Vapor XX or RBK 5k Pump (SKATES)

[cassius 0]

If you could pick one, which would you take? I'm a semi-beginner - I probably have gone to 7-8 stick and puck sessions and about 20 free skate sessions. I want to upgrade from my Vapor VII's (ugh) now that I know i'm sticking with hockey

edit: this is for skates

[Cheesehead 0]

If you could pick one, which would you take? I'm a semi-beginner - I probably have gone to 7-8 stick and puck sessions and I want to upgrade from my Vapor VII's (ugh) now that I know i'm sticking with hockey

so you have only played 7 or 8 times?

[pantherfan 0]

IMO i would go with the XX but thats only becuase i'm not a fan of the snake grip.

[EBondo 233]

He's talking about skates. :P

[#44wannabe 4]

Erm since when did sticks have pumps? I think he's talking about skates lol.

If you've only played a few times i would go with the 5k pumps because the XX's will be way too stiff for you.

[mnitishin 0]

Probably the XX's, its a better product IMO, also, i know people who have had the pump system break.

[pantherfan 0]

He's talking about skates. :P

Oh yeh lol I knew that! ;)

Well i would still say XX though

[Nick23 0]

i would stay stick with the skates you have for the time being, unless they are really beat up. I wouldnt say going with either of these, cause the xx's will be to stiff, and i've heard of reliability issues on the pump's. So maybe find a pair of middle of the range 05 closeouts, save yourself some money so you can get some decent protective gear

[donkey87 0]

I would go with the skates that are more comfortable. Those skates fit differently. Try them on and buy the pair that fits the best.

[jbyun04 7]

on the RBK Pump series note, how do they fit? Wide heel narrow forefoot or what?

[Fredrik 0]

i know people who have had the pump system break.

Really?!

[pantherfan 0]

Yep someone on my teams pump on his 5k's leaks all the air out in less then 2 minutes!

[Fredrik 0]

That surprises me, i thought the Pump feature technology was very solid...

[zingbergeur 0]

That surprises me, i thought the Pump feature tecnology was very solid...

I think it is pretty solid. Thats why we haven't heard about too many cases of breakage.

I had an old pair of 752 pump tacks, and the boot broke down before the pumps ever broke...and the boots lasted a good 10 years. I don't know how much different the pump technology is on the RBKs.

[jimmy 194]

That surprises me, i thought the Pump feature tecnology was very solid...

I think it is pretty solid. Thats why we haven't heard about too many cases of breakage.

I had an old pair of 752 pump tacks, and the boot broke down before the pumps ever broke...and the boots lasted a good 10 years. I don't know how much different the pump technology is on the RBKs.

Exactly. While it is possible of a failure, I would say it is more likely a failure would occur due to misuse, like overbaking. Or perhaps somone who bought on ebay where "custody" of the skate is unknown. I prob have a dozen customers with the 1992 Pumps that are still going strong, and not one of the 05 pumps I have sold has failed yet. I have no concerns with the 5k, other than the silver material covering the felt on the tonge develops a crack. This is purely cosmetic, but still something ARBK needs to address.

But having seen how quickly XX's break down, if one wanted durability over 1 oz less lightness, then the 5k would be a better choice. If one wanted performance, and doesn't care about durability, then the XX would be the way to go.

[Gongshow11 1]

That surprises me, i thought the Pump feature tecnology was very solid...

I think it is pretty solid. Thats why we haven't heard about too many cases of breakage.

I had an old pair of 752 pump tacks, and the boot broke down before the pumps ever broke...and the boots lasted a good 10 years. I don't know how much different the pump technology is on the RBKs.

Exactly. While it is possible of a failure, I would say it is more likely a failure would occur due to misuse, like overbaking. Or perhaps somone who bought on ebay where "custody" of the skate is unknown. I prob have a dozen customers with the 1992 Pumps that are still going strong, and not one of the 05 pumps I have sold has failed yet. I have no concerns with the 5k, other than the silver material covering the felt on the tonge develops a crack. This is purely cosmetic, but still something ARBK needs to address.

But having seen how quickly XX's break down, if one wanted durability over 1 oz less lightness, then the 5k would be a better choice. If one wanted performance, and doesn't care about durability, then the XX would be the way to go.

1 oz? the 5k is made out of cement compared to the xxs. they are the same price these days, so go for the xx, im on my 3rd pair.

[ajf0038 0]

I agree. If your skating in vapors now, regaurdless of what kind, the xx's will be better skates for you. And all this talk about them breaking down you shouldn;t have to worry about considering you play stick and puck a few days a week.

[Cavs019 710]

If you fit into one you wont fit into the other. Also, a beginner will not break down XX's, i'm sorry. We all understand you have problems with Bauer, and its getting to the point where its extremely redundant/annoying.

[chk hrd 164]

try them on. If the 5k's fit you well then I recommend them. My son has been using his 5k's for 6 months (4-5 times a week). There has been no breakdown in the boot or any problems with the pump. He preffers them of the Vector 5's or 652's he had previously. When he outgrows them (which is pretty soon) I'll probably get him another pair.

[BK 0]

7-8 times?

I would just stick with the skates that you have until you have played a little more.. You wouldn't notice many of the high end features of the skate at your level..

Just drive your current skates into the ice.. then think about an upgrade.

p.s. Dont order online.. go to you LHS and get fitted/ purchase there... its worth the premium.