How to Select an Ice Hockey Pant

Finding the right ice hockey pant or girdle is important for a player's protection and mobility on the ice. Since new-to-hockey players have many different needs from their ice pant than the professionals, we have made it easier to shop by breaking down our offering into three levels of play categories: Elite, Performance, and Recreational.

While ice hockey pants may look the same, there are three key areas that help categorize them into the different levels of play: protection, construction, and liner.

Players who are new to the game or individuals who participate in recreational non-contact hockey don’t need the same protection that advanced level hockey players require. Therefore these pants are much more affordable and offer the appropriate amount of protection for this level.

• Protection: Standard foam and hard plastic reinforcement are located in key impact areas: kidneys, hips, thighs, and tailbone.
  
  
• Construction: Durable nylon provides good exterior durability while a traditional nylon belt and skate lace closure system keeps the pants secured around the waist.
  
  
• Liner: Soft and comfortable nylon help to manage sweat and moisture inside of the pant.

These should be used as a minimum level for any player getting into a contact league. These are also designed for players who participate in more competitive hockey since they offer much more protection and coverage. They also offer great value and options for the price.

• Protection: Multi-layered foams and other advanced protective materials provide better impact management for the player who experiences greater physical contact. Throughout the pant, there is much better coverage, especially in key impact zones.

• Construction: The exterior utilizes anti-abrasion panels in high wear areas for better durability while some come with vent zones for better breathability too. Added features include length adjustment systems that are perfect for the growing player, inner zippered leg openings for more adjustment options, and internal belt designs for a better fit.
  
  
• Liner: Softer liners provide more comfort while also managing sweat and moisture more efficiently too. Some liners even include advanced odor management technologies that prevent odor-causing bacteria from forming.

This category offers maximum protection, coverage, and comfort for the competitive to the elite-level hockey player. Manufacturers only use their most premium designs and materials here too.

• Protection: Only found at this price point are cutting edge foams that provide incredible impact management while some use high-end composites that elite skates are made of. Most of the multi-layered foams help to keep the pants lightweight by preventing moisture absorption throughout the game.
  
  
• Construction: The exterior utilizes pro-level abrasion resistance, durability, and visual appeal. Players can utilize length adjustment systems, inner leg openings, and internal belt systems for the ultimate comfort and fit.
  
  
• Liner: Internally, premium comfort is created by a wide range of top-notch materials that also do the best job of wicking-moisture and fighting odor.

Choosing a fit profile is a personal preference but you should factor in your playing style too. There are three different options: High Profile Pants, Low Profile Pants, and Low Profile Girdles.

These are built with maximum coverage and protection, which are built for the powerful and physical player. They are designed to take on repeated impacts and are ideal for shot blockers, defensemen, and the player always in the middle of a battle.

This fit profile provides minimal weight and bulk, making these a dream come true for the crafty and agile player that thrives on quickness.

Girdles are built with the same protection as a regular low-profile ice hockey pant, yet they provide the ultimate responsiveness and fit adjustability. Their design has a close-to-the-body fit for minimal bulk and offers some of the best range of motion for the quick and agile player.