CCM Tacks vs. Bauer Vapor

[jeremytai 0]

I used to wear Bauers when I was in youth hockey but this year I got some CCM 652 Tacks. I like the fit (they were baked at my LHS) but they feel a little soft and think this year could be the last year with them. I'm thinking about getting the new Bauer Vapor XX (or something in the vapor line) but I'm not quite sure. What's the main difference between the two skates?

Additional personal info:

- flat foot and rather wide

- no socks

- play left wing

- full contact league

[Dave 1]

Bauers are traditionally much more narrow compared to CCMs. Especially comparing 652s to XX is like comparing night and day. The 652 has the CCM-Tacks-classic wide fit (that's why you like them based on your personal info), but is not a stiff boot at all. The XX on the contrary are (one of) the stiffest and narrowest boots in the industry. So if you'd do this switch, the change would be tough. You should at least get the XX in EE width to nearly match the CCM-width.

If the only new boots in question for you are Bauers you may consider the Supreme 8090s. They have the old Bauer mega fit and are thus closer to the Tacks fit. With the 8090s the D width may be sufficient for you.

If you are more open about brands, you may (especially as you live in Germany like me) consider getting Grafs. The 705 teclite (see my review in the review section; I got pics if needed) are great for wide feet and stiffness-wise they are midway between CCM 652s and the top-of-the-line Bauers. And the German street-price (350 € all taxes included) is unmatched by any other brand in Germany. Even if you get yours (Bauers or whatever) sent from North America, the shipping fees and tolls/taxes will most likely push the price beyond 350.

Hope this helps.

[blackhawks4ever 0]

Hockeyshark is right on about this one. The biggest difference is the type of foot each brand fits. I switched from CCM 1052 to Bauer Vapor X a couple of years ago because I have a narrow foot high arch and the CCM was too wide and flat. The Vapor line is a VERY stiff boot, if your looking for less stiffness in a Bauer maybe a Supreme??? I agree thet Graf is a middle ground between Bauer and CCM and they are so comfy (I have a pair of 705's as back up skates).

[Cavs019 710]

20s are butter soft after a week of skating.

[goSens28 0]

The Vapor line is a VERY stiff boot, if your looking for less stiffness in a Bauer maybe a Supreme???

No. The supremes are stiffer, and they will stay stiffer because they are more durable. Vapor XX loses stiffness very quickly. Jeremytai how heavy are you?? Are you a very smooth skater or are you harder on your skates? I had the Vapor XX's, best skate ever for the first little bit, then they broke down. Never again will i try them.

[jeremytai 0]

I weigh in at 145-150lbs and am a relatively smooth skater. I'm definitely open to trying different brands of skates. I suggested Bauers as an alternative because I liked the Tuuk holder when I was playing youth hockey.

Are the top line CCM's (1152 Tacks) a lot stiffer than their lower line stuff?

[Dave 1]

CCM's top skate in the Tacks line is the ProTacks, not the 1152. It is stiffer than a 652, without doubt, but it's still not Bauer-XX/8000-stiff.

I know that in Germany you can order Graf boots only. You could get only the boot and get Tuuks on them.

[blackhawks4ever 0]

"I had the Vapor XX's, best skate ever for the first little bit, then they broke down. Never again will i try them. "

Whats the deal with the Vapor XX's. I have a pair of Vapor X's that are about 4 years old. I skate 2-3x's per week year round and they are still stiffer than my 705's that are only a year old. Both have TUUK holders on them. Did Bauer change their materials that much between the X's and XX's that they are breaking down so fast?????

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

There is a threshold between durability and weight, and in order to achieve one over the other, you must cross it.

[Ryan 0]

Left wings are only allowed to wear Tacks. The curvature of the boots on a Vapor would work against left wings. Now, if you were a right wing, it'd be completely fine.

[Cavs019 710]

we have a comedian here. Ill give you points for the effort though.

[stix04 0]

Ryan Posted on May 17 2004, 12:40 PM

Left wings are only allowed to wear Tacks. The curvature of the boots on a Vapor would work against left wings. Now, if you were a right wing, it'd be completely fine

Are you u serious or just kidding? if ur not kidding that makes absolutely NO sense whatsoever.

[Chadd 916]

Relax Francis, it was a joke. We all know it has more to do with being RH or LH dominant.

[flaming_june 2]

heheh...

personally, i would go for the vectors... ccm fit confort, awsome performance

[jeremytai 0]

Left wings are only allowed to wear Tacks. The curvature of the boots on a Vapor would work against left wings. Now, if you were a right wing, it'd be completely fine.

i've heard of this before, thought it was an urban myth <_<