Healthy_Scratch_15

Just want to start out by saying this is my first post here. Great site. Reviewer: 5’ 9†159lbs. feet: narrow heel size 6.5D Intro: In 2003, I needed some new skates after having the same pair of Koho’s for what seemed like ages. Everyone I knew recommended Bauer. I tried on Vapor XX’s and a pair of 8000’s. The 8000’s were a little snugger on my foot so I went with it. Fit: They are a pretty traditional fit compared to newer skates. I like a snug, tight boot with minimal movement. So these are perfect. I don’t have wide feet though; if you do, get an EE or you’ll be in some pain. They’re also very stiff, but for me they fit well, so the break in time was minimal. I baked them, which helped. One thing that helped with these skates was that before I wore them on the ice I put on wet socks, laced the skates up tight, and wore them around my apartment with skate guards. I took some ribbing from roommates and neighbors, but where would you rather break in a skate: painfully on the ice, or not so painfully at home? The first time I wore them on the ice it felt like I’d been skating in them for years. 9.5/10 Blade/ Holder: I liked the rigid light speed a lot. My only complaint would be the pitch, but I had the blade re-contoured slightly, so that problem was solved. If you skate very low to the ice like me, they may not feel so great right out of the box. Also, right after I replaced the steel, after sharpening it down, it broke. Not sure if it was a fluke, but I heard tuuk light speed steel has a tendency to do that. It was solid steel, not perforated either. 8.0/10 Weight: Not the lightest skate, but you won’t notice. It’s no vapor, but when it came out it was one of the lighter skates around. The fit and construction more than makes up for any perceived shortcoming in weight. 8.0/10 Protection: They’re stiff, and there is some hard plastic around the Bauer logo. They’re tougher than most new skates. 9/10 Durability: 8000’s have as durable a boot as you’ll find. They have plenty of scars, but still feel almost like when I got them 4 years ago. If you need boots that will stay stiff years after you got them, these are it. Like I said, I did break some steel once, though. 9.5/10 Conclusion: If you like a tight fitting stiff boot these are the skates for you. I suspect if you can still find a pair, they’d be at clearance prices and definitely deserve some attention. In my opinion, 8000’s are one of the best pairs of skates around.