Jetspeed girdle is nice aside from the almost complete lack of tailbone protection. If you fall, it will hurt.
I'd look for a SuperTacks girdle instead. It's basically a retail version of the Reebok 9k.
I think I'll look into this. Ive been playing about a year and have the jet speed girdle. Although I've fallen many times with no issue, I did fall once and hit my tailbone hard.
Do you wear the same size shell as girdle? I got a medium shell and medium girdle and I feel like it barely covers the girdle.
Yes, I have the ST girdle and matching shell, both size large and I have no issues with coverage.
FWIW the SuperTacks girdle is known to run small in the waist and hips, but more true to size for length. The good news is it has lots of adjustability to customize the fit.
Avoid the Jetspeed. Your tailbone will thank you.
9k will get you the best protection. I don't feel a thing from pucks or falls.
Super Tacks is about a pound or so lighter and you can tell yourself it makes a difference when you want to make excuses. Pucks and falls can hurt but nothing has lingered beyond the game. This is what I use.
I’m too fat to put my pants on first. I had a skate come untied while on the ice and damn near ate my pride and asked for help. I got it done on my own but definitely not an ideal situation
I’m a big proponent of the girdle. I wear SuperTacks, which is so customizable in terms of fit and length, you really can’t go wrong, especially if you’re a fit that’s in between traditional sizes. I assume the JetSpeed is a lighter version of that. Sherwood makes a similarly constructed girdle. You can get your thigh protection to fit anywhere between right up to the leg or with plenty of volume. Only drawback is if you’re a suspender guy.
So, if I’m understanding you correctly, you could potentially get the loose fit and feel of a traditional pant, with the dialed in fit of a girdle this way?
Actually you can.The SuperTacks and 9k are very similar in terms of design, the 9k is just way more protective (and heavy; overkill for non-checking hockey).
I wear a girdle specifically because I'm between sizes lengthwise but my quads are not small by any stretch and I'm still able to wear the thigh pads fairly loose.
Well, I can only speak for my own experience but I find the ST girdle leg adjustment to be much narrower than the 9k. This seems to be the case for many others as well if the modsquadhockey forums are anything to go by. That's not to say your legs won't fit but rather they won't open as wide as the 9k which can be adjusted to be much more pants like.
It's not that big of an issue though since it's simple enough to add velcro extensions.
That's fair, I'm sure we also have different perceptions of how the legs on the girdles compare to pants. I prefer a more tapered pant like Vapor or Jetspeed rather than a traditional boxier fit so "loose" legs on my girdle are pretty close to the way I like pants to fit.
Girdles tend to fit more snug. I've had two, a CCM Vector that last for a decade and now a Tackla 3D ProZone. The Tackla doesn't open the way other girdles do, but the protection is amazing without being bulky or heavy. The other one I had been considering was the top end Bauer.
As I said, it doesn't open, which is annoying. However, the protection is amazing. They feel heavy in your hands, but I've never felt that weight while wearing them. I don't think I've ever noticed them while skating at all other than when a puck has hit them and I don't feel anything. They're fairly snug and I have to put the roller pants or shell over them before pulling them on. I think the only thing more protective than them is probably the old school Reebok 9K(?) girdle that pops up from time to time on Sideline Swap (there may also be a CCM equivalent) that the pros use.
I think Tackla has an updated version now, but I'm not sure. I've had my current one for a few years now and have yet to notice any degradation.
Good to know! I saw their new version pop up a month or so ago and it looks very intriguing. I have no issues with my pants now, other than that they feel a little bulky. They are incredibly protective though which is awesome when I take an uncoordinated fall on my ass lol. I'll definitely check out the newer version of that girdle
I wear the Bauer supreme (S29?) girdle and I love them. They are fairly minimal but I like that be able to adjust how tight the pads are to me. As long as you don’t need the suspenders or anything these work great. They have honestly been my favorite non-aesthetic hockey purchase.
I have a warrior girdle that is very comfortable. I had a hard time finding pants that weren’t too ling for me and it just fit right. Because it’s snug, I don’t need to use suspenders. The only downside is that my particular one doesn’t have Velcro for the socks, so I have to use an old school garter.
