Consider Level of Play.

When considering which hockey gloves to purchase, the most important factor to consider is the type or level of play the hockey gloves will be used for. If you're not playing in a highly competitive league, there is little need for superior protection and any glove will serve you well. Beyond this, you have the freedom to spend as much as you like for extra features that enhance the overall comfort and feel of the gloves. The higher price tags do reflect higher quality but it is important to note that higher prices generally reflect features that are concerned primarily with comfort.

Hockey Glove Design

When considering hockey gloves designs, some have air vents, some have a shock absorption systems, and some have great mobility. Yes, protection is a concern, but few hockey gloves will unnecessarily leave your hands exposed to injury and even NHL players suffer hand injuries while wearing the latest and greatest. Most have adequate protection. A difference between hockey gloves with varying price tags is that nice gloves will generally allow more mobility without sacrificing protection. Small details and design advances may allow your fingers to feel less restricted. The most obvious difference in protection between cheaper and more expensive gloves is the wrist protection. Some of the nicer gloves will provide a bit more protection for your wrist when your wrist is bent by using a very flexible and mobile inner cuff that stays on your wrist more of the time. A more subtle difference is the thumb protection. Some of the nicer gloves will allow you to move your thumb more freely without sacrificing protection. A classic design difference that exists today is the way the padding is designed on the back of the hand. Traditional gloves have the "4 roll" protection on the back of the hand which can be described as individual horizontal pads stacked on top of each other to bend in one direction towards the fingers. Newer designs have ergonomically designed flex points that allow for more directional movement. Expensive hockey gloves can be found with both types of designs.

If your are playing competitively and are concerned with both comfort and protection, then you should really consider a nice pair of gloves. Having excellent protection will provide confidence while playing and having an excellent feel of your stick is crucial for puck handling. If you are playing in a recreation league in which no one is trying to slash your hands and you have no fear of a different colored jersey trying to chop wood in front of the net with a mid-curve, then feel free to buy nearly anything. Your gloves will likely look brand new until the palm wears out.

Hockey Glove Fitting

When determining which size to purchase, find a glove that allows you to hold on to your stick without leaving your fingertips exposed. If you're fingers are exposed, they will eventually get hit. Also, consider the cuff and the range of motion it allows as well as the protection it provides. Some players wear extra wrist protection inside their gloves to cover the exposed part of the arm between the glove and the elbow pad and some gloves have taken steps to address this sensitive and periodically exposed area by adding interior wrist protection. Also, exterior cuff length can vary to accomodate different preferences and making sure your cuff works well with your elbow pad is worth considering. A bad relationship between your glove and your elbow pad can noticeably restrict your rang of motion. Beyond all this, just find a glove that’s comfortable. If you have adequate mobility for your fingers and wrist and enough protection to feel comfortable, then you've found what you need.

For more information and discussion, visit HockeyConsumer.com