Need help with skate selection

[Hockeydog 8]

I am new to this board, but in reading thru the posts I see a wealth of knowledge here. So I'd like to ask for some opinions on my current skate and if it is the right fit for me.

I am a beginner/ intermidiate skater, 5'10" 190 lbs. Shoe size is 10 US, but my left foot is the longer of the two by close to 1/2" Right foot more like a 9.5 US and I do have a few pairs of 9.5's that fit. I currently skate in a Graf 704 size 9 wide with Tuuk Plus holders. I have a high instep and a fairly wide foot. The 704's have a lot of padding in the heel, with a notch for the achillies tendon. With my skate laced, there is a gap of aprox. 1/8th inch to the heel side due to that padding, and about 1/2 inch extra space at the toe. I don't get any heel slippage and the width seems okay, maybe just a bit looser than the optimum snug feeling, but not sloppy. This fit I desribe is on the left ( bigger ) foot. When I skate I feel like I want to fall forward at times. I have an 11' rocker and based on the marks on the blade by my LHS the balance point is set at about the 6th eyelet from the bottom. My general posture is of a somewhat rounded back. I stll have a ways to go with technique for sure, but I just read Hockeymom's thread about getting her girl fitted with new skates, and I realised that I should make sure my skates are what I need so I can progress faster. I had tried ( on a suggestion by my LHS) a 9' rocker with about the same pitch but that felt too unstable. I live in an area without a lot of hockey savvy folks like the members here, so I am looking for any help on my skates. Are my current skates too big? If I know what to look for, I can go to my LHS and not depend on their limited or no knowledge when I try on skates. Any skate model suggestions would also be of help.

Sorry if this was too long, and thanks for any advice!!!!!

[mew1838 0]

My left foot is also bigger than my right, probably by 1/4 - 1/2 size. The skate fits snug on the left but is just like what you described on the right. I do not have any problems skating, as long as they are snug, you are fine. You should also consider buying a pair of superfeet insoles. For the radius. I am using 9' and it feels perfect coming from 11' but I think you should worry more about the hollow. Hope that helps.

[Hockeydog 8]

Thanks for the info! Ihave thought about Superfeet, or insoles that are heat moldable to take up the extra space in the boot.