Making its reveal as of November 6th 2020, the Bauer Nexus Geo Hockey stick replaces the previous 2N model stick with various improvements in weight and new energy loading technology. Coming in at 390g (SR), it is 20 grams lighter than its Nexus predecessor.
The Trigger 5 Pro is a top prospect for being the best stick of the year. The Ribcor Trigger 5 Pro is the elite quick-release hockey stick from CCM. Coming in at 395 grams (SR), and loaded with the latest tech from CCM's lab, this twig stands above previous RibCor stick models. Be sure to check out the new features of Trigger 5 Pro, you won't regret it!
In this article, we will present some of the best softball bats 2020 has to offer.
Sports Zone is committed to providing softball enthusiasts with the highest quality equipment and apparel available, all at unbeatable prices. Visit us today to get your next bat.
Now, let's dig in and take a deeper look at the best softball bats for 2020.
Sports Zone offers close to 50 softball bats for you to choose from before taking to the field this season. But how do you choose which one is best for you? First, check out our softball bat sizing guide, and then consider the following top options.
Miken is a very popular name when it comes to softball bats, and for good reason. They have a reputation for creating some of the best softball bats out there.
Brand new for 2020 is the Miken Freak 54 Maxload. This is a limited edition bat featuring two-piece construction.
The 14" barrel features Miken's Maxload technology that gives this bat a powerful end loaded weight with a large sweet spot and excellent pop. Also, the Freak 54 offers an optimal handle flex for increased swing power.
If you are a slowpitch player looking for an elite end loaded slowpitch bat, look no further than the Miken Freak 54
Ryan Harvey was selected 6th overall by the Chicago Cubs at the 2003 MLB Draft, and turned to softball after giving up his big league dreams back in 2013. Harvey became an internet sensation in 2016 after launching a softball into the American flag at Tropicana Field in Florida.
Today, Harvey's name is on Worth's latest softball bat. The Krecher XL is a two piece 100% composite bat that comes equipped with a 13.5" barrel. The Krecher bat series features Worth's 220+ Advantage, which makes for a larger sweet spot for max performance throughout the barrel, as well as CF100 Carbon Fiber for top notch durability.
The Krecher also utilizes Flex 50 Technology, which gives you a thinner handle for increased whip and hitting power.
Start mashing like Ryan Harvey with his namesake bat
Miken is back on our list of best softball bats 2020 has to offer.
Corey Briggs is another prolific softball player who, along with Harvey, is a member of the 2020 USA Men's National Slo Pitch team. His signature Miken Phycho MaxLoad is a two-peice, end-loaded composite softball bat which comes equipped with a 14" barrel length.
The Psycho line brings Miken's Triple Matrix Core+ Technology. This enlarges the sweet spot for maximized performance throughout the 14" barrel.
For this bat, Miken also uses their signature composite material for unmatchable durability.
The Psycho features a Flex 2 Power handle which ensures optimal flex and whip for barrel loading through the zone
The legendary Mizuno Crush is more powerful than ever!
Featuring a smaller 12" barrel for more compact hitting surface, the 2020 Crush is constructed with Black Onyx Carbon and a Triple Wall barrel to increase durability with a shorter break-in period.
A thin Micro-Whip™ Grip gives you a better feel, while 2-Piece LINK™ technology reduces vibrations to the hands to give you the amazing feel of solid contact every at-bat.
Engineered details like an Optimized End Cap create a booming sound and an increased sweet spot!
The Mizuno Crush features end Loaded swing weight for added distance
If you're looking for one of the best softball bats in 2020 but are working on a tighter budget, DeMarini has you covered.
The DeMarini Uprising sotftball bat is a great aluminum piece at a great value.
It features revamped DX1 Alloy and Hybrid Performance gripand and has been greatly tested to ensure that they have the perfect balance of performance and durability at a more affordable price.
Rise up with the 2020 DeMarini Uprising Slowpitch Bat
When looking for a softball bat, you want to select:
Click here for a step by step guide, and follow these basic tips:
1. Select a bat that you can hold outstretched for 30 seconds: You need a bat that is an appropriate weight in order to increase the power in your hits.
Hold the bat in your dominant hand in front of you at a 90-degree angle for 30 seconds. If your arm starts shaking or even begins to drop, the bat is too heavy. Repeat this process until you feel comfortable with the weight.
