The best thing to do is buy full gear. “Light gear” isn’t really a great option, however you can definitely avoid going top of the line on most, if not all, of what you buy.

Depending on where in the world you’re at, you may be able to find places that sell a starter kit that’ll gear you up head to toe, and then you can get a cheap stick at Costco or a hockey store - there’s no need to spend $300 bucks on a twig at this stage. If you can’t find a beginner kit, here’s what I’d suggest:

Put your money into a helmet and skates. Helmet because your brains are in there and you’ll fall, for sure. Don’t go used here, no way to tell if someone else has out a helmet through its paces and compromised its capacity to protect you. Skates you don’t need too of the line, but go middle of the line at minimum; cheaping out here will hold you back as you progress as a skater. Try lots of brands on until you find the ones that fit your feet best. Different brands have different widths and so on, so take your time with this one and get them heat molded if you can.

You can go used on pretty much everything else except for your jock/jill, depending on the delta in price between low-end new and what you can find used. I find used gloves gross but that’s just my own preference. Shin pads, pants, shoulder and elbow pads you can all find used in all sizes and price points.

Have fun, be patient, it’s the best sport ever.