Time for New Skates

[traquino98 0]

I have been skating for a little more than two years now. I am on my first pair of skates, Bauer Vapor 14s, I think. I was told, when I bought them, that I would eventually want to get newer skates, stepping down in size. These skates were purchased the roughly the same size as my shoes. It was recommended to me to do it that way for my first pair, and then decrease the size as my ability improved. I have arrived at that point now and am ready to get new skates. Many of my friends (who have been skating their entire lives) have the upper end skates from Reebok, Bauer, Nike, Easton and Graf. They all claim that the only way to go is a top of the line skate. However, I can't really find documentation on WHY, for instance, the Vapor 40s are better than the 25s. Does anyone have a technical explanation for me on what the advantages are of the higher end skates vs. the lower end skates? I have the money for the expensive skates, but if there is no performance difference that I will most likely notice, I would rather spend less. If the difference would expectedly be very noticeable, then I would be able to justify a top end skate.

Thanks,

Scott

[KevinVu19 0]

the 25s are not that much different from the 40s... maybe heavier?

[YouTuuk 0]

There are many subtle difference in the top end skate from 2nd place, but none of these differences would be used to full advantage of a beginning skater. Spend less now, move up later as you improve your ability - then getting a better skate will yeild tangible results.

[epstud74 24]

Friends always seem to give people bad information. Find a pair you're comfortable with and FIT properly. I love the look of the new Easton S17 skates, but I highly doubt they'll ever fit me nicely.

[ArcArsenal 0]

Depending on your skating abilities the highest end skates may actually hinder performance. Getting something too high end or too stiff is not always the best option.

I think you will find a number of people on here who are very good players wearing XXV's rather than XXXX's only because they do not play enough/weigh enough, etc.. to warrant the higher cost.

Like many have and will say - go to your LHS talk to the staff and try on a ton of skates. Then choose the one you are most comfortable in.

[duch 0]

Go to your local hockey shop and try on all the skates you can and pick the ones that fit you the best. Don't concern yourself about the make of skate only getting yourself the proper fit. A skate about middle of the line or slightly higher should suit you just fine. You don't need a high end skate to be able to skate well. As long it has decent ankle support you should be just fine and you will save yourself some money in the process. A top end skate will be very stiff and if you have skating for only a couple of years it's not a good idea to get a skate that is too stiff.

[FattyL 0]

Buy skates that are comfortable and that fit without issues. Some skates look really nice, are super light-weight and have all the features but in the end if they hurt your feet, you won't want to wear them.

[dsjunior1388 81]

some of the premium skates also sacrifice longevity for immediate performance. My Dad bought a Bauer Supreme skate in 1989, and is still wearing those bad boys today. one of my friends bought XXXX's last may, and he is calling them worn out all ready, and looking at other options. Consider this because a 5 year skate is a lot better than a year skate. PS I know my dad is crazy but his skates are awesome and he stopped skating regularly about 8 years ago and probably wont come back except for the 10 times a year I can get him out there. Sad too, because hes a great skater, much better than me, to my chagrin

[jrhky36 1]

as far as differences between the #1 and #2 skate there is not much. i'll use the xxv and xxxx for my example. they have different tounges, liners and footbed. in my opion not worth the exrta $250 or so. when i got new skate i had the money for the xxxx but chose to get teh xxv and love them. it just was not worht the extra cash.

[njd07 0]

like evryone else is saying, dont buy a skate based on it being "the top model" try on every friggin skate you can, which ever one fits your foot type the best is what you should buy. I spent around 6 hours at my local skate shop before deciding on my grafs. Ive tried on every top end skate, non of them fit my foot type as good as my graf's.