2. Pick a bat that is an appropriate length for your height: Here's a general idea of what length you should use based on your height.
Visit Sports Zone today for further assistance.
As Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands with high-quality softball gear, and we can do the same for you.
We’re a serious player in the sporting store market. Because we purchase our sports products in volume, we provide the same discount levels offered by national chains and big box retailers.
Our price match promise means we won’t just match another store’s advertised price - we’ll beat it by an additional 5%! We also offer free shipping on all orders over $100!
Click the image above to be directed to our softball bat selection
Visit us today to get the best sports equipment you need to compete and take advantage of our in-store services.
You can also order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area!
Sports Zone is located at 92 Lodge Street in Waterloo, ON.
Hours:
We carry all the top brands like Rawlings, Wilson, Louisville, Easton, Mizuno and Miken.
Sports Zone is located at 92 Lodge Street in Waterloo, ON. We are your one-stop shop for all "slo pitch equipment near me" inquiries.
Hours:
If you're in the Kitchener-Waterloo area or are interested in shopping online, Sports Zone is where you want to go for slo pitch bats, gloves, cleats, batting gloves, softballs, helmets, training aids, or even umpire products - check out our extensive slo pitch section today!
Check out this video for help with choosing the best slo pitch bat.
Sports Zone has a tremendous selection of slo pitch equipment and related products.
That includes:
Bats:
As well as:
We carry all the top brands like Rawlings, Wilson, Louisville, Easton, Mizuno and Miken.
The right slo potch equipment can help you dominate!
Now that you're fully equipped, you may be wondering where you can play this season. The City of Waterloo operates multiple co-ed and men's summer slo pitch leagues for anyone aged 18+.
These leagues run from May to September and feature a one game per week schedule. Games are played at RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex, Hillside Park and Waterloo Park diamonds.
Please note: Registration closes April 6 and all leagues fill up quickly.
Additional options include the Waterloo Recreational Co-Ed Slo-Pitch League and the Waterloo Softball Association, which includes a women's only slo pitch league option.
You've found the best "slo pitch equipment near me" - now get playing!
Like the major chain sporting retailers, we carry all the major brands you need to play your best.The Sports Zone difference, however, is our personalized level of service.
As a family run business, we offer a personal, small-store service experience but with all the sports equipment and apparel athletes need to excel at their sport.
As Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands of athletes like you with the high-performance sports gear that helped them excel in their chosen sport and we can do the same for you.
Sports Zone has all the slo pitch gear you need at the best price, guaranteed!
Visit us today to get the best "slo pitch equipment near me." Take advantage of our in-store services. Or you can order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
In this article, we will present some of the best baseball bats 2020 has to offer.
Sports Zone is committed to providing baseball players with the highest quality equipment and team wear available, all at unbeatable prices. Visit us today to get your next bat.
Now, let's dig in and take a deeper look at the best baseball bats for 2020.
Sports Zone offers almost 50 hardball bats for you to choose from before taking to the field this season. But how do you choose which one is best for you? First, check out our bat sizing guide, and then consider the following top options.
Sports Zone is located at 92 Lodge Street in Waterloo, ON. We are your one-stop shop for all the best baseball bats 2020 has to offer.
Hours:
If you're in the Kitchener-Waterloo area or are interested in shopping online, Sports Zone is where you want to go for baseball bats, gloves, cleats, batting gloves, softballs, helmets, training aids, or even umpire products - check out our extensive baseball section today!
Now let's take a look at some of the best bats of 2020.
Easton is a massive name for baseball bats, and for good reason. They have a reputation for creating some of the best bats available year in and year out.
New for 2020 is the Easton Alpha 360, a one-piece power balanced aluminum bat that delivers solid feel with the thinnest walls in the game.
Advanced Thermal Alloy Construction (ATAC) is reinforced with Carbon-Core, and the Speed Cap provides a more flexible, responsive barrel with natural sound on impact.
It features a Speed Balanced swing weight that provides optimized balance point for fast swing speed, as well as Custom Lizards Skins grip for best-in-class feel, cushion, and tack.
The Alpha 360 provides "Hot Out Of The Wrapper Performance"
Rawlings is the other big player when it comes to baseball bats. Brand new for 2020 is their second generation Quatro Pro, and it does not disappoint.
