By Amber Vasques
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Looking good and wearing the correct protective equipment is important to most players, whether it is during recreational activities or professional play. But with so much product on the market the average player may have difficulty in distinguishing what's right for him or her without buying something that's not needed.
As is the case with any equipment, players must decide what type of pant they want and need, a high-end or low-end one.
If you are a recreational player and participate in pickup games every now and then, your best bet would be to buy a low-end pant. It may not have all the features of a pro pant, but it will save you some money.
If you play regularly, buying a higher-end pant with the strongest construction is key. Spend a little more, but get something that will last through tough play and on rugged surfaces. Du Pont's Cordura material has been labeled by many companies as being a strong and durable fabric.
Another important element is fit. Does the manufacturer you plan on buying from have a variety of sizes or is it limited in what it offers? Many manufacturers offer special features, such as a belt or drawstring along the waistline, or suspenders for adjustable height.
Considering how rigorous the sport can be, a lightweight fabric is ideal. Look for a breathable yet durable fabric that is capable of wicking away perspiration to prevent uncomfortable moisture and chafing.
For those who play on teams and require a uniform look, some manufacturers make custom colors (Try to find one that will do it free of charge.) to match jerseys. But don't get too carried away. Always have a price limit in mind. Remember that although pants are an important part of any player's attire, other protective equipment is also necessary.
To help in your quest for the perfect pant, Roller Hockey Magazine presents an overview of what is available from manufacturers in 1996. So shop around and make sure not to get caught with your pants down.
2 MINUTES 4
2 Cool 4
2 Minutes 4 introduces what it calls its innovative 2 Cool 4 roller hockey pant to go with its roller hockey jersey. Designers focused on what they believe to be the three main criteria for choosing a roller hockey pant: ventilation, durability and price.
Construction: The company claims that the pant is the lightest, best-ventilated roller hockey pant on the market. 2 Minutes 4 says this mini-mesh pant breatheslike no other pant.
Features: Reinforced in the seams, crotch and down the shins. The pant comes with a drawstring and elastic waistband.
Sizes: Youth S-L; Adult S-XXL.
Color: Available in royal blue, black and red.
Suggested retail price: Youth, $19.95; Adult, $22.95.
ATOMIK
Classic Design/
Pro Model
Atomik of Torrance, Calif., believes its hockey pants combine a loose fit with a lightweight and breathable mesh inseam, which provides maximum air flow. The lycra crotch provides mobility and flexibility. Providing knee/shin protection made of a durable Cordura fabric, Atomik bills these as strong and lasting pants that contain no unnecessary weight.
Construction: The Classic design consists of durable nylon, lightweight mesh, flexible lycra,heavyweight Cordura, web belting and the Atomik side-stripe graphics. The Pro Model takes the original pant several steps further by adding breathable, double-knit polyester to the non-contact areas and durable mesh striping along the outside.
Features: The Pro Model features a hidden channel under the knee/shin area for the use of a special shin strap. Other features include double belt loops for height adjustment and fixed ankle fasteners.
Sizes: Both models come in XS-XL.
Colors: Both models are available in black, with black, red, royal blue, teal, burgundy, white, gold, green, and purple stripes.
Suggested retail price: $60 for the Classic Design; $75 for the Pro Model.
BLACK BISCUIT
This roller hockey pant is constructed using what Black Biscuit bills as the new ultra durable "Biscuit fabric" and is designed to allow for freedom of movement and long-lasting wear.
Construction: Biscuit fabric is made to resist tearing. Its slick nature allows the player to slide upon hitting the floor. The baggy fit of the pant allows you to wear it over any hockey girdle and leaves room for air to flow within the pant.
Features: No suspenders or belt needed. The Biscuit pant has a nylon-cord waistband with bungee clip closure.
Sizes: Youth; Junior; Adult S-XL.
Colors: Available in black with black, red, royal blue, white, teal, silver, gold and navy stripes.
