Best Ice Hockey Pants

for Elite, Performance and Recreational Hockey Players
Updated November 2024
Best Hockey Pants Header graphic

Whether you are looking for your first ice hockey pant or simply in search of the next best thing, IW is here to ensure you can find the hockey pant that best suits your game. We've divided hockey pants into three protection levels; Elite, Performance, and Recreational with each category having the best 'Overall Performance' and 'Best Value'. Overall Performance will feature the hockey pant with the best tech and spec while Best Value is picked with price as a main factor.

Best Elite-Level Hockey Pants
Overall Performance CCM Tacks XF Pro
Best Value True Catalyst 7X4
Best Elite-Level Hockey Girdles
Overall Performance Warrior Alpha
Best Value Sherwood Code Encrypt
Best Performance-Level Hockey Pants
Overall Performance True Catalyst 5X4
Best Value CCM Tacks Classic
Best Recreational-Level Hockey Pants
Overall Performance Winnwell AMP500
Best Value Sherwood 5030 HOF

Best Hockey Pants
For Elite-Level Players

For Overall Performance,
CCM Tacks XF Pro Hockey Pants

CCM Tacks XF Pro Hockey Pant Graphic
CCM Tacks XF Pro Hockey Pant Graphic

$179.99 MSRP for Senior (MD, LG)
$249.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)


Designed for players who skate with power and physicality to dominate the game, the CCM Tacks XF Pro Ice Hockey Pants are the top choice this year. Known for its premium coverage and protection package for the elite-level skater for years, CCM has included their game-changing AER-TEC Ventilation System that was first introduced in the JetSpeed FT6 Pros. Tacks players can now benefit from the incredible breathability and air circulation that it provides which helps to regulate your body temperature so you can perform at your best all game long.

What would a Tacks pant be without D3O?! It makes its return for good reasons since it's known for being one of the very best protection foams in not only hockey but other impact sports. Located in the hips and spine, these two key impact areas can take on repeated body checks and physical play. The XF Pro pants also come with elite mobility thanks to the FlexMotion design, allowing you to freely move and flow through traffic without any hindrance from your gear.

Pros Cons
Premium coverage and protection Very expensive
Perfect for physical player Limited Junior sizes
Fantastic breathability No odor control
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For Best Value,
True Catalyst 7X4 Hockey Pants

True Catalyst 7X4 Ice Hockey Pants Graphic
True Catalyst 7X4 Ice Hockey Pants Graphic

$149.99 MSRP for Junior (SM, MD, LG, XL)
$179.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

We haven't seen a new pant line from True in a while but they have released a pretty dang incredible Catalyst line for 2024. The True Catalyst 7X4 Ice Hockey Pants deliver amazing value for the price and are a fantastic choice for the physical player who is looking to save a bit of money.

If you were a fan of the Tackla fit, which was a staple among hockey players for generations, then you'll be excited to know True has teamed up with them for 2024. Known for its close-to-the-body feel and premium coverage, the Tackla fit has now been paired with modern-day protection and mobility. This is seen in the all-new iBP frame, a three-dimensional construction reinforced with a high-impact foam base. Impact energy is efficiently dispersed away from the body while the unique frame geometry offers some of the best airflow on the market.

Pros Cons
iBP Frame protection is many impact areas Tackla fit and feel may not suit your fit preference
Amazing fit for coverage and protection No odor control
Zippered 2" extension offers more length adjustability than most

Honorable Mentions,
Sherwood Code Encrypt & CCM JetSpeed FTW

For the disruptive playmaker, the one who covers every square inch of the ice, look no further than the Sherwood Code Encrypt Ice Hockey Pants. Built to move and utilizing Viconic Impact Protection in the hips, you'll be able to adapt to every play whether it's slipping by defenders or dishing out a big hip check. With the introduction of Sherwood's 360-degree Wrap, these are the best-fitting hockey pants from Sherwood to date. They also come with a few additional features that elevate their value, such as Customizable coverage and MicroBan odor control.

Female players of all skill levels can finally get protection that fits them properly, thanks to the CCM JetSpeed FTW Ice Hockey Pants. CCM has improved the fit for the 2024 FTW model by revising the opening and making it even more adaptable for any body shape. With a wide range of sizing options, women and girl's will have a premium fit that maximzes comfort while enjoying an elite-level protection package.

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Best Hockey Girdles
For Elite-Level Players

For Overall Performance,
Warrior Alpha Girdle

Warrior Alpha Ice Hockey Girdle Graphic
Warrior Alpha Ice Hockey Girdle Graphic

$129.99 MSRP for Junior (SM, MD, LG, XL)
$149.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

The Warrior Alpha Ice Hockey Girdle is absolutely ideal for players who rely on maximum mobility and pro-level protection. Featuring a fit that forms to the body, players will experience top-level comfort along with fantastic impact protection in every key area. A secure and close fit is achieved effortlessly with the help of the internal belt, providing a comfortable and personalized fit around the waist. Built with Warrior's WarTech FNC liner the Alpha Girdle expertly handles both sweat and odor, ensuring you stay fresh and confident during intense gameplay.

Pros Cons
Elite protection and mobility No suspender buttons
Internal belt and a premium liner Shell sold separately
Wide range of sizes for both Junior and Senior players
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For Best Value,
Sherwood Code Encrypt Girdle

Sherwood Code Encrypt Ice Hockey Girdle Graphic
Sherwood Code Encrypt Ice Hockey Girdle Graphic

$129.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

The Sherwood Code Encrypt Ice Hockey Girdle is perfect for players looking for a low-profile fit, responsive mobility, and an affordable protection package for competitive play. Using a combination of high-density foams and molded plastics, it will allow you to stay confident for physical play but keep you light on your skates.