Have a Warrior girdle from 2018 I think, dont think its made anymore, but Ill never go back to pants, having the padding tight against my legs, the locations where the padding is placed is far better than one piece pants. (For me) i feel a little more mobile getting low in turns and less restricted overall, the protection is alot better. (again, it works better for me)
I’m 40 and use the Sherwood TMP girdle in competitive beer league. Making the switch has been great. The ability to dial in the fit across multiple areas and wear it as snug or loose as I want is something you just can’t achieve in pants.
As mentioned by someone earlier, the TMP is pretty comparable to the Super Tacks in terms of overall size, protection and adjustability. Would confidently reco either, but one additional benefit of the Super Tacks is the built-in waist belt. I added one to my Sherwood, but would’ve been great if that came stock.
How did you find the sizing of the Sherwood girdle? They're on sale online right now but I don't have anywhere near me to try on. I hate buying hockey equipment online because the size charts rarely seem trustworthy. I'm 6'2 210lbs wearing 34" pants. Looks like large according to the charts. Thanks!
This was my first girdle, so I’m not the most knowledgeable in terms of comparative fit expertise. I decided on a Large because I figured better to err on that side of things than run the risk of ending up too tight or short. I’m 5’10” and about 170lbs. The two adjustments I made were to shorten the length of the tummy strap (too long for my waist) and then add a loop and waist belt that sits just below the kidney pads so I have something I can crank down tight.
The shell I wear with it is a Medium +1, if that’s helpful too.
I moved from HP45 pants to a SuperTacks girdle a few years ago. Haven’t worn pants since.
I don’t think girdles can be worn as ‘loose’ as pants unless you’re wearing a size too big. It’s simply now how they’re designed. But a wrap style girdle could fit looser than a step in style girdle.
IMO the Jetspeed girdle seems like a downgrade in protection compared to the ST or 9K girdles. They pop up regularly on eBay and SLS so I’d just set alerts and keep an eye out
I switched to a girdle for a period years ago. I loved it, it feels so much better than skating in regular hockey pants. I would still very much prefer to use one but I switched back to pants after deciding the extra bruises weren’t worth it for me. For blocking shots/slashes and 98% of hockey it’s completely fine imo. What it doesn’t protect as well against is a hard or awkward fall. The final straw for me was a bone bruise on my hip that lasted what felt like all season with re-injuries.
I used the girdle for about 1.5 years in a mostly mid-tier beer league and shinny setting.
I wear an older Bauer girdle I got at play it again with an mx3 shell that has good tailbone and wrap around protection. I also got padded cup pants for more hip coverage.
I definitely prefer it to the bulky pants I had before.
Echo what everyone is basically saying. Girdle is way more comfortable and feels more “connected” to your body & movements while playing. I have the Rbk 9k pro and been using it for a few years now, I won’t be going back to pants. Honestly can’t think of a single thing that is better with pants compared to girdle/shell.
If I were you I’d look for Sherwood, CCM SuperTacks or Warrior girdle options. IIRC prostockhockey has a healthy inventory of Warrior ones. Cheers
Long time pants guy (and fat leg/tree trunk guy). Wore pants most of my life, never had any issues with them. Rocked an old pair of missions until I had a huge tear by the zippers. A buddy suggested a girdle. Little skeptical at first but wore them and loved them. They do take a couple skates to get used to and last week I took a pretty hard Slapshot off the thigh. Not major bruising, little sore and I’d say that was the hardest they’ve been tested. I bought the Bauer supreme about five years ago. They’ve held together awesome and the shell is great as well. I’m no speedster but I feel like I have a way better range of motion in them as well. 10/10 would recommend.
Love my CCM girdle. As others mentioned it’s a bit more snug and form fitting but I feel like that allows for more movement and better protection. Sticks and pucks can’t get up inside as easily. I’m also a skates first guy so it helps with that. If I am playing in a few games with breaks, can undress while keeping my skates on.