Suggested retail price: Youth, $59; Junior, $59; Adult ,$69.
CCM
CCM is proud to introduce its two new roller hockey pant models.
Dryland RH105
Construction: The pant is made of 100 percent polyester with an elastic waist for ease of motion.
Features: One 3/4-inch adjustable nylon belt with buckle for an exact fit.
Sizes: Boys M, L; Men's S-XL.
Colors: Available in all black.
Suggested retail price: Unannounced at presstime.
Ultra RH106
Construction: The knees are made of Cordura to prevent abrasion. Sonaflash, a durable and lightweight fabric, is used on the buttocks and on the front gusset, or cross support. Mesh on the legs and sides, and in the shin area offer ventilation that keeps legs cool. The crotch and inseam are constructed of nylon for ease of motion. The pant includes a nylon adjustable belt with buckle for easy fit.
Features: Embroidered Supra logo can be found on the pantleg.
Sizes: Men's S-XL.
Colors: Available in all black.
Suggested retail price: Unannounced at presstime.
CAL-ICE ENTERPRISES
RHP-2000
Whether you are a beginner or a professional, Cal-Ice believes you deserve the best equipment at a reasonable price. No one should have pants that rip every time they are worn. Cal-Ice claims its pants give today's players the look they want with the comfort and durability they require.
Construction: For comfort and convenience, the loose-fit design provides ample room for the protective equipment, while permitting increased air circulation throughout the pant. Cordura Plus offers durability with a soft feel.
Features: The highly tapered legs with Velcro shin pad access provide a sleek look and make it easier for players to put on their shin pads.
Sizes: Youth XS-L; Adult XS-XL.
Colors: Black pant available with almost any color combination of striping.
Suggested retail price: $69.99.
DOUBLE SHIFT
Double Shift says that its indoor roller hockey pant includes features that sets it apart from other brands.
Construction: Double Shift uses materials it says will ensure strength and endurance. Special material is used for the areas of the body that sweat the most. Each garment is sewn with extra reinforcement at all "stress" areas, including special tear-resistant knee protection.
Features: Includes a wider waistband with built-in belt for added comfort. Plus, adjustable suspenders are sewn into every pair. This allows each player to adjust the fit to whatever size or shape he may be. The built-in features also keep you from continually purchasing lost accessories.
Sizes: XXS-L.
Colors: Available in black with a variety of colorful accent stripes. Pants can be made in custom accent colors to match team colors and jerseys at no additional charge.
SRP: $74.
RGTP Roller Hockey Pants
Gear states it has a simple goal in mind: to make the best roller hockey pant available. This season it revised that vision: to make what it contends is the best roller hockey pant even better.
Construction: Its durable two-piece, long-length, air-cooled pant now has a double-layered mesh on the front lower leg and a single layer up the back, which the company claims will enhance cooling. Ballistic quality Cordura 100 still protects the knee and shin area from tearing.
Features: The lower section of the pant is removable for washing and the upper section can function as a girdle. The pant has also been modified to have a baggy, more stylish, look.
Sizes: Youth XS-XL; Adult XS-XL.
Colors: Available in black, with white, red, yellow or blue striping down the outside of each leg.
Suggested retail price: $79.95.
HYSTYK
Pasho Pant
Hystyk of Portland, Ore., introduces what it considers to be the most original pant on the market.
Construction: The upper short is made of 100 percent polyester nylon. The zip-off leg is a heavyweight denier nylon. A drawstring in the elastic waist holds the pant up.
Features: The company feels the unique selling feature of this pant is the zip-off pantlegs that turn the pant into shorts simply by unzipping the legs. The legs will also be sold separately so that the colors of the pantlegs can be interchanged to match team jerseys.
Sizes: S-XL.
Colors: The shorts come in black only, but can be interchanged with pantlegs in black, red and navy.
Suggested retail price: $58; each additional pair of leggings is $22.
LINE CHANGE
Line Change of Mission Viejo, Calif., is making a statement with its roller hockey pant. The company emphasizes that its American-made pant is made with quality workmanship.
