Where is the Best Place to Find Hockey Equipment? Hockey is one of the most popular winter sports around. It got started in 1875 and was the first indoor sport played in Montreal. Ice hockey is Canada's national winter sport, but it is also played in the United States and across Europe. As a local sport that can also lead to the Olympics, hockey players are serious about their lifestyle, gear, and acquiring the right tools for the trade. So, finding, and buying the top quality hockey equipment (and doing so without breaking the bank) is a must - whether you're picking out your first pair of skates or you're a seasoned hockey pro.
Best Option
Scheels is an all-around retailer for sports and fitness brands. You'll find apparel, professional gear, footwear, and yes, hockey equipment at this one-stop shop. While it doesn't specialize in hockey like some of the sites in our review, this is one of the oldest retailers on our list. It started in 1902 in Sabin, MN, and switched to a total focus on sports in 1984. As of 2020, it has broken records with over 85 specialty stores that offer hands-on support from customer-first team members.
2,367 items to choose from
Despite not being a "hockey" specific store, the online inventory for Scheels hockey equipment includes 2,367 different items. There are 113 options for hockey sticks, 39 options for hockey gloves, 30 hockey helmets, and 93 options for skates. You'll also find all the major brands like Bauer, CCM, Franklin, Sherwood, and more. Plus, browsing at Scheels is a breeze. The easiest way to find the hockey section is to use the search bar at the top of the page. From there, you can filter with hockey-specific options including product type, price, hockey age group, brand, color, size, league, team, and player (for merch-type gear).
Prices from $2.49 to $1,199.99
We completed our price comparison by looking at the same three items at every hockey equipment retailer. These items were selected since they are some of the most frequently replaced: skates, sticks, and visors. During our review, we focused only on adult costs. In terms of the full cost expectations for hockey equipment at Scheels, you'll find a $2.49 hockey puck at the low end and $3,699 for a yard rink for at-home practice. As for the other three items, here's what we found at Scheels in adult sizing:
Sales between 40-50% off
There were a few sale options at Scheels, where brands like Simms, Bote, Sitka, The North Face, Nike, and Carhartt were offering seasonal savings of 50% off. However, these weren't particular to hockey equipment. You can find clearance prices for hockey-specific items using the search bar, which can help you keep costs down. The best sales we saw for hockey gear were between 40-50% off.
90-day returns and free shipping on $75+
There are a couple of ways to score free shipping from Scheels. First, you can pick up any online order in-store, or you can get free shipping on any order of $75 or more. If you don't quite meet that threshold, shipping isn't costly at $9.99 for a flat rate. On top of a comfortable shipping policy, Scheels also offers an impressive 90-day return policy. You can make a return or exchange in a local Scheels location for free. However, if you choose to ship back your hockey equipment, you will be on the hook for shipping costs.
Customers love the in-person experience
Scheels has a competitive "A-" rating from the Better Business Bureau, setting it ahead of the pack (since many hockey equipment retailers aren't rated by the BBB at all). On top of that, Scheels holds a 3.3-star average on Trustpilot, though 70% of all reviews for this retailer are 5 stars. Recent reviews have mixed feedback. Some love the staff and the experience of shopping in-store. However, some customers had issues with deliveries going missing, but most of these reviews felt like one-off problems. Most of the recent reviews held 5 stars and praised the customer service online and in-store.
Top one-stop shop
At the end of the day, Scheels is a top-notch choice. It's a full one-stop shop with tons of different sports items in its inventory, and a massive selection of hockey equipment, specifically. It has impressive sales, a competitive return policy, and free shipping or in-store pickup. So, despite a few mixed reviews on Trustpilot, Scheels comes in as our top pick for overall quality, shipping, returns, and inventory of hockey gear. It's a great balance of in-person and simple online browsing, earning it a full 5 stars in our review.
Great
Pure Hockey is a hockey equipment retailer that's designed by people who love the sport. The company got started as a small local shop in Worcester, MA, but now claims to be one of the largest hockey retailers in the US. All of the store managers are former hockey players and are there to provide you with professional and knowledgeable help when you're making a purchase. Pure Hockey got its start in 2002 and has continued to grow since with 80+ new store locations.
Helpful side-by-side comparison tool
The inventory for equipment at Pure Hockey is considerably (and surprisingly) smaller than we've seen at other locations. For example, Pure Hockey has just 67 options for hockey sticks (many of which offer customizations and color options), 86 items under skates, 48 options for hockey visors and masks, and 60 choices for gloves. You'll find popular brands like Warrior, Bauer, CCM, and True, among others. We found the site particularly easy to browse with clean at-a-glance photos, and a helpful comparison tool to look at different items side-by-side.
