Skate Falling Apart Or Me Going Crazy?

[Jarick 5]

I've got a pair of Bauer Vapor VI skates that I bought new last year. Played on them probably about 50 times so far. The last couple weeks, it's felt like the holder on the left skate is pulling or collapsing to one side and I'm falling all over the ice like a Pee Wee player.

I tried tightening the skates and it seemed to help, but last night it still just felt really unstable. I looked at the bottom and it seemed okay...but then again I don't know what I'm looking for. All I know is that when I lace up and step on the ice, it feels like the blades are facing inwards...like either the holder isn't aligned right or the whole boot is twisting.

Does this happen or am I going nuts? I'm going to bring it to my LHS for a sharpening and ask them to check it out, but I've read some bad things about Bauer quality and didn't know if this was a common issue or something that never happens.

[wristshot19 0]

Have the shop check the rivets and blades. do the blades (the steel part, not the plastic part) seem loose to you? Do they click when you walk at all?

Bauer quality is on par with other companies or better. You just may hear more problems with Bauers from time to time because of the number of people that wear their skates.

[Jarick 5]

Have the shop check the rivets and blades. do the blades (the steel part, not the plastic part) seem loose to you? Do they click when you walk at all?

No, blades are solid, even though they wear incredibly easily. It feels like the holder is collapsing to the side, or the boot is twisting, or both.

Bauer quality is on par with other companies or better. You just may hear more problems with Bauers from time to time because of the number of people that wear their skates.

Good to hear. I like the fit of the skates and would consider getting a nicer pair this year if they have a stiffer boot and to get stainless steel blades (the carbon ones are just getting torn up).

[forbs02 20]

I've got a pair of Bauer Vapor VI skates that I bought new last year. Played on them probably about 50 times so far. The last couple weeks, it's felt like the holder on the left skate is pulling or collapsing to one side and I'm falling all over the ice like a Pee Wee player.

I tried tightening the skates and it seemed to help, but last night it still just felt really unstable. I looked at the bottom and it seemed okay...but then again I don't know what I'm looking for. All I know is that when I lace up and step on the ice, it feels like the blades are facing inwards...like either the holder isn't aligned right or the whole boot is twisting.

Does this happen or am I going nuts? I'm going to bring it to my LHS for a sharpening and ask them to check it out, but I've read some bad things about Bauer quality and didn't know if this was a common issue or something that never happens.

Depending on your size, the outsole might just be turning to mush on you. The vapor VI have a soft outsole and a different holder than you'd find on most of the Bauer skates. It might just be time to retire those and upgrade to something else. With new skates coming out pretty quick here you should be able to find some deals.

[Jarick 5]

Depending on your size, the outsole might just be turning to mush on you. The vapor VI have a soft outsole and a different holder than you'd find on most of the Bauer skates. It might just be time to retire those and upgrade to something else. With new skates coming out pretty quick here you should be able to find some deals.

Well I'm 5'8" and 180, about 20% bodyfat, so I'm overweight but do have some muscle. Not a real strong skater by any means and don't have great technique, so I wouldn't doubt if I'm wearing them down real fast. I bought them last year with the intention of a few outdoor pond hockey games and now I'm playing three times a week.

If it comes down to it, what skates would be stiffer and more durable without breaking the bank? What should I be looking for?

[DarkStar50 680]

Look at skates around $200 retail. That will be the best bang for your buck. Your VI are probably shot. They are not built for 3 x week on ice. Just a rec hockey boot simply.

[Jarick 5]

Look at skates around $200 retail. That will be the best bang for your buck. Your VI are probably shot. They are not built for 3 x week on ice. Just a rec hockey boot simply.

Ah that makes sense. I knew there was a reason I only paid $80 for them.

So Vapor XIX, Supreme 50, those would be the range I should look at? Would the Vapor XIV's cut it or would they fall apart?

