New Skates: Graf or Vector Pro

[dbeck 0]

I am looking at getting some new skates to replace my CCM Tack 952's (the very first model). My 952's are still in pretty good shape since I have only used them for 1 season before I took a 5 year break from hockey. I am just going to wait for good deals (e.g. clearance) to pop up and select my new skates patiently. I went to my LHS and saw some CCM Vector Pro on sale. I haven't tried these skates on yet but the look of these skates doesn't really appeal to me. I tried searching on ebay and I found that there are quite a large selection on Graf pro return skates. I am currently wearing a pair of size 8 in my 952's...I am just wondering what size should I get if I were to pick up a pair of Graf skates. I will also try to find this out myself by going to a shop with some Graf skates.

Anyways, so which pair of Graf skates should I go for? I've found 703, 704, 705, G3 and G35. Should I pick the Vector pro over the Graf's? I am also open to any good deals out there right now too. I don't mind buying previous years' models.

Thank you.

[blues_91 0]

No matter how cheap you find it on closeout, it's only a good deal if they fit your feet properly. The Grafs all fit differently than each other, and the Vectors do not fit the same as your tacks.

Try on as many pairs as possible and from there, select the one that is the most comfortable in your price range.

Also, keep in mind that the 700 series Graf skates will be far more durable than the Vectors.

[duch 0]

If you want a long lasting skate that fits well go with the Grafs. One of the best on the market.But as previously stated try a few different models on to see which fits the best before shelling out the cash for them. You may also find the skate profile on the Grafs a bit different because they tend to lean forwards more than a CCM Tack which has more of a neutral profile and you are a bit more flat footed. You can either adjust to that or reprofile the blade to a neutral profile on the Grafs.

[dbeck 0]

I guess I really just have to go try them at my LHS... I am always scared of trying without actual buying lol

[Steve123 0]

I use the 705's and I realized that when I switched from them to other skates like RBK and Vector I always felt like I was leaning forward too far. I was weird, but I got used to it.

[dbeck 0]

I am thinking of picking up a pair of Mission L7 now. How are these skates?

[blues_91 0]

Since you're from vancouver, I'm guessing there's nowhere for you to try on L7s. Just go to Cyclone's and try on a few pairs and get what fits you the best, or head over to a sportchek, they have Synergy 1300s for $400 and Synergy 1100s for $250, both are great skates for the price.

[dbeck 0]

Oh, no L7 in CTS? Darn, I was hoping to go try on a pair there...maybe I should just stick with Graf. Thanks.

[davis 0]

I think the Graf's would be a safe choice, if you can find a store with a decent selection to give you an idea of which model would fit your foot best. How would you describe the shape of your foot? Wide forefoot, narrow heel? Narrow forefoot, regular heel? Any arches? That all comes into play.

Hey Steve123, the Cobra holder on the Grafs has a different pitch than the other holders, hence the reason for the forward lean.