Your mitts are riddled with holes, and it’s time to change them. There are plenty of brands out there, and a lot of prices as well. You might have a preferred brand, or money might be a factor. So, it’s normal to have questions as to which glove to buy.
Hockey gloves cost from $50 to $200 or more for senior models. Junior sizes are around 15% less than the senior sizes. Entry-level mitts have a price range between $50 and $70, while mid-level and second-tier gloves cost from $70 to $150. Top-of-the-line gloves go from $160 to $210.
Gloves aren’t only about how they look or feel; they also provide wrist protection and help you in your game. There are also several brands from which to choose. We’ve written this article so that you can select your next pair and do it right. Let’s start with the cost.
What can you expect to pay for hockey gloves?
Gloves start at around $50 and go up to $210 for top-tier models. The cheapest models are ideal for beginners, budget-conscientious players, or those who play at a recreational level.
According to the website Discount Hockey, you can expect thinner pads around the backhand, sides, and fingers at this price. Materials aren’t generally strong, and logos can wear off over time.
Mid-range gloves have a more robust build, and the palm usually comes with an additional lining to improve the grip. In this range, models include more comfort around the fingers and a stitched logo that won’t wear off. You can expect to pay from $70 to $100 for mid-range gloves.
For $120 to $150, you can get second-tier gloves. The palm is thicker, as well as the stitching and lining. Foam is denser (it can have up to triple-density), giving more protection, flexibility, grip, and feel.
If you want to use what the pros are putting on these days, then top-of-the-line gloves are the choice for you. Top-of-the-line gloves cost between $160 and $210. They look great, are the most comfortable, and are the most durable. Palms are long-lasting, and the outer materials include cable mesh and reinforced materials.
Which is the best brand of hockey gloves?
While there are many brands out there, three have consistently scored the highest on Hockey Monkey and Pure Hockey. The best brands of hockey gloves are Bauer, Warrior, and True. One, in particular, has had an enviable reputation in the last years. The Bauer Vapor series, with its 1X and 2X models, have persistently appeared on top of the rankings in review sites.
One way to measure a glove’s quality is by using data from the pros. According to the site Pro Stock Hockey, in the 2017-2018 NHL season, the Bauer Vapor 1X ranked the highest, with 15.9% of players using it. Big names use this model, including players such as Nikita Kucherov and Taylor Hall.
And the next generation has lived up to the hype. The Bauer Vapor 2X has ranked number one in several reviews. Some websites like What All the Pros Use have even said there’s nothing wrong with it.
But Bauer isn’t alone at the top. Warrior has also ranked first in reviews with its Convert and Alpha DX models. The glove includes top-level protection, comfortable grip, low weight, and odor-resistant treatment, among the technological features. All these gloves had a price of about $199.99.
What are some of the best budget-friendly gloves?
Yes, the Bauer 2X and the Warrior Alpha are excellent gloves, but your budget might not let you buy those. Don’t worry, because there are other great gloves, for a fraction of the cost. The Bauer NSX is a cheaper budget-friendly glove with adequate protection, a comfortable fit, and surprising durability for its $60 price.
Another top-ranked, cheaper glove is the CCM 4R Lite. With flexible fingers, a resistant palm, and considerable protection for its weight, it’s an excellent option for those looking to spend $80 or less on a glove.
Mid-range models with good reviews include the Warrior Covert series, with prices that range from $100 to $140.
Should I buy used hockey gloves?
If the budget models don’t appeal to you, but you’re not too excited about dishing out big bucks for new, top-of-the-line gloves, then you can consider buying them used. However, there are some precautions you need to consider.
The most common sign of wear is the palm, due to repeated contact with grip tape, water, and the stick. (see also: Can Hockey Gloves Be Repaired?) You can replace the palm for about $40 per glove. Then, even if gloves have gone through extensive cleaning processes, they might absorb odor.
One recommendation is to never buy gloves without the product’s real pictures, both of the front and the back. Also, ask for photos of the fingers and cuff.
If you are okay with these aspects, buying used gloves is a great, economical alternative, especially for young players who will outgrow their equipment quickly. You can find used gloves in dedicated stores or online, with many discounts, sometimes 70% off the original price.
Where is the best place to buy hockey gloves online?
The great thing about online shopping is that there are plenty of options where to buy hockey gear. This also allows you to make some price comparisons before buying, and not only with new equipment. There are great used equipment options as well.
For new hockey gear, we like:
Pure hockey is precisely that: a store that purely deals with hockey. They sell everything from skates to sticks, protection, and accessories, and provide goalies as well. One of the most significant advantages behind Pure Hockey is that the people behind the store love the sport.
Hockey Monkey is also a great option. They have physical stores in the U.S. and Europe, as well as a blog with valuable information. Hockey Monkey operates in a combination of regular pricing and frequent sale events, with generous discounts, so if you check the store frequently, you can find great deals.
Ice Warehouse is a veteran in the business, existing since 1994. Not only do they provide equipment at competitive prices, but they are also an excellent source for the latest information on both equipment and the sport in general.
Discount Hockey began its life in Los Angeles, California, and focuses on online sales. They include discounts, as well as official NHL gear. One particular perk is a rewards program for teams, which adds up to attractive discounts.
For used hockey gear, we like:
What if you want to buy used gear or even sell your own? That’s where Sideline Swap comes in. Founded in 2015, this store focuses on providing a platform for people to easily buy and sell equipment. And it’s not only used hockey equipment. It’s golfing, baseball, skiing, hockey, etc. If you bought something that you never used, this place is the one for you.
Finally, there’s the big one, Amazon. While not a dedicated sports store, Amazon has an ample variety of options, and it’s one of the sites with the most reviews so you can have honest opinions from everyday users, just like you.
As you can see, there’s a lot behind buying your next pair of gloves. While the price is a determining factor, you can find great options at a fraction of what the NHL superstars are using. And, who knows? You might find a pair of gems at one of the many stores listed in this article.
The best way to find your next pair of gloves, new or used, is to shop around. There are a lot of options, reviews, and price points to use as guidance. With the right pair, you will not only look great, it just might be what you need to improve your game.