[BK 0]

Look at skates around $200 retail. That will be the best bang for your buck. Your VI are probably shot. They are not built for 3 x week on ice. Just a rec hockey boot simply.

Ah that makes sense. I knew there was a reason I only paid $80 for them.

So Vapor XIX, Supreme 50, those would be the range I should look at? Would the Vapor XIV's cut it or would they fall apart?

The XIX's are great skates and should be a nice upgrade from your old ones. I would even look at older XX's (you can find them cheap). The new supreme line fits a little differently, so try them on and get them locally or you might get the wrong size. If you play that much, I would get a little nicer skate. $100 more on a skate goes a long ways and will save you the headache of buying new skates next year.

[Jarick 5]

One last bump before I head out for the evening and go price some skates (want to buy at a LHS so I can get fitted right and need to know what their markup is).

What's the difference between the Vapor XIV, XIX, and Supreme 50? Stiffness? Mobility? I'm really not sure what I'm looking for beyond something that fits and won't wear out on my for the next couple years.

The XIV and 50 are pretty close in price while the XIX is almost $100 more. Would it be an "upgrade" over the other two for someone who's really not a strong skater but plays a lot?

[texanhockey 0]

id recomend these. there a little older model so a great price for what you get. very stiff boot. these are the 7.5's only a step down from the vector pros. i just got a pair and love em. good luck

http://www.hockeyworld.com/prodHome.ihtml?...atx21%20-shopx1

[Jarick 5]

Well, didn't get to Hockey Giant before they closed, but here's what I found in my price range:

Bauer Vapor XIV - $200

Easton 800c - $250

Bauer Vapor XIX - $300

These are all LHS prices so they include fitting, baking, all that stuff. I couldn't find the Supreme 50's anywhere, although they might have them at Hockey Giant.

Two questions,

First, I was told by a salesman the 800c wasn't as durable as either of the other skates. Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with this skate?

Second, from what I understand the XIX is basically a stiffer and lighter skate than the XIV. Is it a more durable skate to the point that I would want to spend the extra $100 even if I'm not a great skater?

Thanks!

[skatedoctor 0]

I've got a pair of Bauer Vapor VI skates that I bought new last year. Played on them probably about 50 times so far. The last couple weeks, it's felt like the holder on the left skate is pulling or collapsing to one side and I'm falling all over the ice like a Pee Wee player.

Hi there, ive had a few cases here in the uk where the tuuk l/s holder has 'buckled' on the point where the 'lines' are on the rear of the skate holder (or in between the ridges of the plastic).

I replaced a holder for him, then a few weeks later same thing happened again, then after watching his style of training and play i noticed he seemed to turn heavily always in the same direction hence leaning on this of the holder causing it to buckle. (maybe just a theory or coincidence i dont know)

The skates he had were the nike v12's, but he was looking out for a new pair, so i advised him to go for a skate which was a stronger holder.

The holder on your current skates may not be suitable for your style (and im not been funny by saying that) so have a look at the different styles of skates/holders etc, and go for something which is comfortable etc, and not just cause it looks good!

[Jarick 5]

Yeah I wouldn't doubt poor technique lead to wearing the skate down faster, as I wasn't a strong skater, then took 10 years off, then came back full force.

I'm getting the Vapor XIX sometime in the next week or two. I checked out the different skates available around here and it looked like a solid skate. The boot uses much better nylon and the outsole is a lot more solid. It appears to be really close to the XXX, just with a softer tongue, slightly heavier material, and not as nice a liner. So I figure the extra $100 is worth it for a much better skate.

[sniper_23 0]

I'm getting the Vapor XIX sometime in the next week or two. I checked out the different skates available around here and it looked like a solid skate. The boot uses much better nylon and the outsole is a lot more solid. It appears to be really close to the XXX, just with a softer tongue, slightly heavier material, and not as nice a liner. So I figure the extra $100 is worth it for a much better skate.