Prices from $2.29 to $1,199.99
For the price comparison at Pure Hockey, we looked at the same three item categories as we used for all the hockey equipment retailers in our review: skates, sticks, and visors/masks. To give you an idea of what you can expect across the site, the lowest-cost item at Pure Hockey is an A&R official hockey puck for $2.29. At the high end, you'll spend $1,199.99 for CCM Tack XF Pro skates. For the three categories, this is what we found:
Sales up to 50% off
At the time of our review, Bauer skates were on sale for up to $255 off the original price. On top of that, there were deals for up to $55 off Bauer protective gear. Pure Hockey offers an impressive collection of clearance hockey equipment items as well. Some of these are up to 50% off, even on high-end brands and gear.
30-day returns, but no options for free shipping
Shipping costs at Pure Hockey are a flat rate of $13.99 within the contiguous US. At the time of our review, there was not an option to reach a certain threshold to get free shipping. As for returns, Pure Hockey offers a satisfaction guarantee: you can return or exchange any item for free at a Pure Hockey retail location. However, if you choose to ship back any of your items, a return shipping fee of $8.99 will be taken out of your final refund total. You have 30 days to complete your return or exchange.
Top-notch reputation across the board
Pure Hockey stands out with a strong "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau. This is one of the few retailers in our review that is recognized (and with a highly positive rating) by the BBB. On top of that, Pure Hockey holds a shockingly high 4.9-star average out of 5 on Google Reviews. According to recent feedback, the experience with customer service is top-notch, and the quality and fit for items make it unlikely that customers need to make a return. There is high praise for faster-than-average shipping also, so you don't need to worry about your hockey equipment coming late. Overall, it's difficult to find poor reviews for Pure Hockey.
Top pick for in-store shopping
If you're looking for a tried and true site that has impressive customer reviews and an "A+" rating from the BBB, Pure Hockey is going to be the one. Despite a lower-than-average inventory, all of the items sold are high quality, with options for customization too. While we'd like to see a better return policy, the shipping fees don't break the bank, and you can pick up online orders in-store for free. If you're flexible about where you want to grab your hockey equipment, Pure Hockey is a top pick and earns a strong recommendation from us.
Very Good
Ice Warehouse is a hockey equipment site that's been specializing in the sport since 1994. This retailer was founded by hockey players and is considered one of the go-to resources for hockey equipment online today. On top of being a top hockey retailer, Ice Warehouse also works with the community by offering support to individual players as well as community organizations. If you're looking for an in-person shopping experience, there are a few retail locations for Ice Warehouse in California and New York, but for most people, shopping online is going to be the most convenient option.
Slightly slower browsing for specific items
Shopping for hockey equipment with Ice Warehouse takes a little time, since you need to narrow it down to exactly what you want to buy. For example, skates require you to narrow from general skates to ice hockey skates, and then select your profile (low, medium, high, or custom). Across the different profiles, there were just under 200 total skates in the inventory. For other items like gloves, the process is similar. You must narrow by brand or some kind of filter before you can start browsing. Across the glove options (contoured, tapered, and traditional) there were around 190 options to choose from. However, for things like helmet cages, there were only around 20 options to consider. So, the inventory here can vary widely depending on what you want to buy.
Prices from $3.97 to $1,399.99
For our price comparison of hockey equipment at Ice Warehouse, we checked out three items that are replaced often: skates, sticks, and masks/visors in adult sizing. Across the inventory, the prices ranged from $3.97 for Lowry Pro-Grade Hockey Stick Tape for the least costly item, and $1,399.99 for the Custom True SVH Skates. Across the most replaced items, we found the following prices:
Sales up to 65% off
Ice Warehouse had a few sales, but they were specific to certain hockey equipment. For example, there was a $10 off promotion for True Pro Stock Sticks that also came with free stick tape. Ice Warehouse also offered a limited-time promotion for $30 off Warrior Pro carrying bags. At the time of our review, Ice Warehouse's best limited deal was 50% off bearings for roller-blade hockey. Clearance deals went up to 65% off for CCM, Bauer, and Warrior brands.
