Ankle Packs

[Wolfpack_1986 154]

Alright, so I had an ankle fracture early june, and have hardware in my foot. The deal is, the hardware can be removed next June, if i find it uncomfortable. Well, i've tried various shoes and none of them bother my foot or rub in any weird way... except skates. I cant skate yet, but put on my old tacks (vectors are in the shop right now) for shits and giggles to see how they felt sitting there... I can tell already things probably wont work out too well, I feel uncomfortable on the outer ankle pack.

So, right now this is all preliminary, because things may work out ok in the future, but as an alternative to a major surgery, what options are there for ankle packs on custom skates? Gel pads on top of normal ankle packs? Has anyone sought a solution to something similar to this?

suggestions, ideas, anything would be appreciated :)

[Monty22 833]

Have you tried a pair of Graf 707's? You may find the ankle on those more accommodating and save yourself having to go the custom route.

[whbd18 0]

Have you tried a pair of Graf 707's? You may find the ankle on those more accommodating and save yourself having to go the custom route.

Without even looking at your post, I was going to recommend the 707.

I would try to find a pair to try on. Or if you want to spend the extra money, try to find a pair of the new Ultra G7.

[ktang 34]

If your ankle hardware consists of long plates, with a line of screw heads, here is what I did with mine:

(i) 2 strips of hard foam on either side of the plate; and

(ii) On top of those, a doughnut of hard foam, with the hole over your ankle knob.

I went to the LHS and got some poly-vinyl foam padding to cut. The doughnut eventually became too soft, though, and I cut up a thick mouse pad.

[Cavs019 710]

707's have substantial ankle packs, but if your ankle is significantly weaker as a result of the injury you might have a hard time finding adequate support in that skate. Alternatively, customs through any company afford you the opportunity to have ankle packs as big as you want.

[Wolfpack_1986 154]

yeah i immediately thought of grafs as soon as I posted this thread. It will definately be something I check out. though, I'm a big fan of a very stiff boot, dont graf's have some give to them?

and i realize i can get ankle packs as fat as I want them... but not sure if i can change the material... sometimes the foam its self can apply significant pressure.

probably going to talk to the canes equipment manager as well, see if he's got any ideas.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

You can overspec the ankle pads and add a softer foam on custom skates. That's no problem.

[Monty22 833]

yeah i immediately thought of grafs as soon as I posted this thread. It will definately be something I check out. though, I'm a big fan of a very stiff boot, dont graf's have some give to them?

and i realize i can get ankle packs as fat as I want them... but not sure if i can change the material... sometimes the foam its self can apply significant pressure.

probably going to talk to the canes equipment manager as well, see if he's got any ideas.

You can also get a stiffer than retail boot.

[bobovski 1]

...with the hole over your ankle knob.

It's been a really long day, and that phrase struck me funny. Thanks for that.

[Wolfpack_1986 154]

sweet, that's exactly what i was looking/hoping for, JR.

monty--dur, totally forgot about that.

[kovalchuk71 212]

Puck_it, I believe Coolsports has the 707 if you need somewhere close to try them on.

[Wolfpack_1986 154]

yeah, i know they're the graf retailers. i know they lurk here, maybe i'll come visit you guys in a bit LOL

ideally, i'd like to keep my v10's i bought from them. when i get them back from wally, i'll try them on, but the ankle packs are still pretty firm in them.

[Wolfpack_1986 154]

ok, so i came up with a few more questions. I assume i can spec one boot to be totally different from the other? since only the right boot needs it. and can i custom order just one? like if i got some custom vector 10's to match what i already have?