Which Skates?

[big ben 0]

I'm running CCM Pro Tacks 152 right now, purchased them just to see if the Hockey bug would catch and now I want to upgrade. I played hockey when I was in junior high, 21 now, and i'm getting back into it. Just want something in the $150-200 range mainly.

Now here are my choices:

NikeBauer Supreme 50 $189

NikeBauer Supreme 30 $139

Bauer Vapor XIV $159.99

CCM Tacks 692

CCM Vector 4.0

Which would be the best choice. Between the Nikebauers, the main difference is the 50s are $50 more, have 8 more oz. of padding and has clarino in the boot. Is it really worth $50 for clarino in a boot, cause basically thats the only real difference in the skates? I have an 11D size right now, but I feel like I need something wider because when I'm done skating the sides of my feet throb horribly. I really know nothing of the CCM Vector line, are they good skates?

Appreciate it and I like this site.

[KYHockey3 0]

DO you have a lhs around you?

you should definately try the skates on, because the best skate for you is the one that fits.

you picked quite a variation of skates, so you will want to try em before you buy them!

the vectors are ok, but i prefer nike hockey skates.

ou can probably find some higher end closeouts in your price range if you look around.

welcome to the site!!!

[big ben 0]

Well I live in College Station, which is kindof a smaller city in South Texas, so I don't have like an Actual hockey shop that knows the ins and outs of skates, just a pro shop at the local rink. I'm going to Dallas this weekend where there are alot more rinks and more people who can really give me an honest opinion. I had a pair of Nike Quest 5s a few years ago and I really liked them, I've always preferred the TUUK like holders, so i'm leaning towards those, but the newer CCMs have similiar holders as well.

[KYHockey3 0]

definatley try them on when you are at these stores. online skate ordering is really hit or miss when it comes to sizing!

[sds 0]

the Vector 6.0's would fall in that range. I love mine. Love the lace locks. Of course, they fit my feet. What they feel like on yours is a mystery.

[hockeydoc 0]

CCM Pro Tacks 152?

I thought there were Pro Tacks, or 152's.

152's being very low end, and Pros being top end.

BTW find some tacks on clearance for a good price. Going to Bauer is quite a change.

[Chadd 916]

If the tacks work for you, get the 692s

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

The tacks and the Bauer supreme line fit completely differently. I was in CCM tacks, and they always hurt my foot, never broke in properly, and when I laced them up even tightly, the laces on the front looked like ( ) instead of | |.

The tacks are a shallower boot, and wider. I went to my LHS and was fitted into a pair of Bauer Supreme 30 skates. $139 for skate, baking and sharpening.

Immediate difference in the feel of it for me. As it's breaking in, I need to get some arch support, but apart from that, its a great fit.

If the tacks fit your foot now, I would say stick to them, becuase the Supreme and Vector skates will fit narrower and deeper.

As for which model, I play beginner hockey, the supreme 30 are fine for me

[codymcg46 0]

If the tacks fit your foot now, I would say stick to them, becuase the Supreme and Vector skates will fit narrower and deeper.

The vectors aren't that narrow, I found that they run pretty wide atually.

[jjtt99 0]

It's all about the fit.

Fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit fit.

Did I mention it's all about the fit?

Do a search of this site and the internet for skate fitting information. There are lots of topics about it. Proper hockey skate fitting is more complicated than most people think.

If you get it right -- you'll be a happy camper. Get it wrong and you'll experience a whole new level of frustration.

Good luck.

P.S. It's all about the right fit.

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

If the tacks fit your foot now, I would say stick to them, becuase the Supreme and Vector skates will fit narrower and deeper.

The vectors aren't that narrow, I found that they run pretty wide atually.

I said they were narrower than the tacks, not narrow

[big ben 0]

Tacks 152, sorry.

I'm going to hit up a bunch of places in dallas this weekend. Are the vectors durable skates?

I also think i'd get the most skate for my money with the Bauer Supreme 50, I just feel like I need to be more on my toes and the Nikebauers will do that.

