custom grafs

[chicago_hockey 0]

first let me say i've always wanted grafs. so today i used the excuse "i need my skates sharpened" as a way to get myself in my lhs. instead of going the usual spot i decided to go to the lhs that just so happens to be a graf dealer. while there i decided to take advantage of that fact by trying some on and let me you tell you the grafs are more comfortable than my 40's. so i've decided to jump the bauer ship. except for one thing... i need an 8.5 N and they didn't have it. since they didn't have the ultra g3 in my size i started asking about customs. i was told that it could take up to 6 months! all i want to have done is custom sizing and have the black tongue changed out for a longer white felt. from what i've read on here it's the better of the two not to mention i like the flop.

so i have a few questions.

1. does it really take that long for custom grafs?

2. is it really worth me getting customs because the 8.5's felt great i just need the Narrow not the Regular width?

3. whats the difference in the new lining compared to the old lining they had?

4. i also noticed graf made a new version of the supra 703's with the composite sole and the lining so whats the difference between the newer supra 703's and the new ultra g3's except for price?

sorry for writing so much. i'm just a gear whore.

[interpathway 9]

The 703s are leather and a tad heavier. The Ultra's are composite (looking at the least) and have a lighter weight. One route you can go is order stock Ultra G3s in N from your LHS and then have them change out the tongues to white felt, which they can also order (or you could order them from EWH). The new lining isn't bad, but it feels weird at first. After awhile I didn't even notice it, and it dries out very, very quickly. If you do decide to go the full on custom route, you might want to think about going with a holder other than the Cobra, as in ordering just the boot and letting your LHS mount the holder of your choice. Obviously a bit more expensive though.

[ahbroody 1]

Doesnt sound like its worth it to do the custom to be honest. Unless you are actually going to have the rep come out and do the fitting. A 8.5N is not a custom sizing. hockeymonkey.com has both models you are looking at in 8.5n right now. If you are actually going to have a custom sized skate done than thats different.

I was told Customs run 150.00 and up over stock price and they will do most any skate in their line.

As this is nearing the end of the season I would think the wait would not be bad though and likely the best time to do it.

Your shop couldnt order you the narrow? That seems very odd as they make them in the size you want and are currently available from other vendors.

I will agree they are the most comfortable skates on the market. That said, I would rather block a shot in my pro tacks then g35s, but the g35s are amazingly comfortable. I dont make a habit of blocking shots though anymore. I skated over an hour in mine brand new without any inserts as I left them at home(long story) and had no cramping and forgot about it after a few minutes.

[stuie7 6]

first let me say i've always wanted grafs. so today i used the excuse "i need my skates sharpened" as a way to get myself in my lhs. instead of going the usual spot i decided to go to the lhs that just so happens to be a graf dealer. while there i decided to take advantage of that fact by trying some on and let me you tell you the grafs are more comfortable than my 40's. so i've decided to jump the bauer ship. except for one thing... i need an 8.5 N and they didn't have it. since they didn't have the ultra g3 in my size i started asking about customs. i was told that it could take up to 6 months! all i want to have done is custom sizing and have the black tongue changed out for a longer white felt. from what i've read on here it's the better of the two not to mention i like the flop.

so i have a few questions.

1. does it really take that long for custom grafs?

2. is it really worth me getting customs because the 8.5's felt great i just need the Narrow not the Regular width?

3. whats the difference in the new lining compared to the old lining they had?

4. i also noticed graf made a new version of the supra 703's with the composite sole and the lining so whats the difference between the newer supra 703's and the new ultra g3's except for price?

sorry for writing so much. i'm just a gear whore.

Ive had an order placed with Graf Switzerland for custom Ultra G70's with Custom+ holders, traces were sent maybe 6 weeks ago. Still no reply. I can very much believe the 6 months waiting time.

[JPB_69 0]

Chicago,

Do you play organized or bar league?

[adam14 182]

first let me say i've always wanted grafs. so today i used the excuse "i need my skates sharpened" as a way to get myself in my lhs. instead of going the usual spot i decided to go to the lhs that just so happens to be a graf dealer. while there i decided to take advantage of that fact by trying some on and let me you tell you the grafs are more comfortable than my 40's. so i've decided to jump the bauer ship. except for one thing... i need an 8.5 N and they didn't have it. since they didn't have the ultra g3 in my size i started asking about customs. i was told that it could take up to 6 months! all i want to have done is custom sizing and have the black tongue changed out for a longer white felt. from what i've read on here it's the better of the two not to mention i like the flop.

so i have a few questions.

1. does it really take that long for custom grafs?

2. is it really worth me getting customs because the 8.5's felt great i just need the Narrow not the Regular width?

3. whats the difference in the new lining compared to the old lining they had?

4. i also noticed graf made a new version of the supra 703's with the composite sole and the lining so whats the difference between the newer supra 703's and the new ultra g3's except for price?

sorry for writing so much. i'm just a gear whore.

