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Posts Tagged ‘Buying’

For anyone new to winter sports and snowboarding in particular it can get quite expensive getting all the equipment and gear needed to indulge your winter pastime. There is the gear that you wear and the snowboard and related equipment. As the cost of buying this stuff can mount up it is natural to want to buy only the gear that is necessary. The snowboard bag might fit into this category as it does not seem o be an essential piece of equipment. This article will examine if you need a snowboard bag and what to look for if you plan to buy one.

First up, if you are buying a new snowboard there is a chance that you can get a deal on a free bag. This might be more appropriate at the end of the snowboard season or even the beginning. Most retailers, both off and online, offer some kind of bonus so don’t be shy to negotiate, as you are spending a lot of money on the board.

If you live close to the ski resort that you plan to visit over the winter then a snowboard bag is not essential. The chances are that you will be driving to the resort so you can stow your snowboard in the car. Obviously a bag protects it more and you can tie the bag down easier than a board, but it isn’t a priority to have a bag.

If you think that you will be visiting different resorts or flying to the resort then a bag is essential. Most airlines won’t let skis or snowboards onto the flight if they are not adequately packed. A snowboard bag will also protect the board from rough handling and potential scratching or denting of the leading edges.

If you decide that you want a bag then you will be struck be the wide variety of choices available. There are bags and covers. Snowboard covers are lightweight and aimed at protecting the board from surface scratches. They are cheaper than bags and ideal for storing a snowboard or when you don’t have to transport the board far.

Snowboard bags come in all shapes and styles. Many bags are designed to carry more than one snowboard. They also have space for other gear to be stored in the bag. For people that do a lot of flying to resorts some snowboard bags come with wheels so that it is easy to handle in airports.

You can choose the snowboard bag which can be worn like a backpack, or you can choose one that has straps with which to carry it about. In any case, you need to ensure that whatever other features your snowboard bag has, it must be water resistant and it should prevent the snowboard from becoming wet.

Another important feature to look for in your snowboard bag is that it is durable and built to last and can withstand the elements as well as rough handling, and that straps can easily bear the weight of the snowboard.

 

If you are a beginner planning to buy yourself a new pair of skates then here are some basic tips to get you started:

1.) Sizing Factor

Hockey skates should be a size or two smaller than your regular shoes. Buying hockey skates that are the same size as your running or athletic shoes may result to injury such as blisters and sprains. Too much space for your foot to move about in a loose hockey skate means that there are more possibilities of a blister forming or inaccurate movements during games or practice sessions. This possibility of inaccurate movement can affect the game and the way that you play.

It is better to have snug fitting ice hockey sticks than loose ones. Bear in mind when fitting hockey skates that your toes need to be able to feel the front end of the skate while you are positive that your heel is backed up into the back part of the skate as well. It is important that you lace up the hockey skates before even trying to move about with them to see how they fit you. You should also try to stand with the hockey skates laced up and then try to bend your knees to a point where you are almost squatting. In this position, you can feel the toe area loosen up a bit. This may be the right skate size for you. The reason for this exercise is due to the fact that when one skates, the knees are usually bent hence the need to concentrate of this particular position to be comfortable.

A few tips to keep in mind:

a.) Never make the mistake of buying skates to grow into. This will put you in a risk of injury.

b.) To test the skates make sure your toes feel the front end of the skate while your heel is backed up into the back part of the skate

c.) Different brands have different sizing guidelines. So make sure to check them out before you go for the buy.

2.) Length and Width

Both the length and width of the hockey skate can affect its fit. Do not try to compensate the length for the width or vice versa. You should have the right length and the right width to have the right hockey skate size. Some people think that they can compensate a wider skate for feet that actually need a longer length. This will give you an inaccurate skate size and may cause serious injury.

3.) Radius of the Blade

Radius of the blade is the amount of blade that is in direct contact with the ice. If you are a beginner skater it is recommended that you go for a larger blade radius. A radius of 5 inches should be a good choice. A larger radius increases stability and aids easy maneuverability along the ice surface.

