Mods can delete

[eric42434224 1]

;)x

[TBLfan 25]

You'd probably be fine in retail flexlites.

[eric42434224 1]

You'd probably be fine in retail flexlites.

Cant find any to try on. None at LHS's. And wouldnt they have the same seam-at-toecap problem I have with the other Bauers?

I also thought they werent as high performance as the other bauers as well. Am I wrong about that?

[TBLfan 25]

Different toe cap... and more than likely it's not something that would bother you on all the skates, sometimes the toe cap sits oddly. People in assembly lines make mistakes.

Nothing wrong with performance.

[eric42434224 1]

Different toe cap... and more than likely it's not something that would bother you on all the skates, sometimes the toe cap sits oddly. People in assembly lines make mistakes.

Nothing wrong with performance.

The toecap issue was with every bauer I tried on, from the 50 to the 55, 75, one90, and one95. Felt it hit that spot the second I put my foot in the boot.

Cant try on the flexlite as there are none to try on. I am done with ordering online, and done with trying to find a retail skate that REALLY fits me. I am sick and tired of compromising. The s15 fit me so well that I just dont think I should settle for anything less than a GREAT fit. I have fallen in love with Hockey after a 23 yr hiatus, and feel that if I am going to continue to play, I need to find the skate that TRULY fits, performs, and is durable....or else I risk getting frustrated again and again. The one thing that is preventing me from enjoying hockey to its fullest (besides lack of skill...LOL) is that I am CONSTANTLY looking for the boot for me. Is it worth the extra....what....$125? for me to have EXACLY the best possible brand, boot, performance, durability, comfort, and fit for me? Maybe not the best boot on the market in all aspects....but at least the BEST POSSIBLE BOOT for me personally. Is the money worth the peace of mind to know that I have the best possible skate for me, and to not spend time and get frustrated looking to compromise some features of the skate to have others? Everyone says the best boot is the one that fits the best....but that boot for me falls apart in 2 months....that just doesnt work for me.

Why not just do it right once and have the perfect skate for me? If I did this in the beginning, I would have probably SAVED money....in time spent and in switching skates THREE times in six months. Seriously, wont this truly solve my problems with skates and allow me to purely concentrate on the game?

The longer my search goes, the more I think I should just get fitted and be done with this whole sh!tty ordeal.

Does this make sense?

[TBLfan 25]

S15 and Flexlites are nearly identical in fit. I'm just telling you what you'll probably end up getting... If the S15 was indeed the perfect fit.

[eric42434224 1]

S15 and Flexlites are nearly identical in fit. I'm just telling you what you'll probably end up getting... If the S15 was indeed the perfect fit.

I think a grown man is about to cry. Is this a freaking test from god or something? After all I have been through, now someone tells me that these Flexlites fit the same as my s15's? The day after I get the 1500's? Give me a gun....I am going to eat a bullet and end it now.

[TBLfan 25]

If it makes you feel better, almost no one carries the FL line.

[eric42434224 1]

If it makes you feel better, almost no one carries the FL line.

Seriously, this is the one thing that is making my hockey experience less than great. To always be worrying about either pain in durable skates, or great fitting and high performance skates that fall apart.

TBL, it seems (and I could be wrong) that you are kind of against the custom route. Again, I may be wrong, but do you have an opinion as to wether it will truly solve my problem, and give me the best possible skate? Or do you think that I am expecting too much from a custom skate?

[TBLfan 25]

Most people don't need a custom skate, there are a LOT of different skate fits out there. Unless you have serious foot/ankle issues, a volume issue or a length discrepancy(full size off), you probably don't need custom.

[eric42434224 1]

Most people don't need a custom skate, there are a LOT of different skate fits out there. Unless you have serious foot/ankle issues, a volume issue or a length discrepancy(full size off), you probably don't need custom.

EDIT: But is it possible that even though I dont have foot/ankle issues, I might be one of those that cant truly find a skate that fits?

Wait....I actually DID find a skate that fit WONDERFULLY.....but it fell apart like a wet paper towel after 2 months.....that just isnt acceptable.

-----------------------------------------

What about my width problem?

Havent found a retail boot that is wide enough, or nearly as comfortable as the s15....and that falls apart in 3 months.

But I also have a depth problem.

The Eastons, the only boot I have tried that fits, cant come close with the pencil test.

There always seems to be a factor or two missing.

Bauer: Performance, durability, depth.....not wide enough in forefoot (toecap)

CCM: Performance, maybe depth and durability....not wide enough.

RBK: Same as CCM

Graf.....cant find any to try.

Easton: Fit great except depth, horrible durability.

It seems like I cant find a boot to satisfy all my requirements. Am I asking for too much? Does everyone who buys skates compromise on one feature or another?