Ive had an order placed with Graf Switzerland for custom Ultra G70's with Custom+ holders, traces were sent maybe 6 weeks ago. Still no reply. I can very much believe the 6 months waiting time.

Assuming you live in the US, lets not forget they are being made in another country, it will probably take at least 2 weeks for them to ship them back anyways.

[stuie7 6]

Yeah I understand that, but I'm still waiting to hear if they're going to start making them or not! I ordered black Custom+ and it is not certain if they will have any, so I was expecting to hear from them saying to pick another holder.

You dont work for Graf by any chance do you? :D

[adam14 182]

haha no sorry. Im still in highschool. but, i used to live right down the street from the factory, and have met Mr. Graf on numerous occasions.

[chicago_hockey 0]

Doesnt sound like its worth it to do the custom to be honest. Unless you are actually going to have the rep come out and do the fitting. A 8.5N is not a custom sizing. hockeymonkey.com has both models you are looking at in 8.5n right now. If you are actually going to have a custom sized skate done than thats different.

I was told Customs run 150.00 and up over stock price and they will do most any skate in their line.

As this is nearing the end of the season I would think the wait would not be bad though and likely the best time to do it.

Your shop couldnt order you the narrow? That seems very odd as they make them in the size you want and are currently available from other vendors.

I will agree they are the most comfortable skates on the market. That said, I would rather block a shot in my pro tacks then g35s, but the g35s are amazingly comfortable. I dont make a habit of blocking shots though anymore. I skated over an hour in mine brand new without any inserts as I left them at home(long story) and had no cramping and forgot about it after a few minutes.

i could have my lhs place an order for the 8.5's but he said that could take 2 weeks or two months, there isn't a guarantee on when they'd have them.

Chicago,

Do you play organized or bar league?

no don't play in any beer league or organized play. i just play rat hockey when i get a chance and everyone once in a while a few friends and i rent some ice time and play.

Yeah I understand that, but I'm still waiting to hear if they're going to start making them or not! I ordered black Custom+ and it is not certain if they will have any, so I was expecting to hear from them saying to pick another holder.

You dont work for Graf by any chance do you? :D

i wish i did work for graf but sorry i don't work for them.

[SuperMan3 1]

I live in Calgary so I can't complain about the shortage of Grafs, but I have noticed a lot of our Ultra series skates have been sent with felt tongue instead of the other stock tongue. You might be able to ask for it with the skate so you don't have to swap it.

[ahbroody 1]

Or as I said before just order it from monkey and have tongues swaped out later.

My g35s came with the new linning and white felt tongue. Big and floopy

[schrempsky 0]

new Ultra G series boots have the white felt tongue

[DINO 0]

does anyone know when the f60's are coming out in the states? They are a cross between ultra and 7 series.

[lohnman 0]

Can anyone tell me where I might order replacement tongues for Graf Ultras? I would be looking for the extra long white one.

Thanks

[JPB_69 0]

Since you don't play that often try the old G3. They have the felt tongue you're looking for and won't cost as much as the Ultras or customs. You can probably still find new ones at your LHS or on the net. I have them and love them.

[interpathway 9]

He is probably referencing the Supra G3s, my only gripe with them is the perforated steel that they come stock with.

[Too Old 1]

Since you don't play that often try the old G3. They have the felt tongue you're looking for and won't cost as much as the Ultras or customs. You can probably still find new ones at your LHS or on the net. I have them and love them.

I love my Supra G3's. They were a pair of Avery's pro returns and fit me perfectly. They have the 3000 holders and I have a set of FBV ground Step Steel runners in there now, and the original Graf steel is on the way right now to also get the FBV treatment. It's not perforated though. Did the retail G3's have just different steel or a different holder and steel? Not sure what other things are changed on these with them being custom skates?

Shown here with the Graf runners installed:

[stripes82 0]

Depending on how much you are on the ice and the level you play I think custom Grafs are well worth the money. They are not the fastest at shipping, but have gotten much much better in the past couple years. I have had Graf customs for my past 4 pairs of skates.. skates last me a year and a half tops, but I am refereeing high level hockey and I am on the ice every night of the week for the most part.

For my Grafs G35 Ultras I had a fair amount of custom work done to them..

Oversize European Toe Cap (Longer and Wider than Stock)

Double Stitched, double padded white felt tongues

EE Wide Front Foot

Narrow Heel

Size 9.5 right skate, 9.75 Left skate

Custom Graf Sidas Composite Foot Sole (heated, then vacuum molded to my foot by Graf Pro rep)

Extra Padding at Right Inside Heel (helps me with a spur)

XX Stiff Boot

For my next pair I have to get a Holder Mount Adjustment as one of my feet are off-center a bit and I will probably get rid of the extra padding in the heel and with the new mesh fabric is wears quickly in that area and is down to plastic right now, unless I possibly ask for clarino around that area. I will also likely get Tuuk LS2's on my next pair as I find there is a bit too much give in my NT5000 Holders. Might have to get a heel lift too, as I like the forward pitch.

