Equipment: SKATES - Buying Guide and Advice

[AIREAYE]

Is the difference huge? I kinda love Bauer's stiffness, and never tried any Reeboks.

If the difference in stiffness is huge then I'll probably go for the Supreme line first, the guys in icewarehouse said it would fit more similar to Vapor.

Huge? That's up to you. I said there was a difference, and it's noticeable. Supremes are closer to Vapor than Reebok is.

 

[BigDuke6]

I skated in my new 12Ks for the first time this morning. Coming from my Bauer One60s which were too wide and half a size too large the overall fit was much snugger and more secure. I was pleasantly surpirsed that the more secure fit translated into being able to feel and control my outside edges significantly better than the Bauer's. My stops and crossovers (both backward and forward) where much better.

The 12K's boot is no where near as stiff as the One60's, which took a bit to get used to, but I feel like after an hour on the ice I had no issues.

The width in the 12Ks is a little snug, but after trying on the Reeboks, as well as the full range of Bauer models (Supreme, Vapor, Flexlite) anything in an E width just feels much too wide, while a D width feels just a big snug. Given the choice, and my experience with the wider skates for almost a year, I'm going to stick with the D width.

I have the yellow Superfeet inserts from my old Bauer's which I haven't put into the 12Ks yet, but I became a big fan of the Superfeet over the last couple of months, so that's next.

Overall I'm pleased with the new skates, they are more comfortable, and it seems like the better fit is going to help my skating.

 

[donkers*]

I'm not familiar with Reebok skates. Are the 12k's their middle tier skates? I'm wearing One100's now and looking to buy new skates this summer and looking for a softer boot and lower price. I've always been a Supreme wearer but interested in branching out and all my buds rave about their Reeboks. I wear EE's with Bauers, what's the comparable Reebok width sizing?

 

[BigDuke6]

I'm not familiar with Reebok skates. Are the 12k's their middle tier skates? I'm wearing One100's now and looking to buy new skates this summer and looking for a softer boot and lower price. I've always been a Supreme wearer but interested in branching out and all my buds rave about their Reeboks. I wear EE's with Bauers, what's the comparable Reebok width sizing?

I have the 12Ks, which are closer to the lower tier. I believe RBK's new lineup starts at 9K (lowest tier) and then 12K. The 14K or 16K looks like their middle tier skate. Someone with more knowledge/experience should probably handle your sizing questions.

 

[AIREAYE]

I'm not familiar with Reebok skates. Are the 12k's their middle tier skates? I'm wearing One100's now and looking to buy new skates this summer and looking for a softer boot and lower price. I've always been a Supreme wearer but interested in branching out and all my buds rave about their Reeboks. I wear EE's with Bauers, what's the comparable Reebok width sizing?

Try them on. Look at the 18K for value, one below the 20K.

 

[michaelshu]

Huge? That's up to you. I said there was a difference, and it's noticeable. Supremes are closer to Vapor than Reebok is.

Update: I tried a Supreme One20 size 7D yesterday, the heel fits great and forefoot was snug. My toes didn't touch the toe cap (because it's size 7 and I should be wearing 6.5)

The only downside is that it feels loose on the ankles, do you think it's because of the Supreme's fit? or because it's a low end skates?

Here are some pics of my right foot and my Vapor X7.0:

 

[ArrogantOwl]

AIR, you wouldn't happen to be familiar with inline hockey skates would you?

 

[AIREAYE]

Depends on if it's hockey or fitness. I know little about fitness skates except that Fireflys suck apparently and they are less supportive than hockey.

What do you want to know?

 

[ArrogantOwl]

Depends on if it's hockey or fitness. I know little about fitness skates except that Fireflys suck apparently and they are less supportive than hockey.

What do you want to know?

What inline skate fits most like the Flexlite line of ice if that info is available.

 

[hockeymass]

What inline skate fits most like the Flexlite line of ice if that info is available.

What inline skate fits most like a Flexlite? A Flexlite boot with an inline frame on it!

 

[ArrogantOwl]

What inline skate fits most like a Flexlite? A Flexlite boot with an inline frame on it!

Trying to avoid doing that.

 

[AIREAYE]

Vapors generally fit like Vapors, CCMs and Reeboks fit similar to their ice counter parts. The newer Mission skates fit like Supreme so if you're looking to that, it might be worth a shot.

 

[ArrogantOwl]

Do you happen to know what Tour's fit like? Thanks.

 

[AIREAYE]

No idea buddy, I've never seen an Alkali, Tour, or any of those specialist brands around my area.

 

[ArrogantOwl]

Darn. Thanks man. Did the Alkali guy say that they can basically be baked to fit most foot shapes or something like that over on MSH?

