skiboyny

Graf does allow more ankle articulation than other skates. Cut a bit lower and more flexible than hard boots. Thing about graf is if he gets used to that feel, it will be hard to go to other brands. Just my opinion. Hope it helps you.

I wonder why you don't get good results with a punch. I have to punch any hard boot including vapor for that damn bone. Doesn't take much but it has to be done.

Been down the same road. I have owned the supreme, vapor and the Ribcor. To answer your question the Vapor will not feel different in the instep and forefoot after baking. I ended up on the Vapor. The machine turned out to be a reliable source. Both the supreme and the Ribcore felt much more comfortable to try on and they were comfortable enough to skate in, BUT I never felt in tune with either one. I didn't know exactly why until I listened to the damn machine and put some time on the Vapor. If you have a narrow foot (which the machine suggests you have) even though the Supremes and the Ribcore will both feel great, there is some slop side to side(just the tiniest bit) which will affect your skating and balance. It's not earth shaking, and some might get passed it but to me something always felt off. The feel of the Vapor is sort of a shelf on the side of your foot and that never changes, but if they fit right you will not notice it in short order. In the end they will end up being the most comfortable, because they are the truest to your foot least amount of negative space. It's not a shoe it's a skate.That results in a more pleasant experience over all. Something to consider. It's quite a journey getting new skates after several years. Good luck to you.

For what it's worth I've been on lots of skates 5 pair over the last year. When skates fit properly there is literally no break in period. They will be comfortable from the get go. No fussing with the laces. Just put them on snug them up and go. When skates were leather you would "break them in" todays skates form fit with a bake and that's that.

any chance you can find your way to a Bauer 3d machine? Boot fit along with pitch could cause either one. Both point to skates.

How easy was it for you to transition to Ribcor coming off the 703s? Ballance points etc.