Tackla

Overview

Tackla is a Finnish sports equipment manufacturer specializing in ice hockey gear, including pants, uniforms, and protective equipment. It markets products globally through its TACKLA brand and supplies consumers, clubs, leagues, and federations, with recognition as a mature brand in the IIHF supplier pool known in North America, Europe, Russia, and China.¹⁵⁷

History

Tackla was founded in 1961 in Lappeenranta, Finland, by Alf and Raili Nylund as Saimaan Urheilupuku, later adopting the TACKLA marketing name. Initial products included felt footwear, gymnastics shoes, jogging suits, and the first ice hockey pants produced in the Lauritsala factory. The brand gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s for its hockey pants used by NHL and professional leagues.¹²

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products were originally manufactured in the Lauritsala factory in Finland. Tackla Pro operates as a manufacturer and importer, though current specifics on in-house versus outsourced production are not detailed.¹

Notable Products

• True 9X4 Hockey Pant - Recently reviewed model signaling brand revival in hockey pants.
• Ice Hockey Pants (1961 original) - First product that launched the brand's hockey success.
• iBP Tech Protectors - Intelligent body protection guards associated with Tackla.
• Custom Team Uniforms - Game uniforms in team colors for clubs and leagues.

Reputation

Tackla is recognized among hockey enthusiasts for its historical popularity in the NHL during the 1980s and 1990s, particularly for high-quality ice hockey pants. Professionals view it as a mature European brand with global reach, though some note a period of reduced visibility before recent revivals. It maintains credibility as an IIHF supplier but faces competition from larger North American brands.²⁵