Used Hockey Skates – A Complete Guide 2024
Updated: January 1, 2024 by Bill Burniece
Table Of Contents
Buying used hockey skates can save you hundreds of dollars.
And you would be surprised the quality of skates that you can find out there.
I have seen time and time again a pair of hockey skates that was used only one season, and sometimes even used only one time, then put up for sale.
Hockey is not cheap.
The cost of the equipment alone is enough to strain any budget.
Especially when you have to factor in the cost of playing in an organized league, tournament, or drop-in session.
Hockey skates cost more than any other piece of equipment in hockey.
Introduction
In the fast-paced world of ice hockey, the importance of a quality pair of skates is pretty damn important.
After all, skating is the most important skill in hockey. The better you can skate, the better you can play.
However, with rising prices for new gear including skates, the market for used hockey skates has recently surged.
Pre-owned skates offer a sustainable and economical alternative without necessarily compromising quality and performance.
In this article, I’ll analyze everything you need to know about used hockey skates.
I’ll explore the market, benefits, considerations, and where to find the best used hockey skates.
The Growing Used Hockey Skate Market
Demand for used hockey skates has spiked in recent years due to the rising costs of new skates and complicated by inflation.
Today. the used hockey skate market offers a range of options, from beginner skates to actual NHL-grade equipment.
You can find used hockey equipment from all of the best brands including CCM, Bauer, Nike-Bauer, Warrior, Sher-Wood, Easton, Vaughn and more.
The growth of used sports equipment stores like Play It Again Sports and websites like Sidelineswap have changed the game as far as options go.
Used Hockey Skates For Kids
Kids outgrow hockey skates and other gear in as little as one season.
If you boy or girl plays youth hockey, I don’t have to tell you how expensive this can get.
For that reason, I believe that used hockey skates makes the most sense for kids.
Since kids go through hockey skates so fast, the market is flooded with some really nice barely-used skates making them a great value.
Balancing Cost, Quality, And Experience
I play old-man beer league hockey and many of the players are beginners.
As such, some don’t want to shell out a thousand dollars or more for hockey skates when their skating skills aren’t that great to begin with.
Other experienced old-timers, myself included, are willing to pay a premium for new skates because we are looking for that extra benefit the latest and greatest skates offer.
Assessing the Fit and Condition
When buying used hockey skates, finding a pair that fit right and are in good condition is critical.
As a buyer you should look for signs of excessive wear, especially in the boot structure, blade attachment, and lacing eyelets. These are the areas of the skate that fail first.
As far as fit goes, a well-fitted skate not only ensures optimal performance but helps you prevent injuries.
Some used skates have been molded to the original owner’s feet, which might cause fitting issues for you when you put them on.
However, some used skates can be ‘re-baked’ to adapt to your unique foot structure, providing a customized fit.
Where to Find Used Hockey Skates
Websites like SidelineSwap, Play It Again Sports, and eBay offer plenty of options.
My recommendation is the shop for used hockey skates on SidelineSwap because they have the largest selection and lowest prices.
Local sports stores, community boards like Craigslist, and social media groups are also excellent resources.
Before purchasing, it is advisable to conduct thorough research, compare prices, and read reviews if they exist.
Where Can I Find Used Hockey Skates Near Me?
Here are some great resources for finding used hockey skates near you:
- Craiglist
- Local Used Equipment Store
- Social Media
- Garage & Estate Sales
Let’s Wrap It Up
The market for used hockey skates is thriving, presenting a great option for players seeking quality gear without breaking the bank.
By thoroughly assessing the condition and ensuring a proper fit buyers can unlock the full potential of used hockey skates.
With a variety of platforms offering a wide range of choices, the world of used hockey skates is an untapped treasure trove for both novice and experienced players alike.
Summary
As you may have guessed, this website is all about beer league hockey.
If you are looking for a local league: find beer hockey league near you.
Thanks for reading.
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