Free shipping on orders $99+
Ice Warehouse offers free shipping on any purchase of $99+. If you come in under that threshold, shipping will be a flat rate of $7.99. If you want 2-day shipping, the cost will be discounted to $15 with a purchase of $99+. On top of this, you'll get 90 days to decide if you want to make a return. You will need to return items in the original packaging in new condition. If your items are returned in a used condition, they will still be accepted, but there will be a 10% restocking fee. Otherwise, returns are free of charge, and Ice Warehouse will provide a free shipping label for your hockey equipment.
Praise for product quality
While Ice Warehouse doesn't have a page on the Better Business Bureau, it has an above-average score from third-party review sites like Trustpilot. Currently, Ice Warehouse holds a 3.7-star average out of 5. Current reviews praise the fast shipping and reasonable prices. While some customers complained about issues like the fact that Ice Warehouse doesn't take Apple Pay, the majority of reviews praise the ease of purchase and quality of items. Many reviewers have been buying their hockey equipment from Ice Warehouse for years.
Best for players who want to customize their game
Ice Warehouse is a competitive choice, especially if you're looking for custom skates. For pros who need something a little extra special, this is going to be the palace for you. With custom options on a few pieces of gear (like gloves, skates, and sticks), purchases can be personalized to your specific gameplay. With free returns within 90 days, its refund policy is much more competitive than many hockey equipment retailers in our review. While we'd like to see a few more reviews online, Ice Warehouse still earns a high rating from us.
Good
Hockey Monkey is a hockey equipment retailer that's owned by the sporting goods company MonkeySports. Headquartered in North Central Texas, Hockey Monkey is a sister site to Goalie Monkey, Lacrosse Monkey, Baseball Monkey, Golf Monkey, and more. Hockey Monkey is just a more focused branch of the company that allows you to take care of all your hockey needs in one place. With regular sales and flagship brands, this one-stop shop is worth a look ASAP.
Browse over 2,000 items
Across all hockey equipment at Hockey Monkey, there are more items than we've seen at many competitors in our review. With almost 2,000 individual items in the inventory, you've got tons of options for gearing up for hockey season. Hockey Monkey offers 132 options for skates, 297 options for hockey sticks, 75 options for helmets, 300 different items across all protective gear, and 138 options for gloves. You'll find popular brands such as Bauer, CCM, Warrior, True, Sherwood, and more. Plus, browsing is simple with filters for categories, brands, price ranges, sizes, model families, age groups, and whether or not items are on clearance.
Prices from $1.98 to $1,199.99
To complete our price comparison for different hockey equipment sites in our review, we looked at three items that are replaced often during and between hockey seasons in adult sizing. We also found the most and least costly items at Hockey Monkey. Starting with the least costly, that was a Bauer RPT Spotmask which was on sale at $1.98. On the high end, we found the CCM Tacks XF Pro skates for $1,199.99. Across the most replaced categories (skates, sticks, and visors), these were the prices we found:
Sales up to 90% off
We found some serious sales on hockey equipment at Hockey Monkey. For example, some items were on sale (like hockey visors) for up to 90% off. On top of that, Hockey Monkey was offering a limited-time promotion for 15% off the items already on clearance. There was also a deal for Bauer items up to 25% off, and 30% off CCM sticks, skates, and protective gear. With other deals like $50 off Bauer Vapor League Pro hockey sticks or daily specials, you can find some serious deals at Hockey Monkey.
Enjoy returns within 1 year
Free shipping is offered on your hockey equipment with the purchase of certain skates (marked with a free shipping icon). You can also get free in-store pickup at locations that offer the items you want in stock. If you don't choose either of those options, standard shipping costs $13.99. On the bright side, Hockey Monkey offers a competitive return policy. You have a full year to decide if you'd like to make a return. However, the items must be in a new or unused condition with the original boxes, bags, and packaging to qualify.
Mixed feedback on customer service
Hockey Monkey stands out from the pack with a top-notch "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, reviews are a little more mixed on third-party review sites. Customers struggled to get responses from customer service when issues arose. For example, one customer got the wrong size socks sent, and when he attempted to reach customer service, there was no response. Others who like the company said they tried out Hockey Monkey "despite bad reviews," and found it to be extremely helpful, low cost, and high quality. On the other hand, with a 2.2-star average out of 5, there are more individuals with poor experiences.
Best for those looking for sales
While there are some mixed reviews for the customer service overall, the "A+" rating from the BBB is a high recommendation to consider Hockey Monkey for your hockey equipment. It's an easy site to browse, and it is a top contender if you're looking for sales and low-cost items from popular hockey brands. While we'd like to see higher review scores, Hockey Monkey remains a competitive option (and outperforms many sites that have no BBB rating to speak of).
