Vapor 30s v. 40s

[Guy Incognito 0]

May seem like an easy question, but I wanted to get the opinion of those out there in the game. I'm a fairly new skater, about a year or so. I've been wearing some skates passed on through a friend, and finally decided to get some that actually fit my feet. I decided on the custom route, and since Graf sucks in customer service I'm ordering some NBH Vapors. I'm going to order these customs, mainly because of the extra volume needed for my foot. I'm also getting pro stiffness so they'll hold up over a long period of time. My rep ordering said he can get the 40s (XXXXs) customs two weeks after my 30s (XXXs) customs would come in. However, I don't want to be some shitty skater rocking some 40s that don't live up to my game. Even though the higher end skate may be beneficial for the durability, I want to try to conceal it. I wear my socks over the top of my boot so you can't tell what skate I'm wearing unless you do it everyday for a living (concerning the XXXs v. an XIX). My rep also said the 40 will be more accomodating to volume. I trust him, but want to get an opinion of a wider array of players. He thinks I should say "F-it/them" and get the 40. What do you think?

[warrior37 0]

i wouldnt worry about what others think. if your nike bauer rep says the XXXX would be more accomodating, id take his advice. is there a price difference?

[henkka 0]

doubt anyone been in future lately, since XXXX's arent out yet.

i dont want to sound mean by that, but still

[DamnLocust 0]

for the record, XXV and other vapors will share the look of the XXXX, so the idea of covering the top with socks will work on the XXXXs as well.

From what I've read the XXXXs will have a bit more padding in the ankle, but that may not be as necessary in a custom skate.

either way, it's a win-win, since they're custom and you know they'll fit better than any stock skate.

[mackallica 0]

The highest end skate isn't always the most durable, in fact, it rarely is. It's made for performance, not to last. I find a model under the top model is the most durable in MOST cases. The XXV, the Supreme 70s, The XIX etc.

I could be mis-reading, but it seemed that in your post you are hinting the XXXX is a step above the XXX. This is not the case. The XXXX is just a newer version of the XXX, much like XX to the XXX. The only difference I know of is the Rib construction, there are more differences but I can't name them.

[Guy Incognito 0]

I could be mis-reading, but it seemed that in your post you are hinting the XXXX is a step above the XXX.

Thank you for the feedback but I think you're misreading my post.

[Cavs019 710]

Even though the higher end skate may be beneficial for the durability,

I think he was refering to this comment. If you are a new skater, I can state with 100% certainty that you will not break down a Pro Stiff pair of XXX's, and unless you have an extremely powerful stride may even have an extremely difficult time breaking them in. In my experience with custom XXX's, I've been skating since I'm 4 (I'm 19) and found them to be less comfortable and responsive than my retails. They aren't "custom" in the sense that they take a 3D image of your foot, it's just a few measurements and a skate built off of the Vapor last. If you want my option just pick up a pair of Supreme 70s or whatever the model a step below the XXXX is and avoid the custom route.

[evor1 6]

no ones going to care what skates you use.

[roscoe6 1]

Forget the haters and rock the XXXX's!

Just my opinion... :D

[PH_Hockey2 4]

If you really want a skate to fit your foot then go with a custom ONE 90.

[ATLstealth09 0]

One90 it is! That makes two of us!

Just for the record, I actually do tend to hate on kids that have nice stuff but aren't so keen in the hockey-playing department. However, it's a difference case with you. I'm 16, and the kids who have nice stuff don't actually do anything, don't have a job or anything, they just get money from their parents and get nice stuff, even though they can't skate worth a rat's ass.

You're an adult leaguer, and if you're genuinely in love with the sport, what you want to do with your money is, well, what you want to do with your money.

[drisco487 0]

One90 it is! That makes two of us!

Just for the record, I actually do tend to hate on kids that have nice stuff but aren't so keen in the hockey-playing department. However, it's a difference case with you. I'm 16, and the kids who have nice stuff don't actually do anything, don't have a job or anything, they just get money from their parents and get nice stuff, even though they can't skate worth a rat's ass.

You're an adult leaguer, and if you're genuinely in love with the sport, what you want to do with your money is, well, what you want to do with your money.

I definetly agree with you i hate the kids having the greatest stuff and they suck

[number21 3]

One90 it is! That makes two of us!

Just for the record, I actually do tend to hate on kids that have nice stuff but aren't so keen in the hockey-playing department. However, it's a difference case with you. I'm 16, and the kids who have nice stuff don't actually do anything, don't have a job or anything, they just get money from their parents and get nice stuff, even though they can't skate worth a rat's ass.

You're an adult leaguer, and if you're genuinely in love with the sport, what you want to do with your money is, well, what you want to do with your money.

that's a suprisingly mature post for a 16 year old! (nice)

screw what other people think!

if you feel comfortable spending the money, go for the XXXX's i am sure they'll last you for quite a while.

[PH_Hockey2 4]

that's a suprisingly mature post for a 16 year old! (nice)

screw what other people think!

if you feel comfortable spending it, go for the XXXX's i am sure they'll last you for quite a while.

