BobMcRobertson 0 Report post Posted June 18, 2007 I have been in a RBK 5K pump for about the last year and recenlty picked up a pair of 8k's on the cheap. I put the pumps on the shelf and started breaking in the 8k's and noticed that in the "conventional" skate, I seemed to be able to get on my edges better. After noticing this, I put the pumps back on and it seems to my uneducated mind that maybe the pump restricts a bit of natural flexibilty or movement that you might need to "get on your edges". Can anybody with experience in this maybe shed some light on my "theory"? Maybe I just over-pump them?........ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tomh7 2 Report post Posted June 18, 2007 I may be wrong but I don't think it has anything to do with the pump/no pump difference. My first thought would be the profile and radius of the blades. Second thought would be a difference in the stiffness of the boot. Finally, the cut of the boot may be a factor (assuming the cuts are different which they may not be). Any one or a combination of these things would have a greater affect on flexibility and bite. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cougarscaptain87 13 Report post Posted June 18, 2007 how big are you? the 5k skate isnt over all that stiff, while the 8k was a top of the line skate 2 years ago, and is stiffer than the 5k. with my 9k pumps compared to my vapor xxx i feel that i get much more edge control and almost a spring reaction as to where my vapor xxx's didnt really feel like anything special. all this may have to do with the 9k's fitting me much better than the vapor xxx did, but i did not experience any such handicaps with the pump, and i actually prefer the pump over the non pump skate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BobMcRobertson 0 Report post Posted June 18, 2007 The 5K's seem to be a bit bulkier than the 8's , especially in the ankle where the bladder is, but other than that they seem, to my untrained eye, similar in cut. Wouldn't the blades be the same profile, or close to it as they are the same manufactuerer, the only difference is one is perforated. I am about 195 pounds. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cougarscaptain87 13 Report post Posted June 18, 2007 hmmm, with your size, it is clear that is not the issue. all of what i stated was therories so maybe jr or chadd could come in here and clean up some confusion. sorry i couldnt help out any more. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BobMcRobertson 0 Report post Posted June 18, 2007 Thanks for your inputs, I am just trying to figure this out. Maybe it's just mental..I don't know, any info or inputs are appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BK 0 Report post Posted June 18, 2007 Thanks for your inputs, I am just trying to figure this out. Maybe it's just mental..I don't know, any info or inputs are appreciated.It shouldn't be a mental thing.. You are wearing two very different models of skates. Its like driving a Honda Civic and then driving a Honda Accord and saying "they feel a little different.. it might just be mental".The bladder in the skate will make the skate feel different. Its all personal preference as to if you like it or not. The bladder has kind of become the new tblades of the industry. Either you hate it or you love it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JR Boucicaut 3810 Report post Posted June 18, 2007 It has absolutely nothing to do with the Pump and everything to do with the fact that the 8K is a better skate.It's stiffer and sturdier than the 5k. Also, the 8k boot is not torquing on you because it has a composite outsole, something the 5k does not. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BobMcRobertson 0 Report post Posted June 18, 2007 JR, What you say makes sense, but I do not fully understand the differencve in stiffness and outsole and how that plays a part in performance. Forgive my ignorance on this issue, but could you please elaborate? Also, would the 7k pump or 9k pump have this issue? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JR Boucicaut 3810 Report post Posted June 18, 2007 The 5k Pump is an underspec'd skate at the price point it is at.It's a soft boot. With a soft boot and a plastic outsole, what is going to happen is when you really get down on your edges, the boot will give and twist. Sturdier boots don't give. The 7k and 9k Pump are better boots. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmy 194 Report post Posted June 18, 2007 To isolate if it's the pump or not, simply deflate the bag in the 5k and see if your skating better. I don't think you'll notice a difference. As others said, the 8k is a better skate, that's what you are experiencing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