Average
Perani's Hockey World is based out of Flint, Michigan where the flagship store and headquarters are located. Perani's Hockey World got started in 1976 when Bob Perani, who played pro hockey locally, decided he wanted to provide high-quality hockey equipment to others. Since then, the company has grown to have 20 retail stores across the US. Promising the "lowest prices" and "biggest selection" of new products, Perani's Hockey World is a one-stop shop for hockey equipment for all levels.
High inventory of hockey sticks
Like many hockey equipment sites in our review, to find what you want to buy at Perani's Hockey World, you'll need to narrow down pretty specifically. For example, shopping for helmets requires you to narrow down to helmet accessories, helmets only, helmet combos, helmet cages, or helmet shields before you can see the available inventory. There were only 29 options for shields and cages, but we found over 180 options for skates. There were over 100 options for hockey gloves, and the largest inventory item was hockey sticks with around 350 options for composite sticks and an additional 15 customizable hockey sticks. You can find popular brands such as Bauer, Warrior, CCM, Sherwood, True, and more.
Prices from $0.99 to $1,199
To compare costs at Perani's Hockey World, we focused on adult sizing only and looked at the three items that are most likely to need replacement during or between hockey seasons: skates, sticks, and visors or masks. We also looked for the least and most costly hockey equipment at Perani's Hockey World. At the low end is a street hockey puck for $0.99. The most costly item is a pair of CCM Tacks XF Pro Hockey Skates for $1,199.99. For our three categories, this is what we found:
Sales around 50% off
While there weren't any seasonal sales or limited-time promotions running at the time of our review, Perani's Hockey World had a competitive section of sale hockey equipment in its inventory. Many of the items were at least 50% off. For the most part, coupon codes, promos, and special offers are provided when you sign up for Perani's Hockey World's eClub email membership.
30-day return policy with high shipping costs
Shipping costs at Perani's Hockey World depend on how much hockey equipment you buy, but not the way that stores normally do it. Instead of offering less costly shipping when you buy more items, Perani's Hockey World charges more due to the higher weight of the items. For example, purchases from $0 to $99 will cost $10.99 in flat-rate shipping. If you order something for $100 or more, you'll pay $13.99 in shipping fees. The return policy for Perani's Hockey World is 30 days, and you have a few options. If you wish to complete an exchange, you can do so with no restocking fees, though you will need to pay the shipping costs for the new item to be sent to you. If you make a return for a full refund, you will need to keep everything in the original packaging or you will be charged a 25% restocking fee. You will also be responsible for any return shipping costs.
Popular for friendly customer service
Currently, Perani's Hockey World is not rated by the Better Business Bureau and the only third-party review site that we could find feedback on is Yelp. On the bright side, Perani's Hockey World has a competitive 4-star average rating there. The majority of the reviews are from customers who shopped at one of the brick-and-mortar locations rather than completed online shopping with Perani's Hockey World. In general, the consensus is that the employees at this hockey equipment retailer are extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the different brands, sizes, and uses of hockey gear at different levels. There are tons of 5-star reviews, though the most recent feedback is from 2 months before the date of our review, which might suggest fewer customers use this site overall.
Check it out for tons of hockey stick options
While we'd like to see more reviews for Perani's Hockey World's online shopping experience (especially given the limitations with shipping and refunds), it is a favorite if you're located near one of the brick-and-mortar stores. With a large inventory of must-haves, and custom hockey sticks too, it's worth a look for your next hockey equipment purchase. While some sites have larger sales, Perani's Hockey World is competitive with its large inventory, earning it a decent rating overall in our review (mostly because of its less-than-stellar shipping and return policies).
Average
Dick's Sporting Goods got its start in 1948 when it was founded by Dick Tack who was just 18 years old. He began working at an army surplus store and built his experience selling fishing equipment. Today, Dick's Sporting Goods is a store known for having a little of everything. Whether you're a golf fan, a softball player, looking for little league gear, or searching for hockey equipment, you can find a wide inventory to choose from.
Choose from over 1,000 hockey items
Dick's Sporting Goods offers 1,060 different products under the hockey equipment umbrella, from blade guards and targets to sticks, and even off-the-rink gear. You can find competitive hockey brands like Bauer, CCM, Franklin, Mylec, Sher-Wood, and more. 235 of the items in stock were hockey sticks, 63 options for gloves, 84 pairs of skates, and over 100 different items under "protective gear" such as body guards, body pads, helmets, and mouth guards. Searching for what you need on Dick's Sporting Goods' website is a breeze, too. You can either search with the built-in categories or use the search bar and filters to find what you need. You can narrow your options by deals, gender, brand, product type, size, surface type, and price. The only oddity we ran into was the pricing filters "low to high" vs. "high to low" were reversed at Dick's Sporting Goods.
