mid-level skate questions?

[tbintexas 0]

to start off, I'm old, slow, and play in beer leagues - C level player. 5'10" 180lbs.

I see a ton of posts on the latest and greatest but having Vapor XXX's or Vector Pro's will not make me substantially better.

I'm looking for something cheap - closeouts are OK. Have a lot of choices - what do you guys say between the following:

Mission L5: $100

Bauer Supreme 4000: $100

Bauer Supreme 6500 Blemished: $100

CCM 852's (2004 model): $130

Bauer Supreme 5090: $100

Easton Ultra-lite: $110

CCM 652 (2003 model): $110

Anything substantially better than the rest of this list, or are they all about the same? Any other ideas?

thanks in advance :)

TB

[mew1838 0]

well to me all are pretty decent mid-level skares, just the fit will be different. I would pick the bauer 6500/852/ultra-light.

(PS: damn edmonton fan) lol

[markthedeadhead 0]

What kind of skates do you have now? If you like the fit of that brand, you should probably stick with them. I.E. if you have old Tacks or Vapors, stick with them as the last shouldn't have changed over the years. It really depends on your foot, since all of those skates seem pretty decent.

[wickedwrister 0]

Bauer Supreme 6500 Blemished:  $100

CCM 852's (2004 model):  $130

I think these are the nicest skates on the list. They are both higher end skates and offer great support and comfort. I skated on 6500s for almost 2 years and can tell you that they are IMO the nicest Supreme prior to the 8090. With that said, they are a "soft boot" and are not the stiffest around.

Edit: That is if they both fit you appropriately.

[Fredrik 0]

CCM 852's (2004 model): $130

These are great skates if they fit your foot. Very comy and durable, just make sure to put on some protectoe so that they dont get torn up (purely cosmetic). Should last you years...

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

I got a pair of 852's last year, paid a bit more than $130 for them, but to me, worth every penny. I haven't even had them baked, and they just feel great.

I wear wide size, and the 11.5 E are a perfect fit.

I am beginner adult level, so slapshots are not an issue, but for stiffness/durability and comfort, if they fit your feet you can't go wrong.

I don't know about skate weight, as I am not at a level where that would make a noticible difference to me

[chk hrd 164]

they are all a decent skate. Find the one that fits/feels the best to you. That is what will matter the most

[stickfixchaska 0]

I am a beer leaguer also and I use the 852's. They are a lot lighter than my old Supreme 3000's (early 90's).

Like the post above says, be sure to use the "protec-toe" stuff. Defenetly helps to keep your skates looking nicer, longer. It doesn't cost too much and does a great job.

[repus 0]

Some of the on-line stores have the Vapour XX's for $100 but sizes are limited. Aside from that, the 852s are good. I have had a lot of luck buying used high end skates on ebay for around $100.

-dave

[tbintexas 0]

thanks 'guys'.

I have a wide foot and also need a deep boot - the skates I listed are either E or EE width. Skates I've had in the past are CCM Externo 50's and 452 Tacks. I only had D width for those and my feet felt like they were being crushed. Currently, I'm in Salming F1's which I actually really like - the boot fits me great. The T'blades I also like because sharpenings here are $9 and they usually aren't very good.

The problem I'm having is still being too far back on my heels even after 6 months of using them. Since I'm relatively new at this game (couple of years), I'm thinking that going back to regular steel might be one of my only options, unless I can somehow get the heels lifted on my skates. The problem is that in a city of 4.5 million people, we just lost our only LHS and have the 'pro-shop' only at the rink. There's little to no expertise here anywhere - hence the quest for different skates!

[TBLfan 25]

can't you order t-blade replacement blades with a forward lean? if not can't your lhs put spacers to give you a forward lean on your holders?

[Eazy_b97 1]

I'd say try on the skates, see what fits best and fits your price range. Look for close-out models as they tend to be the best bang for your buck. You may be able to score some S500, 8090's or ProTacks' for relatively cheap now. I know the Mission and Bauer's were on sale for $200 CAD at one point a while ago.

[Jim A 4]

L5 is currently going for $69 in the HG clearance section

[tbintexas 0]

not in my size unfortunately - I'm a shoe size 9.5

oh, and the Pro Shop doesn't know about adding heel lifts to T'blades (or heel lifts at all) :(

[crutesie 0]

What size are you?

[BK 0]

It sounds like youre going to get them online.. I would recommend not doing that. Go get fitted so you know what size/width you are and get your skates from your LHS..

[tbintexas 0]

crutesie - What size are you? - I'm shoe 9.5 so would be looking for CCM's in 8E

Badkitty - It sounds like youre going to get them online.. I would recommend not doing that - I hear you about not getting them online, but I don't really have a choice. Like I mentioned, the only LHS here (in Houston=4.5 million people) just shut down. The pro shop has a very limited selection.

[crutesie 0]

Graf705 $125 SB

Theyre a deep fit.

Vector Pro $100 SB you might want to keep you eyes on them.

[TBLfan 25]

so that's a "no" on a forward lean on a replacement t-blade?

[jason@ewh 0]

I would spend more on your skates... XIX (narrow) or the nike Flexlite10(wide toe box) both great great skates.

[tbintexas 0]

so that's a "no" on a forward lean on a replacement t-blade?

no, the ProShop didn't have a clue on the lifts...

and no, you can't order replacement blades with the lean - it's just one of three things:

size (length)

hollow

rocker (s, m, l)

:(

[gavin 0]

Buy the Mission S500 (at 100$ you can't go wrong) and get a couple extra blades. Every month, stick 2 of them in an envelope to send them to someone who knows what they are doing (JR might be willing to sharpen for you) while you skate on the 1 pair. They are VERY easy to take just the blade in and out on the Pitch3 holder, and plus, you can experiment with the pitch (which is what you mean by "lean").

That's what I would do. Save your money, get the very best.

[Chadd 916]

It might be easier to send your skates to someone to add some lifts if you like the fit of the Salmings and the convenience of t'blades.

[TBLfan 25]

oh ok gotcha...

In that case I would agree with chadd, it would be cheaper and it would be pretty safe choice because you'd know they fit.

[tbintexas 0]

Buy the Mission S500 (at 100$ you can't go wrong) and get a couple extra blades. Every month, stick 2 of them in an envelope to send them to someone who knows what they are doing (JR might be willing to sharpen for you) while you skate on the 1 pair. They are VERY easy to take just the blade in and out on the Pitch3 holder, and plus, you can experiment with the pitch (which is what you mean by "lean").

That's what I would do. Save your money, get the very best.

TBLfan actually said the word 'lean' ;)

Chadd - I actually thought about it, but then I'd be without hockey until they came back - that would be terrible!! :) Of course, maybe I could get my fix by watching the Oil against the 'Canes in the finals...

Gavin - it wasn't the S500 which were $100, it was the L5's. Of course, they are out of my size now although they do have the L4's which should fit. They any good (much different than the L5)? Great idea to get extra blades though and ship them off.