Gear Recommendations

[Levin]

Hey guys. I have a question. This year, my school is starting up a team, and we have to purchase our own equipment. So i was wondering, what are the most recommended Helmet/Shoulder Pads/ Gloves/ And Arm Pads, for a person with a budget (Around 250 if possible.)

[GCHSLax04]

you can get a package from texlax I think that might be decent. I'd go with warrior MPG 4.0 (these are the non-silver SPs right?) or brine avalanches for shoulders. For helmet...Your going to have to get one off ebay or something, otherwise your next best bet is a gait for the price. For gloves, maybe mercurys or xfactors. I'm not 100% aware of whats in the price area for that. Arm pads, really just go with whatever feels comfortable, I still use used ones that I got from a play it again sports.

[Avs1103]

For a a helmet id go with the new CLH2+ from cascade...really comfortable and fits well...i chose it over the Cpro....for shoulder pads id either get the brine spartan core if you want some flexibilty or hitman 5.0s for more protection...arm pad wise whatevr feel comfortable...gloves wise get somethin with more than the 2-3 peice thumb...maybe the hypnos or xfactors... or if u like the 3 peice thumb go with the Rpms or catalysts

[Lax101]

http://laxnation.com/home/displayarticle.php?category=articles&title=newequip&articleid=252

all you need to know.
the only revision i'd make is that I would put stx fusion gloves in there instead of brine gloves

[RockStar]

Going to be tough to stay under $250 total for complete protective equipment. Helmet and gloves alone could easily eat up $250 or more.

One tip - When you're just starting, gloves will most directly affect your ability to play, so do not go cheap on them. Good gloves can be had for $70 to $100. Stay away from those shiny Warrior things. They're good, but you only have $250 to spend!

Next most important is the helmet. Don't worry so much about looks, just make sure it protects and you can see well through the face cage.

Shoulder pads - just get the cheapest things you can find. DeBeer/Gait Intrepid are excellent for a cheapie.

Seems like many field players don't even bother with rib or arm pads. If you think you're tough, go without. If you're not into pain, buy some.

All I know for sure is that anyone I check will wish that they had rib and arm pads by the end of the first quarter.

Re arm pads: you will get hit in the forearms and elbows all the time and it can really hurt. All of the companies have decent entry level arm guards.

Re Rib pads: coughing up blood is not cool. All it takes is one misplaced slash check, wrap check, or cross check to cause a whole lot of pain. I dunno what you'll want here, my rib pads are hard plastic box armour.

[Cip]

dont buy everything seperate, get a package

[DUMLCmike]

I agree with spending the most attention on the gloves, they are key, get to a shop so you can try a load on to see what you like
Any cascade helmet should be fine (good fit and vision), you can pick up some great bargains on ebay (if you trust it).
I would buy arm guards, I played without them last term and picked up some heavy bruising in most games so I would deff get some (Brine Spartans are v good value and comfortable).
For shoulder pads just look around to see what kind of deal you can get (i.e. look for sale prices on older models) most people make do with small core pads like the Spartan and the cheap Gait intrepids are well worth a look! Most people make do with core's as they provide protection for your vital parts and you dont lose mobility- most SP's have removable arm guards so it isnt really an issue cos you can just take them off.

Personally, i've only ever bought stuff from lax.com since they are about the only store that have decent shipping rates to England, and their service has always been excellent!