Though, there are a lot more avenues for the general consumer to test out different brands and styles. Sideline Swap has been a bit of a godsend for me nailing down my preferences.
In less than two years I've had the ability to test:
- Bauer 2S Pro Set
- Warrior G5 Pro Set
- VE8 Pro Carbon C/A
- Bauer Pants
- Bauer 3S
- Bauer 2X Pro Catcher
- Bauer Hyperlite Catcher
- Bauer Mach Set
- Another G5 Catcher with INT liner
- Bauer Mach C/A
- Bauer Ultrasonic Catcher
These are just from Sideline Swap or GGSU and don't include any store demo's or new purchases. If I hadn't been able to test out a multitude of gear, my preferences would have been less adventurous for the same reasons you listed:
The price tag.
I'm glad I've been able to explore in a most cost friendly manner. The Bauer gear I'm wearing (Leg pads, blocker, mask, C/A) are all up there for some of my favourite pieces I've ever worn and without this type of 3rd party reselling site, I'd still be in my Blue RGT2's.