When I first starting playing I was wearing Vapor XIs (similar to the XIV) and then I upgraded to the Vapor XVs (similar to the XIX). The XV was a much better skate. It was lighter, stiffer, and very comfortable. I'd definitely go with the XIXs if you're willing dish out a little bit more money.

[Hooah4 12]

I have a pair of Supreme 50's and they're holding up just fine. Good mid level skate w/decent support.

[Jarick 5]

I have a pair of Supreme 50's and they're holding up just fine. Good mid level skate w/decent support.

I still have to see if I can find that skate...every place had the One 90, Supreme 70, and Supreme 30 but no Supreme 50! Looks like it'd be around the same price as the Vapor XIV...looks like a more durable/protective version of the Vapor.

Does "thermaformable" mean anything? Are they talking about baking the skates to fit your feet? Is that not possible with the Supreme 50 and Vapor XIV?

[BK 0]

Yes, you can bake both.

[jimmy 194]

The Tuuk+ on the XIV and 50, and the LS holder on the XIX are not going to buckle and are just fine for any skater, any level. Rare exceptions. There has to be some other issue. It's not the holders. Could be how/who installed them, but it's definately not the holders. These things are proven to be durable. It has to be something else.

[Jarick 5]

The Tuuk+ on the XIV and 50, and the LS holder on the XIX are not going to buckle and are just fine for any skater, any level. Rare exceptions. There has to be some other issue. It's not the holders. Could be how/who installed them, but it's definately not the holders. These things are proven to be durable. It has to be something else.

It was a Vapor VI and I'm not sure if it was the holder or the boot that's wearing out on me. I have no doubt those other ones are sturdy...a lot more than the rubber stuff on the VI that's for sure!

[rogue 0]

I just got Easton 800's about 3 weeks ago and I love them. They were about the save price as Bauer XIV's but it feels like you are getting alot more skate for that money. Alot of it comes down to what fits your foot type but I think the 800's are great. My LHS's owner said the other pairs he has sold have been holding up real well for people and the COIL technology (1 piece carbon fiber boot) makes them alot stronger. I haven't owned them long enough to really know how they'll be but so far I'm very happy with my purchase.

When I was discussing with owner what skates I would get he said he didn't recommend the XIV because the outside gets torn up really quickly. He said the XIX's fabric is alot tougher and the XIV's replacement for next year will also be alot more durable but that the XIV's usually don't hold up.

[Jarick 5]

Just picked up a pair of Vapor XIX's, 8D's, just like my last skates. Felt pretty good, even better after baking. Much stiffer and lighter. Should be great!

I did try the Supreme 50's. They are a pretty nice skate, but didn't fit my feet as well. Pinched my toes pretty bad and my heel was sliding around. Seemed not as stiff and heavier than the Vapors.

[Jarick 5]

And a quick next-day after the first skate.

These things are fantastic...a lot lighter and a LOT stiffer. I was able to really concentrate on my form without having to worry about wobbling around inside them. The Lightspeed holder seems to put me on my toes, which again helped me to skate with better form and keep my balance while doing transitions at high speeds. Also, the steel compared to the old crap blades seems to glide a lot easier on the ice.

I have no idea how much of it is confidence, placebo, or actual equipment improvement, but my skating was much better last night and as a result I was able to keep up with a lot of guys that were blowing past me before.

Also, I'm even more glad I got the new skates when I took a few pucks off the boot. These things have better protection and instead of getting stung pretty bad it just bounced off with little pain. Very nice!

Of course, now I'll have to find some open ice and focus on my technique, but it should be a lot easier now that I'm not trying to make up for a wobbly boot.

[DarkStar50 680]

I am glad to hear of your opening positive experience with the Vapor XIX. When I read you had bought that model, I was happy to see you made a good purchase with your money. There is no doubt that better skates make a better skater! Your old skates served their purpose but the boot was shot. Your skates simply died. It had nothing to do with Tuuk installation! Keep practicing and trying new things with these skates and your game will improve quickly and dramatically.