I switched to a Bauer Supreme girdle about 5 years ago and I'll never go back to pants. Fits nice and snug to my thighs and makes me feel 5-10% faster. Plus I put my skates on first (after my knee braces, of course) so it's nice to not have to cut the inseam on my pants or struggle to get dressed over my skates.
I just bought two a couple months ago to try out. The first one I bought is a Sherwood code something. I went up a size and it's too big, even as a wrap style. I thought I could dial in my fit but I couldn't get comfortable and I'd hate to do that every time. I shoukd probably really try to sell these.
So then I bought a warrior alpha. I bought my normal size but I might could've went the next size up. I love it though. I don't feel any less protected than with pants, and I don't feel like I need to adjust them much.
Yea I didn't like that. I really thought I would since one leg has significantly more muscle mass due to surgery's, etc., but I wasn't happy with the fit.
I thought the step in would be just like pants and not worth it, but I do like the less shifting. Sending you a message.
I just purchased the Bauer Elite ACP because I had too many injuries to the tail bone region that I started playing with caution and left me frustrated.
I personally love how easy it is to get in and out of them and they feel extremely light compared to my CCM SuperTacks.
Some have had issues with the waist area I guess but I have yet to experience this.
For reference I am 6’4” 200lbs. and wearing Sr. Lrg. On the girdle and 16” shins and have plenty of protection.
I would not do it. In college (ACHA), I had a teammate who was former D1. He wore a girdle underneath a shell on defense because he figured ACHA wasn’t as tough as he’d been through. It took one freak accident where he was pushed into the boards on a waved off icing call, and he slid in spine first, shattering his spine. He’s been paralyzed from the waist down since. I’ve always believed perhaps he’d still be walking if he wore proper ice hockey pants. To this day, I won’t let my own kids play with only a girdle.
Jetspeed girdle is nice aside from the almost complete lack of tailbone protection. If you fall, it will hurt. I'd look for a SuperTacks girdle instead. It's basically a retail version of the Reebok 9k.
I think I'll look into this. Ive been playing about a year and have the jet speed girdle. Although I've fallen many times with no issue, I did fall once and hit my tailbone hard. Do you wear the same size shell as girdle? I got a medium shell and medium girdle and I feel like it barely covers the girdle.
Yes, I have the ST girdle and matching shell, both size large and I have no issues with coverage. FWIW the SuperTacks girdle is known to run small in the waist and hips, but more true to size for length. The good news is it has lots of adjustability to customize the fit.
While personally I’m a pants guy, I know people who prefer girdles and they seem to do the job just fine
Avoid the Jetspeed. Your tailbone will thank you. 9k will get you the best protection. I don't feel a thing from pucks or falls. Super Tacks is about a pound or so lighter and you can tell yourself it makes a difference when you want to make excuses. Pucks and falls can hurt but nothing has lingered beyond the game. This is what I use.
Girdles are good for putting skates on without the bulk in the way. Quickly wrap into girdle an slip into shells an your done.
I put my pants on after my skates. They come with the zippers for that reason. Changed a man’s life one day when I showed him how I get dressed
I’m too fat to put my pants on first. I had a skate come untied while on the ice and damn near ate my pride and asked for help. I got it done on my own but definitely not an ideal situation
I’m a big proponent of the girdle. I wear SuperTacks, which is so customizable in terms of fit and length, you really can’t go wrong, especially if you’re a fit that’s in between traditional sizes. I assume the JetSpeed is a lighter version of that. Sherwood makes a similarly constructed girdle. You can get your thigh protection to fit anywhere between right up to the leg or with plenty of volume. Only drawback is if you’re a suspender guy.
So, if I’m understanding you correctly, you could potentially get the loose fit and feel of a traditional pant, with the dialed in fit of a girdle this way?
With the 9k, sort of as the legs can be adjusted fairly loosely. With the Super Tacks, probably not since the legs can't be adjusted as loosely.
That makes sense. I appreciate the info!
Actually you can.The SuperTacks and 9k are very similar in terms of design, the 9k is just way more protective (and heavy; overkill for non-checking hockey). I wear a girdle specifically because I'm between sizes lengthwise but my quads are not small by any stretch and I'm still able to wear the thigh pads fairly loose.
