Beginner skate help

[scott8659 1]

I have had a bear of a time finding skates. First off I am about 5'7" and weigh 185-190 pounds but have been sized at a 5.5. I tried some Vapor XXXX's in both 5.5 and 5.5EE. On both the outside edge of my foot seemed to be tight and have some pressure. My LHS is limited in selection so I haven't had a chance to try on alot of 5.5's. I tried on a Bauer Supreme 50 in a 6D but I could tell it was a little too big. Due to the areas I'm getting pressure the LHS recommended either the Bauer 70's or the CCM Vector 10's in a 5.5. Neither is in stock in a 5.5 and they don't carry the Vectors in the junior sizes so I can't order them.

Too make a long story short I'm a beginner and the renatl skates are killing me. I've done some research and from what I've read I should not be in the Supreme 70's or Vector 10's as a beginner. My LHS said since I'm an adult in a junior skate I should be going with a stiffer boot like the Supremes or Vectors because the mid range junior skates would not last long with an adult. Is this true or will I be hurting my learning by going with a higher end skate? Also, do the Vector 10 SE's fit the same as the standard Vector 10's?

[xaero604 0]

stiffness of the boot also correlates with your weight. you're a pretty hefty guy at 5'7" so the stiffness offered by a higher end junior skate should do you just fine. you could imagine that a lower end skate would only flex too much under your weight and cause your skating to suffer. if you were around 150 though, then you'd probably want to stick with a beginner skate, unless you are freakishly strong or a very advanced skater.

[TheBert 0]

Do they have RBKs or Eastons? Those might be wide enough for you.

[dangle 0]

Also, do the Vector 10 SE's fit the same as the standard Vector 10's?

yes, they do

[scott8659 1]

I tried on the RBK's and the Eastons. It's been awhile but I think the RBK's either were to narrow in the heel or caused arch pain. From what I remember of the Easton's (Synergy 1500's I think) they weren't deep enough or something and were painful in several areas. I ordered a pair of Supreme 70's in a 5.5 and the Vector 10 SE's in a 5.5 so I'll have to see if either fits better. I'm still a little worried about them being too stiff and hindering my learning.

[chk hrd 164]

if you are new to skating a stiff boot can do more damage than good by limiting your range of motion and not allowing you to get the correct stride. Get a middle of the road boot, take the extra money and get some skating lessons. Unless you are skating alot the boots should last you a while.

[scott8659 1]

That's what I thought initially but have been told several times that since I'm an adult using junior sized skates I needed a stiffer boot. I was initially going with a pair of Supreme 50's but when I was sized down from a 6 to 5.5 I was told by 2 different LHS to go up to a high end skate. This is where my confusion sets in.