buying new skates, tried em all, now id like input

[gemini8026 1]

currently own CCM 852's. Good skate, but they have been used and abused for too long and its time to go to something new. I play senior hockey, so I need somethign durable, yet still have good performance.

I went to the local shop. Tried out some On70's and One 90's. Nice fit

Tried some Reebok 7k's (no 9k's in stock) these felt really comfy

I wanted to try the Vector 10's, but none were in stock..........

Tried Graf's (hated them, i know it takes some break in, but they never felt comfortable)

I REALLY wish I could skate in all these skates to get a good idea, but im torn which route to go. As mentioned, they all felt pretty good, its now a matter of "taking a chance"

The one90 feels so nice and light, but will it hold up over time?!? The RBK 7k is the most comfy, but will that damn pump fail?!?

Is it worth it to hold off and go try on some Vector 10's?!?!

I love how my 852's fit, id like a similar fit.

Just curious if anyone can help me sway my opinion. I am leaning slightly to the RBK's, is it worth the extra 200$ to go to the 9k over the 7k?!?!

Thanks for any help!!!

[dalebert 8]

Hey how's it going,

I work at a hockey shop so hopefully i can help a bit.

First off we don't sell the RBK skates so I can't give you any opinions on that.

Next my boss skates in the one90's I skate in the XXXX so does the other guy that works with me. My boss loves his one90's he's never had any problems and he's had them for a while [since they were introduced]

We also have the vector 10 but its a heavier skate, im not sure if your looking for a light skate but i can tell you i have tried the one90's and 10's and i felt i got a lot better response out of the one90 in my opinion [im 6' 210 lbs] i went for the xxxx though pretty much because of the money but that is besides the point. You really can't go wrong with either the 10.0 or the one90 its just about what your looking for in the skate.

Hope that helps.

[gemini8026 1]

hey thanks TNH, im the exact same size as you.

My one friend got some new one70's, and he's had issues with his runners. Although, i think it was also due to a HARD fall into the boards.

I never had the chance on the XXXX model, so that may be worth looking for a nearby store with them!

[TopProspect91 0]

My opinions...

The One90 is a great skate, but the only downfall is the breaking in part. If the skate feels great on your foot already, that's great. But breaking it in takes a bit longer than other skates from what I've experienced. But when it does break in, it's a fantastic skate.

The RBK 7K's are another great choice. Not as light as the 9k's, but just as durable IMO. Almost the exact same as the 9K expcet for weight and unless your willing to spend $200+ more on just a bit more weight, the 7K is a great choice. I've worked in a hockey shop for a long time and the pump is actually pretty durable in the 7K and 9K pumps. The 5K's weren't as strong, though...

And my buddy has the V10's. Bought them when they first came out and has loved them ever since and are still in great shape (and he plays AAA hockey). Even though not as light as the One90 or the XXXX, it's still a damn light skate and from what I've heard, very durable. Also, very good for people who like the CCM fight (although it has changed from older models).

If I were you, unless the One90's felt PERFECT, I'd go with either the 7K or V10's because of the CCM fit that your used to. And if I had to choose between those two, I'd probably go with the V10's if you can find them.

Just my two cents...Goodluck!

[dalebert 8]

No problem good luck with whatever pair you choose and I hope it all works out for you. If you get a chance to try the XXXX on give it a shot you may like the feel it seems to be our most popular selling skate [out of the top of the line skates]

[gemini8026 1]

im liking this help!!!!

TopProspect, any idea if there is a "database" on the weights of these skates, I cant seem to google and actual weights.

I DO like the CCM fit, but im also willing to explore other avenues.

[thehighlife 0]

dont get caught up in the weight thing. Go by what feels good and good old fashion gut feeling

[The Fresh Young MikeyD 0]

The RBK line should be closest in terms of fit to the 852 Tacks you're wearing now. So assuming those fit correctly (and judging by what you've said they probably do) then it's probably a good decision to get a 7K or 9K.

As for the skates holding-up some of the opinion here is that top-of-the-line skates, like just about every skate you've mentioned, are designed with a performance as the primary consideration thus durability becomes a secondary consideration. I'm not sure I necessarily believe that durability is sacrificed to the point 'that they don't last like they did in the old days' so much as companies are using new technologies to produce skates now and there's a learning curve that comes with that. Even though they do a lot of testing, nothing can completely replicate the real world market / real life conditions. Plus I think many members are playing high-level competitive hockey and are on the ice a lot—that definitely puts a lot of wear on gear quickly. You can read about this debate in this One 90 thread. Speaking of which if you use the search function and browse the equipment review section you should be able to find out all sorts of opinions on the durability of the skates you're considering.

Anyway, I think the decision between going with a top-of-line skate e.g. 9K or stepping down a model e.g. 7K really depends on the level you play and how often. Just like with computers you'll get very good performance for your dollar by stepping down a model from the top-of-line product. You might lose a bit of performance because the skate isn't bleeding edge, but depending on the skate you might gain a bit more in durability because the manufacturer isn't trying to save that last bit of weight and or it has a little more experience with some of the (older) technology in that skate. Plus you'll also save some cash.

As for the pump breaking I believe the consensus is it really doesn't happen short of people over-inflating and other such user abuse.