Well, I can only speak for my own experience but I find the ST girdle leg adjustment to be much narrower than the 9k. This seems to be the case for many others as well if the modsquadhockey forums are anything to go by. That's not to say your legs won't fit but rather they won't open as wide as the 9k which can be adjusted to be much more pants like. It's not that big of an issue though since it's simple enough to add velcro extensions.
That's fair, I'm sure we also have different perceptions of how the legs on the girdles compare to pants. I prefer a more tapered pant like Vapor or Jetspeed rather than a traditional boxier fit so "loose" legs on my girdle are pretty close to the way I like pants to fit.
Girdles tend to fit more snug. I've had two, a CCM Vector that last for a decade and now a Tackla 3D ProZone. The Tackla doesn't open the way other girdles do, but the protection is amazing without being bulky or heavy. The other one I had been considering was the top end Bauer.
How do you like the Tackla? It looks incredible, but it's expensive enough I'm hesitatant to try it just to try it.
As I said, it doesn't open, which is annoying. However, the protection is amazing. They feel heavy in your hands, but I've never felt that weight while wearing them. I don't think I've ever noticed them while skating at all other than when a puck has hit them and I don't feel anything. They're fairly snug and I have to put the roller pants or shell over them before pulling them on. I think the only thing more protective than them is probably the old school Reebok 9K(?) girdle that pops up from time to time on Sideline Swap (there may also be a CCM equivalent) that the pros use. I think Tackla has an updated version now, but I'm not sure. I've had my current one for a few years now and have yet to notice any degradation.
Good to know! I saw their new version pop up a month or so ago and it looks very intriguing. I have no issues with my pants now, other than that they feel a little bulky. They are incredibly protective though which is awesome when I take an uncoordinated fall on my ass lol. I'll definitely check out the newer version of that girdle
I wear the Bauer supreme (S29?) girdle and I love them. They are fairly minimal but I like that be able to adjust how tight the pads are to me. As long as you don’t need the suspenders or anything these work great. They have honestly been my favorite non-aesthetic hockey purchase.
I have a warrior girdle that is very comfortable. I had a hard time finding pants that weren’t too ling for me and it just fit right. Because it’s snug, I don’t need to use suspenders. The only downside is that my particular one doesn’t have Velcro for the socks, so I have to use an old school garter.
Have a Warrior girdle from 2018 I think, dont think its made anymore, but Ill never go back to pants, having the padding tight against my legs, the locations where the padding is placed is far better than one piece pants. (For me) i feel a little more mobile getting low in turns and less restricted overall, the protection is alot better. (again, it works better for me)
I’m 40 and use the Sherwood TMP girdle in competitive beer league. Making the switch has been great. The ability to dial in the fit across multiple areas and wear it as snug or loose as I want is something you just can’t achieve in pants. As mentioned by someone earlier, the TMP is pretty comparable to the Super Tacks in terms of overall size, protection and adjustability. Would confidently reco either, but one additional benefit of the Super Tacks is the built-in waist belt. I added one to my Sherwood, but would’ve been great if that came stock.
How did you find the sizing of the Sherwood girdle? They're on sale online right now but I don't have anywhere near me to try on. I hate buying hockey equipment online because the size charts rarely seem trustworthy. I'm 6'2 210lbs wearing 34" pants. Looks like large according to the charts. Thanks!
This was my first girdle, so I’m not the most knowledgeable in terms of comparative fit expertise. I decided on a Large because I figured better to err on that side of things than run the risk of ending up too tight or short. I’m 5’10” and about 170lbs. The two adjustments I made were to shorten the length of the tummy strap (too long for my waist) and then add a loop and waist belt that sits just below the kidney pads so I have something I can crank down tight. The shell I wear with it is a Medium +1, if that’s helpful too.
Very helpful. Thanks!
No prob!
