Leaderboard

I am reviving this thread as enough years have passed and changes to what is happening in the marketplace. As mentioned in my other thread, I finally found a pair of Grafs I felt confident and comfortable enough in to replace my over 10 year old G70s, and based upon the different Graf models I tried on, that their quality is no longer an issue. All of the skates I tried on were properly made, no crooked holders or misfitted castings. The comfort is very good, and I am hopeful I can get a good 10 years out of these, too.

So many factors to weigh out. I've seen a few videos with a guy who recommends 1/3 body weight, but also recommends the stick be under the chin on skates (so shorter than the generic chin to nose recommendation). In the Matthews video you can see he likes a shorter stick, so I assume uses a lower flex to get the action he needs/likes as cutting a higher flex stick down would make it too stiff. I'm a small guy (5-6, 175lb) and still definitely working on my technique (I'm a beginner), but at the moment using a 60 flex that is cut down about 2 inches (so pretty close to that 1/3 recommendation). Seriously considering picking up a 55 flex. Took a look at some in the LHS and I could probably use uncut or maybe just take an inch or less off. I think my shooting might be better and maybe the lesser flex would help me develop technique.

Pricing was $60, just a straight palm replacement. Turnaround was about a week. I imagine that could vary depending on the gussets/condition etc. I don't recall all the options for palm types, and I'm not on Facebook to check.

I would have Eagle do it as a first choice, and I just had a pair done by Chad at Skate Tech, did a great job. https://www.skatetechsharpening.com/

You just bake them at home of course! I´ve baked pretty much all of my skates at 180-190 degrees for about 6-7 minutes. Works every time. Some occasions I have put the skates in a sauna at around 170 degrees and left them in there for 10-15 minutes. Skates got soft and pliable that way to. I feel many players think that the skate-oven is working wonders, when it´s not. Just warming up the skates. No need to pay 50$ for that when you can do it yourself THAT EASY.

http://vaughnhockey.com/product/goal-skates/gx3-goal-skate/ Looks an awful lot like a Graf goalie skate, I think this may answer Vaughn's overall intention. In other words, if they distribute Graf skates from Europe, it seems a side business, as they are now officially in the goalie skate business, producing their own using what appears to be Graf's equipment. Pretty good turn around time I must say, the R&D people at Vaughn really are amazing.

It is amazing how well your skates will hold up when you treat them properly.

My NXGs are from November 2011 and still 100% A-OK. The tendon guards are in perfect condition, not broken at all. But then I unlace the top 2 eyelets, pull the laces out a lot of the next three eyelets and let my foot slide out of the boot instead of kicking off the skate in the locker room.

All I (and few other members) ever heard about Graf from anyone is positive. All that Chippa, Monty, and Vet heard was negative. There is a number of members that are highly negative about Bauer and then there are those that believe that Bauer is the bees knees when it comes to customer service and quality of the product. No body will convince anybody through ragging on the board. If you like Graf support Graf, if you like Bauer support Bauer. There should be no mud slinging. I personally do not care who thinks what about Bauer or Graf. I have not seeing any quality issues and every question I have asked from Graf was answered in a acceptable maner. I have the same to say about CCM and Easton... it is just Graf skates fit my feet better.