45 years old, decent mens league skater and somebody who doesn't like to change things up.........this was my story. However, after everything i read up on prior to purchasing, i never wanted to bail out on my new CCM 100K pro Skates and my profiled steel. I've always skated with the top eyelt un-used and same went for my 100K pro's. I just felt soooo much better. First skate or two i definitely caught the toe or heel on occasion, but it really only took me 3-4 skates to get comfortable and its been fantastic ever since.