Getting new skates in 4 years, best skate for value?

[n1kthequick 0]

Hows it going everybody,

Ive been lurking on this website for a while and finally decided to sign up.

Anyway, I need some new skates but heres a little background on me first. I'm 21, 5'6, 170lb, hard and fast skater, been playin hockey for 12 years, play 3/4x a week at a high level and I need some new skates as mine got lace bite and it bothers me, ALOT. I do lots of side to side movement as I got quick steps and im lookin for a skate to help me get that extra "push". My current skate (Vector 130ZG with T-Blades) ive had since 2006 and theyve been through alot , but its finally time for a new pair.

Ive looked on several websites and can get good deals on these skates, which are all under $300, my price range. Which do you think will be the best for my style?

Vapor XXXX

Vapor X:50

Reebok 9k

Bauer One95

[Chadd 916]

No skate will give you more "push" than any other skate. Other than fit, the variables really are only stiffness and weight. A lot of people only want uber-stiff and uber-light.

[Gummer12 134]

I agree with Chadd. A well fitting skate will help your game more than an ill fitting one no matter the model. Take your time and go to a shop and try on as many pair as you can and find the one that fits best out of the box. Be sure to read up on the Pencil Test thread and welcome to the site. :)

[GuitarAwesome 1]

RBK 9Ks are known to have issues with lace bite, I've had a few pairs of them and can attest to this.

[SolarWind 23]

Vapor XXXX

Vapor X:50

Reebok 9k

Bauer One95

being a huge technology fan I'm not sure I completely agree with Chadd :))

but irrespective of that rather then starting yet another debate I'll just point to the obvious: the skates above will fit very differently (XXXX & X50 are the only somewhat close fitting ones, the rest isn't close)

[raganblink 82]

Saying this, Bauer's skates at that 450-600 price range I would say are beat by no one. Easton's S17 comes close, and for the money the 10K is pretty good, but, go with what fits best, then figure out models.

[n1kthequick 0]

I went to my LHS and tried on a pair of vapor xxxx and vapor x:60, I gotta say the x:60 did feel alot nicer and smoother out the box and the guy there was trying to upsell me on the X:60's as being ALOT better. I can get a new pair of XXXX for $200 so Im probably going to go that route.

[Chadd 916]

being a huge technology fan I'm not sure I completely agree with Chadd :))

The technology is in the materials. No skate will make you magically make you a better hockey player.

[duch 0]

Personally I'd go with the XXXX's or X-50's. Both are excellent skates and will probably be more likely to be on clearance and in your particular price range.

[SolarWind 23]

The technology is in the materials. No skate will make you magically make you a better hockey player.

Sad but true :)

The way I understood your original statement it almost sounded that all skates are the same...

BUT IMO some skates do have more potential (more responsive, better energy transfer, controlled flex etc) and so could theoretically assist in becoming a better skater would they not?

like people have reported they're faster in TOs for instance?

[stick9 905]

Sad but true :)

The way I understood your original statement it almost sounded that all skates are the same...

BUT IMO some skates do have more potential (more responsive, better energy transfer, controlled flex etc) and so could theoretically assist in becoming a better skater would they not?

like people have reported they're faster in TOs for instance?

Is "better skater" the correct phrase? Maybe more along the lines of helping you reach your full potential...?

[skyscrape 5]

Sad but true :)

The way I understood your original statement it almost sounded that all skates are the same...

BUT IMO some skates do have more potential (more responsive, better energy transfer, controlled flex etc) and so could theoretically assist in becoming a better skater would they not?

like people have reported they're faster in TOs for instance?

I agree, but I think it still has more to do with the skate fitting perfect! If you do not fit in total one's but buy them anyway you might slow down due to pain, blisters, or slipping. WHen you might be a perfect fit in a pair of vapor x:40's for half the money!

When I bought my One95's I almost went with a pair of x:40's. I found them to be more comfortable than any other vapor skate including the x60. But then I tried on the one95 and new the minute I stood up that they were perfect!

[JJStripes 1]

edit