Street Hockey Gear: What You Actually Need

A sorted list of what's worth buying for driveway games, neighborhood leagues and roller hockey, and what can wait.

By Chirp Sticks·Updated October 2026·

Street hockey gear is simpler than the shop pages make it look. Stick, ball, something to shoot at, shoes. That is the game. Everything else depends on how rough your games get, how often you play and whether you are on shoes or wheels. So here is the kit, sorted by how you play. Buy what the game asks for and nothing more.

The stick is where the money matters most, so it gets the most words. We make the Street Twig, and if you want sticks compared side by side, our best street hockey sticks guide does that. This page covers the whole kit.

New to the game? Read street hockey tips for beginners for the mistakes to avoid, and how to play street hockey for the basics. Come back here when you're ready to shop.

Short answer: street hockey gear starts with four things: a stick with an ABS blade, a ball made for pavement, a net (or goal markers) and shoes with grip. Shin guards, gloves and a helmet come later, when games speed up. Skates and wheels only matter if you play roller.

The Stick: Spend Here First

Pavement is rough on blades, so check the blade first. Ice sticks come with composite blades made for smooth ice, and on asphalt they wear down fast. ABS is the street answer. After that it is weight and material. Wood and basic composites sit at the low end. Carbon fiber is lighter (ours is about 400g), and over a long game you will feel the difference.

Length matters more than most buyers expect. The size chart shows what fits your height, and for kids our youth street hockey stick guide covers what to look for. If roller is your game, the best roller hockey stick guide is the next stop.

Ball, Net and Shoes

The low-cost parts of the kit are the easy ones. Get a ball made for pavement, one that stays down and rolls true. A tennis ball works for a casual game, though it will not last. For goals, a real net is nice. Two cones, a couple of backpacks or garbage cans do the job too. Shoes get overlooked. Grip and side-to-side support matter more than looks, and any broken-in pair with decent tread works.

Protection: When Optional Stops Being Optional

How much protection you need depends on the game. A relaxed driveway pickup might need none. Once shots get hard or things get physical, shin guards are usually first, then gloves (they help in the cold too). For kids and anyone on skates, we would push hardest on a helmet. A fall onto asphalt is unforgiving. Goalies are their own category with their own gear. And organized leagues have rules, so check the rulebook before you spend.

Roller and Inline Hockey Gear

Roller hockey gear is the standard kit plus wheels. Skates take the place of shoes, so fit and ankle support come first. Then wheels. Bigger wheels roll faster, and harder wheels last longer on rough pavement but give up some grip. Our wheels guide walks through sizes and hardness. Inline hockey equipment also tends to mean more padding, since falls happen at speed.

Street Hockey Sets: Worth It?

Street hockey sets bundle a basic stick, a ball and sometimes a net or two. They suit a kid who is just trying the game. Think of a set as a low-cost trial. If the kid keeps playing, they tend to outgrow the stick fast, and that is when to buy a proper one on its own.

Bottom line: buy the stick first, keep the rest modest, and add protection when the games call for it. Want help choosing? Find Your Twig takes about a minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is protective gear required for street hockey?

Street hockey protective gear is mostly optional in casual games. The basics are a stick, a ball or puck and two nets. Shin guards, gloves and a helmet are extras. Leagues make their own rules though, so check yours first.

What is the difference between street hockey gear and ice hockey gear?

Street hockey gear differs from ice hockey gear in three places: the blade, the ball and your feet. Pavement chews up composite ice blades quickly, so street sticks go with tougher ones like ABS. The ball stays down. And you wear shoes, not skates.

Are street hockey sets worth buying?

A street hockey set is a fine starter for a kid testing the game. You get a basic stick and a ball in one box. Kids who stick with it tend to outgrow that stick fast, and then it is worth buying a proper one.

What roller hockey gear do I need beyond the basics?

Roller hockey gear is the normal kit plus skates and wheels. Once you are on wheels, a helmet and pads are well worth wearing. Our wheels guide covers size and hardness.

How much should I spend on street hockey gear?

Street hockey gear budgets work best when most of the money goes to the stick, since that is what wears out first outdoors. Keep shoes, ball and net modest. Add protection when the games get rougher.