Proven on-field at the professional and collegiate levels, the 2020 Quatro bat continues to advance off its popular predecessors. Starting with the barrel, a composite inner barrel combined with a reactive high performance outer layer makes for a massive sweet spot and adds just enough weight to create a end-loaded feel.
The Quatro comes equipped with a thin, incredibly reactive outer barrel that creates a huge sweet spot that maximizes pop. Reconstructed collar assembly gives the Quatro a stiff, focused flex while reducing barrel drag and vibration.
Rawlings also added Vibration Dampening Technology (VDT) on the Quatro for a smoother feel at contact as well as Lizard Skins grip for top quality comfort and tack.
Rawlings 30 Day performance guarantee also comes with the Quatro, meaning if you don't like it after 30 days it can be returned for full refund - so grab one risk free from Sports Zone!
This promo video gives you a great look at one of the best baseball bats 2020.
Easton's has another one of the best baseball bats for 2020 with the Fuze 360.
The Fuze 360 is a one-piece ATAC alloy design that pushes the limits of performance with the thinnest walls in the game.
Advanced Thermal Alloy Construction is reinforced with Carbon-Core technology and 360 Engineering for 360° of barrel tuned precision. The Forged Composite Cap is lighter and stiffer to increase barrel trampoline and provide a Speed Balanced feel for fast swing speed.
Additionally, this bat's Power Boost Soft Knob technology provides more leverage and power potential, all while reducing vibration and improving comfort for the bottom hand.
Check this preview video of Easton's Fuze 360.
Masterfully engineered from the finest aerospace alloy materials, the Rawlings 2020 5150 was developed for heavy hitters who like going deep.
The Hyper-Lite Speed Cap provides batters with a lighter feel so you can have a quicker swing without losing any power.
In addition, the redesigned barrel gives batters a bigger sweet spot too. As a result you'll watch the ball explode off your bat with every contact.
If you want to crush the ball over outfielders and fences alike, you need this bat at the plate.
Become your team's go-to clutch hitter - order your 5150 USSSA bat from Sports Zone now!
Another new Easton bat for 2020 is the Maxum 360.
It lays claim to the longest barrel and biggest sweet spot in the game. The Maxum 360 combines Seamless Carbon Construction with 360 Engineering for 360° of barrel-tuned precision, delivering pure flexural energy, uniform barrel strength and maximum performance from knob to cap.
Computer-controlled precision molding technology produces an ultra-consistent, lightweight wall for optimal performance in every swing, and speed balanced swing weight provides optimized balance point for fast swing speed.
The Easton Maxum 360 lays claim to the longest barrel and biggest sweet spot in the game
Like the major chain sporting retailers, we carry all the major brands you need to play your best.The Sports Zone difference, however, is our personalized level of service.
As a family run business, we offer a personal, small-store service experience but with all the sports equipment and apparel athletes need to excel at their sport.
As Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands of athletes like you with the high-performance sports gear that helped them excel in their chosen sport and we can do the same for you.
Sports Zone has all the baseball gear you need at the best price, guaranteed!
Take advantage of our in-store services. Or you can order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area and receive free shipping on all orders over $100!
Sports Zone is located at 92 Lodge Street in Waterloo, ON.
Hours:
If you're in Kitchener-Waterloo or interested in shopping online, Sports Zone is where you want to go for baseball bats, baseball gloves, cleats, batting gloves, catcher equipment, baseballs, helmets, training aids, or even umpire products - check out our extensive baseball section today!
Visit us today to get your hands on one of these top bats for 2020:
You can also watch this video to learn how to find the best glove:
Sports Zone has a tremendous selection of baseball equipment and related products.
That includes:
As well as:
We carry all the top brands like Rawlings, Wilson, Louisville, Easton, Mizuno and Miken.
The right baseball equipment can help you excel on the field
You've found "baseball equipment near me" but what about "baseball leagues near me?"
The Region of Waterloo is home to several baseball and softball leagues for players of all ages.
Young players can learn to play in the Kitchener-Waterloo House League Baseball. If you are a KW House League player looking for extra reps, more game time, and a higher level of competition, you can join Panthers Select Kitchener Minor Baseball.
