Some Graf skate questions

[vexXed 0]

Hey all,

Had a gander at a lot of the posts here and there seem to be a lot of knowledgable posters on the subject of fitting skates. After using skates that didn't fit me for 5 years - CCM Externo's and then Pro Tacks, (I had no idea about skate fitting at the time) I have done a little research and am intrigued by the good things people have said about Graf skates. Turns out I have a highish instep and arch, with a wide forefoot which I think puts me in the 709 skate? Could someone correct me if I am wrong?

Also, my foot is just shy of 11 inches - what would this be in Graf sizing? 8.5?

Finally, are the 709's heat moldable? I am getting these skates shipped to Hong Kong and there is no skate shop oven for me to bake them in. Would you guys reccommend using a home oven or is it too risky? If so, at what temperature and for how long?

I would go to our LHS but they don't stock Grafs at all.

Cheers guys.

[LkptTiger 1]

From the information you've given, the 709 would probably fit your foot best. Ask yourself what kind of boot you want, though - the 709 is one of the stiffest skates on the market.

As for the sizing, it depends on the player's foot, the fit of the boot itself and the preference's of the player. Personally, I'm a size 10.5 shoe, but wore 7.5 G-35s and Ultra G-35s (I like my skates a little smallish). I'm currently skating in size 7.0 Vapors. I'm not exactly sure what "just shy of 11 inches" converts to in terms of U.S. sneaker/shoe sizing, either.

Yes, you can bake the 709s - but doing so at home can be risky. I'd recommend getting them out on the ice a few times before making the decision to throw them in the oven. If you do decide to bake, I wouldn't put them in much higher than 175 degrees F. for five or six minutes.

[vexXed 0]

Yeah I like a stiff skate for sure, and I'll be sure to get them out on the ice first to see if I break them in the old fashioned way or not. Thanks a lot man :)

[Chadd 916]

I'm not exactly sure what "just shy of 11 inches" converts to in terms of U.S. sneaker/shoe sizing, either.

http://www.zappos.com/measure.zhtml

US size 11 is 10.9375" and is a Euro 45, roughly the same as my foot.

[hapamatt122 0]

From the information you've given, the 709 would probably fit your foot best. Ask yourself what kind of boot you want, though - the 709 is one of the stiffest skates on the market.

As for the sizing, it depends on the player's foot, the fit of the boot itself and the preference's of the player. Personally, I'm a size 10.5 shoe, but wore 7.5 G-35s and Ultra G-35s (I like my skates a little smallish). I'm currently skating in size 7.0 Vapors. I'm not exactly sure what "just shy of 11 inches" converts to in terms of U.S. sneaker/shoe sizing, either.

Yes, you can bake the 709s - but doing so at home can be risky. I'd recommend getting them out on the ice a few times before making the decision to throw them in the oven. If you do decide to bake, I wouldn't put them in much higher than 175 degrees F. for five or six minutes.

shoe 10.5 and you're wearing size 7?? I'm a size 9.5 and I'm in 7.5 vapors, might be able to squeeze into a size 7 with some discomfort, you must wear your shoes really big.

edit: I wore a 7.5 graf as well.

[lee92 2]

to avoid complications from home baking, why not soak some socks in hot water, throw them on, then throw on your skates. it works just the same.

[LkptTiger 1]

From the information you've given, the 709 would probably fit your foot best. Ask yourself what kind of boot you want, though - the 709 is one of the stiffest skates on the market.

As for the sizing, it depends on the player's foot, the fit of the boot itself and the preference's of the player. Personally, I'm a size 10.5 shoe, but wore 7.5 G-35s and Ultra G-35s (I like my skates a little smallish). I'm currently skating in size 7.0 Vapors. I'm not exactly sure what "just shy of 11 inches" converts to in terms of U.S. sneaker/shoe sizing, either.

Yes, you can bake the 709s - but doing so at home can be risky. I'd recommend getting them out on the ice a few times before making the decision to throw them in the oven. If you do decide to bake, I wouldn't put them in much higher than 175 degrees F. for five or six minutes.

shoe 10.5 and you're wearing size 7?? I'm a size 9.5 and I'm in 7.5 vapors, might be able to squeeze into a size 7 with some discomfort, you must wear your shoes really big.

edit: I wore a 7.5 graf as well.

