Graf 707's

[sherwood21 0]

Hey everyone. I've got a few questions about 707's. Searched, but to no avail. The spec sheet pretty much mirror's my foots shape, so I think they would fit well. And I have pretty much the stride/skating style they market for them. Has anyone on here used them? Not very many people I know of use them, so I would love any opinion I could get on them. Thanks in advance.

-Sam

[Jason16 0]

I used them for one practice after having ankle surgery but they were much (emphasis on the ‘much’) too flexible. I opted for the 709’s during my recovery. The 707’s are marketed for the player who really wants to maximize their ankle movement; the technical skater. The ankle section is independent from the rest of the boot. A few of the girls I work with at the local rink are figure skaters (technical skaters) making the shift into hockey skates and they have been raving about smooth transition due to the freedom of movement allowed with the 707s.

But alas, you are not a figure skater but a hockey player. Energy transfer, I would assume, from legs to skates would be hindered because of the lack of stiffness but I did notice a slight increase is stride length compared to other 700 skates. Assuming again; Injury would be imminent from the lack of support compared to, say the 705s. When I was playing in Italy, the majority of Graf skates I saw players using were 707s; very few in North America. The skates are probably better suited for European-type players.

Hope that helps.

[kovy2797 0]

I skated on the 707s for 2 seasons. If your skating style puts you low to the ice and you like a lot of ankle flex, then these skates are for you. I found that the forward pitch on the skates along with extra flex in the ankle area really helped me get the most out of my stride. It seemed that when I pushed back during stride, the skate kicked back, almost finishing my stride for me. Make sure you try these on in a shop though. When I tried them on, they fit my feet perfectly, but even after baking, it took a good 3-4 months of skating in order for my feet to adapt to them. If I was on them for longer than a half-hour, the bottom of my feet would be in a lot of pain. After that though, these skates felt great. Overall, these were a great performing pair of skates.

[Chadd 916]

Energy transfer, I would assume, from legs to skates would be hindered because of the lack of stiffness.

As long as they are stiff around your foot, energy transfer will be fine.

[Jason16 0]

Well, I guess assuming made an Ass out of U and Me,

In this case it was just me. :)

[kovy2797 0]

The boot, besides the ankle section, is stiff. As Jason said, the ankle section is independent from the boot. It's great for forward flexion, but the ankle section is stiff enough side to side where you won't roll your ankle on a turn.

[Chadd 916]

Well, I guess assuming made an Ass out of U and Me,

In this case it was just me. :)

eh, I'm an ass anyway. I had 727s and they just didn't hold up particularly well for me.

[Jason16 0]

. I had 727s and they just didn't hold up particularly well for me.

That seems to the consensus among 727 owners. I on the other hand have a cut down 727 boot with Bauer cowlings that I use for goaltending. It's been the most comfortable pair of goal skates I have ever owned. Durability, hardly an issue.

[kosydar 0]

I ordered a pair of pro stock ones. Same size as my 705s and my heels were swimming in them. They were very comfortable, but it felt like I was wearing slippers. I'd hate to take a slapper to the foot in them.

[Chadd 916]

. I had 727s and they just didn't hold up particularly well for me.

That seems to the consensus among 727 owners. I on the other hand have a cut down 727 boot with Bauer cowlings that I use for goaltending. It's been the most comfortable pair of goal skates I have ever owned. Durability, hardly an issue.

Oh, they were very comfy. It just seemed like they never stopped breaking in. They went from tight to swimming in them. The 750 goal skate is the only one that doesn't really rely on the cowl for support. It's actually a very nice boot.

[Jason16 0]

Oh, they were very comfy. It just seemed like they never stopped breaking in. They went from tight to swimming in them. The 750 goal skate is the only one that doesn't really rely on the cowl for support. It's actually a very nice boot.

Hm, I've never had a problem with the fitting discrepencies. They stay tight throughout the game. I hope it's not another one of those "Graf is going down the crapper" issues. They did a superb job in modifying the 727s for me

The 750 is argueably the best goal boot on the market. Their cowlings on the other hand....we call them Elf Boots. And those fake Overdrives are useless. Everyone I know who owns a 750 dremelled them off after their first ice session.

[vdubbin 0]

would the switch from a mission black fly be easier to a 707 or to a 709

[sherwood21 0]

I used them for one practice after having ankle surgery but they were much (emphasis on the ‘much’) too flexible. I opted for the 709’s during my recovery.  The 707’s are marketed for the player who really wants to maximize their ankle movement; the technical skater. The ankle section is independent from the rest of the boot. A few of the girls I work with at the local rink are figure skaters (technical skaters) making the shift into hockey skates and they have been raving about smooth transition due to the freedom of movement allowed with the 707s.

But alas, you are not a figure skater but a hockey player. Energy transfer, I would assume, from legs to skates would be hindered because of the lack of stiffness but I did notice a slight increase is stride length compared to other 700 skates. Assuming again; Injury would be imminent from the lack of support compared to, say the 705s. When I was playing in Italy, the majority of Graf skates I saw players using were 707s; very few in North America.  The skates are probably better suited for European-type players.

Hope that helps.

Sounds good, my 18 hits this year would vouch for me in saying that I'm the furthest thing from a physical player.

Thanks for the Opinions, guys.

[warrior37 0]

my brother has a big foot and a long stride, he swore by the 707s for about 6 pairs until the latest pair fell apart on him, rumor is the G7s will be coming out this fall

[napsy 1]

I had a pair of them (actually, I still have them if you're interested in a used pair in good shape w/tuuks, sherwood21) and yes, they're incredibly flexible in the ankle area. It was like going from wearing laced-up hi-tops your whole life and then wearing low-cut Converse Allstars. Since I play defense, they're really nice for side-to-side movement - I felt like I was on street shoes when I did backward crossovers at a low skating speed. I since switched back to stiffer skates (Tacks) and will probably never go back to the Grafs, but they were fun.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

If y ou want something similar but a little more stiffer and durable (no waterlog) look at Mission S500s. Same concept.