How to Size Hockey Gear

Hockey equipment is designed to be lightweight and protective. There are many new technologies on the market designed to provide better protection and last longer.

Some hockey gear will vary in size depending on the brand, so you should try on equipment prior to purchasing anything. Helmets can be especially tricky, as some go by a simple small, medium and large, while others are sized by hat size.

Certain hockey leagues will have rules about equipment, including regulations about equipment size and type.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a pair of skates. Skates are sized the same as shoes, so if you know your shoe size you will know your skate size. Make sure the skate is tight enough to stabilize the ankle, but there should be room in the foot of the skate to move your toes comfortably.

    • 2

      Pick a hockey stick. Standing in shoes, you should place the point of the stick blade on the ground in front of you, and the end of the handle of the stick should reach your nose. If you are in skates, the end of the handle should reach your chin.

    • 3

      Select a helmet. Helmet sizes are based on the circumference of the head measured in inches. Use the measuring tape to measure around the widest part of the head, usually just above the brow line. Check a helmet sizing chart for conversions, as these will vary from brand to brand. Make sure the helmet is HECC or CSA approved. This will be marked with a seal on the helmet.

    • 4

      Choose a pair of gloves. Measure the length from the bottom of the elbow pad to the tips of the fingers. This length is the size of gloves you need.

    • 5

      Find hockey pants. The pants should fit comfortably around the waist and require the use of both the laces and the belt to keep the pants up. Pants should extend to just above the kneecap.

    • 6

      Measure yourself for shoulder pads. Wrap a tape measure around your torso, just under the armpits. Locate a comparison chart to convert your measurement to a size, and select a set of shoulder pads.

    • 7

      Measure the distance between the end of the shoulder pad on the bicep and the top of the glove. Use this measurement to select your elbow pads. The key to choosing elbow pads is to ensure you don't leave any skin exposed along the arm.

    • 8

      Measure from the middle of your knee to the top of your skate for shin guards. All shin guards are measured in inches, so use the direct measurement to choose a pair.