For adults, Tri-Cities Baseball is a league that plays games around Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge. This league is open to individuals age 18+ from all levels of baseball.
Additionally, there's no shortage of baseball diamonds around Kitchener to play and practice on your own as well!
As an added bonus, Sports Zone features a batting cage where you can test out the latest in bats.
We also offer team wear options to make sure your squad looks good while excelling on the field.
If you live outside our area, search "baseball equipment near me" to get what you need to play
Like the major chain sporting retailers, we carry all the major brands you need to play your best.The Sports Zone difference, however, is our personalized level of service.
As a family run business, we offer a personal, small-store service experience but with all the sports equipment and apparel athletes need to excel at their sport.
Click to visit our extensive baseball section
As Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands of athletes like you with the high-performance sports gear that helped them excel in their chosen sport and we can do the same for you.
Sports Zone has all the baseball gear you need at the best price, guaranteed!
Visit us today to get the best "baseball equipment near me." Take advantage of our in-store services. Or you can order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
In this article, we take a look at one of the best bats for 2020 - the Miken Freak 54!
Here at Sports Zone, we are committed to providing softball players with high quality equipment at unbeatable prices, inlcuding the Miken Freak 54. Visit us today to get your next bat.
Now, let's dig in and take a deeper look at this particular softball bat.
The Miken Freak 54 is a limited edition bat available at Sports Zone in Waterloo
This 100% composite slopitch bat is outfitted with flashy chrome graphics and a 1970s vibe.
The 14" barrel features Miken Maxxload technology, giving the bat a powerful end loaded weight with a large sweet spot. You can, therefore, expect excellent pop right out of the wrapping!
Additionally, the Miken Freak 54 features an optimal handle flex for increased swing power.
If you are a slopitch player looking for an elite end-loaded slopitch bat, look no further than the Miken Freak 54.
Get your Freak on with this limited edition Miken bat!
Here are the key features you need to know about this limited edition bat:
Click the image above to get the Miken Freak 54 bat and accompanying glove
We recently took a look at some of the best softball bats for 2020, specifically naming the Miken Freak 54. Here's how it stacks up against the rest of the field.
| Miken Freak 54 | Worth Krecher XL (Ryan Harvey | Miken Psycho (Corey Briggs) | Mizuno Crush | DeMarini Uprising | |
| Cost | $349.99 | $349.99 | $349.99 | $194.99 | $89.99 |
| Design | 100% Composite Design | Two-Piece, Composite Softball Bat | Revolutionary 100 COMP Utilizes 100% Premium Aerospace Grade Fibers To Deliver Legendary Performance & Durability | Black Onyx Carbon™: Increased durability with a shorter break-in period | Single Wall Construction |
| Barrel | 14" Barrel | 13.50 Inch Barrel Length, 2 1/4 Inch Barrel Diameter. CF100 Uses A 100% Carbon Fiber Barrel For Unbelievable Durability | 2 1/4" Barrel Diameter, 14" Barrel Length | Cylinder Seaming: Allows for consistent performance and durability across the barrel | DX1 Alloy Barrel: High-strength alloy built for performance |
| Weight | Half-Ounce Maxload Swing Weight | XL (1/2 oz) Ounce End Load | Maxload Swing Weight - 0.5 Ounce End Load | End Loaded Swing Weight: End-Loaded swing weight for maximum distance | |
| Handle | F2P Performance Handle | Flex 50 Technology Delivers An Ultra Thin Handle With Unmatched Whip | Colorway: White / Red / Grey | 2-Piece LINK™: Significantly reduces vibrations to the hands to give you the amazing feel of solid contact every at-bat; Micro-Whip™ Grip: Smaller diameter grip for better feel | |
| Other Features | Triple Matrix Core+ | 220+ Advantage Extends The Sweet Spot & Maximizes Performance Over The Entire Barrel | Flex 2 Power (F2P) Technology Optimizes Flex & Barrel Loading To Maximize Speed Through The Zone; Triple Matrix Core + Technology Improves Material Volume By 15% For Larger Sweet Spot & Greater Performance | Optimized End Cap: Great sound on batted balls, while also positively affecting the bat's sweet spot to give you more pop; Triple Wall: Gives you higher peak performance right out of the wrapper with a larger sweet spot for more power and forgiveness | |
| Certification | Approved for Play in USSSA, NSA, and ISA Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments | Approved for Play in USSSA, NSA, and ISA Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments | Approved for Play in USSSA, NSA, and ISA Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments | Approved for Play in USSSA, NSA, and ISA Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments | Approved for Play in USSSA, NSA, and ISA Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments |
Product Review
The team over at 27swing recently tested the Miken Freak 54 and offered their thoughts:
Watch this video to see the Miken Freak 54 in action
Sports Zone is located at 92 Lodge Street in Waterloo, ON.
