Graf 707 Techlites

[Dan Tessier 0]

Hey guys just wanted to say that I got my new skates, Graf 707 techlite integras, and they are an amazing skate. Im playing in the UK so I had the skates shipped over from Switzerland. It seems that most of the other skate companies are pushing for stiffer and lighter skates, but if you are someone who has a more bent over style, ala Fedorov or Samsonov then I would suggest looking into these skates. There has been a lot written on Graf's other models but I think there is very little info on these skates. This model has a very flexible ankle which means that the foot has a lot more room to move laterally. However, the boot is stiff enough so that speed loss is not really an issue. The site says that this skate is for a more 'technical' skater and I would agree. What this means to me is that you have good edge control and solid lateral movement. The skate is a bit heavier then the other top of the line skates but it is very prevelant here in Europe with a lot of the top players opting to weat this model. This is not much of a surprise to me as a great deal of emphasis is put on agility and lateral movement in Europe so these skates seem to fit that description. Any way if you are someone who is tired of stiff skates with no ankle flex and want something providing more movement I would look into the 707's.

On another note, a lot of people critisize Graf but I would like to point out that personally I like Graf because they dont rely on flashy marketing campaign's or sponsoring big time players, but rather rely on word of mouth about how good their products are. Flashy marketing campaigns and sponshorship only adds to a companies expenses, which in turn is dumped onto the consumer in the form of a price increase, so Im happy to stay away from other companies who choose to rely on these methods.

[whbd18 0]

The Graf 707 is a very nice skate and extremely comfortable. I managed to pick up a brand new pair of Great White 707's for $300 and have been very happy with them, they actually seem pretty stiff to me seeing as I used the Synergy Skate since they came out.

[epstud74 24]

The Graf 707 is a very nice skate and extremely comfortable. I managed to pick up a brand new pair of Great White 707's for $300 and have been very happy with them, they actually seem pretty stiff to me seeing as I used the Synergy Skate since they came out.

I skated in a pair of 707s for 6 years, I thought they were excellent skates and VERY durable. Perhaps the most durable brand I've ever owned.

[Hockeydog 8]

Gee. we need a pipeline to Graf Switzerland!!

[djinferno 2]

On another note, a lot of people critisize Graf but I would like to point out that personally I like Graf because they dont rely on flashy marketing campaign's or sponsoring big time players, but rather rely on word of mouth about how good their products are. Flashy marketing campaigns and sponshorship only adds to a companies expenses, which in turn is dumped onto the consumer in the form of a price increase, so Im happy to stay away from other companies who choose to rely on these methods.

Hey I will agree with you on the Switzerland division, I dealt with them before and used there product for 7 years, the complaints are coming from and for the Canada division...

[Hockeydog 8]

My 704's - purchased in 1998- were made by the Swiss. They are tanks that I doubt would ever become unusable. ( just a size too big, dang it!)

[Hockeydog 8]

Just out of curiosity ( which kills hockey equipment crazy husbands)

how is the fit of the 707? Is it a narrow heel? How deep is the skate?

[Law Goalie 147]

I'm fascinated by the 707s... one of my favourite defencemen on my A team had them, and they looked incredible. As a goalie who skates out from time to time, they look like almost an ideal skate: lots of supported play in the ankle. I'd love to get a pair of them to compare with my Daoust 301s and Micron 10-90s, though I suspect the 707s would be a very different fit. They're one of a few skates I always keep my eyes peeled for when I'm scanning the used shelves.

Anyone know why these are maybe the least stocked and least talked-about Graf skates? Yes, they don't follow the 'stiff and light' trend, but I'd think their design alone would attract attention...

(BTW, congrats to the OP on his season - scary numbers.)

[duch 0]

I totally agree that Gtafs are an excellent skate. The quality of the skate is one of the best on the market and their durability is world renowned. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about them other than the fact they are not for me. I have had two pairs of Grafs, a pair of 502's and a pair of 704's. and both serviced me well. I however am a strange bird. I love Easton/CCM skates but mostly Easton. I own a pair of 1300C's and a pair of Synergy 1100's and absolutely love them. I chose the 1300's over a pair of Graf 705's and have no regrets. I found the fit with the Eastons where perfect even though the Grafs where also extremely good. I just like the feel on the ice with the Eastons and I'm a guy who loves a stiff skate. In fact I tried the Bauer 7000 Supreme before buying the 1300's as well which was one of the stiffest made at the time and loved them but the comfort wasn't as good as the Eastons. The Z-Air Composite which was probably the stiffest ever made would be no problem for a guy like me however there was a comfort issue with them which is why I don't own a pair.

In conclusion I would say Graf makes one of the best products on the skate market today. If someone offered me a pair today I wouldn't hesitate to take them because I'm almost at the end of my hockey career and they would last me comfortably to the end of it. I would highly recommend them to anyone but some of us guys do like other makes of skates which makes for an interesting competition with the manufacturers.