Pro Stock vs Retail Vapor XXXX

[msander 0]

So via a long story that I won't get into, I ended up with a pair of pro stock, and a pair of retail Vapor XXXXs that are 1/4 size different (8.5 vs 8.75). I noticed the obvious double stitching of the pro stock vs single on the retail, but was wondering about a couple other differences between the skates.

The retails have silver eyelets to match the skate whereas the pro stocks have "dimpled" metallic eyelets. Why?

Also, the outsole on the retails is the normal one with the "XXXX" symbol and "NikeBauer" on it, but the pro stock outsole has no graphics and appears to have a much tighter looking carbon weave. Anyone know why that is?

Final question. The retails have 272 holders, and the pro stock has 280 holders. I'm trying to decide which pair to keep (seeing as 1/4 size difference, they almost fit identically), so are there any benefits or disadvantages to being on the larger or smaller holder at what is effectively the same boot size.

Thanks for the help, and I apologize to most who will find these incredibly mundane and trivial questions.

[Stacey 0]

If I am not mistaken, the eyelets are reinforced through multiple contact points to connect both portions. Regular eyelets are pushed together through even pressure.

I would take the longer holders as it more advantageous to have more steel on the ice at any given time. The concept would be similar to radiusing your blades to 11ft from 9th. The majority of pro skates have oversized holders.

[msander 0]

Thanks for that info. Anyone have any other ideas on some of these issues?

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

The metallic eyelets are the ones from Nike/ONE9x skates. They are stronger than the regular ones.

The outsole is the same, probably the Flexlite one, which looks different from the Vapor.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

They're standard copper eyelets. The flat ones are stronger.

[NWoodhockey17 0]

as far as the holders go its just personal preference i have 7.5 xxxx's but i skate on 280 holders. so if you can skate both and see what you like better.