What about future skates? Wouldnt it be nice to know you can get another just like it made especially for you, instead of going through the entire process of finding another skate (since new models will likely be out)?

Am I one of the very few that is having so much trouble in finding a skate that fits ALL my needs?

Scenario:

I see JR, he fits me and measures me. So whatever boot he chooses, I know will fit me as good or better than any skate on the rack. Then he takes into consideration my size, skating style, and chooses a boot that will give me the best balance between performance and durability.

It doesnt matter which boot, but say it is the one95. Hear great things about it.....light, protective, durable......maybe the best boot out there...many pros using it.....but it doesnt fit me off the rack.....but with customs, it fits me better than the Eastons I love.....better fit, more depth, more support. But it also satisfies my other requirements of durability, performance, and protection.

Its Just a hypothetical, but it just makes sense. I have spent COUNTLESS hours online doing research, and even more hours trying on every boot I can, AND bought 3 skates in 6 months. Doing custom, I get it right once and for all. I DREAD the day these 1500s crack from a shot, or they fall apart.....and I have to find another skate....absolutely DREAD that day.

Anyone else having my dilema? anyone else find flaw in my reasoning? Is it possible that no retail boot (excluding graf or kor, or any other I cant try on) outside of Eastons fit me? If I cant find a retail boot to fit, and If I can get the PERFECT skate for me, isnt it worth the 4 hour drive and extra $125?

I feel like Mugatu....."Am I taking crazy pills!!!???"

[5HoleMadman 6]

Most people don't need a custom skate, there are a LOT of different skate fits out there. Unless you have serious foot/ankle issues, a volume issue or a length discrepancy(full size off), you probably don't need custom.

EDIT: But is it possible that even though I dont have foot/ankle issues, I might be one of those that cant truly find a skate that fits?

Wait....I actually DID find a skate that fit WONDERFULLY.....but it fell apart like a wet paper towel after 2 months.....that just isnt acceptable.

-----------------------------------------

What about my width problem?

Havent found a retail boot that is wide enough, or nearly as comfortable as the s15....and that falls apart in 3 months.

But I also have a depth problem.

The Eastons, the only boot I have tried that fits, cant come close with the pencil test.

There always seems to be a factor or two missing.

Bauer: Performance, durability, depth.....not wide enough in forefoot (toecap)

CCM: Performance, maybe depth and durability....not wide enough.

RBK: Same as CCM

Graf.....cant find any to try.

Easton: Fit great except depth, horrible durability.

It seems like I cant find a boot to satisfy all my requirements. Am I asking for too much? Does everyone who buys skates compromise on one feature or another?

What about future skates? Wouldnt it be nice to know you can get another just like it made especially for you, instead of going through the entire process of finding another skate (since new models will likely be out)?

Am I one of the very few that is having so much trouble in finding a skate that fits ALL my needs?

Scenario:

I see JR, he fits me and measures me. So whatever boot he chooses, I know will fit me as good or better than any skate on the rack. Then he takes into consideration my size, skating style, and chooses a boot that will give me the best balance between performance and durability.

It doesnt matter which boot, but say it is the one95. Hear great things about it.....light, protective, durable......maybe the best boot out there...many pros using it.....but it doesnt fit me off the rack.....but with customs, it fits me better than the Eastons I love.....better fit, more depth, more support. But it also satisfies my other requirements of durability, performance, and protection.

Its Just a hypothetical, but it just makes sense. I have spent COUNTLESS hours online doing research, and even more hours trying on every boot I can, AND bought 3 skates in 6 months. Doing custom, I get it right once and for all. I DREAD the day these 1500s crack from a shot, or they fall apart.....and I have to find another skate....absolutely DREAD that day.

Anyone else having my dilema? anyone else find flaw in my reasoning? Is it possible that no retail boot (excluding graf or kor, or any other I cant try on) outside of Eastons fit me? If I cant find a retail boot to fit, and If I can get the PERFECT skate for me, isnt it worth the 4 hour drive and extra $125?

I feel like Mugatu....."Am I taking crazy pills!!!???"

Zoolander quote just made my day....I'm still laughing!

[eric42434224 1]

Glad you enjoyed it. No better movie to watch when smokin the cheeb.

Now help me with this all consuming skate problem I have.....or you can Dere-Lick my balls, capitan.

LOL

One of my favorites:

Hansel: I wasn't like every other kid, you know, who dreams about being an astronaut, I was always more interested in what bark was made out of on a tree. Richard Gere's a real hero of mine. Sting. Sting would be another person who's a hero. The music he's created over the years, I don't really listen to it, but the fact that he's making it, I respect that. I care desperately about what I do. Do I know what product I'm selling? No. Do I know what I'm doing today? No. But I'm here, and I'm gonna give it my best shot.

