Tour Code 1 and Tour Code Blue

[_HSB_b345t 0]

I'm new here so go easy on me. I've done quite a bit of researching and have narrowed down my choice of new skates to the two aforementioned. I've been skating on Mission Proto SV (circa 2001-ish) skates for a while now and it's time to move on. Basically, my question is this: For the twice a week upper bronze level player, are the Code 1 skates worth paying the $300 or will the Code Blue skates suffice?

Any input you guys have on either skate will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Spreedizzle 1]

Right now....if you can still find the Code 1 in your size....I would jump on it in a heart beat. Coming off of the hi-lo setup of your Missions and onto the straight 80mm chassis of the Tour's will be a slight adjustment for you, but having done the exact same change I can tell you that it will be completely worth it.

If you can find the Code 1's, grab them....if not, the Code Blue's will be a great skate for you also.

[DamnLocust 0]

also, code e-2s are pretty much on the level with the code blues, and are going cheap right now.

[_HSB_b345t 0]

When you say "adjustment", what exactly do you mean?

What websites would you guys recommend? All the ones I have looked at (if they even offer Tour skates) are all sold out of E2s -- inlinewarehouse, hockeygiant, totalhockey, hockeyworld, epuck, eBay, etc.

Any of you ever deal with usaskates.com?

[Lufria 1]

Having experienced going from mission 5500's to Tour Code 1's myself, let me give you my opinion on "adjustment."

I skated Mission forever, and with the wheels being in the hi-lo setup (bigger wheels in back, smaller in front) your weight is more in the center or front of your foot; that is, your toes.

Going to a Tour Skate from Missions shifts your weight more towards the back of foot, but honestly, it's a massive improvement in speed and power. It takes some getting used to, but you have to stick with it and get used to it. It's not a giant learning curve, but you just have to play a game or two to get used to it.

Why not try a pair of tours on from a friend or something for a drop-in session or something?

[Spreedizzle 1]

Having experienced going from mission 5500's to Tour Code 1's myself, let me give you my opinion on "adjustment."

I skated Mission forever, and with the wheels being in the hi-lo setup (bigger wheels in back, smaller in front) your weight is more in the center or front of your foot; that is, your toes.

Going to a Tour Skate from Missions shifts your weight more towards the back of foot, but honestly, it's a massive improvement in speed and power. It takes some getting used to, but you have to stick with it and get used to it. It's not a giant learning curve, but you just have to play a game or two to get used to it.

Why not try a pair of tours on from a friend or something for a drop-in session or something?

I had the exact same experience and have now been on my Code 1's for about a year and a half and I couldn't be happier. I think that it honestly took me about a 2 hour skate to get used to them, but the speed and grip of a straight 80 chassis is fantastic.

[WackedWing 0]

I agree with the improved speed, grip, and shift of weight comments. Just wanted to make an observation on the currently available Tour inline lineup.

It appears that from high-end to economical, what's out there today (Aug 30/07) for Codes are, in order:

Tour Code Carbon -- the new flagship, top-of-the line model

Tour Code 1 -- last year's top model, still widely available, maybe NOT discontinued?

Tour Code E2 -- last year's next best, apparently discontinued. Had 1/2 sizes and single axle with name-brand Labeda Hum'er

Tour Code Red -- last year's bottom Code, maybe NOT discontinued? No 1/2 sizes, had double piece axle with name-brand Labeda Hum'er

Tour Code Blue -- this year's bottom Code, no 1/2 sizes, has double piece axle, and Tour's generic "Hum'er" clone chassis.

As you can see, the Code Blue doesn't appear to be a replacement for the Code E2 at all. With it's lack of name branding on the Chassis, Code Blue would actually appear to be below the Code Red... a notion reinforced by it's price point (beneath the Red).

I could be wrong, but that's the way it looks to me...

[Roach 0]

Code 1's or the new Code Carbon's in my opinion. Then again, I'm always a sucker for top of the line skates.

[Spreedizzle 1]

Code 1's or the new Code Carbon's in my opinion. Then again, I'm always a sucker for top of the line skates.

If you can still find them, I'd go with the Code 1's in a heartbeat. I haven't skated in the carbons, but one of my teammates has and he also came off of Code 1's. He said that they are great skates, but SIGNIFICANTLY more stiff than the Code 1's. If that is what you are looking for....then have at it. B)

[DamnLocust 0]

As you can see, the Code Blue doesn't appear to be a replacement for the Code E2 at all. With it's lack of name branding on the Chassis, Code Blue would actually appear to be below the Code Red... a notion reinforced by it's price point (beneath the Red).

I could be wrong, but that's the way it looks to me...

my apologies, I must have gotten code blue/blue max all mixed up. I thought they had remade the E-2s with a different name for this year. Doesn't help any that they still haven't updated their site.

[WackedWing 0]

my apologies, I must have gotten code blue/blue max all mixed up. I thought they had remade the E-2s with a different name for this year. Doesn't help any that they still haven't updated their site.

Hey, I myself made the mistake of thinking that the new Code Blue would be penultimate in Tour's lineup (replacing the E2), and really inexpensively. It's only when I got my Code Blues and saw the skate had 2 piece bearings, did I piece together the lack of 1/2 sizes, lack of name branding on the chassis, and price point that indicated where Code Blues really stood. The reason I'm posting this is so hopefully someone can learn from my mistake.

A mistake that might not have occurred as readily if Tour indeed had updated their website...