Graf newbie question

[#28tz 0]

Ive never had much experience with graf but ive heard so many good things about them i was thinking in giving a pair a shot. I cant go and look at a good selection of grafs as no LHS near me stock them. Ive been looking here http://www.hockeymonkey.com/iceskates-graf-sr.html and im trying to work out which skates are for which purpose. Im looking to probably get the one of the lightest and stiffest models and I like the look of the supra G35 and also the supra G3. Does anyone have any advice or anyone reccomend a particular graf skate?

Thanks

[shifter 0]

lol it sounds like buying t-shirts stating which one is better looking and lighter. First of all theres no point in asking if you don't know shyt about grafs and, second, none of us here know your foot. It would be helpful if you posted a pic so we can all judge and agree on a model. Why cant you just take the bite and drive a little bit farther to find a graf dealer instead of ordering online? You get to try each of them and, once you pay you have a pair of brand new skates in your hand compared to shipping.

[ashtonhutch05 0]

Yeah he's right, Graf skates all fit different types of feet, so it's not just about the lightness and stiffness, Graf is about fit above all. You basically have to try Grafs on, you can't just take a shot in the dark, as you may not even be able to skate in some models. Either drive far and try them on, or don't get Grafs at all.

[docar15 1]

For wahtever it worth. I have been skating in Grafs for the last 20 years.

Always size 8.5. My last boot was 739. They are now 709s. Thinking I could get away with it, plus price and free shipping, I ordered a pair from the monkeys. Son of a bitch was at least a half size longer then my 739s. Also, tongue was stitched a cople mm off, which means after 15 mins of ice time, it slides way off to the side, and nothing, but tape will help.

I returned them, and drove out to the closest Graf retailer (2 hours). One of the 2 709Rs fit just right, if that tells you anything. I looked at some 8.5 just in case, and half of them had size 8 marked on the outsole, another half had 8.5. Four pairs total. Not a big shop. Given, you can mold the toe cap, heat the boot, etc. Once you find what works, it is the best fitting boot in my opinion.

After Daoust was bought, I was hoping Graf would be the last to go, but, at least from my experience, even their quality is getting inconsistent. My next option would be to give the swiss made Grafs a try. I had a pair back in the early 90s. However, they are not advertizing the 709s on the swiss site, so I guess the deep heelers are SOL.

[#28tz 0]

Well I live in the UK so going and trying on a good selection of skates is pretty much impossible and as a result my last three or so pairs of skates have been ordered online. I just really wanted some basic info on how the graf skates are ranked? Which are for the elite, the average and beginner etc.

[heatley015 0]

They are all high end skates they just are made to fit different feet. Although they do have the 301's that just came out not too long ago, and they arean entry level skate, but all of the g series and the ultra g series are the high end ones. The ultra g's are the newest ones

[duch 0]

My advice is don't buy a pair without trying out a few different models first. You have to know what skate model is the best for your feet otherwise you could end up spending a lot of cash for something you won't be able to use. Grafs are a great top end skate, one of the best skate brands in the world for quality and durability. It only makes sense if your spending a large wad of cash on something like these that you make sure they fit you properly. Otherwise go for something more common like CCM's,Nike/Bauer or Eastons. You can buy a very good top end model in any of those brands for the price of a pair of Grafs and be able to try them on at a local shop. I wouldn't waste my time and money by buying something untried when it comes to hockey skates.

[scharf123 0]

#28tz where do u stay in the UK? I may be able to help u for a good shop in the UK, I live in the UK too. :)

[docar15 1]

This is the address for the SWISS Graff site:

http://www.grafskates.ch/#start

Here is a list of their distributors:

http://www.grafskates.ch/distribution.html

Their list looks different then Canadian. No straight out 709. They still have the recycled garbage bags made Supra G with self-delaminating outsole.

Not sure if it helps.

In NA, I like Cyclone Taylor out of Calgary.

[#28tz 0]

Could someone tell me of how the graf skates compare in terms of weight with other top of the line skates. Just wanted to know how the 700 and the Ultra G series stack up to other brands skates in terms of weight?

Thanks

[duch 0]

Grafs are slightly heavier than the newest high performance models put out by their major competitors. But in terms of durability they'll outlast most of their competitions products. Believe me for the slightly extra weight they carry they are well worth the money and you don't even notice it when you get them on the ice. It's not going to effect your reaction or speed time to any noticable degree and you'll be getting a high quality product. Simply put Graf makes an excellent skate bar none.

[shifter 0]

Could someone tell me of how the graf skates compare in terms of weight with other top of the line skates. Just wanted to know how the 700 and the Ultra G series stack up to other brands skates in terms of weight?

Thanks

there is a big difference! the price is for the 700 series is around 399$ and the ultra G's are around 599$ but, if your lucky and found the supra G series which are discontinued they are around the same price as 700 series. The 700 series tend to retain water because of the material and, the old stock had plastic outsole and the new ones have composite outsole to reduce the weight. THe ultra series have a better liner, lighter, and stiffer. THe discontinued supra G series had problems such as outsole cracking, still retained water, and many more issues!

[shifter 0]

I didn't want to start a new topic anyways and was wondering what type of skate would fit similar to the 503. I was just wondering because once my vapors die out i might look into some grafs. My first pair that i had a year ago was a pair of used 503 and they were really comfortable. Now that im in vapors the side of my foot gets a little numb after some time