How to buy hockey knee pads
Step-by-step Instructions
Here is what you need to do...
Step 1
Step one in buying the right hockey knee pads is to determine size. Similar to hockey goalie knee pads, size is often determined by age. Therefore young players up until the age of 12 will likely choose from the Youth of Junior selections, while most players 12+ select from the Adult or Senior selections.
Step 2
Step two in buying the right hockey knee pads is function. Although goalies often use knee pads for reinforcement and added protection, players do not normally wear these added pieces. Most often a knee pad is worn in conjunction with hockey shin pads in the rehabilitation process, yet hockey knee pads are not strictly limited to this use. Determining what you are using your hockey knee pads for will help you discover which set is right for you. If seeking support, much in the form of a flexible brace, players should seek a knee pad that has a gel base or is made from dense but flexible, elastic materials. If seeking protection, such as a defenseman requires for blocking shots, it would be best to consider the rubber plated models.
Step 3
Step three in buying the right hockey knee pads is comfort and compatibility. Once you have determined what function the knee pad will serve, it is best to try on various models, both with and without full equipment on to discover what feels best and what possible restrictions there may be. When adding extra pieces of equipment like knee pads, the key is to make sure they fit with the rest of your standard gear as well as being comfortable to wear.
Step 4
Step four in buying the right hockey knee pad is pricing. If you are using a knee pad for the intended purpose of rehabilitation from an injury, there is likely not much choice in the pad/brace as that will be based on the doctor’s recommendations. Injury based wear aside, if you are choosing to wear a knee pad regularly, it will be best for you to try on various models to discover what fit feels best to you. Once you have determined the models and sizes that are right for you, you will then be able to compare prices and purchase the specific knee pads of your choice.
Special Attention
Difficulties people often experience or parts that need special attention to do it right.
- Knee pads work their best when the knee-bend of the pad does not interfere with the bend of your hockey shin pad. So long as there is no interference between the two pieces of equipment and your knee pads have firm, snug fit, you should have no problem finding the right knee pads for you.
Stuff You'll Need
| Brand | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| G340 Professional Gel Kneepads | $26.54 | |
| 9418 Ultra Light Kneelers Knee Pad | $8.49 | |
| Super-Comfort Gel Filled Protective Knee Pads | $18.33 | |
| McDavid Hexpad | $14.99 | |
| Senior Knee Protector - KPREE | $54.99 | |
| ProFlex 347 Long Cap Honeycomb Gel Knee Pad | $58.12 | |
| Knee Pads Product # 4535 | $14.89 |
Suggested Further Reading
| Author | Title | Price |
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This Student Author
This Student Author's Background
Funny or interesting story about this topic...
Although similar in nature to hockey goalie knee pads, knee pads for players are designed more for support than protection. As opposed to needing to fit into the knee cup of a hockey goalie pad, regular player knee pads are most often used in rehabilitating from injuries and designed not to fit into hockey shin pads, but most often around hockey shin pads.
When did you first do this & how did you get started?
Although I did not wear one for long, due to personal preference, when I was rehabilitating from a sprained knee, I wore a knee pad as it served to brace and stabilize my knee while skating. After a few weeks of skating with the knee pad, I was eventually back to full speed and shed the pad. Yet, while I did not choose to continue wearing the knee pads, I know for a personal fact that it is of great benefit to defensemen and defensive-minded forwards as they often block shots, sacrificing their legs and knees to prevent scoring chances. Although the steps to buying hockey goalie knee pads and regular hockey knee pads are very similar, it is important to note that forwards and defensemen most often choose to not wear knee pads with plastic protection plates on them.