shop suggestions

[hl1435 0]

I am about to make my first online purchase, a pair of skates (high end, either graf 705, vapor XXX or 8090). I have spoken to a few shops, wonder what everyone thinks of the following online stores. your suggestions and commenst will help me purchase. Price is important but customer service and getting what i want more so:

epuck.com

hockeymonkey.com

hockeygiant.com

greatskate.com

cyclonetaylor.com

1800faceoff.com

any help is appreciated

[hockeydude_49 0]

1800faceoff.com has great customer service

[ladystorm3 0]

1800faceoff.com has great customer service

i second that

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

My suggestion?

Buy them locally. All three of those skates fit differently.

[chippa13 1844]

Support your local hockey shop.

[Cavs019 710]

What they said. Have fun having someone tell you over the phone to "go 1.5 sizes down from shoe size for Bauer" only to find that your 8090s are two sizes too big.

[kosydar 0]

I'll echo what everyone above me has said and say buy locally. If you're like me and you can't do that, I'd say go for Cyclone Taylor. I've dealt with them a lot over the years and they are always very helpful, especially with returns. On the other hand, I'd stay clear of Hockey Giant. I tried to return some stuff from there a couple years ago and they were real asses to me. They won't be getting my business any time soon.

[joshy207 15]

You don't get true "customer service" over the 'net. If you have shops within a reasonable driving distance, I'd hit them up and try on the skates, because as some of the guys already said, they all fit differently, and the shop workers should be able to help you pick the best skate FOR YOU.

[jimmy 194]

also don't forget your LHS price includes services like sharpening, heat molding, and adjustments that you don't get from the "isellhockey equipmentoutofmygarage.com" places. Those extras are worth about $50.

[jeffw 1]

What they said. Have fun having someone tell you over the phone to "go 1.5 sizes down from shoe size for Bauer" only to find that your 8090s are two sizes too big.

I wear a 10.5 shoe. I tried on a 9.5 8090 and it was too small. Go figure.

[Nick23 0]

They can't really guess your perfect skate over the phone, i'd also go with a local shop.