Wednesday, May 18th
2022 Hockey Equipment Store Reviews
Academy Sports + Outdoors
- Return Policy: Refunds given with proof of purchase with no time limit
Academy Sports originated in San Antonio, Texas in 1938. When they first started out, they were only selling tires. They have since expanded into the sporting goods and outdoor gear market. There are over 250 brick-and-mortar stores throughout the US, which means customers can shop online and pick up their order in-store if they live close to one of their locations.
Competitive Pricing
Compared to other hockey retailers, pricing for products at Academy Sports is competitive. For exchanges or returns, customers can send products back as long as they still have proof of purchase to go along with it. Academy Sports specifies that customers have 60 days to return their products. As long as products are resellable, they remain eligible for returns.
Sparse Hockey Equipment
It's easy to navigate Academy Sports' website and simple to narrow down the products you may be looking for. However, this won't matter much if they don't have what you are looking for. When it comes to hockey equipment, your options are sparse with this retailer. Other sports carry a bigger inventory, but for hockey players, you might want to look elsewhere just for the sake of having more products to choose from.
BBB Warning
One of the most concerning aspects of Academy Sports is the warning given to potential customers on their Better Business Bureau (BBB) listing. Academy Sports is not accredited and does not receive a specific rating from the BBB, but many disputes have led to the following post about their practices:
"It has been alleged by consumers that the sales and practices of Academy Sports & Outdoors are misleading and deceptive. Several of the complainants state the products received are used items. Also, complainants allege Academy Sports & Outdoors does not adhere to the 90 day return policy and fails to refund consumers. Additionally, customers allege they show concern when complaining about less-than-satisfactory experiences with employees, and negative customer services issues."
Dont Waste Your Time
This is a huge red flag for us. On top of the fact that they don't have very many hockey products for their customers to browse, we don't feel like Academy Sports has much going for them. We recommend that you skip over this store and not risk dealing with customer service or being disappointed with the products you receive.
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Where is the Best Place to Buy Hockey Equipment?
To play hockey, you'll need a good helmet, skates, stick, mouthguard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, pants and more. Needless to say, playing any sport, including hockey, requires a lot of gear. If you're just starting out in the sport, finding an online store that sells everything you need, in one place, is key.
Since there are so many things that a hockey player needs, the cost for buying and replacing gear could add up quickly. Shopping online helps manage costs by allowing customers to compare prices between stores and brands. It's also helpful for beginners to easily see a list of all the equipment they might need to successfully get on the ice and play.
Hockey Equipment Store FAQ
Continued from above...
Shopping online for hockey equipment provides a couple of perks over visiting the local sporting goods store. Customers can be picky about their purchases from the comfort of their own home. Reading customer reviews and comparing prices facilitates smart shopping. This is something you don't get when you shop in-person.
Not all retailers are created equal, of course. Before purchasing hockey equipment, we suggest you keep the following criteria in mind:
- Cost. How does the pricing of one hockey product compare with the cost of the same item through other retailers?
- Return Policy. What if you purchase some equipment that doesn't perform to your expectations or fit the right way?
- Selection. An extensive inventory will provide the biggest range of options for customers to choose from when it comes to brands, styles, and quality.
To help you find the best hockey equipment, TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked a variety of retailers to give you an idea of which choice might be the most effective for you. We hope this information helps you find all the equipment you need for your next hockey game!
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