covers most protective needs, you’ll need to purchase a helmet separately.
Some users have noted that the hip padding could be more substantial, so you might want to consider additional protection in that area.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Winnwell kit offers a cost-effective way to get your young player suited up and ready for action on the ice.
TronX Stryker Junior Hockey Kit
You’ll find this complete gear set a solid choice for young players just starting their ice hockey journey.
- Comprehensive protection for beginners
- Size options for different age groups
- Includes a convenient equipment bag
- Limited color options
- May require upgrades as skills improve
- Slightly pricier than basic starter kits
The TronX Stryker Hockey Equipment Kit offers a one-stop solution for budding ice hockey stars.
This junior set caters to kids aged 6-8, standing between 4’4″ and 4’10” tall.
It’s packed with essential protective gear, ensuring your young athlete is ready to hit the ice safely.
You’ll appreciate the convenience of having all the necessary equipment in one package.
The kit includes shoulder pads, ice pants, gloves, elbow pads, and shin guards.
Each piece is designed to provide crucial protection without restricting movement, allowing your child to develop their skills comfortably.
For younger players aged 4-6, TronX offers a youth version of this kit.
This thoughtful sizing ensures that even the littlest skaters can gear up properly.
The included equipment bag is a nice touch, making it easy to transport all the gear to and from practice sessions.
While the kit provides excellent value, keep in mind that as your child’s skills progress, you might need to upgrade individual pieces for more specialized performance.
The black color scheme is practical but may not appeal to kids who prefer brighter gear.
PowerTek Youth Hockey Starter Kit
This entry-level kit provides basic protection for young hockey players, but you might want to consider other options for better quality and durability.
- Complete 6-piece set for beginners
- Available in multiple youth sizes
- Includes equipment bag for storage
- Some components may lack durability
- Elbow pads reported as inadequate
- Limited color options (only black)
When you’re getting your kid started in hockey, the PowerTek Youth Hockey Starter Kit seems like a convenient solution.
It includes shoulder pads, shin guards, elbow pads, pants, gloves, and an equipment bag.
The kit comes in youth small, medium, and large sizes, catering to kids from about 4 to 11 years old.
You’ll appreciate the convenience of having all the essential gear in one package.
It saves you the hassle of shopping for individual pieces.
The included equipment bag is a nice touch, giving you a way to keep everything organized and easy to transport.
However, you might find the quality to be a bit lacking.
Some users have reported issues with stitching coming apart after minimal use, particularly in the shoulder pads.
The elbow pads have also been criticized for providing inadequate protection.
You may need to replace these components sooner than expected, which could offset the initial cost savings of the kit.
Franklin Sports Street Hockey Goalie Set
You’ll love this complete goalie set for its quality construction and comprehensive protection.
- Full set includes leg pads, catch glove, and blocker
- Comfortable fit with adjustable straps
- Durable materials for long-lasting use
- Only suitable for street hockey, not ice hockey
- May be pricey for casual players
- Catch glove can feel stiff initially
Ready to dominate the street hockey scene? This Franklin Sports goalie set has got you covered from head to toe.
The 28-inch leg pads feature a pre-curved knee design and tapered thigh rise, ensuring you’ll stay comfy while blocking those low shots.
You’ll appreciate the 12-inch catch glove with its pro-style T-trap webbing.
It’s designed to snag those flying pucks with ease.
The 14-inch blocker pad rounds out the set, offering a lightweight yet sturdy defense against incoming shots.
Keep in mind, this set is specifically made for street hockey with official 2-5/8″ balls.
While it provides excellent protection, it’s not meant for ice hockey or preventing all injuries.
You’ll find the quality impressive, making it a solid choice for dedicated street hockey enthusiasts looking to up their game.
Bauer Neck Shield
You’ll want this Bauer throat protector to keep your neck safe during intense sled hockey matches.
- Clear plastic design maintains visibility
- Easily attaches to goalie helmets
- Adjustable for custom fit
- May feel bulky to some players
- Potential for fogging issues
- Limited to goalie use only
Bauer’s throat protector offers crucial neck protection for sled hockey goalies.
