Advice on upgrading skates

[mcgwillie 0]

I found this site recently and think it is fantastic. Lots of information and I am really impressed at how the experienced people take the time to answer questions that must seem, to them, really elementary.

I am beginning hockey in my 40s and have been playing since January, so just less than a year. I skate and play anywhere from 4-7 hours a week. The other night, one of my teammates told me he thought I had really improved my skating and I should think about upgrading on skates. (I wear Bauer 2090s in a 9EE and they fit really well. I have fairly wide feet and a high instep.)

So this leads me to my questions:

What is the difference between higher end skates and what I have now? Is it the weight? Do they let you turn and maneuver better and faster? Is there more support or protection? All of the above?

How do you know when your current skates need to be replaced? Do the uppers on the boot get soft or is it the lower part that protects your feet? (I would sort of like to sneak these through until spring when LHS might want to sell this year's latest and greatest to make room for the next latest and greatest.)

For someone at my level, does it make more sense to get a higher grade of skate but not top of the line? Is it possible to have "too much skate" for my ability? I have read some of the threads about the Bauer 8090 that might fit similarly to the skates I have now and the deals you can get on them but I know the most expensive equipment is the stuff you can't properly use.

Should the characteristics of the skates factor in here? So, if some put me in a different body position than my current skates or have a different radius, is that something that is relatively easy to get used to?

Finally, if anyone could recommend several models, I would be grateful. I would prefer to patronize LHS but their selection is not huge and so if I had some choices, I would be more likely to find something that fits my needs.

Sorry to go on so long, but one question sort of led to another. Thank you in advance for your help.

Mcgwillie

[Ogie Oglethorpe 14]

What is the difference between higher end skates and what I have now? Is it the weight? Do they let you turn and maneuver better and faster? Is there more support or protection? All of the above?

In a word? Yes.

As for things to think of when looking, you could check this out: http://www.epinions.com/content_3832651908

You'll note that if you DO have a high instep, that the Bauer might not be the best skate for you. The EE is a very, very wide skate - both in the toe box AND the ankle. You may want to visit your LHS just to make sure that you are being sized correctly. You're going to want the "smallest" skate possible to asure the best performance out of your skate. Your toes should LIGHTLY brush the end of the skate/toe box when standing as when you bend your knees (like you would when skating) your feet will retract slightly. The sides of your toes should also brush lightly (read: not PRESSURED on the sides, unless that doesn't bother you) against the side of your toe box, and your ankle/ball of your foot (nor your foot in general) have any way to slide around inside the skate itself, yet, not be so tight it's painful or cuts off circulation.

[HeatleyJr. 0]

the 2090s are one of bauers lower end skates. for how much they cost they give you a lot more then you pay for them. as you get higher up in the line youll be getting a lighter weight, more support in the ankels and foot, more portection and an all around better skate. but make sure you kinda of study up on your skates because you dont wanna pay tomuc hfor a skate. for example vaporXXX and the bauer 8090 are basically the exact same thing. they are the same weight and are going to give you the same support. the only difference is that the bauer 8090 is a wider boot, thus the "classic fit" label on it.

[NuggyBuggy 0]

High end skates are usually quite stiff and I understand that they require a strong skater to take advantage of them. I have no idea whether the 8090s are like that but I have been told that the 8000s *are* like that, make what you will of that.

[Chadd 916]

For someone at my level, does it make more sense to get a higher grade of skate but not top of the line? Is it possible to have "too much skate" for my ability? I have read some of the threads about the Bauer 8090 that might fit similarly to the skates I have now and the deals you can get on them but I know the most expensive equipment is the stuff you can't properly use.

As long as you are a full-grown man it's hard to have "too much skate" in my opinion. By now you should have formulated opinions on things you like and/or dislike with your skates. From this point on it's just a matter of finding skates that incorperate as many "likes" as possible with as few "dislikes".