Prices from $12.99 to $1,799.99
For our price comparison at this hockey equipment retailer, we looked at three categories: hockey skates, hockey sticks, and hockey masks/visors. We focused our pricing comparison on adult gear. Outside of our main categories, the least expensive item sold by Dick's Sporting Goods is Howie's Hockey clear tape for $12.99. The most expensive item overall is the True Temper Sports Senior Goalie Pads for $1,799.99. As for our other categories, here's what you can expect cost-wise:
Sales up to 50% off
There were a few sales available at Dick's Sporting Goods. At the time of our review, there was a 50% off deal on certain items for a seasonal promotion. You can also get an additional 10% off if you shop with (or open) a Dick's Sporting Goods credit card, though it's not necessary to do so. Beyond that, there are tons of items in the clearance section (including hockey equipment), so make sure you check that out before you make your final purchase.
Free shipping on $65+ for most customers
To score the best deal on free shipping for your hockey equipment purchase, you'll need a Dick's Sporting Goods account. If you sign in with your account, you'll get free shipping on orders $49+. If you don't want an account, you will have a slightly higher threshold for free shipping at $65+. If you choose to pick up your item in-store, you can get free curbside or in-store pickup (for available items). The return policy is 90 days for most products and is free whether you do a shipping return or curbside.
Negative in-person shopping experiences
Regrettably, as we see with some major retailers, Dick's Sporting Goods has an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau. On top of that, it currently holds a 1.7-star rating on Trustpilot. According to by-location reviews on Yelp, the experience can differ depending on which store you choose, so it may be helpful to research your local Dick's Sporting Goods. Even if you're shopping online, the site will choose a "primary store" for you. You can change this if you find a store with a better rating. However, in general, customers complained that those who work at Dick's Sporting Goods were not knowledgeable. The most common issue is that items are shown "in stock" for a particular location, and then are not found when customers go to get the items after placing the order online. There are also reports of items lost or orders missing during curbside pickup. In general, it may be safer to do your shopping online at Dick's Sporting Goods and have your hockey gear shipped to you.
Best for online shoppers only
Dick's Sporting Goods does offer a range of items for hockey equipment as well as deals on tons of other sports. However, with the concerning reviews regarding the in-person shopping experience at Dick's Sporting Goods locations, you might want to stick to online orders. With free shipping on large enough orders and free returns, there isn't a lot to lose, but if you want the best deals or free shipping, you might want to look at another hockey equipment store instead.
Fair
Pro Stock Hockey is a standout hockey equipment retailer, as it promises to use the same sticks and materials used by pros. Rather than offering general "retail" hockey equipment, Pro Stock Hockey focuses on high-grade materials, customized sticks, and gear that is manufactured differently than traditional equipment. Don't worry, though - this isn't just "used" hockey sticks that are hand-me-downs from pros. These are new hockey sticks that are custom-made based on the specifications of NCAA pro athletes. Due to the improved durability of the pro-level items, Pro Stock Hockey's hockey equipment is ideal for those who tend to break their gear more quickly.
Over 2,000 items in inventory
Pro Stock Hockey has an impressive inventory even considering the specialized nature of the products. So, for hockey sticks, you can expect to find over 400 pro sticks in stock. There are also almost 220 different skates, 430+ gloves, and around 30 options for helmets. The browsing experience is very clean and you can find all your favorite hockey equipment brands, including CCM, Warrior, Bauer, and True, among others.
Prices from $7.70 to $899.99
To compare prices at Pro Stock Hockey with other hockey equipment retailers in our review, we looked at the price ranges for three items that regularly need replacing like skates, sticks, and visors/masks (in adult sizing). We also checked out the full price range of items offered at Pro Stock Hockey. The lowest prices start at $7.79 for practice socks for the Philadelphia Flyers. The highest-cost item at Pro Stock Hockey was the Bauer Supreme Shadow Skates (designed for Jonathan Marchessault) which were $899.99. As for the other items, here are the prices we found:
Sales up to 50% off on clearance page
There were a few promotions and time-sensitive sales offered at Pro Stock Hockey. First, we saw a hockey season sale for 40% off in kids' gear. Pro Stock Hockey also offered 3 rolls of Howies Tape with every stick purchase. If you want to check out the clearance pages, you'll find additional discounts on hockey equipment. For example, Pro Stock Hockey offered sticks that were up to 50% off depending on which stick you choose.
