Stepping onto the ice, a hockey player's lower body faces a barrage of pucks, sticks, and falls. Choosing the right armor is crucial, and that's where the debate between pants and girdles heats up.
Traditional pants offer a looser fit, with built-in padding and suspenders for stability. They're familiar, comfortable, and provide good all-around protection.
Girdles, on the other hand, hug the body like compression gear. Their padding sits closer, some say enhancing mobility and responsiveness. But they require a separate shell for game action.
It's a matter of personal preference. Pants prioritize comfort and tradition, while girdles focus on sleekness and agility. No matter your choice, one thing's for sure: your legs will thank you for the extra protection.
1. CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro Pants
Price: $229.99
The CCM JetSpeed FT6 Pro Pants are designed for high-level hockey players who value speed, agility, and protection.
They are praised for their lightweight construction, breathability, and protection. However, some reviewers have found that the pants fit a bit small.
These pants are a good choice for high-level hockey players who are looking for lightweight and breathable pants that offer excellent protection.
Features:
AER-TEC technology
400D nylon exterior
Floating thigh pads
Zippered leg extensions
Anti-twist nylon belt
Velcro closure fly
2. Warrior Alpha LX Pro Senior
Price: $199.99
Elite-level Warrior pants blend pro-grade protection with top-notch mobility. Impax foam absorbs big hits while floating spine and kidney guards move with you.
Anatomical thigh pads and stretch gussets let you fly on the ice. WarTech liner keeps you cool and dry, and Polygiene fights odor. High-end, yes, but for players demanding the best, Alpha LX Pro delivers.
Features:
Impax Foam
Molded Kidney and Hip Pads
Floating Spine and Kidney Protection
Alpha Pro Fit
WarTech FNC Liner
Adjustable Nylon Belt and Lace Tie-Up
Durable 400D nylon exterior for long-lasting performance.
Suspender buttons for additional support.
3. Bauer Supreme ACP Pro Ice Hockey Girdle Senior
Price: $189.99
Elevate your game with the Bauer Supreme ACP Pro Girdle - pro protection packed for mobility. AMP Split Cap hip guards move with you, unlike bulky one-piece designs, for agile strides and turns.
A comfy wrap-around belt with a side-release buckle lets you focus on the game, not your gear.
Extend the fit up to 1 inch for a perfect seal. THERMO CORE liner wicks away moisture, keeping you dry and focused.
Notable Features:
AMP Split cap hip gard, Extension Fit +/-1''
Independant spine with HD protection
Vent armor foam insert
AMP Split cap hip guard
Molded PE and HD foam
Wrap around belt with side release buckle
Adjustability - Extension fit +/- 1''
THERMO CORE line
4. Warrior Alpha Hockey Girdle
Price: $129.99 - $149.99
The Warrior Alpha Hockey Girdle is a versatile option with something to offer both elite and recreational players.
It features a low-profile design with strategically placed foam and plastic padding that provides excellent coverage for the spine, kidneys, hips, and thighs without sacrificing freedom of movement.
The girdle is made from a lightweight, breathable mesh material that helps to keep you cool and dry on the ice.
The Alpha Pro Fit design provides a comfortable and secure fit that conforms to your natural skating posture.
Notable Features:
Includes alpha profit which is a tailored fit
Minimalist form-fitting style to remain quick and agile
Strategically placed foam and plastic protection secure
Wartech FNC liner powered by polygiene
5. Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic
Price: $229.99
Designed for high-performance players, the Ultrasonic pants strike a balance between top-tier protection and exceptional freedom of movement.
These elements move and flex with your body, keeping you protected without hindering your agility.
Notable Features:
Adaptiv Skin
Active Motion Protection is designed to give players unrestricted mobility
Thermo Core liner at managing sweat, moisture, and odor
Flex Forward Kidney Break
Internal Nylon Belt with Release Buckle Lace-less, Velcro Opening
840D Nylon, Mesh Panels
Molded Plastic, Dense Foam Removable for Custom Embellishment
6. CCM Tacks AS 580
Price: $109.99 - $129.99
The CCM Tacks AS 580 hockey pants are a good choice for competitive players who prioritize both protection and mobility without breaking the bank.
They offer a traditional fit with ample coverage and solid protection features, while still allowing for good freedom of movement on the ice.
Notable Features:
400D nylon with high abrasion-resistant side panels
Repositioned inner leg zipper to reduce friction during crossovers
Blend of floating molded PE foam caps with PE Foam
JDP hip caps
Exposed foam spine protector
Molded-PE caps
New max coverage anatomical shield design
Tacks protection
7. CCM Jetspeed Ice Hockey Girdle
Price: $119.99 - $159.99
CCM Jetspeed Ice Hockey Girdle is a high-performance option for serious players who demand the best in protection, mobility, and customizability.
Thigh guards, hip-density foam, an injection-molded spine protector, and a sublimated lining with Dry Foam technology are all included.
Notable Features:
Highly durable Pro-4000 nylon construction
PE-molded caps, mid-density foams, and D3O Smart Material
Injection-molded spine panel with D3O and HD foams
Adjustable thigh guards
JDP hip caps
Removable shell (sold separately)
DryFoam Technology
8. Bauer Supreme ACP Elite Girdle
Price: $119.99
The Bauer Supreme ACP Elite Girdle is designed for competitive hockey players who prioritize both maximum mobility and advanced protection.
A combination of stretch lycra and strategically placed molded plastic provides excellent coverage without weighing you down.
Split cap hip guards and a FreeFlex kidney pad move and flex with your body, keeping you protected without hindering your agility.
Notable Features:
Lightweight and flexible
Anatomical fit
Amplified Mobility Protection (AMP)
Thermo Max Line
Customizable
9. Bauer Supreme 3S Senior Ice Hockey Pants
Price: $109.99 - $129.99
Designed for the weekly player who wants good protection and comfort at a great value, the Supreme 3S pants offer a classic fit with traditional skate lace closure and a comfortable Thermorex sub liner.
They also feature a 1-inch extension fit through a zipper opening for adjustability to accommodate growth spurts or taller players.
Notable Features:
Performance-inspired fit
Molded PE and HD foams with removable inserts
Independent spine with Vent Armor foam
One-piece classic hip guard with forward flex kidney protection
20 denier nylon shell with extra reinforcement
Internal adjustable nylon cinch belt
10. CCM Tacks AS-V Pro
Price: $169.99 - $229.99
Unleash your inner power forward with the CCM Tacks AS-V Pro hockey pants! This elite-level gear is built for maximum protection and mobility, letting you dominate the ice without sacrificing speed or agility.