Construction: The extremely baggy legs allow for comfort and flexibility. Line Change says extra heavy reinforced Cordura knees and reinforced seams at stress points make this pant durable and more difficult to tear. The pant comes with a one-inch belt with a cam-lock belt buckle.
Features: Line Change bills its belt design as preventing the pants from riding up and the belt from chafing.
Sizes: M-XL; Junior sizes coming soon.
Colors: All pants come in black with your choice of red, blue, green, gray and yellow stripes (more colors to come).
Suggested retail price: $69.95.
LINE CHANGE HOCKEY
Tufskinz
Line Change Hockey of Campbell, Calif., manufacturer of hockey theme sportswear, unveils what it calls its latest retail monster.
Construction: The pant features a unique fabric engineered exclusively for Line Change Hockey. It is constructed of a Taslan blend that the company says ensures comfort, breathability and long life. For ultra-toughness, the knee/shin area is reinforced by Antron Cordura. Air is allowed to move freely through the pant while the player skates via the nylon mesh panel sewn into the shell.
Features: The waist expands up to 5 inches to allow room for a precise fit and the use of protective gear underneath. Nylon belt webbing is attached to the front of the waist and connected by an adjustable snap buckle. To allow for a tapered fit around the ankle, a Velcro strap is fed through a D-ring. This helps secure the user's shin guards.
Sizes: Youth-XL
Colors: The shell is black with stock striping colors available in red, royal blue and black. All color choices come with a contrasting white piping for a professional look. Custom colors are available by special order.
LOUISVILLE
Meltdown Roller Hockey Pant
New for 1996 is the Louisville Meltdown roller hockey pant, which, the company states, features some unique benefits for the inline hockey player.
Construction: The knee/shin area is manufactured from Cordura, which Louisville says allows for extended wear. The back of the knee/shin area is made of mesh to allow for air flow and ventilation. The upper and stripe of the pant is made of Sonaflash, which allows the pant to breathe while wicking away water and perspiration.
Features: The pant weighs only one pound and is designed to be used with or without the Louisville Wrap Girdle.
Sizes: Youth S-L; Adult S-XL.
Colors: The pant comes in black, with stripes in black, red or blue. Custom options for teams and shops are also available upon request.
Suggested retail price: $69.99.
WSI MANUFACTURING CO.
ID635 Inline 1000
This covershell pant combines durable Cordura with a breathable compression fabric to provide the advantages of being lightweight, flexible, breathable and heavy duty.
Construction: Heavy duty Cordura is used to reinforce "heavy wear" areas, such as the knees and hips.The pant is extremely light and has a comfortable drawstring waistband. Micro mesh is used for increased breathability.
Features: As a result of the compression advantage, the pant offers increased mobility.
Sizes: Youth M,L; Adult S-XXL.
Colors: Available in black.
Suggested retail price: $39.
IDP695 Inline 3000
Construction: Made of durable double-layered Cordura. For breathability, micro mesh is used on the back of the leg. For flexibility, a gusset is used in the crotch area.
Features: Belt and buckle at the waistband.
Sizes: Youth M,L; Adult S-XXL.
Colors: Available in black with stripes in blue, green, gold, red or black surrounded by a black border.
Suggested retail price: $55.
PANT DIRECTORY
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2 MINUTES 4
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(416) 744-9911
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ATOMIK
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(310) 421-7423
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BLACK BISCUIT
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(800) 591-6864
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CCM
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(514) 331-5150
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CAL-ICE
ENTERPRISES
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(909) 981-7378
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DOUBLE SHIFT
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(805) 496-7391
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GEAR
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(800) 432-7735
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HYSTYK
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(503) 230-STYK
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LINE CHANGE
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(714) 581-0318
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LINE CHANGE
HOCKEY
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(800) 31-HOCKEY
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LOUISVILLE
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(519) 627-2248
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WSI
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(612) 487-3259
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