 

[AIREAYE]

I believe that Alkali fits in the narrow heel and wider forefoot category, so perhaps also similar to Flexlite? He (Justin) said that the higher end skates are so heat mouldable that it can give you a little extra width if you need it in the forefoot; sort of like the U+CLs and 12s.

 

[Stories]

Finally took the plunge on a new pair of skates. I went to my LHS and found a pair of CCM U+ 09 that were left over on clearance in my size. I got a pretty decent deal on them, $180. I'm now finally wearing a skate that fits my foot. I didn't bake them last night, I'll get them baked sometime this week as I really wanted to try them out on my game (I'm upgrading from a terribad pair of Bauer Silver which were $40 when I bought them and was first learning to skate that was a size and a half too big).

I tried to them during my game last night, and it's amazing how much of a difference a new skate can make. Each stride transferred power to the ice so much better than my old skates, my turns were crisper and faster. The entire boot is so much stiffer than my old one that I can really feel how much better of skate it is. The steel is also much better and digs into the ice much better so I've got much more stability when turning. My first two steps are now much more explosive than before because I lose less power when taking my strides.

All in all, I'm a very happy man. Now once I get them baked, I'm hoping that the boot is a little bit more comfortable Right now, they're not particularly comfortable.

These are the skates:

And a video review:

 

[Justdrew]

I've got a quick question. I've seen several references to players size and weight regarding skate selection. I'm 6'4" and 252 lbs. 20 years ago I tried to get on the ice about once a week and played a handful of pickup games. I didn't touch the ice for the last 20 years. Well my 6 year old has expressed interest to learn hockey and has resparked my interest to get back out there.

I grabbed myself a pair of Easton Stealth S9 last week. I am pretty limited on my choice of brands as I wear a 14 shoe, sometimes 15. The Easton 12.5 fits perfect with my toes just brushing the front.

I have been on the ice, just recreational with my kid, 4 times this past week. I am having a problem with my right ankle rolling inwards, my left is fine and staying vertical. I imagine my ankle will get back the strength and straighten itself out.

My question is if the S9 is going to be a stiff enough boot for me? I have seen a couple great deals for either the EQ40 or the S17 for around $250. Would I be better suited with the upgrade or do you think I will be fine using the S9 to get back into the swing of things. I am looking at starting with stick and puck sessions and then getting into my local 40+ c/d pickup and leagues.

Thanks in advance
Drew

 

[AIREAYE]

The thing about weight is simple enough. You would want the stiffest boot in your budget range that fits the best if you were a heavier set guy. The reasoning behind this is that you would theoretically put more wear and tear/strain on your boots as you skate. A stiffer skate would not only perform better, but last longer.

That being said, if you yourself believe that the ankles are the problem, then maybe wait it out and see if you improve. You have to make sure that it is the boot that isn't supporting you or fitting well for you before you consider new skates.

 

[Justdrew]

Hey,

Thanks for the quick reply. I don't know that the problem is just my ankle as I haven't skated for the last 20 years. As for my size, I wouldn't call myself "heavier set" as I run about 13% - 15% body fat. I have been killing it in the gym so I actually have a lot of strength and power. Does leg strength also play a factor in boot stiffness?

The $250 is in my budget, I just don't want to waste money. Is the S17 significantly stiffer than the S9? Will it be too much skate for my situation?

Thanks again,
Drew

 

[AIREAYE]

I believe that once a person has nailed the few basic skating movements (crossovers, tight turns, stop-and-starts on a dime, quick Fwd-Back transitions and pivots), upgrading to stiffer skates will yield benefits with each step, albeit diminishing marginal benefits (unless you're a pro).

I can't tell you whether or not it will be worth it, you'll have to decide yourself. However, if they fit well and you intend to keep them around for a while, then that's a great deal. The S17s are really stiff and really light.

 

[Justdrew]

Thanks again. I pulled the trigger on the S17's. HM had a 20% off clearance for memorial day and brought them down to $209 shipped.

Thanks
Drew

 

[Avscoholic]

I have a pair of Bauer Flexlite 4.0's in men's size 8 if anyone is interested. Only worn 2-3x and were not baked. Will sell them at a very good discount.

Unfortunately I bought them slightly big without knowing proper fitting, and am looking to get a smaller size skate now. Pm if interested.

First post here !

So what is the main reason for buying those specific skates, because i found that particular model in ridiculously cheap price online. Planning to order those if the fit is good for me.

 

[AIREAYE]

The fit, it's narrow heel, wide forefoot. Traditional feel so a softer boot and softer insides.

 

[neksys]

Quick question: What is the effect of wearing a skate that is half a size too big but otherwise fits really well?

If there is good stability through the mid-foot and excellent ankle lock, is the fact that the toes aren't quite "brushing" the end of the toe-cap a huge problem? Or is it relatively minor in the grand scheme of things?