Hockey gear is expensive. A full setup bought new can easily run $800-1200, and that's before you've even paid for ice time. But here's the thing -- used equipment can cut that cost by 40-70% if you know what to look for and where to shop. I built most of my first setup from used gear and saved hundreds. This guide covers exactly where to find the best deals and how to avoid getting burned.

Why Buy Used Equipment

The Math Makes Sense

Used equipment typically costs 40-70% less than retail. A complete new setup might cost $800-1200. That same quality of gear bought used? $300-500.

Better Gear for Your Dollar

This is the part most people don't think about. An $80 used pair of CCM Tacks that originally retailed for $180 will outperform an $80 new entry-level glove every single time. Buying used lets you play with better equipment than your budget would normally allow.

It's Also Just Smart

Hockey equipment is durable. Most protective gear barely wears out with recreational use. And there's a constant supply of gear hitting the market from kids who outgrow it, players who upgrade, and people who tried hockey once and moved on.

Best Online Marketplaces

SidelineSwap

This is my go-to for used hockey gear. It's a dedicated sports equipment marketplace, so the sellers know what they're selling and the buyers know what they're looking for.

Why it's great: Seller ratings, secure payment processing, search by size and model, nationwide reach, and solid buyer protection. It's the closest thing to a trusted used gear store online.

The downsides: Shipping costs add up (factor them into your total), you can't inspect before buying, and good deals get snatched up fast.

Pro tip: Set up alerts for your sizes and the models you're looking for. When a deal pops up, act immediately -- the good stuff doesn't last.

Facebook Marketplace

The best part about Facebook Marketplace is local pickup -- no shipping costs, and you can actually inspect the gear before you hand over money. You'll find parents selling their kids' outgrown equipment, players upgrading, and people who tried hockey for a season and decided it wasn't for them.

The downsides: Availability is hit or miss depending on your area, you're meeting strangers, and there's no buyer protection.

Safety tips: Meet in public places (rink parking lots are great), bring a friend if you can, inspect everything thoroughly before money changes hands, and trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away.

eBay

Huge selection and strong buyer protection. Good for finding hard-to-find items, older models, and specific brands. You can bid or buy-it-now. The downsides are shipping costs, inability to inspect first, and some sellers who overcharge. Returns can be a hassle too.

Craigslist/OfferUp

Often the cheapest prices and everything is negotiable. Local pickup means no shipping. But these have the least buyer protection, so you're taking on more risk. Best for experienced buyers who know exactly what they're looking at.

Play It Again Sports

The in-store experience is where Play It Again really shines -- they do some quality checking on gear and you can inspect everything yourself. Their online selection is more limited and pricing can creep close to clearance-new prices. But for beginners who want a safer buying experience, it's a solid option. They also do trade-ins, which is nice when you're upgrading.

What's Safe to Buy Used

Not everything is created equal on the used market. Here's what's safe to buy secondhand and what to avoid.

Excellent Used Purchases

Shin Guards: These rarely break, they're easy to evaluate, and they clean up well. You can save 50-70% buying used with virtually no downside.

Elbow Pads: Durable construction, simple to inspect, great value used. Same deal as shin guards.

Hockey Pants: Incredibly durable. They rarely wear out at the recreational level. Just check the zippers and you're good. 40-60% savings.

Shoulder Pads: Generally long-lasting. Inspect for cracked plastic shells and compressed foam. If they're clean and intact, they're a great used buy.

Gloves: This one's conditional -- if the palms aren't shot, they're a great deal. Inspect carefully and do a smell test. 40-60% off if you find a good pair.

Bags: Almost always fine used. Check the zippers and wheels (if applicable). Clean it out and you're set. Huge savings on something that just carries your stuff.

