How to Size Gloves

The biggest issue we see today is players not knowing the right size of Ball Hockey Gloves to buy online. Sure we have a FREE return/exchange policy but despite it being easy to do, we know you want your gloves right away. It is easier to check in stores to get the right feel but then we lose our options in variety. When you measure properly, you’ll be able to get the right gloves for you.

You can use a tape measure or a ruler. Same as in ice hockey, what you want to do is measure (in inches) from your elbow to the joint of your middle finger. If you end up at 14.5” or more, then you’ll probably want a 15” glove. You do not want your fingers touching or pushing against the tip of the gloves.

All the Ball Hockey Gloves we sell do follow the same rule:

• 11", 12", 13", 14", 15"

The one exception is the D-Gel Vibe gloves which you can use this as a reference:

• Small (12")
• Medium (13")
• Large (14")
• X-Large (15")

We have Knapper Ball Hockey Gloves and D-Gel Ball Hockey Gloves currently available. The Knapper Gloves are listed in 3 categories which you can view our blog that breaks down their characteristics by clicking HERE.

If you would like to know how to size Ball Hockey Shin Pads, CLICK HERE.

AK5 Gloves Vs. AK7 Gloves

Hey guys,

A common question we keep getting is what makes the Knapper AK7 Gloves much better than the AK5 Gloves?

Well let's start with the similarities.

• The gloves are designed with a lacrosse style to them to give you more flexibility. Having that extra flex in the fingers not only allows for better stick-handling, but it also makes it easier to catch the ball. We all know how much that ball can bounce on a hard pass so having some mobility in our fingers will be more beneficial than using an ice hockey gloves. 

• The palm is reinforced with some additional grip for your stick. Having the reinforced palm will give you more durability. 

• Both gloves are extremely light. They are much lighter and less bulky than an ice hockey glove giving you a great feel for the ball but with enough protection so you can focus on your game. 

• CBHA Approved, these gloves are allowed for CBHA Nationals and events. 

What separates them?

• The AK7 has a split cuff providing more flexibility in the wrist for when you're stick-handling or making a wrist shot. The AK5 has a basic cuff. 

• The added thumb protection protects you when someone is trying to lift your stick or trying to whack your stick. Similar to an ice hockey thumb, you still maintain the flexibility required in your fingers but keep the protection you need on your thumb. 

• The next best thing is the Slash Guard. How many times do you feel that slash on top of your hand? It's aggravating but at here's an excellent way to get some added protection while maintaining a light and flexible glove.  

The gloves are available in different colours. You can check them out on our site, www.ballhockeygear.ca. 

If you're looking for a bare minimum glove.because you don't like wearing gloves but are required by the league, then we recommend the AK3 Gloves or the D-Gel Vibes. 

   

We understand that shopping online can be a concern especially when it comes to sizing. That is why we offer a 30 day return/exchange policy. All that we ask is that you don't wear the products in a game and that you return them in their original packaging. 

Best part is, you don't have to pay shipping to return or exchange them. We'll cover that for you. Just email us at info@ballhockeygear.ca with your order number and the size that you would like to exchange for and we'll email you a packing slip that you can print out. It's that easy.

We got our Summer Blowout Sale going on until end of August but only while supplies last. Sizing is limited until September so don't wait. Suit up in time for the Fall Season. 

The Truth about Ball Hockey

The Truth about Ball Hockey

by Riel Ouimet

Head Coach for the Carleton University Ravens Ball Hockey Team

Owner of Ballhockeygear.ca

So many times we hear ice hockey players tell people to go play ball hockey because they aren't "good enough" or that Ball Hockey is an easy sport. As a Ball Hockey player myself, I find that insulting. They may be right when it comes to the skating portion. I have seen some great Ball Hockey players that can't skate if their lives depended on it however Ball Hockey is no easy sport. 

