Another question about gear if you don't mind.

[martywest 0]

Since you guys seem to know way more thatn me about hockey gear, can you please give me you opinions on the following questions: RBK 5K protective pads vs. CCM 852 series pads. Which one is better, more comfortable etc. Also, CCM 992 and 892 tacks skates. I have seen these dirt cheap on hockeymonkey.com and was thinking about getting one or the other. I would however, try some on first at a local store to get the proper fit before i ordered. I have a pair of 15 year old CCM 451 supertacks now, but I know technology has come a LONG way since I bought those.

[cause4alarm 7]

I have a feeling that most of the guys here would scold you for trying on stuff at the LHS and turning around to order online after they served you. In terms of skates, unless you're saving a ton of $$$, I'd seriously consider buying them at the LHS. They'll help you customize the fit, bake the skates, do the initial sharpening, and any other little maintenance issues. I bought my last pair online, and even though I saved quite a bit of money, I couldn't get a free bake-molding. Also, the blade holder was put on slightly crooked and I had to wait an entire summer for the skates to be shipped back to the retailer, inspected by the manufacturer representative, and then returned--all the while being unsure of whether or not the exchange would be honored free of charge. While the customer service did work out alright in the end and I got my return authorized, my new replacement skates have slightly bent blades. My LHS would probably charge me like $40 for a bake-molding and $15 for fixing bent blades for skates bought elsewhere, but probably would have tossed that in for free if I bought it from them.

[jjtt99 0]

RBK equipment is newer than the CCM 852 series. Also the RBK pads are based on Jofa, which is excellent stuff. As for skates, 892's will likely do the trick if you're not an advanced player. They're above average skates, provided they fit correctly.

Finally, going to a local hockey store for a fitting, then going online to buy them is not cool. The store puts time and effort in and isn't rewarded with the sale. If you're honest, some stores will charge you for a fitting.

Many people here (and I'm one of them) would say if you're not experienced with buying skates, getting them through a local hockey store is best. The few dollars you save online are lost on delivery charges, sharpening fee, a baking (if applicable) and all around service.

The only way I would buy a skate online is if I was getting the exact same model that I'm currently using.

Good luck.

[cause4alarm 7]

Many people here (and I'm one of them) would say if you're not experienced with buying skates, getting through a local hockey store is best. The few dollars you save online are lost on delivery charges, sharpening fee and all around service.

The only way I would buy a skate online is if I was buying the exact same model that I'm currently using.

True dat.

Actually, most online retailers will provide free shipping on skates, and some will do the initial sharpening (first cut is more expensive than your usual sharpening). But what overrides that in importance would be the fit. Your skates are far and away your most important pieces of equipment. Keep in mind that each skate manufacturer fits differently, and even some companies have different fits between their lines of equipment (e.g. Bauer Vapors and their new Supreme series).

If your skates don't fit properly, there's a good chance your feet will be in excruciating pain while you're playing hockey.

[martywest 0]

Yeah, your right about the skates. I wouldn't jerk around a local private run hockey shop like that. However, I would have checked the size at one of the big box stores like Dick's. Anyway, I'm more concerned with the CCM vs. RBK issue. Anyone have any recommendations on that subjeck?

[martywest 0]

Just to clarify, everthing I have bought so far I have bought from 2 different local hockey stores. I don't want anyone to think that I was implying that I would size all my equipment, and then buy online.

[ShakeAndBake9 0]

any of those will feel great but will take a few skates to get used to. I perfer the rbk's. But you just can't go wrong.

[jimmy 194]

Just to clarify, everthing I have bought so far I have bought from 2 different local hockey stores. I don't want anyone to think that I was implying that I would size all my equipment, and then buy online.

Doesn't matter. I buy all my groceries at the local food store, but that doesn't give me the right to steal food from them as well. I can't figue out why people think it's fine to scam a LHS, they are not showrooms for hockeymonkey.

If you want to do it honestly, go to your LHS and tell them you found a good deal online. First ask them if they can match it? And we are talking apples to apples, no free sharpening, no heat molding, nothing. Just you try on the skates and walk out the door. If they can't do that, then ask them if they would be willing to size you for a fee, offer them $20 or so.

[AlGiballa23 0]

I just looked up the skates on hockeymonkey, the 992's are $380.00. That's DIRT CHEAP? You could get Vector Pros, Bauer 8090's, GRAFS, many good skates, well definately a lot better than ccm 992's...

About pads 852 shoulders are WAY too bulky...get MAX 652 pads...shins are fine for 852, elbows I'd say go with 652s and pants 652's as well as they offer extremely good protection without being TOO bulky, although they are somewhat bulky. I believe 5k's will be fine, though I'm not sure/haven't tried them out...