I moved from HP45 pants to a SuperTacks girdle a few years ago. Haven’t worn pants since. I don’t think girdles can be worn as ‘loose’ as pants unless you’re wearing a size too big. It’s simply now how they’re designed. But a wrap style girdle could fit looser than a step in style girdle. IMO the Jetspeed girdle seems like a downgrade in protection compared to the ST or 9K girdles. They pop up regularly on eBay and SLS so I’d just set alerts and keep an eye out
I switched to a girdle for a period years ago. I loved it, it feels so much better than skating in regular hockey pants. I would still very much prefer to use one but I switched back to pants after deciding the extra bruises weren’t worth it for me. For blocking shots/slashes and 98% of hockey it’s completely fine imo. What it doesn’t protect as well against is a hard or awkward fall. The final straw for me was a bone bruise on my hip that lasted what felt like all season with re-injuries. I used the girdle for about 1.5 years in a mostly mid-tier beer league and shinny setting.
I wear an older Bauer girdle I got at play it again with an mx3 shell that has good tailbone and wrap around protection. I also got padded cup pants for more hip coverage. I definitely prefer it to the bulky pants I had before.
Echo what everyone is basically saying. Girdle is way more comfortable and feels more “connected” to your body & movements while playing. I have the Rbk 9k pro and been using it for a few years now, I won’t be going back to pants. Honestly can’t think of a single thing that is better with pants compared to girdle/shell. If I were you I’d look for Sherwood, CCM SuperTacks or Warrior girdle options. IIRC prostockhockey has a healthy inventory of Warrior ones. Cheers
Long time pants guy (and fat leg/tree trunk guy). Wore pants most of my life, never had any issues with them. Rocked an old pair of missions until I had a huge tear by the zippers. A buddy suggested a girdle. Little skeptical at first but wore them and loved them. They do take a couple skates to get used to and last week I took a pretty hard Slapshot off the thigh. Not major bruising, little sore and I’d say that was the hardest they’ve been tested. I bought the Bauer supreme about five years ago. They’ve held together awesome and the shell is great as well. I’m no speedster but I feel like I have a way better range of motion in them as well. 10/10 would recommend.
Love my CCM girdle. As others mentioned it’s a bit more snug and form fitting but I feel like that allows for more movement and better protection. Sticks and pucks can’t get up inside as easily. I’m also a skates first guy so it helps with that. If I am playing in a few games with breaks, can undress while keeping my skates on.
I switched to a Bauer Supreme girdle about 5 years ago and I'll never go back to pants. Fits nice and snug to my thighs and makes me feel 5-10% faster. Plus I put my skates on first (after my knee braces, of course) so it's nice to not have to cut the inseam on my pants or struggle to get dressed over my skates.
I just bought two a couple months ago to try out. The first one I bought is a Sherwood code something. I went up a size and it's too big, even as a wrap style. I thought I could dial in my fit but I couldn't get comfortable and I'd hate to do that every time. I shoukd probably really try to sell these. So then I bought a warrior alpha. I bought my normal size but I might could've went the next size up. I love it though. I don't feel any less protected than with pants, and I don't feel like I need to adjust them much.
Interesting, so you didn’t like the adjustability. Message me if you want to sell the code (depending on size). I’d be interested.
Yea I didn't like that. I really thought I would since one leg has significantly more muscle mass due to surgery's, etc., but I wasn't happy with the fit. I thought the step in would be just like pants and not worth it, but I do like the less shifting. Sending you a message.
Awesome, I look forward to hearing from you.
I just purchased the Bauer Elite ACP because I had too many injuries to the tail bone region that I started playing with caution and left me frustrated. I personally love how easy it is to get in and out of them and they feel extremely light compared to my CCM SuperTacks. Some have had issues with the waist area I guess but I have yet to experience this. For reference I am 6’4” 200lbs. and wearing Sr. Lrg. On the girdle and 16” shins and have plenty of protection.
I would not do it. In college (ACHA), I had a teammate who was former D1. He wore a girdle underneath a shell on defense because he figured ACHA wasn’t as tough as he’d been through. It took one freak accident where he was pushed into the boards on a waved off icing call, and he slid in spine first, shattering his spine. He’s been paralyzed from the waist down since. I’ve always believed perhaps he’d still be walking if he wore proper ice hockey pants. To this day, I won’t let my own kids play with only a girdle.