Similar to ice hockey, you're playing with hockey sticks, similar rules and similar formats except there are two big differences. Cardio and Equipment. Players play just as hard as any other sport except they are not able to glide and gain speed with a couple strides as in ice hockey. They are required to have explosive bursts of speed with quick pivots to maintain control of the ball and open passing/shooting lanes. They are also required to rely a lot on passing since there's more time for the defence to move into position and block shooting opportunities. 

They also play with hardly any equipment. There's no foam puck, that's Floor Hockey. We play with an Orange ball that will leave a nasty bruise when you get hit especially when playing with the D-Gel Pro Ball. Unlike ice hockey, players block shots with hardly, if any, equipment so that they can help out their fellow tendies such as myself. As much as we tell our players that we have the padding, they still sacrifice for the sake of the game. 

How Can We Help?

The more I watched guys get hit or took the shot for me, I wondered if there could be a way I could help out my team-mates. So many times I'd hear them discussing where they could find good ball hockey equipment. I'd hear a few different store names but none specialized in this niche sport that is growing so quickly. Not only was I able to find a way to help my team-mates, I was able to help the entire Ball Hockey Community with Ballhockeygear.ca. 

Now Ball Hockey players are able to find all the gear they need to play comfortably with protection. We have a variety of options from jerseys to shin guards and even Ball Hockey shoes. Here's a sample what we have to offer. 

Jerseys

We recommend sublimated jerseys for two reasons. 1st reason is because the rice mesh material used for the jerseys is extremely light and breathable which is excellent for playing Ball Hockey. They don't double in weight when you sweat and they are much more comfortable than your standard iron logo on a cotton T-Shirt sort of deal. (For those on a tight budget, we understand and we can still do heat press shirts)

The second reason is the options to have a unique design. We have partnered up with LA Sport who have some amazing artists that can turn your idea into a reality. You can put your name, number, logos at no extra cost and you can have as many colours and graphics as you want. There's no limitation. 

Here's an example of how a project went from an idea to a finished product:

   BEFORE                                                    AFTER

                          

You can order jerseys by contacting us at info@ballhockeygear.ca. 

Protective Clothing

We have several options when it comes to protective apparel. We have the new Knapper products releasing this month and our most popular brand has been Shock Doctor. 

We have protective shirts, compression wear, jocks, padded shorts with cups, and more. 

Gloves

Our main brands for gloves are Knapper and D-Gel. The most popular demand for Ball Hockey gloves has been for something that is light, less bulky and flexible while still providing the protection needed. Brands such as D-Gel and Knapper have designed their gloves to meet these needs. Their top gloves are shown here. 

AK7 Ball Hockey Gloves

   

The AK7 Ball Hockey gloves come with full thumb protection as in ice hockey gloves. They are equipped with slash guard technology to protect your hand at the thumb joint. The Split Cuff offers you wrist protection and passes the standards of the CBHA. (Canadian Ball Hockey Association)

D-Gel Komodo Gloves

The Komodo Gloves offer a lighter feel with stable protection. The palm is a mesh palm allowing more breath ability and the wrist is secured with a drawstring. These gloves offer excellent manoeuvrability when playing. 

Shin Pads

Our top selling item here at Ballhockeygear.ca are shin pads. It doesn't matter what level of Ball Hockey you play, you'll always receive a lovely hack to the shin or a beautiful bruise from a blocked shot. 

As the one stop shop for Ball Hockey gear, we have pads for all types of players. Unfortunately we are currently out of the Classic Mylec Shinpads and due to the exchange rate, we don't have plans on restocking any time soon. 

Here are our top selling Ball Hockey shin pads. 

               

Ball Hockey Shoes

There are now shoes made specifically for Ball Hockey. Knapper has designed the MK5 shoes which are now on clearance for 20% off. These shoes come with a Toe Guard for additional protection against slashes and shots. The court grip gives excellent traction on all surfaces including gym floors, slab, and dek. 