[gemini8026 1]

thanks Mikey, good post and I will strongly consider that opinion.

Its like comparing the one70 to the one90 and the 7k to the 9k. You pay for that top end premium!

[Chadd 916]

Go with whatever feels best on your foot. You can always get the profile on the steel changed if it feels off. You can't change the fit of a skate all that much.

[Hockeydog 8]

I had the 5K and had some leakage with the pump, but know others with the 7K and 9K that have been just fine. I think the One90 might be a different fit from your CCM's but the 7-9k's should work well. The Supreme70 might work for you as well. I went with those from my 5K's and felt the fit was pretty close in width and depth. You would need heel lifts or profiling to get the neutral to slightly forward lean. The '70's ended up being too wide in the heel, so I am now very happy in G35's but did like the Supreme 70 otherwise.

[Spreedizzle 1]

I went through the exact same change that you did....owned 852's for a while and then bought the Vector 8.0's. They never fit properly compared to my 852's, and they were too tight around the midfoot and with an abrupt arch support...ie...designed for someone with higher arches than mine. The 7K's fit my feet perfectly. About the same fit as the 852's, but the 7K's are more comfortable and padded than the 852's. If you fit perfectly in the old Tacks line then I feel that you should be in the RBK's.

[gemini8026 1]

im glad i joined the forum, a WEALTH of good information compared to the store guys who are peddling what lines they need to clear out to get newer stock.

Im going to go with some 7k's, are there any forum sponsors worth supporting and ordering from?!?

[Chadd 916]

im glad i joined the forum, a WEALTH of good information compared to the store guys who are peddling what lines they need to clear out to get newer stock.

Im going to go with some 7k's, are there any forum sponsors worth supporting and ordering from?!?

We don't accept sponsors or self-promotion from our members. A large number of our members own/manage/work in shops and it just wouldn't be fair to everyone.

[chippa13 1844]

I'm surprised the original poster hated the Grafs so much. The couple of pairs that I had were probably the most comfortable new skates I've had before heating.

[TopProspect91 0]

im liking this help!!!!

TopProspect, any idea if there is a "database" on the weights of these skates, I cant seem to google and actual weights.

I DO like the CCM fit, but im also willing to explore other avenues.

I havent checked, but if you go on the sites with the skate (ie. RBKhockey.com, ccmsports.com) you'll probably find everything you need. Like everyone has said so far, get what feels good. Try on the skates, walk around in them, bend down in them, do whatever it takes to know you found the one. All the ones you've mentioned are all quality, top of the line skates and you cant go wrong.

[gemini8026 1]

So great, decided on the 7k's, only to find out the local shop (smaller city) DOESNT have any of my size (9d) left. They had some 5k's, but I have the $$$ to spend a little more , so I will.

I spend a fair amount of $$$ there on my gear, but he says it would take him 6 weeks or so to get some in, which is a large part of the season!!!!

the closest place is 2.5 hours away that would stock them. So I would have to plan a weekend trip and spend 100$ in gas (my dodge ram likes fuel)

or I could order online. The idea DOESNT excite me too much, because of warranty issues, and I would like them baked.

Do 7k's need to be baked, or does the pump system not like 175 degree's?!?

the local guy wants 30$ for a bake job on skates not bought from him.

Seems excessive, but I doubt I wanna dink around with ruining them in my oven.

Is ordering from the hockeymonkey a mistake, Im not sure what a guy should do in this case?!?

[Chadd 916]

If your shops doesn't have what you want, and can't get them, then buy them wherever you can get them. I am a bit surprised he wasn't willing to at least make a few phone calls and see if he could track down a pair.

[wonderenzo 0]

The RBK line should be closest in terms of fit to the 852 Tacks you're wearing now. So assuming those fit correctly (and judging by what you've said they probably do) then it's probably a good decision to get a 7K or 9K.

Lets assume we dont know how they fit, he said he liked the feel of the one90, which has no where near the volume of an 852 or any rbk.

Remember ASS out of u and me...

jk, my old asst, coach used to say it. idiot.

[gemini8026 1]

Chad, would baking the 7k's be mandatory for a good fit?!?

Im curious if they are even capable of being baked with their pump system?!?

[Chadd 916]

Chad, would baking the 7k's be mandatory for a good fit?!?

Im curious if they are even capable of being baked with their pump system?!?

Don't know if you need to do it, everyone is different and I don't sell RBK skates. Empty the pump before you bake and everything is fine. Obviously you don't want the bladder full before heating.

[Spreedizzle 1]

Chad, would baking the 7k's be mandatory for a good fit?!?

Im curious if they are even capable of being baked with their pump system?!?

I have been in the 7K's for a while, and they were baked by the local Perani's that I bought them from. I don't know if they needed it, but within 2 skates the boots were quite supple, and my feet were hot spot/blister free. So for myself, I am sold on the baking technique.

[SickBoy 0]

I had my 7K's baked when I bought them too, and it worked out great. The guy at the shop even commented, though, that it was a nice, quality skate that shouldn't have any trouble breaking in on their own. If you get them online, maybe give them a couple skates without baking to see if you really need it.

I picked up a second pair online from Kemp's Hockey to convert to roller, they were on clearance for $299.99. Dunno if they still are or what sizes are left, but it's worth a look.