Hours:
Visit us today to get the best sports equipment you need to compete and take advantage of our in-store services. We also have a batting cage where you can test the Miken Freak 54 as well as any other among our wide selection of softball bats.
You can also order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
Sports Zone is Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer. Over the years, thousands of softball players have been equipped with high-quality gear, and we can do the same for you.
We’re a serious player in the sporting store market and carry all the top brands like Rawlings, Wilson, Louisville, Easton, Mizuno and Miken.
Because we purchase our sports products in volume, we provide the same discount levels offered by national chains and big box retailers. Our price match promise means we won’t just match another store’s advertised price; we’ll beat it by an additional 5%!
We also offer free shipping on all online orders over $100!
In this article, we are going to outline what your child needs for softball equipment this year.
Whether you're looking for softball bats, gloves, cleats, batting gloves, catcher equipment, softballs, batting helmets, training aids, or even umpire products, Sports Zone has you covered - check out our softball equipment section today!
Now let's dig in and take a look at the different elements of softball equipment your child needs to play their best this season.
Softball cleats must have rubber or hard plastic spikes. Metal spikes are therefore not allowed. However, soccer cleats are usually permitted.
Price range: $35 - $50
These Mizuno spikes are perfect for your young softball player
Your child can't take to the field without this important piece of softball equipment: a glove!
Softball gloves differ from baseball gloves, and you can further distinguish between fastpitch and slowpitch softball.
Here's a look at how the sizing works for each courtesy of softball.com:
| Age | Infield | Outfield |
| Under 8 | 9"-11" | 10.5"-11.5" |
| 9 to 13 | 10.5"-11.5" | 11"-11.5" |
| High School | 11.5"-12.5" | 12.5"-13" |
| Adult | 11.5"-12.5" | 12.5"-13" |
| Size | Position |
| 12"-13" | Infield |
| 12.5"-14" | Outfield |
Price range: $75 - $250
Make sure you get a softball glove and not a baseball glove
3. Batting Helmet (With Facemask)
Some softball leagues will provide your child with protective helmets, but - just like in hockey - it's a good idea to invest in your own in order to ensure proper fit.
When looking for a helmet, make sure to purchase one with both a facemask and a chin strap.
Faceguards are particularly important if your child wears braces, and they are important simply for an extra level of protection. Chin straps are an easy way to make sure your child's helmet is safe and secure. They’re easy to attach and can be adjusted to create a tighter fit.
For helmets and facemasks, make sure you find one that is manufactured by the same company as the helmet to minimize any issues with attachment
Note: Most children'e leagues will supply bats, but as your youngster gets older, you might want to invest in one that fits their specific height and weight. Click here to see our softball bat sizing guide.
The Kitchener-Waterloo area is home to two exceptional softball leagues for children.
1. Kitchener-Waterloo Minor Boys Softball: This association has been operating for over 50 years, and provides a range of leagues for all ages and competition levels.
2. Kitchener Minor Girls Softball: Begin with the Learn-To-Play (LTP) program for girls aged 5-6. It offers opportunities to practice the skills needed to successfully take part in competition softball as they get older.
Sports Zone has the best selection of softball equipment and related products
Sports Zone is located at 92 Lodge Street in Waterloo, ON.
Hours:
Sports Zone has a tremendous selection of softball equipment and related products.
That includes:
We carry all the top brands like Rawlings, Wilson, Louisville, Easton, Mizuno and Miken.
As Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands of athletes like you with the high-performance baseball and softball gear, and we can do the same for you.
Visit us today to get the best softball equipment you need to compete and take advantage of our in-store services.
You can also order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
In this article, we are going to take at some of the best new goalie equipment Canada has to offer in 2020.
Finding the right goalie equipment is essential to successfully playing this important position. Your gear will last for years, so you'll want it to be high quality and comfortable.
