I would never say one skate is better than another comparable level of skate. APX and Mako are both top tier skates. Mako fits me very very well and is comfortable. I like the extra forward flex because it fits my skating style. I like that it's not as stiff as APX. Vapor series skates simply don't feel right to me. It's my personal belief that many players can't flex super stiff skates and thus don't benefit from an skate like an APX but that's only my opinion. Wear what fits your feet and your skating style and ability.