Here we are looking at ice hockey shin guards, products available and important information to consider when looking to buy this essential item of ice hockey equipment.
Shin guards is the ice hockey terminology for the hockey shin pads that cover the shin area of the front and side of your leg from the ankle where the top of your skates are to and including your knee and around the calf area to give protection to the joints, front and calf area from slashing.
The two main entry brands in hockey shin guards are CCM and Reebok, both offering protective shin pads at a good price. There are also shin guards by Easton, Warrior and Bauer.
Ice hockey shin guards come in many different sizes, measured in inches being the length required to cover the leg and knee. There are three groups of sizing being youth (size 8″, 9″ and 10″), junior (11″, 12″ and 13″) and senior (14″, 15″ and 16″).
It is important that the shin guards fit properly and are the right size. If they are not the correct size you are at risk of the knee or lower leg/ankle being exposed.
When trying to determine what size shin guard you require,you should measure from the center of the kneecap to the top of the skate boot. It is best for the player to be sitting down when the measurement is taken.
The entry level of ice hockey shin guards in the CCM range is CCM U +05. These come available in many sizes covering junior, youth and senior sizes. They have an Anatomical shin component which provides protection against impact along with an inner layer which is adjustable and removable. This gives the benefit of customizing the fit and can be removed for ease of drying.
The next CCM model up, the Vector Dryliner, has similar characteristics but with an anti mould treatment and a deeper molded anatomical knee cap which is vented as well as an extended segmented side knee coverage and foam calf wrap foam as well as a removable knee shin bed. This product allows for more breathing.
The difference with the CCM U+09 free-flex construction gives more mobility without compromising on any level of protection. This shin guard is ideal for the more passionate hockey players.
In the Reebok range the RBK 3K KFS shin guards are of an ASD construction with an anatomically designed shell giving possibly a better fit and stability. They consist of a JDP knee cap to disperse the impact away from the joint.
The next level of Reebok shin guards are the RBK 4K KFS which are made from a Fit lite construction with molded foam. These provide quality protection but are more lighter in weight and have a vented shell/liner to enhance the air exchange and allow them to breathe.
The RBK 6K KFS shin guard are also made from the Fit Lite construction with an EPP foam which provides top quality lightweight protection. The fixing system in these ones are designed to wrap the calf muscles at its widest point and held in place there.