The clear plastic construction ensures you can still see the action clearly while guarding against high-speed pucks and sticks.
It’s designed to attach seamlessly to your goalie helmet, providing an integrated safety solution.
Adjustability is a key feature of this neck shield.
You can customize the fit to your comfort level, making sure it stays securely in place during those quick reflexive saves.
The lightweight nature of the protector, weighing just 6 ounces, means you won’t feel weighed down in the net.
While the Bauer throat guard excels in safety, some players might find it a bit cumbersome at first.
There’s also a chance of fogging during intense play, which could momentarily affect your vision.
Keep in mind this protector is specifically for goalies, so other sled hockey positions will need to look elsewhere for neck protection.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right gear for sled hockey is crucial for your safety and performance.
Here’s what you need to consider when shopping for protective equipment:
Fit
Make sure everything fits snugly but comfortably.
Ill-fitting gear can compromise protection and hinder movement.
Quality
Look for high-quality materials that can withstand impacts and frequent use.
Durability is key in this intense sport.
Certification
Check for safety certifications specific to ice hockey gear.
These ensure the equipment meets industry standards.
Compatibility
Ensure all pieces work well together.
Your helmet should allow for full visibility with your face shield attached.
Comfort
You’ll be wearing this gear for extended periods, so prioritize comfort.
Look for padding and ventilation features.
Customization
Some gear can be customized for a better fit or to accommodate specific needs.
This is especially important for your sled.
| Equipment | Key Features to Look For |
|---|---|
| Helmet | Impact resistance, ventilation, adjustable fit |
| Body Armor | Coverage area, flexibility, padding thickness |
| Gloves | Grip, wrist protection, impact absorption |
| Sled | Maneuverability, stability, adjustable seating |
Remember to try on gear whenever possible before purchasing.
What works for others might not be the best choice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gearing up for sled hockey involves essential protective equipment and specialized gear.
Let’s address some common questions about the necessary items for this exciting sport.
What’s the must-have protective gear for someone starting in sled hockey?
You’ll need a helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and gloves.
A sled hockey-specific helmet with a full face mask is crucial for head protection.
Sturdy shoulder and elbow pads shield you from impacts during play.
Gloves are essential for stick handling and protecting your hands.
Don’t forget a protective cup for added safety.
Are there any specific sled hockey sticks recommended for beginners?
Look for shorter sticks with a straight blade for easier control.
Carbon fiber sticks offer a good balance of strength and lightweight design.
Some popular brands make beginner-friendly sticks with softer flex.
Avoid sticks that are too long or have complex curves until you’ve mastered the basics.
Can you list the wearable equipment needed for playing sledge hockey?
You’ll need a helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, and a protective cup.
Padded shorts or pants provide extra protection for your lower body.
Wear moisture-wicking base layers to stay comfortable during play.
Consider adding a neck guard for additional safety.
Some players also use shin guards for extra leg protection.
What kind of protection should youth players have in sled hockey?
Youth players should wear all the standard protective gear, including a helmet with full face mask, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and gloves.
Ensure the helmet fits properly and is certified for ice hockey use.
Add extra padding to the sled for cushioning.
Use a properly fitted protective cup and consider padded shorts for hip protection.
Could you recommend the best protective brands for sled hockey?
Bauer and CCM offer reliable protective gear for sled hockey.
Look into brands like Warrior and Easton for quality sticks and gloves.
For sleds, consider top manufacturers like Unique Inventions or Quantum.
Try different brands to find what feels most comfortable and provides the best protection for your style of play.
What do I look for in sled hockey wheels when gearing up?
Choose wheels based on your playing style and ice conditions.
Harder wheels offer more speed but less grip.
Softer wheels provide better traction.
Look for durable materials like polyurethane.
Consider wheel diameter and width.
Larger wheels can increase speed, while wider wheels offer more stability.
Experiment with different configurations to find your ideal setup.