Another one:

Derek Zoolander: There was a moment last night, when she was sandwiched between the two Finnish dwarves and the Maori tribesmen, where I thought, "Wow, I could really spend the rest of my life with this woman."

[Chadd 916]

Glad you enjoyed it. No better movie to watch when smokin the cheeb.

I always wondered what it would take to watch that piece of shit.

[TBLfan 25]

Most people don't need a custom skate, there are a LOT of different skate fits out there. Unless you have serious foot/ankle issues, a volume issue or a length discrepancy(full size off), you probably don't need custom.

EDIT: But is it possible that even though I dont have foot/ankle issues, I might be one of those that cant truly find a skate that fits?

Wait....I actually DID find a skate that fit WONDERFULLY.....but it fell apart like a wet paper towel after 2 months.....that just isnt acceptable.

-----------------------------------------

What about my width problem?

Havent found a retail boot that is wide enough, or nearly as comfortable as the s15....and that falls apart in 3 months.

But I also have a depth problem.

The Eastons, the only boot I have tried that fits, cant come close with the pencil test.

There always seems to be a factor or two missing.

Bauer: Performance, durability, depth.....not wide enough in forefoot (toecap)

CCM: Performance, maybe depth and durability....not wide enough.

RBK: Same as CCM

Graf.....cant find any to try.

Easton: Fit great except depth, horrible durability.

It seems like I cant find a boot to satisfy all my requirements. Am I asking for too much? Does everyone who buys skates compromise on one feature or another?

What about future skates? Wouldnt it be nice to know you can get another just like it made especially for you, instead of going through the entire process of finding another skate (since new models will likely be out)?

Am I one of the very few that is having so much trouble in finding a skate that fits ALL my needs?

Scenario:

I see JR, he fits me and measures me. So whatever boot he chooses, I know will fit me as good or better than any skate on the rack. Then he takes into consideration my size, skating style, and chooses a boot that will give me the best balance between performance and durability.

It doesnt matter which boot, but say it is the one95. Hear great things about it.....light, protective, durable......maybe the best boot out there...many pros using it.....but it doesnt fit me off the rack.....but with customs, it fits me better than the Eastons I love.....better fit, more depth, more support. But it also satisfies my other requirements of durability, performance, and protection.

Its Just a hypothetical, but it just makes sense. I have spent COUNTLESS hours online doing research, and even more hours trying on every boot I can, AND bought 3 skates in 6 months. Doing custom, I get it right once and for all. I DREAD the day these 1500s crack from a shot, or they fall apart.....and I have to find another skate....absolutely DREAD that day.

Anyone else having my dilema? anyone else find flaw in my reasoning? Is it possible that no retail boot (excluding graf or kor, or any other I cant try on) outside of Eastons fit me? If I cant find a retail boot to fit, and If I can get the PERFECT skate for me, isnt it worth the 4 hour drive and extra $125?

I feel like Mugatu....."Am I taking crazy pills!!!???"

I dont see how you don't understand what I'm saying. FL fit like Easton(this includes depth), the toe cap is different so you need to try them on to make sure that they would work for you but they probably will. That means you don't NEED to go custom necessarily for width. I understand that you cant find them, but that doesnt change those facts.

Not every skate can just be customized to fit you perfectly, that's not what most custom skates are... Look at Forsberg. They aren't building a skate around your foot, they are building it based on tracings and measurements... or they're adding big tongues to look cool.

The one95s have NOT proven to be durable. I had my XXXXs for almost a year and they looked 3 times better than my one95s do with just a couple months of use.

[Cheesehead 0]

You should have no problem getting 2-3 years out of top of the line skates. Only playing 2-3 times a week means you could get a lot longer out of them. Im sure you could get at least 4-5 years. Hell some people wear the same skate for ten years so i don't think that will be a problem.

[eric42434224 1]

Glad you enjoyed it. No better movie to watch when smokin the cheeb.

I always wondered what it would take to watch that piece of shit.

It is actually very funny, but some just dont get the humor. The humor is SO stupid, but that is the way it is supposed to be. Anyone who watches that movie and thinks the comedy is stupid, and doesnt realize that it was done that way on purpose, probably wont like it. Its like Will Ferrel.....SO stupid it is hilarious.

But to each their own I guess.

[Hawes_4 0]

Different toe cap... and more than likely it's not something that would bother you on all the skates, sometimes the toe cap sits oddly. People in assembly lines make mistakes.

Nothing wrong with performance.

The toecap issue was with every bauer I tried on, from the 50 to the 55, 75, one90, and one95. Felt it hit that spot the second I put my foot in the boot.