I order them through the Eastern Pro Rep though, so it's quite possible I have a little further rush order on my skates than ordering from a LHS.

[JPB_69 0]

He is probably referencing the Supra G3s, my only gripe with them is the perforated steel that they come stock with.

Yes I was, sorry for the confusion. I ditched the stock holders in favor of Tuuks, best comfort/performance I've ever had on my feet.

[krwwc6 0]

I just sent my order in 2 days ago for custom grafs, I'll keep you updated on how long it takes. The range of time varies greatly, but I was told by graf, that at this time of year, it should only take roughly 2 weeks.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

Depending on how much you are on the ice and the level you play I think custom Grafs are well worth the money. They are not the fastest at shipping, but have gotten much much better in the past couple years. I have had Graf customs for my past 4 pairs of skates.. skates last me a year and a half tops, but I am refereeing high level hockey and I am on the ice every night of the week for the most part.

For my Grafs G35 Ultras I had a fair amount of custom work done to them..

Oversize European Toe Cap (Longer and Wider than Stock)

Double Stitched, double padded white felt tongues

EE Wide Front Foot

Narrow Heel

Size 9.5 right skate, 9.75 Left skate

Custom Graf Sidas Composite Foot Sole (heated, then vacuum molded to my foot by Graf Pro rep)

Extra Padding at Right Inside Heel (helps me with a spur)

XX Stiff Boot

For my next pair I have to get a Holder Mount Adjustment as one of my feet are off-center a bit and I will probably get rid of the extra padding in the heel and with the new mesh fabric is wears quickly in that area and is down to plastic right now, unless I possibly ask for clarino around that area. I will also likely get Tuuk LS2's on my next pair as I find there is a bit too much give in my NT5000 Holders. Might have to get a heel lift too, as I like the forward pitch.

I order them through the Eastern Pro Rep though, so it's quite possible I have a little further rush order on my skates than ordering from a LHS.

They should be able to mount LS2s with Graf RMS from the factory.

[ahbroody 1]

For my Grafs G35 Ultras I had a fair amount of custom work done to them..

Oversize European Toe Cap (Longer and Wider than Stock)

Double Stitched, double padded white felt tongues

EE Wide Front Foot

Narrow Heel

Size 9.5 right skate, 9.75 Left skate

Custom Graf Sidas Composite Foot Sole (heated, then vacuum molded to my foot by Graf Pro rep)

Extra Padding at Right Inside Heel (helps me with a spur)

XX Stiff Boot

Hate U :D

Can u or someone explain the Bolded area. How was this done?

[stripes82 0]

They should be able to mount LS2s with Graf RMS from the factory.

Yeah I imagine they will do that, especially through the Pro Rep. I have not talked to him in detail about it, mainly because he is in Montreal and hasn't been around the Atlantic region since training camp.

JR would you suggest going with rivets or go with the RMS screws ?

Custom Graf Sidas Composite Foot Sole (heated, then vacuum molded to my foot by Graf Pro rep)

Hate U :D

Can u or someone explain the Bolded area. How was this done?

Lol.. I guess that's the advantage of having no hockey skills other than being bable to skate, hit and hold my own in fights and clearly choosing the right path for me to continue onto high level hockey through officiating. Nice part is that we pay the same amount as what teams pay for customs, about half the price of retail.

As for the foot soles, the rep had a machine to do the footbeds. He would start with flat foot soles that go with my size and width of skates. He would put them in an oven compartment of the machine to heat up the foot beds to make them moldable. He would then take the soles out of the oven section and place them on a gel pad on the top of the machine. He would then get me to stand on the soles in a forward skating position, holding onto the front rail and then vacuum would then vacuum would suck them around my foot. He then cut off some of the excess material and formed them to the size of my old stock graf insoles. I have found they have worked great. Little space between my foot and footbed which has helped with little movement in my skates and allowing all the power into my stride.

[chicago_hockey 0]

Since you don't play that often try the old G3. They have the felt tongue you're looking for and won't cost as much as the Ultras or customs. You can probably still find new ones at your LHS or on the net. I have them and love them.

I love my Supra G3's. They were a pair of Avery's pro returns and fit me perfectly. They have the 3000 holders and I have a set of FBV ground Step Steel runners in there now, and the original Graf steel is on the way right now to also get the FBV treatment. It's not perforated though. Did the retail G3's have just different steel or a different holder and steel? Not sure what other things are changed on these with them being custom skates?

Shown here with the Graf runners installed:

I saw the Supra G3's as well as the Ultra G3's or G35's on ebay a month or two ago. i would of loved to have picked them up but they weren't my size. The Supra G3's and the Supra G9's had the perforated steel and the NT3000 cobra holder.

[Too Old 1]

With the Step blades installed. Just before I sent the original Graf blades out earlier this week to also get the FBV treatment. Also the info sheet that Bob sends out. Again... simply awesome customer service. Thanks again. Easy to see why No Icing Sports has so many folks praising them and returning customers.