The new Knapper shoes offer more in variety for protection from the AK5 to the AK7. 

          

For those looking for the lighter court shoes, we do offer the option through Salming, a well known brand in Europe making its way into Canada. Salming is popular for its shoes and equipment in the sport of Floorball. Since Floorball is played in a similar style to Ball Hockey, players are able to play with featherlite technology. 

   

For more product options, you can visit our site at Ballhockeygear.ca. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can contact us at info@ballhockeygear.ca. 

A New Ball Hockey Brand - Knapper

A New Brand Emerges

As ball hockey continues to grow in North America, players are searching for ways to enhance their game with better protection that enables more mobility. They're looking for quality but also fair pricing. They're all familiar with ball hockey brands such as Mylec, D-Gel, and Powertek. Now a new brand emerges offering what players are looking for. Ball Hockey Equipment specifically designed for Ball Hockey and cutting edge technology to compete with the existing brands. 

With Alex Burrows' stamp of approval, Knapper makes its first steps into the world of Ball Hockey. They have designed everything including Ball Hockey Shoes, Gloves, Shin Pads, Sticks, and more. This Fall we introduced their new AK5 Shin Pads which were top sellers. In fact, we are almost out of the black ones until March. We have also introduced their new Ball Hockey Sticks that are Carbon/Fiberglass with ABS inserts to prevent blades from splitting and wearing down. 

  

Upcoming this Winter

Knapper will have some new products releasing this March and we're now accepting pre-orders. Below is a list of the new releases and each image links directly to the product page. 

Shoes:

AK9 Mid Ball Hockey Shoe

This shoe is designed to meet the highest requirement of sports. PTF (Personalised Toe Form) technology provides superior protection at the forefoot area. The rubber outsole provides optimal traction on different surfaces such as Slab, Dek, and gym floorings. Its unique tread will help disperse water when playing in wet conditions. The mid cut will give you additional ankle support.

AK7 Ball Hockey Shoe

Very similar to the AK9, this shoe has a lower cut for those that aren't a fan of the Mid Cut shoes. Both the AK9 and AK7 come with the Personalised Toe Form which is an advanced latex foam which covers the entire toe area and protects the top of the foot while providing cushioning and support for the big toe during deceleration and directional changes.

There's a removable flab that provides an extra layer of thick foam padding for superior protection on the top of the foot. The AK7s however are available in 3 different colours.

       

AK5 Ball Hockey Shoe

Next we have is the AK5 shoes which have the same tread on the sole as the AK9s and AK7s however these shoes have a little less protection such as the removable flap. They're also available in Women sizes for the Black and Pink. 

       

    

Gloves:

AK3 Ball Hockey Glove

Designed to satisfy every level of player. This glove will give you good overall protection.

AK5 Ball Hockey Glove

A great all over glove designed for the sport. Superb comfort, combined with protection that will satisfy all your requirements. Available in 6 different colours. 

      

     

      

AK7 Ball Hockey Glove

First glove designed exclusively for ball hockey. Slash guard technology will protect your thumb against slashing. It is smaller and lighter than a hockey glove but offers the same protection. You'll also notice the wrists are CBHA Standards. 

     

     

Protective Apparel:

Protective Shirt

This shirt is perfect for the player who is seeking just enough protection in all critical areas. It is breathable, light weight, and fully adjustable. You will still keep all the range of motion you need to make your plays. 

Protective Shorts

Strictly designed for the needs of a ball hockey player. Full protection throughout an integrated cup and padding on the critical areas. Engineered for superior comfort and breathability during vigorous game play and running. 

Bags:

Looking for a hockey bag that is easy to carry and strictly for your ball hockey gear? Knapper has that too with their carry on back pack and sports bag. 

     

As you can see, Knapper has a wide range of ball hockey equipment that will be available just in time for the Spring season. We will be receiving the amazing products in March 2016, only a few months away so make your pre-order today at www.ballhockeygear.ca.