Essential Guide to Roller Hockey Equipment: What You Need and How It’s Cheaper Than Ice Hockey

by Kris Weaver

If you’re new to hockey or considering a switch from ice to roller, one of the first questions you might have is: What equipment do I actually need? Roller hockey and ice hockey share a lot of similarities, but when it comes to gear, roller hockey offers a simpler, more budget-friendly entry point. In this guide, we’ll break down the basic equipment needed for roller hockey, compare it to ice hockey, and highlight how brands like Tour and Alkali make high-end roller hockey gear far more affordable than its ice hockey counterparts.

Basic Equipment for Roller Hockey: Less Gear, Less Hassle

Roller hockey is a fast-paced, exciting sport that requires less equipment than ice hockey, making it an appealing option for beginners or casual players. Here’s the essential gear you’ll need to hit the rink:

  1. Rollerblades (Inline Skates)
    Instead of ice skates, roller hockey uses inline skates with wheels designed for smooth surfaces like sport courts or concrete. These are your primary investment, but they’re often comparable in price to entry-level ice skates.
  2. Shin Pads
    Protecting your shins from sticks, pucks, and falls is a must. Roller hockey shin pads are lightweight and typically less bulky than those used in ice hockey.
  3. Elbow Pads
    Falls happen, especially when you’re learning. Elbow pads cushion your arms and keep you in the game.
  4. Gloves
    Hockey gloves protect your hands from slashes, pucks, and rough surfaces while giving you a solid grip on your stick.
  5. Helmet
    Safety first! A helmet with a cage or visor is non-negotiable to protect your head and face during play.
  6. Hockey Stick
    Your stick is your tool for passing, shooting, and controlling the puck. Roller hockey sticks are similar to ice hockey sticks but often lighter and designed for non-ice surfaces.

That’s it—six core items to get you rolling. Optional extras like a padded shirt or girdle can add comfort and protection, but they’re not always required, especially for casual or recreational play.

Ice Hockey Equipment: More Gear, More Cost

Ice hockey, while thrilling, demands a bit more in terms of equipment due to its physicality and the icy playing surface. Here’s what you need to step onto the ice:

  1. Ice Skates
    Ice skates with blades are essential for gliding on frozen rinks. These can range widely in price depending on quality and brand.
  2. Shin Pads
    Similar to roller hockey, but often paired with hockey socks for added coverage and warmth.
  3. Elbow Pads
    Necessary for protection during falls and checks, just like in roller hockey.
  4. Hockey Pants
    These padded pants protect your hips, thighs, and tailbone—crucial for a sport with frequent body contact and hard ice surfaces.
  5. Shoulder Pads
    Designed to shield your shoulders, chest, and upper back from checks and collisions, shoulder pads are standard in ice hockey but rare in roller.
  6. Gloves
    Same as roller hockey—protection and grip are key.
  7. Helmet
    Identical to roller hockey—a helmet with a face guard is mandatory.
  8. Hockey Stick
    Ice hockey sticks are built for the slick surface and cold conditions, though they’re often interchangeable with roller sticks.

That’s eight items compared to roller hockey’s six. The extra pieces—hockey pants and shoulder pads—add both weight and expense, making ice hockey gear more complex and costly to assemble.

Cost Comparison: Roller Hockey Wins on Affordability

When it comes to pricing, roller hockey has a clear edge. Let’s break it down:

  • Entry-Level Gear
    A beginner’s set of roller hockey equipment (skates, shin pads, elbow pads, gloves, helmet, and stick) can cost between $200 and $400, depending on quality and whether you buy new or used. For ice hockey, a basic set including the additional hockey pants and shoulder pads typically starts at $300 and can easily climb to $500 or more. That’s a savings of $100–$200 right off the bat with roller hockey.
  • Fewer Items, Lower Investment
    Skipping shoulder pads and hockey pants doesn’t just save money—it simplifies your setup. Ice hockey’s extra gear isn’t just about protection; it’s also about the sport’s physical demands, like checking and harder falls on ice. Roller hockey, played on a dry surface with less body contact (no checking in most leagues), lets you get away with less.
  • Rink Costs
    Beyond equipment, roller hockey often has lower overhead. Ice rinks require cooling systems, driving up rental fees for players and leagues. Roller rinks, on the other hand, are cheaper to maintain, meaning lower costs for practice and game time—savings that add up over a season.
High-End Equipment: Tour and Alkali vs. Ice Hockey Giants

For players chasing top-tier performance, roller hockey brands like Tour and Alkali offer premium gear at a fraction of the cost of high-end ice hockey equipment from brands like Bauer or CCM. Here’s how they stack up:

  • Roller Hockey Skates
    • Tour Code 1 Skates: Around $300–$350 for elite-level inline skates with lightweight composites and high-performance wheels.
    • Alkali Revel 1 Skates: Priced similarly at $300–$400, offering pro-level responsiveness and durability.
    • Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Ice Skates: A top-end ice hockey skate can set you back $900–$1,100. That’s nearly triple the cost for comparable quality.
  • Sticks
    • Tour Fish Bonelite Stick: A high-end roller hockey stick runs about $150–$200, optimized for lightweight power.
    • Alkali Fire Stick: Around $120–$180 for a premium composite stick with excellent snap and durability.
    • CCM Trigger 8 Pro Ice Stick: Expect to pay $300–$350 for a pro-level ice hockey stick. Again, roller options are half the price or less.
  • Protective Gear
    Roller hockey’s minimal requirements mean you’re not shelling out for shoulder pads ($80–$200 for high-end ice models) or bulky hockey pants ($100–$250). Even premium gloves or shin pads from Tour and Alkali rarely exceed $100–$150, while ice hockey equivalents from top brands often push past $200.

The takeaway? High-end roller hockey gear from Tour and Alkali delivers pro-level performance for $500–$700 total, while a full set of elite ice hockey equipment can easily top $1,500–$2,000. That’s a savings of $1,000 or more without sacrificing quality.

Why Roller Hockey Is the Budget-Friendly Choice

Roller hockey isn’t just cheaper—it’s more accessible. With fewer pieces of equipment, lower rink costs, and affordable high-end options from brands like Tour and Alkali, it’s an ideal way to enjoy hockey without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a beginner testing the waters or a seasoned player looking to upgrade, roller hockey offers a leaner, meaner (and cheaper) alternative to ice hockey.

Ready to gear up? Start with the basics—rollerblades, shin pads, elbow pads, gloves, helmet, and stick—and explore Tour or Alkali for top-tier options that won’t empty your wallet. You’ll be on the rink in no time, enjoying the speed and thrill of hockey at a fraction of the cost.