Skates for Intermediate Beer League Player

[hockeysc23 0]

Hey guys,

I just spent the last hour searching what some good entry level ice skates are but am looking for a couple of other opinions.

First my background, I played ice back in HS but used el cheapo Vapor 1 skates that were to big and not good all together. I have played roller for the past 6+ years and am looking for skates to go to some stick and puck and enter a couple entry level leagues for fun.

I currently use a pair of CCM PF10's for roller. I wear a size 11 tennis shoe, and have pretty high arches. I am going to go to the LHS this weekend to get some skates fitted and get their opinions but they usually only have a couple of different brands.

I am wondering for around 300 and under budget what are some good skates and what should I steer away from? I know a proper fitting will be the most important but with the lack of good hockey stores in VA I am just trying to cover all my bases. Also, any recommendations for what I should get them sharpened at? Because I don't know what to do in that respects.

Thanks,

Scott

[Buzz_LightBeer 975]

Stealth S7, Vapor XXV, and Graf 301 sell well with the beer leaguers in our aea

[Spreedizzle 1]

For elevated arches, the CCM Vector series with it's narrower cut might work for you. Best bet is to try a handful on and see what skates fits your foot the best. Typically the higher end skates will be more stiff and probably not what you are looking for as a novice on the ice.

[icedevil82 0]

Agree on the Vector. Wasn't the PF10 pretty much the same fit as a Vector? I'd go with those assuming you can deal with the chrome

[Jarick 5]

I see a lot of beer leaguers in Vapor XXV/XIX, Supreme 50's/70's, S7's, the stuff in that $200 to $300 range. If I was getting new skates today, I'd love to try the Mission 110 XP's. I really like my XIX's, but that's the skate that fits my foot.

[hockeysc23 0]

thanks for the replies guys. What are some good questions to make sure your dealing with someone that knows how to properly fit your skate. Also, any good questions to bring up or preferable time to look at them?

[blueliner27 12]

My cousin bought a pair of NBH's XXV. He gave me an excellent feedback and I'd recommand this.

Since you've came from CCM, I'd also recommand you to try vector 6.0(SE) or 8.0.

[icedevil82 0]

When I want to make a purchase like that or even get my skates sharpened well, I go during the daytime on a weekday. The store manager is often there at that time, they're less busy, and (at least where I go) the staff is a bit more "experienced" at that particular time.

[TBLfan 25]

You can find out who knows what by just shooting the breeze and asking basic questions. Also you can find out who wants to help and who wants you out of the store. Hopefully someone near you knows what they are talking about.

[Spreedizzle 1]

thanks for the replies guys. What are some good questions to make sure your dealing with someone that knows how to properly fit your skate. Also, any good questions to bring up or preferable time to look at them?

Most important.....make sure that the salesman LOOKS at your feet before he recommends a skate for you. At least at that point he can make more of an educated guess as to what skate might fit you best based on the shape of your foot. Don't go in there with any prejudice with regards to any skates....simply tell them your price range and that the fit is your only priority.

[TheBert 0]

Stealth S7, Vapor XXV, and Graf 301 sell well with the beer leaguers in our aea

I think I might have similar feet to you, and tried on the Stealth, Graf 301 and Vectors like everyone's suggested to you already. I've high arches, a narrow heel, and a pretty low volume foot in general.

The 301's scared me with how unprotective they seem, and weren't worth the trade-off in comfort. I eventually picked up a pair of Vectors. Breaking them in wasn't hard, but I did bake them in store and walk around the house with them as much as I could.

[Moto 1]

Kor Shift 1's if you can still find them. I would bet you could get them for around $350 these days...or lower on e-bay

[odp 0]

Also, IIRC OTG mentioned that having a longer radius (11' or even 13') helps the transition from roller to ice.