Help with choosing new skates

[windflare 0]

Hey guys! Just want to say, you guys have a great forum running here. It's been a great resource when I needed to choose gear!

I'm interested in moving into Ice Hockey, and I need to get a pair of skates so I can start skating regularly. I've went down to the LHS and checked out some fits already. Right now, I'm kind of stuck between two skates, and a possible wildcard one: The Tacks 492, 04' 852 model, and the Vector ZG 110 with T-Blades. (I've read through several threads regarding T-blades on here, so I kinda know what I'm going into) The RBK 4Ks also fit me quite well, but they cost a bit more, and I don't know how good they are feature-wise, compared to the Tacks/Vectors.

The catch is, I can pretty much get all of those for the same prices, and I can get them all heat-molded locally. For a beginner skater like me, which one would you recommend?

Thank you for your help! :)

P.S. And, yes, I did use the search button for quite a while already to look for something similar to this. =)

[Chadd 916]

You're getting more value with the 852 or 110. That said I wasn't a big fan of the 852s from that year. If it wasn't for my dislike of t'blades I would opt for the 110s.

[windflare 0]

You're getting more value with the 852 or 110. That said I wasn't a big fan of the 852s from that year. If it wasn't for my dislike of t'blades I would opt for the 110s.

Thanks for the reply, Chadd!

I understand that the 852 and 110 are better skates than the 492. However, I'm worried that they might be too stiff for a beginner skater like me. Is that a valid concern, or should it be okay?

Thanks!

[Chadd 916]

I don't think it's a real concern. Size and strength are much more important factors in what level of skate you should buy than ability or experience.

[philcaz 0]

I just picked up a pair of 852s and they are very comfortable. The day I got them I had a practice so I didnt have time to heat mold them so I put them on and they were very comfy. I play barefoot and I didnt get any blisters or anything on my feet, the only thing was some abrasion around the top of my ankles but thats not a big deal.

The only thing with T-Blades is you have to replace them instead of sharpen them which can be cost ineffective.

[Wolfpack_1986 154]

i just came off a pair of the '04 852 super tacks. I have to say i loved them, had absolutely no problems with them. They fit my foot perfectly.

durability may be a bit of concern, I'm fairly small and they lasted me almost 2 years, i was hoping for 3. Though, it's more of a personal preference issue, they werent as stiff as i would have liked... they werent falling apart by any stretch of the imagination.

[cobrAA 0]

852 are nice. I have them for 1 year and a half. 190 lb. playing 4 times a week. even in summer.

And let me tell you, they are awsome, durability-wise. but like someone else. I was thinking about changing skate because they lost their stiffness but arent broken (little dilemma here: changing skate even if they are good!).

If your a beginner, they could last you at least 2 season, or even more i'm sure!

Only thing you have to know is, will you like the boot cut!?

[srv2miker 0]

You really should compare the RBK and 852 at the same time. THe RBK fit deeper, which for some people is a better fit. My '04 952 tacks have held up beautifully, and I feel like the put me "closer to the ice" than my old Vapors. Having said that, you should really try both to determine which depth you need.

[windflare 0]

You really should compare the RBK and 852 at the same time. THe RBK fit deeper, which for some people is a better fit. My '04 952 tacks have held up beautifully, and I feel like the put me "closer to the ice" than my old Vapors. Having said that, you should really try both to determine which depth you need.

Which RBK compares to the Tacks 852 though, in terms of features? Is it the 5K, or 4K, or higher?

[srv2miker 0]

You really should compare the RBK and 852 at the same time. THe RBK fit deeper, which for some people is a better fit. My '04 952 tacks have held up beautifully, and I feel like the put me "closer to the ice" than my old Vapors. Having said that, you should really try both to determine which depth you need.

Which RBK compares to the Tacks 852 though, in terms of features? Is it the 5K, or 4K, or higher?

Well the 852 was essentially a middle of the road skate that year:

1052

952

852

652

452

152 (I think)

So you'd be looking at 5k's probably.