4.) Break-in period

Break-in period of a skate is the amount of time it takes for the padded lining of the skate to get molded and adjusted to the shape of your feet. How soon the break-in happens depends on a lot of factors like the quality of lining and body-weight of the player among others. A heavier person will generally have a faster break-in period than a light person. So if you have lighter body mass, try to go for skates with a softer lining.

5.) New or Used Skates?

Hockey skates are supposed to be stiff. This is something that you should be aware of before buying hockey skates. Some people might opt to buy the less expensive used hockey skates instead of the more expensive brand new ones. Bear in mind that used skates may have lost their stiffness factor which is essential for more powerful skating action and support for the legs, feet and ankles.

Some cheap hockey skates may be less stiff than the more expensive ones. Buying cheaper hockey skates is only beneficial for those who have not made up their minds regarding playing hockey or not or for children who outgrow a skate easily within a year.

6.) Your Budget

A good pair of skates would cost you anything around $100 to $650. It is recommended not to buy expensive skates for your first pair. Until you play in a league you won’t know what position you are playing or what kind of skate with best accommodate it. Consider the first pair of skates as skates used for practice and introduction to the sport.

Good luck and play hard!

 

Skates don’t come cheap and they are perhaps one of the most important pieces of hockey equipment to a player. Therefore it becomes quite important to understand how to purchase skates that will aid your play and help you enjoy the game better. If you are a beginner and are planning to buy yourself a new pair of skates then here are some basic tips to get you started:

1.) Difference between sizing of hockey skates and regular shoes

Hockey skates are generally sized an inch or two smaller than your regular shoes. The reason they are sized smaller is for ankle support and stability. If you get them bigger you will have no support whatsoever and will have a better chance of falling. In addition too much space for your foot to move about in a loose hockey skate may result in injury such as blisters and sprains.

Here are a few points to keep in mind:

a.) Hockey skates need to have a tight fitting. Your toes should be able to feel the front end of the skate while your heel is backed up into the back part of the skate

b.) Different brands have different sizing guidelines. So make sure to check them out before you go for the buy.

c.) Lace up the hockey skates and try to move about by bending your knees to a point where you are almost squatting. In this position, you should feel the toe area loosen up a bit. Considering the fact that your knees will usually be bent as you skate, a feel of comfort in this position is important.

d.) Never buy skates to grow into. This will put you in a risk of injury.

e.) Try to go for boots that come with a multi layered boot construction and reinforced heel. Both these factors aid ankle stability

2.) Blade radius

Blade radius is the actual amount of blade that is in contact with the ice at any point of time. For beginner skaters a larger blade radius of around five inches is recommended. A larger radius increases stability and aids easy maneuverability along the ice surface.

To measure blade radius place the ends of the blades together (bottom to bottom). The length where the edges of the blades make contact is the blade radius.

3.) Break-in period

Break-in period of a skate is the amount of time it takes for the padded lining of the skate to get molded and adjusted to the shape of your feet. How soon the break-in happens depends on a lot of factors like the quality of lining and body-weight of the player among others. A heavier person will generally have a faster break-in period than a light person. So if you have lighter body mass, try to go for skates with a softer lining. You can also try the following tips to for a faster break-in:

a.) Blow hot air into your skate with a blow dryer keeping the dryer at a safe distance. Put the skate on immediately after around 3 minutes of blow drying. This will cause the foam to mold to your foot faster.

b.) Try coating the inside of your skates with thin layer of petroleum jelly, it softens them up. This will aid in a faster break-in as well

4.) Used or New Skates?

Hockey skates are supposed to be stiff. This is something that you should be aware of before buying them. Some people might opt to buy the less expensive used hockey skates instead of the more expensive brand new ones. Bear in mind that used skates may have lost their stiffness factor which is essential for more powerful skating action and support for the legs, feet and ankles.

5.) How much to invest?

You can buy a good pair of skates for anything around $100 to $700. It is recommended not to buy expensive skates for your first pair. Until you play in a league you won’t know what position you are playing or what kind of skate with best accommodate it. The first pair is more for practice and introduction to the sport.

Good luck and play hard!

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