Conditional Purchases

Sticks: - Only if you can inspect for cracks - Flex test it - Assume shorter lifespan - Good for backups

Skates: - Very risky - Only if lightly used - Must be right size - Can be baked if heat-moldable - Better to buy new

What to Avoid Buying Used

Never Buy Used

Helmets. This is non-negotiable. You don't know the impact history, the certification might be expired, and there could be invisible damage that compromises protection. Helmets are a safety item. Always buy new.

Jocks/Jills. For obvious hygiene reasons. They're cheap enough to buy new. Just do it.

Generally Avoid

Skates. They're broken in to someone else's foot shape, they could have hidden damage, and fit is absolutely critical for performance and comfort. The only exception is very lightly used skates from a kid who outgrew them before really breaking them in. Even then, be cautious.

Inspection Checklist

For All Protective Gear

Check for: - Cracks in plastic shells - Broken or missing straps - Compressed foam (press test) - Excessive odor - Missing protective pieces - Overall wear condition

Red flags: - Any cracks - Severe odor - Missing parts - Extreme wear - Seller can't answer questions

Gloves Specific

Inspect: - Palm material (most critical) - Finger integrity - Protective inserts present - Thumb condition - Cuff protection

Walk away if: - Palms worn through - Fingers separating - Missing protection - Can't grip comfortably

Sticks Specific

Inspect: 1. Flex shaft gently 2. Listen for cracking sounds 3. Look for visible cracks 4. Check blade for damage 5. Inspect blade-shaft connection 6. Feel for soft spots

Red flags: - Any cracks - Previous repairs - Soft spots in shaft - Blade separation - Extreme flex when testing

Pants/Shoulder Pads Specific

Check: - Zippers work smoothly - No rips in fabric - Padding intact - Straps functional - Velcro still grips - Clean overall

Negotiating Tips

Do Your Homework First

Before you make an offer, know what the item costs new and what similar used items are selling for. This gives you leverage and prevents you from overpaying or lowballing.

Pricing Guidelines

Good used gear: - 50-60% of new price if excellent condition - 40-50% if good condition with wear - 30-40% if significant wear but functional

Example: - New CCM shoulder pads: $120 - Excellent used: $60-72 - Good used: $48-60 - Fair used: $36-48

Negotiation Tactics

Point out issues: "I notice the palm is wearing thin. Would you take $30?"

Bundle deals: "I'll take the gloves and shin guards for $60 total."

Cash offers: "I can pay cash today for $50."

Be willing to walk: There's always more gear for sale.

Best Opening Lines

"Would you take [amount] cash today?" "Is your price firm or is there any wiggle room?" "I noticed [issue]. Can we adjust price?"

What Not to Do

• Don't lowball too aggressively (insults seller)
• Don't be rude
• Don't waste seller's time if not serious
• Don't expect perfect gear at 80% off

Final Tips

Build Relationships

If you have a good experience with a seller on SidelineSwap or eBay, leave a review and keep them in mind. Some offer repeat buyer discounts. Locally, if you find a parent who's selling gear as their kids grow, that can become a recurring gold mine.

Timing Matters

Best times to buy used: - Summer (June-August) -- less demand, more supply - Spring, when the season ends and people upgrade - After youth tournaments, when parents are clearing gear

Worst times: Fall (September-November) when everyone's gearing up for the season. Competition for good deals is highest.

Start Small

For your first used purchase, buy one piece -- not a full setup. Choose something easy to evaluate, like shin guards. Get comfortable with the inspection process and learn what to look for. Then expand from there.

When to Just Buy New

Sometimes used doesn't make sense: - You can't find your size - You need it immediately - It's a safety item (helmets -- always new) - The price difference is small enough that the warranty and return option are worth it

Pro tip: The best strategy for most beginners is a mix. Buy your helmet, skates, and jock new. Buy everything else used. You'll save hundreds while still being properly protected.

See you on the ice.

Related Guides: - Hockey Gear Buying Strategy - Complete buying guide - New vs Used Equipment - What to buy used - Essential Hockey Gear Guide - What you need