Do you at least tie up the skate after putting your foot in? Or do you just take it off because you feel the spot?

[eric42434224 1]

You should have no problem getting 2-3 years out of top of the line skates. Only playing 2-3 times a week means you could get a lot longer out of them. Im sure you could get at least 4-5 years. Hell some people wear the same skate for ten years so i don't think that will be a problem.

So paying to have a top of the line skate like the one95, and paying extra to have it fit PERFECTLY to me, would save me time, money, and headaches in the long run. I would be ESTATIC to have a high end skate fit me perfectly and last 3 years.

To me it is a no brainer. Some on this board, like TBL, probably think I can, and should just find a retail skate....and I am sure that for the majority of people he is probably absolutely right. I just cant find anything that really fits besides the s15.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

Did you try retail ONE95? You tried on top-end everyone else, but not Bauer. The Supreme 50 isn't even close to 95.

I wear a retail ONE95 and wore a retail S15 before that.

[eric42434224 1]

Different toe cap... and more than likely it's not something that would bother you on all the skates, sometimes the toe cap sits oddly. People in assembly lines make mistakes.

Nothing wrong with performance.

The toecap issue was with every bauer I tried on, from the 50 to the 55, 75, one90, and one95. Felt it hit that spot the second I put my foot in the boot.

Do you at least tie up the skate after putting your foot in? Or do you just take it off because you feel the spot?

Oh, absolutely tied them, and even kept them on for a while, stood up, leaned forward, and even walked around in them (one95)

After that I tried on all the other supreme models (I had the 50 for two months until I couldnt even finish a skate), and I instantly felt that spot hit my toes.

Not to mention I got pain in the sides of my foot because the EE still didnt seem wide enough. I wont go near a bauer off the rack as it is instant discomfort (not pain anymore as the toe has healed slightly).

[TBLfan 25]

If you looked at my one95s after 2 months, you wouldn't put money on them that they'd last 3 years.

Obviously, you've made up your mind. Good luck.

[eric42434224 1]

Did you try retail ONE95? You tried on top-end everyone else, but not Bauer. The Supreme 50 isn't even close to 95.

I wear a retail ONE95 and wore a retail S15 before that.

That was the first skate I tried on after deciding to dump the 50's. The boot definitely felt different than the 50...more roomy, but that toecap spot hit me the instant I put the boot on, and only got more pronounced as I tied them and stood up. I realize that the boot width probably would have opened up enough for the width after baking, but the toecap wouldnt. I know that the discomfort would be excruciating once I skated on them......and a $600 skate is not something I want to bake, sharpen, and use just to find out the I cant use it as I suspected, and cant return it.

When I tried n the CCMs and the RBKs I felt OK, as it seems the toecap is further down the toe of the skate and smaller, if that makes sense. Therefore no seam/toecap problem....only they were never wide enough. It felt like a cruel joke. Since the s15 was smooth in the entire interior, it felt phenomenal. Plenty wide and no problem spots. Skated on them the first day with no bake and felt awesome from the first minute.

Can I get a fit like that with a better skate?

If you looked at my one95s after 2 months, you wouldn't put money on them that they'd last 3 years.

Obviously, you've made up your mind. Good luck.

No, I havent made up my mind, or I would be in Orlando right now.

I am just trying to find an alternative without sacraficing one or more attributes of a skate.

Everybody says the best skate for you is the one that FITS the best. Well the one that fits the best also falls apart the fastest.

So now what? Go to a skate that doesnt fit the best? To me that doesnt make sense. Will a one95 last 3 years? Who knows. I only used that as an example.

I want the best balance of performance and durability for my level of play and body type, and I want the fit at least as good as the s15 or better.

Why shouldnt I get that? Wouldnt that be the best option for me? If anyone has another strategy that will give me the best skate for me, I am open to it.

I am not married to customs, but I dont have any other reasonable alternatives.

I refuse to spend a fortune on return shipping having graf after graf (or any other skate) sent to me to find which one fits.

I truly am humbly looking for help here. I realize that customs arent necessary for most, but I am trying to find if they are for me.

Am I expecting too much from customs? Will the fit not be as good as I expect? I just dont know.

I want the best skate possible for me.

[Chadd 916]

Find someone that stocks Kors and try them on. The Shift 2 has more volume than anything I've seen.

[eric42434224 1]

Find someone that stocks Kors and try them on. The Shift 2 has more volume than anything I've seen.

I havent seen a KOR in my life, in any LHS or on any player I have seen here at my rinks...or rest assured I would try it on.

And I cant do the internet try on - return -try on - return thing either.

Fing A. I have already found the great fitting skate...the s15...and nothing else on any shelf in the 4 LHS within an hour even comes close.

I appreciate your suggestion, but no one has them here.