It should probably be noted that 1) I like wearing really small skates (I have been for years - I don't like tying my skates very tight, so small-ish skates help keep my feet locked in place) - I feel more "one" with the skate and don't experience any discomfort (anymore...lol) and 2) I am currently in the older (better) Vapor 10s, which fit slightly differently than the XXs, XXXs and the XXXXs. My XXs and XXXs were 7.5s. Still, you're right, I wear my skates a little tighter than most.

[TBLfan 25]

From the information you've given, the 709 would probably fit your foot best. Ask yourself what kind of boot you want, though - the 709 is one of the stiffest skates on the market.

As for the sizing, it depends on the player's foot, the fit of the boot itself and the preference's of the player. Personally, I'm a size 10.5 shoe, but wore 7.5 G-35s and Ultra G-35s (I like my skates a little smallish). I'm currently skating in size 7.0 Vapors. I'm not exactly sure what "just shy of 11 inches" converts to in terms of U.S. sneaker/shoe sizing, either.

Yes, you can bake the 709s - but doing so at home can be risky. I'd recommend getting them out on the ice a few times before making the decision to throw them in the oven. If you do decide to bake, I wouldn't put them in much higher than 175 degrees F. for five or six minutes.

shoe 10.5 and you're wearing size 7?? I'm a size 9.5 and I'm in 7.5 vapors, might be able to squeeze into a size 7 with some discomfort, you must wear your shoes really big.

edit: I wore a 7.5 graf as well.

Everyone is different. I wear 13 in street shoes and I have 10.5 Vapors.

[Luckystrike 0]

i'll reply since i'm skating in 709's currently. its a deep boot so it should fit a high instep pretty well. I have fairly flat feet and they still fit me ok though.

as far as baking goes, I did not bake mine. really didn't see the point as they are pretty comfortable out of the box and I didn't want to lose any stiffness in them. and yes, they are stiff but not as stiff as say the new composite skates on the market or as light. putting on wet socks and wearing them for awhile is good idea. I might do that just to get a little more break in before the season starts (played about 7 gms in them so far). doing the sock thing doesnt compromise stiffness does it?

as for sizing, I wear a size 8.5 to 9 shoe depending on what kind of shoe it is and I went with a size 6.5 in my skates. I originally got a 7 but took them back for the 6.5 because I like my skates snug.

[Ti-girl 0]

From the information you've given, the 709 would probably fit your foot best. Ask yourself what kind of boot you want, though - the 709 is one of the stiffest skates on the market.

As for the sizing, it depends on the player's foot, the fit of the boot itself and the preference's of the player. Personally, I'm a size 10.5 shoe, but wore 7.5 G-35s and Ultra G-35s (I like my skates a little smallish). I'm currently skating in size 7.0 Vapors. I'm not exactly sure what "just shy of 11 inches" converts to in terms of U.S. sneaker/shoe sizing, either.

Yes, you can bake the 709s - but doing so at home can be risky. I'd recommend getting them out on the ice a few times before making the decision to throw them in the oven. If you do decide to bake, I wouldn't put them in much higher than 175 degrees F. for five or six minutes.

shoe 10.5 and you're wearing size 7?? I'm a size 9.5 and I'm in 7.5 vapors, might be able to squeeze into a size 7 with some discomfort, you must wear your shoes really big.

edit: I wore a 7.5 graf as well.

Everyone is different. I wear 13 in street shoes and I have 10.5 Vapors.

My boyfriend wears a size 12.5 shoe...and an 8.5 skate. I wear a size 8.5 ish men's shoe and wear a size 6 skate...

My brother wears a size 13 shoe and an 11.5 skate...the other wears a size 13 shoe and a 10.5 skate.

[cbart 1]

If you want the fit of the 709 but want lighter and stiffer, try the Ultra G70.

[tsanga 0]

My foot measures 11" (almost exactly) and in a skate fitting session I found a size 9 705 to fit the best, lengthwise. I go by the guideline of my big toe barely brushing the front, so if you like it smaller, 8.5 would probably be right.

[Lombo18 0]

just out of curiosity and because we are on the topic... are the new ultra G skates alot lighter then say the 7series models?? im debating on whether or not to go 9k's w/cobras or g3 ultras from my 704's...thanks.

[Law Goalie 147]

The Ultra series is much lighter and much stiffer. Too bad none of them fit me...

[Keith 0]

Grafs actually seem to bake better than most brands. I had a pair of 709 and I swear the boot seemed a half size bigger after they got baked. A quarter to a half. You get Swiss Grafs in Hong Kong, right? I would never buy the grafs we get here sight unseen.

[vexXed 0]

to avoid complications from home baking, why not soak some socks in hot water, throw them on, then throw on your skates. it works just the same.