The experts at Sports Zone can help get you outfitted with the best goalie equipment in Canada - browse our goalie section to get started.
Now, let's dig in and look at the latest and greatest goalie equipment available in 2020.
One of the new arrivals that we are very excited about here at Sports Zone is a set of CCM Extreme Flex E4.9 Goalie Pads, which came out in late 2019.
These pads have explored new graphic designs while providing improved agility and ice sealing capability
The material on the outside of the pad is CCM’s high quality “SpeedSkin” synthetic material that creates new boundaries for styling and function without sacrificing durability.
Designed to be the best performing goalie pad material on the market, “SpeedSkin” provides the smooth and quick sliding ability a goalie needs to get across the crease.
In terms of pad construction, the CCM Extreme Flex E4.9 pads feature all-new DuaLiteCore Technology to maximizes your maneuverability.
Here's a look at the full list of features of one of the current top pieces of goalie equipment Canada has to offer:
These pads come with a single outside break and a pre-curved single inside break core to better allow you to close the 5 hole.
The NME 10 goalie mask is Bauer's most innovative mask to date. The materials used both in the shell and in the liner are the most advanced that Bauer has ever put into a helmet.
This cage weighs 50% less than traditional stainless steel cages, but it is also twice as strong
The shell of this mask is built with a fibreglass base, and it also features a carbon outer layer. This Innegra fibre, which Bauer currently uses in their high-end goalie sticks, acts to hold the carbon and fibreglass fibres together to prevent chipping. It also serves as an excellent vibration dampener.
Additionally, the shell also features some vibration dampening tape (the same that's also used in airplanes) to further dampen impact vibrations and protect your head as skaters crash the net.
This mask is available here, and check out these amazing mask painting ideas after you've made your purchase to create the best looking goalie equipment in Canada.
We recommend checking out the CCM Extreme Flex 4 Pro Senior Goalie Blocker and the CCM Extreme Flex 4.9 Senior Goalie Glove, both of which are available through Sports Zone.
Let's start with the blocker.
CCM has manufactured a large, balanced blocker designed for redirecting pucks into corners with ease
Here are some key features you need to be aware of:
In short, the CCM Extreme Flex 4 Pro Senior features high-quality construction and high-grade materials in both the outer materials and interior core.
In late 2019, CCM developed their newest adaptation in the Extreme Flex franchise: the all-new CCM Extreme Flex 4.9 Senior Goalie glove is meticulously engineered and handcrafted for a game-ready feel!
CCM uses their proprietary “SpeedSkin” synthetic stamped material which creates a new level for style and function
Important features include:
The products mentioned above are examples of the best and latest goalie equipment in Canada. Spring is typically when CCM and Bauer release their new models, and until then, these products are typically kept pretty close to the chest protector.
We recommend keeping an eye on In Goal Magazine and Goalie Gear Nerd for the freshest news on goalie equipment in Canada.
Like the major chain sporting retailers, we carry all the major brands you need to play your best. The Sports Zone difference, however, is our personalized level of service.
We pledge to offer the customer a personal, small-store service experience but with all the sports equipment and apparel athletes need to excel at their sport.
As Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands of athletes like you with the high-performance sports gear that helped them excel in their chosen sport - and we can do the same for you.
Whether you need hockey equipment, skates, hockey sticks, goalie equipment, figure skates, or baseball equipment and more, Sports Zone has what you need at the best price, guaranteed!
Visit us today to get the best sports equipment you need to compete and take advantage of our in-store services.
Or you can order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
"Great service bought a goalie full set pads blocker and trappeur globe online from Québec and they took the time to call me because the trapper I chose didn’t fit the rest they wanted to check with me if I wanted the glove that fits the pad now I couldn’t be happier with my new gear. Will definitely buy again from them."
- Christoper Paradis
In this article, we will outline all you need to know about used sporting goods.
Used sporting goods are a great option for those who want to play on a budget, or for pieces of equipment that you'll soon outgrow or wear out. Sports Zone offers the very best in new and used hockey equipment, and we allow trade-ins so that you can maximize your dollar - visit us today to learn more.
Now, let's dig in and take a closer look at what you need to know about used sporting goods, and when it makes sense to choose used over new.