Im with you #21, go ahead and get custom XXXX or whatever, I don't think it should matter if your good or not. If you can afford the best, why not get the best. Thats the philosphly I go off of whenever I buy hockey equipment or other stuff, it's always why Im broke :lol:

[BK 0]

I definetly agree with you i hate the kids having the greatest stuff and they suck

Why should you even care?

Honestly, after my freshmen year of highschool I stopped even paying attention to what other people where wearing. For the life of me, I couldn't name off 1/4 of my team mates sticks much less could care to look at somebody who is new and think "Wow, he sucks.. wonder what he's wearing".

Guy, just get what you want to get. You are going the right route and getting them made custom instead of cramming your foot into a skate you ordered off the internet etc.

[Guy Incognito 0]

It's a tough ordeal to even post this inquiry as I really don't care what others think. However, I do care what my teammates think and (like the guy BK questioned) don't want to damage reputation by being a potential gear whore label. Yes, I can spend money on what I want, but at the same time it may be tough to understand for someone who can just go out and slide into a boot within an hour of shopping. I might even question it myself... "This guy isn't a pro but thinks he needs a pro skate? What a douche." Catch my drift?

Thanks for the input. Especially those who are insightful (DamnLocust, BK, and the 31-year-old-16-year-old... nice post dude). Props to JRB once again for some PM insight.

[rinkrat94 1]

Guy, you are thinking way to much about this. I am your age and I play in an adult league. 99.9 percent of the guys you play with or against won't even notice your skates and if they do notice your skates they won't give a shit what you skate in. The people who have posted in this thread and said they make fun of bad skaters in top of the line gear are little kids. You play in an ADULT league. If one of my teammates who is a poor skater bought top of the line skates I would think to myself,"he wanted top of the line skates", and I would never think about it again.

[pisani34 10]

i can actually relate to alot of what is going on in this forum, as this is the first year i've ever played hockey with equipment and in a somewhat "organized" manner. At first i took whatever equipment could be thrown at me for free or really cheap, but after gaining alot of interest in the sport i thought i might as well get some good or top of the line stuff. Im not the greatest skater or player, not even close, but it shouldn't stop you from buying gear you can afford and enjoy using. I don't think u should be so self-conscious about what other people are going to think of you based on what gear your wearing and how it relates to your skill level, and just buy what you like and what you can afford.

[Chadd 916]

"This guy isn't a pro but thinks he needs a pro skate? What a douche." Catch my drift?

Most people don't think that way unless the guy is bragging about his stuff. Then all bets are off.

[BK 0]

I played a game tonight. The only guy who's gear I payed attention to was the guy who was poke checking the back of my skates.... and that was for a different reason :)

[Guy Incognito 0]

:lol:

I actually really don't care as much as it may sound like it. Mostly I'm an attention whore instead of a gear whore and just wanted you guys to talk to me.

[tibnyi01 10]

It's a tough ordeal to even post this inquiry as I really don't care what others think. However, I do care what my teammates think and (like the guy BK questioned) don't want to damage reputation by being a potential gear whore label. Yes, I can spend money on what I want, but at the same time it may be tough to understand for someone who can just go out and slide into a boot within an hour of shopping. I might even question it myself... "This guy isn't a pro but thinks he needs a pro skate? What a douche." Catch my drift?

Thanks for the input. Especially those who are insightful (DamnLocust, BK, and the 31-year-old-16-year-old... nice post dude). Props to JRB once again for some PM insight.

I think if anyone does say or think anything I'd be more along the lines of "wow, the new 40's. How are they? Can I see it, I was thinking of maybe trying them." or things along that line. Hockey players are generally similar when it comes to gear. I play mens and thats what would happen in most of our locker rooms. And if someone does judge you about it, then they're probably jealous and your worrying about the wrong person who's the douche. Get what ya want and enjoy.

[johnpace2 0]

I'm also an adult leaguer and I think you should get what you think will help you the best.

99% of my team recognized when I got new skates, but not one of them had any idea how expensive they were.

The real question is whether a high end skate actually hurts your development at this point. I don't know the answer to that.

I've been through 3 pairs of skates...I upgraded to a decent quality skate after a few months in my first pair. Each upgrade I have felt has helped me continue to grow as a skater.

[Cavs019 710]

John brings up a valid point. While me, or anyone else on this board for that matter are in a position to judge your skating ability (no one I imagine has seen you skate) more often than not people make the assumption that stiffness equates to support. That however is not the case, as demonstrated throughout the Graf line and in the Mission "supplefit" concept. Considering this, as you are a developing skater you do not want to use the stiffness of a pro boot as a crutch that would potentially hinder your development. I'm not a physiologist by any stretch, but I'm pretty sure there are muscles in and around the ankle/calf area that can only be developed with proper skating technique and a skate that matches your ability.

[mew1838 0]

I love making people jealous :P C'mon guy, you worked hard, earned the dough, time to kick some ass!!