Thanks for the tip, I'll see if it needs to be done after a few skates in case I think they are ok out the box.

If you want the fit of the 709 but want lighter and stiffer, try the Ultra G70.

I've been reading up on the G series on this board and am not impressed by the constant complaints about the comosite outsole fraying or seperating from the boot/holder after a while. I was actually thinking about going for them but I would need them to last a while, especially considering the price and level I play at.

My foot measures 11" (almost exactly) and in a skate fitting session I found a size 9 705 to fit the best, lengthwise. I go by the guideline of my big toe barely brushing the front, so if you like it smaller, 8.5 would probably be right.

My feet are just under 11' so I think (pray) an 8.5 would give me a snug fit. It will take a while to get used to as I have almost a full inch of space in my Pro Tacks and will I'll need to make some major adjustments to my no doubt flawed skating! I reckon I won't like my toes touching the cap but I'm prepared to reset everything I know about skating and just believe that although awkward, I will be skating right for the 1st time ever.

Grafs actually seem to bake better than most brands. I had a pair of 709 and I swear the boot seemed a half size bigger after they got baked. A quarter to a half. You get Swiss Grafs in Hong Kong, right? I would never buy the grafs we get here sight unseen.

Nah in HK there is only one shop and it only sells Easton, CCM, Bauer, etc. I asked and they said they don't sell them. The 709's I'm ordering are from Hockey Monkey so they will be the Canadian made ones. I've seen some complaints about the decline in customer service and quality in certain skates, but I don't really have any other options. I just hope they don't think "Hell, we'll just send this guy the defective ones cause he's halfway around the world..."

I saw someone wearing the Graf 727's in Shanghai of all places, and using my limited Chinese, asked him if I could give them a try. He said yeah and so we swapped. It fit perfectly - the laces were all neatly aligned like they should be, unlike my Pro Tacks with the seperated bit where the wedge meets resulting from my highish instep. Skating in them was bizzare though, the pitch was so far forward and the ankle support I was used to just wasn't there. Definitely not a skate for n00bs. That's why I thought the 709's would be more suitable being stiffer.

Thanks for all the replies guys, I appreciate it. I'll let you know how they fare once they get here.

[stick9 896]

Thanks for the tip, I'll see if it needs to be done after a few skates in case I think they are ok out the box.

The wet sock only warms up the inside of the skate and causes the skate to soak up some of the water in the process. You'd achieve the same result minus the water by putting your socks in the dryer or the oven.

[vexXed 0]

Just want to say that my 709's got here and they fit me PERFECTLY, (wearing them as I type this to break them in) so thanks to everyone for their advice! You guys are the shizz. :)

[Chadd 916]

My foot measures 11" (almost exactly) and in a skate fitting session I found a size 9 705 to fit the best, lengthwise. I go by the guideline of my big toe barely brushing the front, so if you like it smaller, 8.5 would probably be right.

My feet are just under 11' so I think (pray) an 8.5 would give me a snug fit. It will take a while to get used to as I have almost a full inch of space in my Pro Tacks and will I'll need to make some major adjustments to my no doubt flawed skating! I reckon I won't like my toes touching the cap but I'm prepared to reset everything I know about skating and just believe that although awkward, I will be skating right for the 1st time ever.

My feet measure right at 11" and I have no room left in my size 10 705s before baking.

[vexXed 0]

My foot measures 11" (almost exactly) and in a skate fitting session I found a size 9 705 to fit the best, lengthwise. I go by the guideline of my big toe barely brushing the front, so if you like it smaller, 8.5 would probably be right.

My feet are just under 11' so I think (pray) an 8.5 would give me a snug fit. It will take a while to get used to as I have almost a full inch of space in my Pro Tacks and will I'll need to make some major adjustments to my no doubt flawed skating! I reckon I won't like my toes touching the cap but I'm prepared to reset everything I know about skating and just believe that although awkward, I will be skating right for the 1st time ever.

My feet measure right at 11" and I have no room left in my size 10 705s before baking.

That's quite strange as my 8.5's are perfect - I can touch the cap if I stretch my toes out but they are not cramped at all. I'm thinking that as the arch in the 709 is higher, that would pull my toes away from the cap a little bit. Not sure about the 705's but I don't think the arch is as high as the 709's.

[tro 4]

Hey Chad, off topic a little but going from Easton 1100 to 704, do you know what kind of change I can expect?

[tsanga 0]

The key to this foot length mystery here.