30-day one-time stick replacement
Pro Stock Hockey offers a 30-day stick guarantee that states that if your stick breaks within 30 days during normal playing conditions, you can qualify for a one-time replacement with the identical stick. However, returns are a bit of a problem. Every item on Pro Stock Hockey is "final sale." The policy states that while you may be able to get a return in some circumstances, on the off chance it is accepted by Pro Stock Hockey, you will be responsible for the shipping costs.
No review presence on trusted sites
Regrettably, there are almost no reviews for Pro Stock Hockey on Trustpilot or any other trusted third-party review site. Pro Stock Hockey also does not currently have a page on the Better Business Bureau either. On the few sites where there are reviews for Pro Stock Hockey, the rating is a competitive 4 stars out of 5, but this only accounts for 17 total customer reviews, and the actual details of the reviews are not included on the site. In general, it is unclear how much you should trust Pro Stock Hockey, especially considering the total lack of a return policy.
Only for buyers that must have pro gear
While the draw of pro-level gear can be a must-have for some, especially if you're someone who frequently breaks gear, it may not be worth the hype. With so few reviews and no BBB presence, it's hard to tell whether Pro Stock Hockey is trustworthy or not. However, its return policy (or lack thereof) means that if you buy hockey equipment from Pro Stock Hockey, you're stuck with it. So, plan accordingly if you plan to shop here.
Weak
Great Skate is an online retailer that has been around for 49+ years. Claiming to have the largest selection of hockey equipment in North America, Great Skate sounds like a competitive stop if you want more than just the basic or familiar brands. Plus, Great Skate has a team of specialists who are available to answer all your hockey gear-related questions any time you need. However, according to some customers, the reality isn't quite as exciting.
Confusing browsing categories
The inventory at Great Skate is vast, so the company splits out all of the hockey equipment into categories to make it easier to browse. There were 138 different pairs of skates, 146 options for hockey sticks, about 100 pairs of gloves, and 30 options for helmets. While overall, Great Skate offers more items than many competitors, the selection is not so much larger than close competitors that it completely stands out. Further, shopping for some items like gloves can be more difficult, as certain categories are combined where others aren't. For example, "skates" is its own category; however, gloves fall under "player protective", and from there you can only select by brand. You can't see all the gloves unless you shop "all player protective" which also includes pads, skates, helmets, and more in the results.
Prices from $4.99 to $1,199.99
To complete our price comparison, we looked at the three most frequently replaced hockey equipment items at each retailer. These include hockey skates, hockey sticks, and hockey visors or face shields. We were also only looking at adult items for this cost comparison. Across the entire site, the least expensive item was a pair of hockey skate laces for $4.99. The most costly item was a CCM Tacks XF Pro set of hockey skates for $1,199.99. As for the other popular items, here's what we found:
Sales up to 40% off
Our research showed specific promotions for 25% off 2023 Bauer Vapor Skates and other hockey equipment from that brand. There was also a sale for about 40% off Warrior Alpha LX2 hockey gloves. Beyond that, most of the sales were in the "outlet" part of the store. However, there are fewer sales overall at Great Skate than we saw at competing hockey equipment retailers.
$11.99 shipping and 30-day refunds
Great Skate does not offer free shipping at any threshold. The best deal you can get for shipping costs is a flat-rate cost of $11.99, which is only for eligible purchases of $100+. Additionally, some items, like composite sticks ordered from the "outlet" page, will be charged with an additional $15 shipping charge that is nonrefundable. You have 30 days to return your hockey equipment purchase if you don't like it. If you try to make a return after 30 days, your refund will come in the form of store credit.
Issues with inventory and customer service
It is almost impossible to find reviews for Great Skate at trusted third-party review sites. There is no Better Business Bureau page for Great Skate, nor does it have a review presence on Trustpilot or Sitejabber. We did find a few reviews on Yelp, but this showed a lower-than-average score of 2.5 stars out of 5. According to recent reviews, Great Skate has "terrible customer service" and multiple reviewers noted that items that were stated to be available online were not in stock. Further, one customer had an out-of-stock item replaced with a similar one, which cost more. When the customer tried to cancel his order, it was unable to be refunded.
