matix218

I agree with this, I am still in x7.0s (had x:60s before and have a pair of x90s in reserve) and I tried on the newer curve based vapors and I needed to drop from a 7 (my size in the x7.0s) to a 6.5 (2x). It seems on the curve composite skates the sizing is approx .5 down compared to the older top end tech mesh skates (x:60, x7.0, x90). That also means you will need to get used to a different blade length in some cases (example, the size 7 skates are 263 and the size 6.5 skates are 254). I know some people are more picky about that than others but still worth noting.

Huh, interesting idea. Hopefully the new ones have something to address the comfort issue.

I will likely be buying these. I loved the originals (how they lock your foot in place). Only downsides were they didnt add much comfort (just thin fabric over hard plastic) and they had durability issues. If those items are addressed and they retain their ability to lock in your foot these will be perfect.

Any word on if Bauer plans to address the durability? I have had 2 pairs crack on me. Both are still usable as the crack is small and i covered it in tape to help prevent spreading but I would love to buy a new pair and not have them crack again...

Helmet: Bauer 4500 (black) with CCM FM480 (white) Shoulders: Sherwood classics Elbows: Bauer one75 Gloves: Bauer one95 (black and white) Pants: Bauer TotalOne girdle with Vapor shell (black) Shins: RBK 9k Skates: Bauer Vapor x7.0 with custom felt NXG tongues and Speedplates Sticks: Intermediate Easton Stealth CX 60 flex

If you can find a pair of the Easton Stealth S17's they would be perfect for you. They had a super narrow heel area (with amazing heel lock) and a wide enough forefoot that most EE with users could easily fit in their "R" or "regular" width. They may be tough to find though. What size are you?

Updated some gear: Helmet: Bauer 4500 black with white ccm fm480 cage Elbows: Bauer one75 Shoulders: Sherwood classics Shins: Reebok 9k Gloves: Bauer one95 Skates: Bauer Vapor x7.0 with Speedplates Pants: Bauer TotalOne girdle with Bauer shell (black) Sticks: Easton Stealth CX intermediate 60 flex x4

As far as I know speed plates can be used in any skate since they are fully thermoformable. I am using them in old 2009 Bauer x:60s and they work great (yes I know this is still a Bauer brand skate but it was certainly not designed specifically with the speed plate in mind like the 1x).

I like your username btw, I am originally from Bucks County PA As to your question, I had them for just over 60 days and I skate 1-2 times a week on average. The crack was small (maybe like half an inch long?) and to be honest has not in any way hurt the performance/comfort of the footbeds. I actually threw some cloth tape over the crack and am still using the old footbeds (Monkey said I could keep them) so now I basically have a brand new pair in reserve if the crack gets worse but I have skated on them cracked 3-4 times and it has not seemed to spread as far as I can tell.

What i did to get a good fit was heat them up (one at a time), put one footbed in skate immediately after pulling out of oven and immediately stand on it before tying, then tie up as quickly as I could, then repeat for 2nd. This was the only way I felt like I got a good mold in the arch area, if i tied up before standing on it I feel like it cooled off too much to mold the arch properly by the time the skate was tied.

Just had mine crack actually :/ Replacements are on the way from hockey monkey but given I have only had them for two months or so I have a feeling this issue will arise again with my new pair...

Arghhh... One of my speed plates has cracked... I contacted hockey monkey (since I am within 90 days of purchase) and hopefully I will get a replacement.

The main reason why I plan on sticking with skates that have traditional eyelets. Yes they are heavier and prone to wear and corrosion but if one rots out you can get them replaced at a pro shop. I like the idea of the injected lacing system but given it only comes on skates around 1000 dollars and if it breaks out of warranty you are kinda screwed I don't see the benefit outweighing the potential costs.

Updated list: Helmet/cage: Bauer 4500 w/ CCM fm480 Shoulders: Sherwood classics Elbows: old Nike/Bauer supreme mid range ones, not sure the exact model Gloves: Bauer one95s Girdle/shell: Bauer TotalOne girdle with Bauer Nexus shell Shins: Warrior Franchise Intermediates Skates: Bauer X:60 LE's (old top of the line) with SpeedPlates Sticks: CCM Tacks 1st gen Retail Tavares 75 flex

Alright so I finally got a set of speed plates last week and i heat fitted them (at home) and played with them last night for the first time. These things are absolutely fantastic, exceeded my expectations in every way. I was expecting to see improved arch support which is the main reason why I got these but what I was not expecting was how drastic the difference was with regards to how your foot feels so much more "locked" in place. It almost made it feel like I was skating in a new "stiffer" boot (as opposed to the reality that I was still in my old X:60s). It felt like my blades were completely centered at all times and there was no pronation effect (where you feel like you are standing a bit to much on the inside edge, common for players with pronation issues) at all. It literally felt like I was skating on brand new skates. I was blown away by the "foot lock" that these insoles provide and I cannot recommend them enough. At 50 bucks this is the best skate upgrade I have ever experienced. On a side note for people who want to heat fit these at home, what I did (worked out perfectly) was as follows: -preheat oven to 200 degrees. -place one of the speedplates in the oven (on a tray with foil over it) -once the black lines disappear, take the speedplate out and put it in the skate and immediately stand on it for a second or two, then tie up the skate as quickly as you can amd stand with your weight over it for about a minute. -repeat for the 2nd speedplate. This worked perfectly and I got a great mold that provided all of the support and (especially) stability I described above and also excellent comfort as well.