It comes with great adjustability in the belly pad and thigh guards from the Customizable Impact Protection. Players can raise or lower their protection to obtain perfect coverage and seal any gap in their protection. Finished off with MicroBan Technology, the Encrypt girdle has premium odor control for long-lasting freshness.

Pros Cons
Light and mobile No Junior sizes
Customizable Impact Protection in the thighs and belly pad Shell sold separately
MicroBan Odor Technology

Honorable Mentions,
CCM JetSpeed

Players seeking a lower profile with a lightweight design should turn their sights toward the CCM JetSpeed Ice Hockey Girdle. It features D30 Foam in the spine guard for elite-level impact protection and has great adjustability in the thigh guards for a customized fit.

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Best Hockey Pants
For Performance-Level Players

For Overall Performance,
True Catalyst 5X4 Hockey Pants

True Catalyst 5X4 Ice Hockey Pant Graphic
True Catalyst 5X4 Ice Hockey Pant Graphic

$119.99 MSRP for Junior (SM, MD, LG, XL)
$139.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

If the 7X4's are calling your name but slightly out of budget, the True Catalyst 5X4 Ice Hockey Pants are a fantastic option. What's great about these is the fact they feature True's new iBP Frame but backed by a more standard foam, allowing this model to be more affordable but still providing really great protection for the competitive player. However, it has the exact same spine guard construction as the top-end 9X4, providing elite-level impact coverage to this specific area. You also get the same Tackla inspired fit for premium coverage and mobility.

Pros Cons
Pro spine protection No zippered leg openings
Amazing fit for coverage and protection No length extension
Wide range of sizes No odor control
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For Best Value,
CCM Tacks Classic Hockey Pants

CCM Tacks Classic Ice Hockey Pants Graphic
CCM Tacks Classic Ice Hockey Pants Graphic

$99.99 MSRP for Junior (SM, MD, LG)
$119.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

The CCM Tacks Classic Ice Hockey Pants are a limited edition model for 2024 and a great value pick for the performance-level category. With molded plastics and comfort foams throughout, players can drive their way to the crease, battle in front of the net, and fight their way to the puck for a game-winning goal. Zippered leg openings and a zippered length extension are a couple added features to help players dial in their fit and perfect for the quickly growing player.

Pros Cons
Zippered 1" length extension External belt system
Great spine protection No odor control
ASD Construction provides amazing fit against the body Only available in black shell color

Honorable Mentions,
CCM JetSpeed Xtra SE & Winnwell AMP700

Another limited edition model and built with a few extra performance features is the CCM JetSpeed Xtra SE Ice Hockey Pants. They look just like the top-end FT6 Pro but come with a more affordable protection package for the competitive player. An EZ-fit opening, internal belt, and featherlight construction make these a great choice for the east-to-west skater.

Another fantastic option for the quick and agile player is the Winnwell AMP700 Ice Hockey Pants, which comes with a more traditional style closure system but keeps the internal belt system for a premium fit. It's got a great protection package and comes with CleanSport NXT Technology for great odor control and even comes in a women's specific model!

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Best Hockey Pants
For Recreational-Level Players

For Overall Performance,
Winnwell AMP500 Hockey Pants

Winnwell AMP500 Ice Hockey Pants Graphic
Winnwell AMP500 Ice Hockey Pants Graphic

$59.99 MSRP for Youth (SM, MD, LG)
$69.99 MSRP for Junior (SM, MD, LG, XL)

$89.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL, XXL)

An easy choice for brand-new or casual hockey players is the Winnwell AMP500 Ice Hockey Pants, which exhibits molded plastic for key impact management in the hips, thighs, spine and kidneys. Delivering anatomical comfort and a featherlight fit, the AMP500 is a stellar choice for the player stepping on the rink for the first time.

Pros Cons
CleanSport NXT Odor Technology No extension system
Lightweight fit and comes in a wide range of sizes No leg openings
Perfect for the first time hockey player
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For Best Value,
Sherwood 5030 HOF Hockey Pants

Sherwood 5030 HOF Ice Hockey Pants Graphic
Sherwood 5030 HOF Ice Hockey Pants Graphic

$79.99 MSRP for Senior (SM, MD, LG, XL)


Sherwood's 5030 HOF Ice Hockey Pants have a classic fit and feel that players have come to love for years. They boast a stretch gusset around the abdomen, which allows the pants and hip protection to flex and conform to every skating stride, perfect for the new player to feel comfortable in their first game.

Pros Cons
Excellent price No extension system
Great protection for the entry-level player No leg openings
Lightweight Limited to Senior sizes only

Honorable Mentions,
CCM Next

The CCM Next Ice Hockey Pants are an amazing choice for the recreational and casual player. They deliver out-of-the-box comfort for players stepping onto the ice for the first time, giving them a comfortable experience. They come with great entry-level protection and even come in three different colors in Senior, Junior and Youth sizes.

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Hockey Pants Sizing and Selecting

Learn how to fit and choose the hockey pant that's right for you

If you are unsure how to select the right size or having trouble deciding which level of play best suits your game, head over to our dedicated learning centers by using the buttons below!