All parents know kids grow at an alarmingly fast rate! This is true not only in terms of size, but also in their interests. As a result, it might not make financial sense to invest in brand new equipment when your child begins playing a new sport.
Used sporting goods are ideal for baseball players
Here in Canada, for example, many parents feel overwhelmed by the seemingly high cost of hockey equipment. If you're new to the sport or have a kid who desperately wants to play, you'll need to invest in a decent-sized list of gear to put in your hockey bag, which is a good starting point, by the way!
Here's what you'll need:
In our Guide To The Average Cost Of Hockey Equipment, we outlined a general cost breakdown:
The fact that kids grow so quickly means it's prudent to prioritize used sporting goods during younger years. This greatly lowers the average cost of equipment. Adults can invest a bit more, however, knowing they're likely to use their gear for many years to come.
Hockey can be expensive, meaning used sporting goods can come in handy!
Sports Zone is here to help. We not only offer the very best in hockey equipment, but we also offer the following used items: shoulder pads, pants, gloves, shin guards, and elbow pads. To make things easier, we offer a trade-in program so you can bring in your old equipment and get credit towards new gear.
We are a premier local leader in the sports gear industry and have approximately 15,000 square feet of inventory space filled with new and used sporting equipment. We also have a massive online store with over 11,000 items!
We carry the very best in:
As the area's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands of athletes like you with the high-performance sports gear that has helped them excel in their chosen sport.
Contact us to learn more about our trade-in program!
The best sports stores that sell used equipment will always conduct full inspections on any used sporting goods intended to be sold to make sure they are in reasonably good condition. These items will then be priced accordingly.
"The most important thing to keep in mind when sourcing all sports equipment is the safety of the piece," according to Active For Life.
Hockey helmets must have a CSA (Canadian Standards Association) sticker and must be free from cracks, for example. Still, we recommend purchasing new for optimal safety.
For skates, ensure there are no missing or rusted rivets, rusted or cracked blades, or cut leather. For all other pieces, look for signs of wear and tear and most importantly, make sure they fit properly.
If you're looking to purchase a new softball bat, you'll have to make sure it's on the approved list while also retaining its pop. When it comes to similar items like racquets, use your best judgment as to whether the gear is in good enough condition. You can even talk to a coach or to another experienced, knowledgeable player or parent before you shop.
For other kinds of protective equipment like chest protectors, knee pads, or shin guards, you should check that all padding is intact, fully attached, and not mouldy. Additionally, ensure rubber or hard plastic parts are free of cracks and that all straps and fasteners are functional and in good condition.
Local sports leagues and organizations can be a good resource for used sporting goods. They often sell used gear as fundraisers or conduct trade-in programs as part of tournaments.
Sports Zone is a serious player in the sporting store market. Because we purchase our sports products in volume, we provide the same discount levels offered by national chains and big-box retailers. Our price match promise means we won’t just match another store’s advertised price - we’ll beat it by an additional 5%!
Get outfitted for softball season with gently used gear
Where do used sporting goods come from?
By definition, used sporting goods come from those who've benefitted from these pieces of equipment in the past and no longer need it. Bring your gear to Sports Zone, and if it's in good condition, you can trade it in for credit on your next purchase! We then offer it to someone else who can use it.
What type of equipment do you accept?
We will accept a wide variety of quality used sports and fitness gear to flip to those who play any particular sport in our community - as long as we have room for it! That includes hockey skates, protective gear (elbow, shoulder and shin pads), softball gloves, hockey gloves and more!
How much is my used equipment worth?
There are several factors we consider: brand, condition, and demand for the items. We will assess your equipment, and let you know what we can offer in terms of trade-in value on your next purchase.
Like the major chain sporting retailers, we carry all the major brands you need to play your best. The Sports Zone difference, however, is our personalized level of service. We pledge to offer the customer a personal, small-store service experience but with all the sports equipment and apparel athletes need to excel at their sport.
As Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands of athletes like you with the high-performance sports gear that helped them excel in their chosen sport and we can do the same for you.
Whether you need hockey equipment, skates, hockey sticks, goalie equipment, figure skates, or baseball equipment, Sports Zone has what you need at the best price, guaranteed!
What Sports Zone Customers Are Saying:
Visit us today to get the best sports equipment you need to compete and take advantage of our in-store services.
Or you can order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
