How much skate is too much skate?

[cwlaw 0]

I am returning to the game after about 12 years off and am going to buy some new skates. I have always been a CCM fan and am going to go with either the pro reloaded or the 09. My question is......... I am going to be playing rec leagues, once, maybe twice a week. I know the 09's would serve me just perfectly but money not being an object I am leaning toward the pros. Is it possible to have "too much" skate? I know a great skate can't make you a better player but could a great skate make you worse? Honestly, I am not a "great" player/skater by any means.

I have tried them both on and both feel good right out of the box with the 09 being a bit more comfortable but I know the pro will change dramatically after it is baked.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

[Fire0nIce228 1]

The higher models are usually stiffer which can affect some players skating. However there are several ways to compensate for this while you build your skating such as different lace tightening/tying methods. Fit and feel is the most important thing, even if you atleast try on some brands other than CCM just to be certain.

[Alexxx 0]

I am returning to the game after about 12 years off and am going to buy some new skates. I have always been a CCM fan and am going to go with either the pro reloaded or the 09. My question is......... I am going to be playing rec leagues, once, maybe twice a week. I know the 09's would serve me just perfectly but money not being an object I am leaning toward the pros. Is it possible to have "too much" skate? I know a great skate can't make you a better player but could a great skate make you worse? Honestly, I am not a "great" player/skater by any means.

I have tried them both on and both feel good right out of the box with the 09 being a bit more comfortable but I know the pro will change dramatically after it is baked.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

i have the U+ 07 and these skates are great but i have been playing for 2 years now and even after my last pair of skates i played with these and the inside padding is much tougher so you would have to get used to them.

[IniNew 53]

I recently went from X:30's to One95s. Huge change in stiffness, and frankly, I don't think I could skate without them now. I've only been skating with hockey in mind for a year, and about 6-8 months of roller before that and feel much more steady on my feet in stiff skates.

Morale of the story - everyone is a bit different.

[hamstercaster 2]

I used to think that it was possible to have too much skate... that was until I tried the One95s a couple of weeks ago. If money is no object, go for the pro. I don't think you will regret your choice. Be sure to try the different brands out there though. Although CCM used to fit you best some time ago, it may not necessarily be the case now.

[gxc999 7]

It's not about just how long you've played, you have to ask yourself several questions. 1) How big/strong are you? How much energy are you transferring through the skate? 2) How efficient is your stride and 3) Do you want to deal with a skate that punishes you for your mistakes now but might be much better later? Obviously, you need to be objective when answering these. And remember, top end skates go on closeout every year, so there isn't just one chance per lifetime to find a blowout deal.

[duch 0]

Going too high end and really stiff isn't a great idea. If you haven't purchased skates for a long time your best bet is to work your way to something that is really stiff. I'd go middle of the line or one model up to start and no higher. This gives you a bit of time to readjust. Even middle of the line skates will be fairly stiff when you first get them and don't soften up for quite a while after playing on them. We're probably talking a good year before they begin to loosen up a bit. As gxc999 has said the top end stuff will be on closeout every year so it's not like you won't be able to get something top of the line at some later date. Go easy on moving up, it's better for your ankles, ligaments and muscles.

[jmacie3 0]

After reading this, I am second guessing learning on vapor x60's. I had Reebok 5k's before and had a lot of pain for the first few months skating so I tried on other skates and the vapor line fit a lot better. I bought the x60 because I remember reading in here to get a higher end skate if your heavier (I weigh 225) plus my foot isn't growing so I figured why not. I guess I'm clueless about stiffness, but the x60's feel comfy for me and I feel my learning has improved with these skates. I'm still having trouble skating backwards but I'm guessing it's my skill and not the skate. I don't know if I'm hampering my growth using these but I really don't know any better? I find it hard to swallow that I might have to buy another skate after paying $500+ for these but if it helps, why not? Anyones thoughts?

[Jarick 5]

In my uneducated opinion, bad skates can hurt you, good ones can't. If they fit your feet really well, it's up to you to use them properly. I don't look down on beginners for having nice gear (some do), it might not be necessary, but it can't hurt you. But with your weight, it's not a bad idea to have stiffer skates because you will put a lot more stress on the boots, and they should hold up a lot longer than cheap skates.

[cwlaw 0]

Ok, thanks for all the good insight and advice. I am definitely getting either the CCM U+ 09 or the U+ Pro Reloaded. I have tried them both on and realize the 07 would probably serve me just as well but I don't think either skate will hurt my already hurting game. They both felt "ok" to "pretty good" right out of the box. The Pro was definitely stiffer but hard to tell while just standing around in the store. In that setting any skate seems to feel stiff. I weigh about 180 pounds if that helps anyone. Help me, what should I do? I am not concerned about the price so please don't factor that in.

[shifter 0]

Ok, thanks for all the good insight and advice. I am definitely getting either the CCM U+ 09 or the U+ Pro Reloaded. I have tried them both on and realize the 07 would probably serve me just as well but I don't think either skate will hurt my already hurting game. They both felt "ok" to "pretty good" right out of the box. The Pro was definitely stiffer but hard to tell while just standing around in the store. In that setting any skate seems to feel stiff. I weigh about 180 pounds if that helps anyone. Help me, what should I do? I am not concerned about the price so please don't factor that in.

CCM U+ 09 is a great skate for its money but hey if your feet ain't growing anymore you can look into buying the U+ pro reloaded for a long term investment. 180 pounds is enough to accommodate the stiffness of the U+09 and U+ reloaded