[Hockeydog 8]

I speak from experiance when I say don't limit yourself to certain brands or sizes. The ONLY way to know what fits well is to try on EVERYTHING you can.

Try on skates that you don't think will work. I have 5 pairs of skates and only the last pair I bought really fit as a hockey skate should because I either bought online or didn't know how a hockey skate should fit. There are great threads here on hockey skate fit, take your time and read thru them before you go to Dallas. Also once you have read the threads here, compare what you have learned with how your current skates fit.

[Methane 0]

Tacks 152, sorry.

I'm going to hit up a bunch of places in dallas this weekend. Are the vectors durable skates?

If by Dallas you mean the Dallas AREA, go to Hockey World in Euless. If you can get them to come out from behind the counter and get boxes for you you'll be able to try all kinds of skates on. They also have tons on clearance right now. Or there is the Dr. Pepper Star Center Frisco, Plano, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Grapevine and Euless. http://www.peranis.com http://drpepperstarcenter.com

[big ben 0]

Heading to Richardson Specifically, so i'll be close to Starscenter Plano, the I was going to hit up PowerPlay Hockey on Midway in Addison, then Hot Shot Hockey near Willowbend off Dallas Pkwy i think it is, would this peranis place be the best? Around 25 mi from my house.

[Methane 0]

Heading to Richardson Specifically, so i'll be close to Starscenter Plano, the I was going to hit up PowerPlay Hockey on Midway in Addison, then Hot Shot Hockey near Willowbend off Dallas Pkwy i think it is, would this peranis place be the best? Around 25 mi from my house.

Being from West Fort Worth, I don't know about the other places, just the ones I've been to. Drewhunz on this board lives in Plano, he may be able to tell you what you want.

[DamnLocust 0]

I just feel like I need to be more on my toes and the Nikebauers will do that.

Actually, the Supreme 50 will put you more on the heels with the Tuuk Custom+ holder. CCM Vectors and Tacks are both neutral, as is Tuuk Lightspeed.

If you really feel you need a forward pitch (on your toes) you could have the steel profiled on your current skates before doing so on your new skates, so that you don't lose a lot of steel on the new skates you buy. Another option is to get a heel lift installed.

The only holders that can give you a forward, on your toes pitch without profiling the steel or adding a lift are the Graf Cobra and the Mission Pitch.

[kovalchuk77 0]

I would go with the Supreme 50 or 30

[Drewhunz 3]

Heading to Richardson Specifically, so i'll be close to Starscenter Plano, the I was going to hit up PowerPlay Hockey on Midway in Addison, then Hot Shot Hockey near Willowbend off Dallas Pkwy i think it is, would this peranis place be the best? Around 25 mi from my house.

There is the Hockey Shop off I35 in Lewisville which is good as well. Can't stand the assholes at Players bench in Richardson, though they do have some decent stuff. Power Play hockey at Willow Bend went out business & I've never heard of Hot Shot Hockey. If you want the best selection, it is worth it to go to Perani's, If you go to the StarCenter in Plano, ask for Patrick and tell im I sent you. He will help you out with what supply they have.

[big ben 0]

went to players bench on sunday lol, didn't have internet most the weekend otherwise i would have seen it. I picked up some Bauer Supreme 5090s on clearence for $94, did I do alright? or should i keep looking?

[Drewhunz 3]

Do they fit, and is the support to your liking?

[big ben 0]

yes they fit great, and the boot seems ALOT stiffer/stronger than those crappy 152s. Should i hang on to them or ebay em and get something better? Was going to spend about $200

There is a slight rattle inside the front of one of the custom+ holders, but the steel doesn't feel loose, can i tighten anything?

[figgifumi_11 3]

yes they fit great, and the boot seems ALOT stiffer/stronger than those crappy 152s. Should i hang on to them or ebay em and get something better? Was going to spend about $200

There is a slight rattle inside the front of one of the custom+ holders, but the steel doesn't feel loose, can i tighten anything?

If they fit well and you like them save the $100. :D