As our players grow, the hockey gear we have invested in gets outgrown. It’s just a fact of hockey life. When it’s time to replace these pieces of equipment, are there strategies to save money? Yes! The easiest way for any hockey family to save money on gear is to buy used equipment either online or in-store.
There are some pieces that I will not buy used due to safety reasons , but the majority of gear I will buy second hand. Here are my personal favorite online marketplaces and physical stores to shop for your youth hockey player’s next piece of equipment.
In-Store
Play It Again Sports
LOVE Play It Again Sports! Sports equipment can be notoriously hard to size without trying it on. Each brand has their own sizing and fit. Being able to visit a physical store and try on different brands and styles is almost a necessity for fast growing kids and teens.
In addition to used gear, you can also purchase new. This is amazing for one-stop shopping. Just make sure you double check the price tag if you are planning on buying used. I once grabbed a pair of gloves that I thought were used for about $30 and they turned out to be new for about $90. That was a shock at the register!
Online
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is usually the first online place I head to when needing a specific brand and model of gear. I have seen everything from sticks to skates that are barely used and hundreds of dollars brand new that are being sold for a fraction of the price.
Please make sure if you buy anything on Facebook Marketplace that you are doing so safely. It is all too easy for scams to be uploaded. Try to meet in person and actually look/try on at the gear before handing over any money.
Ebay
Ebay is an oldie but goodie when it comes to buying used online. I have not bought anything for hockey on Ebay yet, but it is always one of my first stops on online searches to see what is available.
Ebay has a robust setup to ensure that online buyers are not scammed out of their money and I appreciate the ability to return items if not listed correctly.
Sideline Swap
Sideline Swap is a new platform to me, but I have had wonderful luck with it. With off season here and many ice rinks shutting down their rinks for the warmer weather, I was on the hunt for roller blades. Not just any roller blades, however, but Marsblades.
I was having a really hard time finding an affordable pair to test out in the right sizes. My other go-tos for online searches were coming up empty and I was about to throw in the towel. That is until I have across a listing for the exact size and style I needed on Sideline Swap.
Sideline Swap is an online selling platform with the easy setup of Facebook Marketplace and the buyer and seller protections like Ebay. However, I was definitely unsure of whether I could trust this website.
I took a chance and ordered the exact pair of Marsblades I had been looking for(at more than half off the retail price). With no issues, the roller blades arrived just as expected and my kid couldn’t be happier.
Saving money on gear doesn’t have to be a hard process with so many options available to parents and players these days. With a little extra time spent searching for the right pieces, we can all save a lot of money.