Doesn't quite deliver on promises
While Great Skate promises to have the largest hockey equipment inventory and lowest prices, we're not so sure it delivers. The inventory is competitive, but not the largest we've seen, and the costs are pretty comparable as well. Plus, there are fewer discounts and sales across the board. With almost no reviews for this hockey equipment retailer, it's hard to tell whether or not it's as problematic as some hockey players claim on Yelp. Overall, we would exercise caution (especially with a return policy that won't cover shipping).
Weak
Academy Sports is a sporting and outdoor activity store that doubles as an online and brick-and-mortar retail provider. With tons of gear that includes camping, leisure, and hockey equipment, this store is a one-stop shop for hockey players and the whole family too. Academy Sports has its headquarters in Houston, TX, and whether you're looking for fishing, hunting, or high-level sports, you'll find plenty of items to browse.
169 items to choose from
Academy Sports currently has 169 items for hockey in its inventory. There are a competitive number of popular hockey brands like CCM, Franklin, STX, Warrior, and Zoombang. There are 40 different hockey sticks in stock, 8 items for hockey gloves, 5 pairs of skates, and 8 items for protective gear and clothing (including pants and socks). While Academy Sports is a decent one-stop shop for all sporting goods, if you're looking for a large inventory of hockey equipment, you may be a little disappointed. Plus, finding things on the site is somewhat difficult. There wasn't a search category for hockey masks, and using the search bar turned up 28 pages of results with only one item actually being the hockey mask we were looking for.
Prices from $3.99 to $275.99
To do a price comparison at each of our hockey equipment retailers, we looked at three categories across all inventory items. These are the most popular (and most frequently replaced) hockey equipment pieces: hockey skates, hockey sticks, and hockey masks/visors. We focused our pricing comparison on adult gear. Across the board, the least expensive item sold by Academy Sports is a practice hockey puck for $3.99. The most expensive item overall is a RAVE Sports Hockey Tarp for $275.99. As for the other item categories, here's what you can expect:
Sales up to 75% off
At the time of our review, there were plenty of sales to enjoy. Clearance clothing items were up to 75% off. Plus, military or first responders can score a 10% off deal on anything on the site. Finally, there was also a limited-time offer of 40% off the entire store. Some of these sales may rotate or change out, so if you don't find a good deal on hockey equipment (and you're not in a rush), you might want to check back from time to time to see if the savings options have changed.
60-day return policy and free shipping on $50+
The shipping policy at Academy Sports offers free 2-day shipping for orders $150+ if you have a myAcademy account. If you just want regular shipping (not 2-day shipping), you can score that on orders $25+ with a myAcademy account or $50+ if you don't have or want an account with Academy Sports. Further, you can ask for a refund for your hockey equipment within 60 days of your original purchase date. All returns to an in-store location are free of charge.
Reputation for difficult returns
Unfortunately, Academy Sports doesn't have a top-notch reputation. Currently, this hockey equipment site is not rated by the Better Business Bureau, and when we checked other trusted third-party review sites like Trustpilot and Sitejabber, Academy Sports held an average rating of 1.4 out of 5 and 1.3 out of 5 respectively. Recent customers complained that Academy Sports didn't have high-quality items. One reviewer claimed that the site carries "the lower end of product lines." Further, despite having an emailed receipt, customers struggled to make returns as Academy Sports "couldn't find" records of the purchase. Overall, customers dislike the customer service, and reviews consistently warn other buyers away.
Check out if quality isn't a must-have
While the savings might be worth it if you're a beginner hockey player, Academy Sports doesn't stand out for any other purpose. With lower-quality items in stock, troubles making returns (despite a listed return policy), and a much lower inventory than we've seen at other hockey equipment sites, Academy Sports comes in as one of the lowest-rated hockey retailers in our review. Considering the difficulties mentioned by previous buyers, Academy Sports comes in near the bottom of our ratings.
Poor
If you're looking for a site that specializes in hockey equipment, Discount Hockey is a place to look. Discount Hockey was originally its own retailer, but in 2019, the company merged with xHockeyProducts to increase the variety of gear offered. So, if you see the xHockeyProducts badge across the site, don't worry - it's all the same brand. Whether you're looking for pro or beginner gear, you'll find plenty of hockey items on Discount Hockey, but if you're looking for the lowest costs, you might be disappointed.
