Beginner Adult Skates

[wristshot19 0]

I did a search and didn't find any topics on this (these are usually famous last words), so I started this topic to see what skates people recommend for a beginning adult skater just starting to play hockey. Here are the requirements:

-Skates must be $250 or under

-Must be of higher quality

-Only current skate models considered

-Must be comfortable

-Must have reason for recommendation (Don't just say "Bauer Blah-thousand" and not explain why)

I have a group of guys where I live that have caught Lightning fever and are really psyched about trying to play hockey next season. I volunteered to help them out so I am starting by getting them set up with equipment. I have looked at many different models of skates but I wanted the opinions of the members of this board.

[Justin 1933 134]

For your first pair of skates, buy something comfortable and supportive. Why only current skates models? I would recommend buying some thing on close out. If that doesn't work, here are my suggestions:

Mission S300. This is our $199.99 retail skate. It is very comfortable, fully heat formable, and built for intermediate player. The fit cannot be matched, and has and adjustable Pitch holder. This holder will give you the ability to try 3 different setting to find your optimal Pitch setting (one of the 3 different levels will make you feel comfortable).

Other skates to consider - Mission Amp Fly - These are a older model, but still an excellent boot. Very comfortable, and a nice traditional Black look.

Finally, don't buy something just because the "Pro's" use it. That is one of the biggest mistakes new players make.

Hope this helps.

Justin

[Chadd 916]

Assuming they have a "Bauer" foot the 6000 is $229 at Hockeygiant. oh yeah, the reason; good support, good holders and steel, should last a while and it's an excellent price comparing the features and price of the top of the line 8000.

I used to love CCMs 852s but the quality and durability has declined in recent years. They may be an option for the guys who have a wider foot and can't wear Bauers.

I love my Mission S500s, best skates I've owned, so far. I wouldn't be surprised if the S300s were excellent as well, but I've never seen them.

[PH_Hockey2 4]

I would say graf skates but grafs have a very high price tag on them. Maybe Easton Ultra Lite pro Or Easton Airs would be a good choice. CCM's 852's would be a good choice too as well as the Bauer 6000's or even the 4000's. I have worn 852's and they are comfertable skate. I have some friends with the 6000's and 4000's and have nothing bad to say about them

[Eazy_b97 1]

I'd just take'em down to a LHS, get down all of the skates in the price range your looking for and try them all on. Being new to the sport they'll be kind've weak to start and get discouraged, the last thing you want is these guys to be uncomfortable. Like just said look for a pair that is supportive as well as comfortable. I'd look mainly at Missions, Bauers and CCM, possibly Graf if you could fnd some in that price range. I've found Bauers a little weak on the sides and they tend to breakdown for me at least, but CCM and Missions have held up tremendously giving great support and durability as well as comfort. Not knowing US prices I cannot refer you to exact models.... sorry.

[Bo from Boston 0]

I would have to say a low end pair of CCM Super Tac's - very easy to break in and comfortable out of the box.

[Buzz_LightBeer 973]

depending on your foot type (narrow, wide, etc.) my best recommendations are Graf 502, very comfortable, not too pricy, Nike Quest V9, also a comfort factor, CCM 652, and maybe a Middle of the road Easton, a UL SBX, i do like the soft boot technology. Missions and bauers were already covered here

[duckjob 1]

Again, I think it's all going to come down to what kind of foot the guy has, but anything high end from last year is going to be a good deal. I have real wide flat feet, and the ccm externos fit like a glove. Hockeymonkey.com has the e-50's in just about every size and width for $150 and the e-60 for $229.

[thejackal 46]

CCM 652 or even 452 are good for the money. Both can be baked and are stiff enough. I've been wearing CCMs for a while and have nothing but good things to say about them.

[wristshot19 0]

Thanks for all the replies! What I am probably going to recommend to the group I am helping out is going to be the Mission S300s or the CCM 852s. I would also recommend a lower Graf model, but they are much harder to find around here and might be a little pricey for what they are looking for. I am also not a big fan of the Cobra holders myself so I have sort of a conflict when it comes to recommending something to others that I would not recommend to myself. Thanks again for the help.

[Justin 1933 134]

Good Luck...

[wristshot19 0]

Thanks for the recommendation of the S300s. I am actually working with JR and might be ordering up to 4 pairs from his shop in the near future. I am having all of the guys get their feet sized this week and will hopefully have an order placed for the skates by the end of next week. Would you recommend a 1/2 smaller than the measured shoe size or are Missions still "true size" in meaning that one should be able to fit in a pair that is the exact same as their measured shoe size?

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Justin - is there any stock at the warehouse? I'm going to have to order these.