9 replies to this topic

[quizzylish]

Hello all new to the site. A buddy of mine had a long hiatus from hockey and decided to get back into it. He was shocked and absolutely abhored at the pricing of high end equipment. $900 skates, $280 sticks, $310 helmets......he couldn't believe it. Then he laughed at the closeouts. 800 dollar skates marked down to 329 dollars. What the hell happened in the last 12 years or so he asked. I said composite and multi material construction. I could find myself losing the argument though.

Have manufactures and retailers priced themselves out of their own market?? We felt like all equipment is now a close out purchase cycle. No one really buys the latest greatest equipment, sure some do. Most get the close out from the year before for a 50-65% discount. Technology from one year to the next doesn't change that much to warrant new pricing. I did say though, sticks have become much more efficient with shot increase and velocity. Skates have become much lighter. With all being said we couldn't justify the major price increases over the years. Are equipment manufacturers doomed? Is this about a new higher level of elite, pro style equipment for 900 bucks? Are the 400-500 dollar skates comparable to the high end market of 10-12 years ago? Let me know how you guys feel. Thanks.

[- M]

Some people will want the latest and greatest but the majority of recreational players won't.  Closeouts are good value if your size/spec are available.  Not that much changes from year to year unless the manufacturer is correcting something catastrophic (ex. the outsoles on the original Easton Mako separating from the boot)

 

Skates have come a long way in the past 10-12 years.  I still own a pair of Vapor 10s for nostalgic reasons but they are heavy, clunky skates compared to the $400-500 skates nowadays.

[Moose]

Tell him to buy and use pro stock. You can get top of the line gear for fraction of what retail sells for!. My new pro stock Apx gloves were half price of retail same with pants. Every time I walk into my LHS and see gloves for 209.99 I am thankful I found this site!

[Moose]

Also, in my opinion the middle of the line gear seems to be the best bet.

[flip12]

Moose is spot on. Especially for sticks, the "middle of the line rule" is perfect for me: around $150 retail for a perfectly balanced, neither too light, nor too fragile model. Then there's the bonus of stocking up cheaper during sales to make room for the next line.

[Dupes]

1 word: Technology.

 

Like most industries, prices have gone up mostly because of new technologies.

For example, try a pair of 15 yrs old skates and then try a pair of the latest high end model, you will most likely be blown away.

[Gontrand]

I dont know why youre so upset with the prices of hockey gear. Its not that bad. All you have to do is rob banks and then you can afford it.

I used to take second mortgages on my house too, but that will only take you that far..

[Mapleleafs-13]

I dont know why youre so upset with the prices of hockey gear. Its not that bad. All you have to do is rob banks and then you can afford it.

I used to take second mortgages on my house too, but that will only take you that far..

 

i'm a part time gigolo on weekends and sell drugs to cover the rest, that's how i support the habit, 

[Cosmic]

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[thefrozenpond]

Everyone has a vice...