Choose from around 1,300 items
Discount Hockey offers around 1,300 different items for hockey players of all levels. You'll find around 108 different pairs of skates, over 200 different options for hockey sticks, around 24 options for gloves, and more. However, browsing at Discount Hockey isn't the most intuitive. You have to narrow it down to very specific categories if you want to start shopping. For example, you can't just browse all the accessories. Instead, you need to pick from "jerseys and socks" or "bags" and then you'll be able to start browsing. So if you need multiple pieces of hockey equipment, it can take some back-and-forth clicking around.
Prices from $3.99 to $1,119.99
To complete our price comparison at Discount Hockey, we checked out the three most often replaced items for hockey players (specifically, equipment for adults). These include hockey skates, hockey sticks, and hockey visors or masks. If you're interested in the full price range for hockey equipment, the least expensive item at Discount Hockey was a pair of skate laces for $3.99. The most costly item we found was the Bauer Supreme Shadow Senior Ice Hockey Skates for $1,119.99. As for the three item categories, here's what we found:
Sales between 20%-54% off
At the time of our review, there were a few promotions that might help keep costs down. There was a 30% off deal for CCM and JetSpeed brand skates and protective gear. Discount Hockey was also offering a 40% off deal on CCM hockey sticks. For other hockey equipment, you can find sales between 20%-54% off clearance items across the site.
Lackluster policies for shipping and returns
Shipping at Discount Hockey is a flat-rate cost of $14 per order. The only way to get free shipping is to spend $200+ on your order. This is a much higher threshold for free shipping than we've seen at other retailers. On top of that, returns are limited at Discount Hockey. Hockey equipment must be in new and unused condition in the original box and packaging. Even if your shipping was free for the initial purchase, you may have shipping deducted from your return total if you send something back. You have 30 days from the original shipping date (not the date you received the item) to make your return.
Concerning lack of reviews and scam reports
There is currently no Better Business Bureau page for Discount Hockey. Further, there are no reviews for this site on trusted third-party platforms like Trustpilot or Sitejabber. There seem to be a lot of customers questioning whether or not Discount Hockey is a "scam site" on different chat boards. The only place where Discount Hockey has a decent review presence is Facebook. However, there aren't many Facebook reviews, and in general, we see customers complaining about not getting their money back and feeling "scammed" by the site.
Not a reliable online store
With almost no benefits that outperform other hockey equipment sites in our review, Discount Hockey doesn't stand out from the pack. It doesn't have reviews from trusted third-party sites and the reviews we did see on discussion boards question the validity of the site, not to mention the high threshold for free shipping and questionable costs for returning items during the 30-day window. Without more feedback for it, Discount Hockey falls to the bottom of our list. Given the reports of possible scams here, you may want to trust your hockey shopping to a more reliable and established site.
Continued from above...
Hockey is one of the most popular winter sports around. It got started in 1875 and was the first indoor sport played in Montreal. Ice hockey is Canada's national winter sport, but it is also played in the United States and across Europe. As a local sport that can also lead to the Olympics, hockey players are serious about their lifestyle, gear, and acquiring the right tools for the trade. So, finding, and buying the top quality hockey equipment (and doing so without breaking the bank) is a must - whether you're picking out your first pair of skates or you're a seasoned hockey pro.
But where do you find reliable hockey equipment without overspending before you even hit the rink? Thankfully, tons of online retailers offer hockey equipment, so getting new gloves, skates, or even practice pucks is a breeze. All you need to worry about is finding it at the right price. If you're a new player or your child is just starting out, you'll want to make sure your chosen site has all the basics: a helmet with a face mask, skates, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and shin guards. There are also specific hockey pants and socks that help you protect your body and keep things like shin guards in place.
According to our research, players say that some of the items you need to replace most regularly can also be some of the most costly. Things like skates, sticks, and masks are all frequently replaced during the hockey season. So, finding good deals on these items (as well as other hockey must-haves) can keep you safe while playing your (or your child's) sport. Finding an online store of hockey equipment that stocks all your must-haves as well as any extras that might support you during the hockey season is essential.
Whether you're a pro looking to refresh your gear or you have a child joining her first hockey match, there are tons of places to get everything you need. After all, buying hockey equipment online can be a helpful way to save some money on your chosen sport. But with so many online retailers available, it can be hard to know where to start. To help, we've put together a few factors that can help you pick the best starting point:
To help you find the best sites for savings on your favorite sport, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best hockey equipment retailers available online today. So, whether you're looking for skates, sticks, or just want to refresh your practice gear, there are tons of options out there. Go grab your fantastic deals on hockey equipment ASAP, so you can get back to working toward that Stanley Cup!
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