[analog999 0]

Just to clarify, everthing I have bought so far I have bought from 2 different local hockey stores.  I don't want anyone to think that I was implying that I would size all my equipment, and then buy online.

Doesn't matter. I buy all my groceries at the local food store, but that doesn't give me the right to steal food from them as well. I can't figue out why people think it's fine to scam a LHS, they are not showrooms for hockeymonkey.

If you want to do it honestly, go to your LHS and tell them you found a good deal online. First ask them if they can match it? And we are talking apples to apples, no free sharpening, no heat molding, nothing. Just you try on the skates and walk out the door. If they can't do that, then ask them if they would be willing to size you for a fee, offer them $20 or so.

Jimmy --

I think you could easily beat the onliner's by simply offering a number of free sharpenings if they start to walk out the door without buying. Around here it costs $9 to get your skates sharpened. 5 free sharpenings is worth $45 and how much time could it possibly take to do 5 sharpenings, 15-20 minutes? You might spend that time just to get them to buy skates in your store anyway. [edit] - You could also offer a free pair of laces and cheap pucks or something. oh and put some urgency into it. Tell them it is a one time thing if they walk out the door the offer is gone...

[Fredrik 0]

I just looked up the skates on hockeymonkey, the 992's are $380.00.  That's DIRT CHEAP?  You could get Vector Pros, Bauer 8090's, GRAFS, many good skates, well definately a lot better than ccm 992's...

About pads 852 shoulders are WAY too bulky...get MAX 652 pads...shins are fine for 852, elbows I'd say go with 652s and pants 652's as well as they offer extremely good protection without being TOO bulky, although they are somewhat bulky.  I believe 5k's will be fine, though I'm not sure/haven't tried them out...

He probably ment last years 852/952:s...

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Just to clarify, everthing I have bought so far I have bought from 2 different local hockey stores.  I don't want anyone to think that I was implying that I would size all my equipment, and then buy online.

Doesn't matter. I buy all my groceries at the local food store, but that doesn't give me the right to steal food from them as well. I can't figue out why people think it's fine to scam a LHS, they are not showrooms for hockeymonkey.

If you want to do it honestly, go to your LHS and tell them you found a good deal online. First ask them if they can match it? And we are talking apples to apples, no free sharpening, no heat molding, nothing. Just you try on the skates and walk out the door. If they can't do that, then ask them if they would be willing to size you for a fee, offer them $20 or so.

Jimmy --

I think you could easily beat the onliner's by simply offering a number of free sharpenings if they start to walk out the door without buying. Around here it costs $9 to get your skates sharpened. 5 free sharpenings is worth $45 and how much time could it possibly take to do 5 sharpenings, 15-20 minutes? You might spend that time just to get them to buy skates in your store anyway. [edit] - You could also offer a free pair of laces and cheap pucks or something. oh and put some urgency into it. Tell them it is a one time thing if they walk out the door the offer is gone...

Eh..but the service should sell itself. If you get them to stop thinking about saving a buck while wowing them with info, they will go with you every time.

[hapamatt122 0]

I agree with JR.. however, the local shops in my area aren't staffed with knowledgable people.. I have to drive about an hour (without southern california traffic) to get to Hawk HOckey (hockeymonkey.com) or hockeygiant, which are about 5 mins from eachother.. sometimes its less hectic just to order online.

[j8Zt8r 0]

Eh..but the service should sell itself.  If you get them to stop thinking about saving a buck while wowing them with info, they will go with you every time.

I buy from one LHS because of their service. The other week I had to wait 30 minutes for the guy to get back from lunch to purchase some stuff. He was nice enough to knock 10% off for waiting and not going up the street to the local chain sports store.(I was hoping for a role of tape but did not ask for anything) For the service I always receive there, I will not go anywhere else + they are the best sharpeners in town.

For the pads, I bought the RBK 5k's there. They are very lite and comfortable. You won't be disappointed if you get them.

[jimmy 194]

Unfortunately, there are many who don't care about service, just the bottom line. They never factor in the service, even if it's nothing more than a LHS having the item to try on, feel and examine.

[Chadd 916]

Eh..but the service should sell itself.  If you get them to stop thinking about saving a buck while wowing them with info, they will go with you every time.

I buy from one LHS because of their service. The other week I had to wait 30 minutes for the guy to get back from lunch to purchase some stuff. He was nice enough to knock 10% off for waiting and not going up the street to the local chain sports store.(I was hoping for a role of tape but did not ask for anything) For the service I always receive there, I will not go anywhere else + they are the best sharpeners in town.

For the pads, I bought the RBK 5k's there. They are very lite and comfortable. You won't be disappointed if you get them.

I never made anyone wait more than 5 minutes, there was a chinese place right behind the rink.