Graf G5 Limited Edition

[STi 0]

After trying some One95s (thanks for the lifts JR ), I've come to the conclusion that I just don't have the right type of foot to fit in them. I'm currently in 705s, but need something stiffer/lighter.

My first question is, what part of the year are the G5 LEs available? I'm willing to hold out a little while for them, but I'm really starting to dislike skating in worn out leather skates that feel like two baseball gloves sewn together, so it needs to be soon.

My 705s fit my foot type damn near perfectly, so I also wanted to make sure the G5s have the exact same fit since I'm in Bumfuck, FL and can't try any on. Is the fit the exact same?

Thanks.

[hyprlte 0]

I believe the fit is the same - just the materials and technology were updated

[bdh13 1]

The G5 is supposed to fit exactly the same, but I've found that there are small differences. My G5's are bit larger than my 705's (maybe 1/4 size) and the heel doesn't lock in as well on the G5 (wider?). Although neither of the pairs of skates were put in the oven.

[STi 0]

The G5 is supposed to fit exactly the same, but I've found that there are small differences. My G5's are bit larger than my 705's (maybe 1/4 size) and the heel doesn't lock in as well on the G5 (wider?). Although neither of the pairs of skates were put in the oven.

Awesome advice, this is what I'm looking for. The heel is what concerns me the most, because that's my favorite part of the 705s.

Do you think it's because the heel is a different size or because the nylon material doesn't grab as well?

[Chadd 916]

Quality control and consistency from one skate to the next has always been an issue with Graf

[Tubesteak 1]

The G5 is supposed to fit exactly the same, but I've found that there are small differences. My G5's are bit larger than my 705's (maybe 1/4 size) and the heel doesn't lock in as well on the G5 (wider?). Although neither of the pairs of skates were put in the oven.

I noticed the exact same thing with the sizing going from 703 to G3. I also noticed that the skates were complete garbage in terms of construction after a short time and bought older model 703's again.

[STi 0]

I noticed the exact same thing with the sizing going from 703 to G3. I also noticed that the skates were complete garbage in terms of construction after a short time and bought older model 703's again.

The Ultra G3?

[epstud74 24]

I see there is a new Ultra G35 out for 2010. I've noticed it at several online retailers as well. I've never had a problem with Graf skates, but then again my 1st two pairs were bought 10 and 15 years ago and now my latest pair is the G70s. Bauer makes great skates, but unfortunately they do not fit my feet very well. If you're going to buy Grafs, I think your best bet is at a LHS rather than online. Just an observation.

http://www.grafcanada.com/hockey_skates/UltraG35.php

I noticed the exact same thing with the sizing going from 703 to G3. I also noticed that the skates were complete garbage in terms of construction after a short time and bought older model 703's again.

Those skates are tanks and if you have the foot type for it, you cannot go wrong with the 703s IMO

I notice a lot of guys who play rec hockey and want a great skate, but not interested in buying a new pair every year go with the old 703s or 705s. I'm guessing people would do the same with the Bauer 8090s, 5000s or 6000s if given the opportunity to do so. When a person reaches his 30s and has a family to support, spending $600+ on new skates every year on top of rec/beer league dues is not high on one's priority list. Also another reason why one probably sees the late 40s and 50 yr old guys in old cat eye cages and CCM tacks because they're also paying off their kids college tuitions, student loans, mortgages, cell bills etc. There are a couple older guys I've played with that have their college graduate children living with/off them. So there is a market out there for the older yet extremely durable skates however small it is.

[CharlesC 0]

espud74,

You have just described the exact reason why I purchased Graf 705's when it was time to replace my Graf G5's. Knowing that the skate would last much longer weighed heavily with my purchasing decision.

[bdh13 1]

I got my 705's out of storage to confirm my earlier statements. The back of the skates (where your achilles locks in) definitely looks a bit wider. My non-professional observation is it looks like the airnet liner just couldn't be shaped as precisely as the old materials. The difference is observable, but over time the change (705 to G5) hasn't bothered my skating.

The size issue (I said 1/4 size before) is probably less pronounced. I'd gauge it around 1/8 size.

As everyone else has said, the Graf Ultra series seems to have some quality control issues, so there may be variance in any pair. Buying them from a store would be your best bet so you can look them over, but I'm in the middle of nowhere like you so mine were purchased online.

My verdict: I loved the 705, but the Ultra G5 is definitely lighter and more responsive. The durability issues with the G5 are true, but I've had my pair for ~1 year and although they look like they've been through a war they still perform well.

[Hans 0]

I do not see any of the Graf quality issues here in Edmonton with the factory being 2 hours away. I used the 703's years ago when (1988) in midgets and they are no where near as good as my Ultra G3's. I went through a pair 1300c Eastons in a year and there was nothing left. My Grafs are in perfect shape in the same amount of time.

However I did notice, when at Pro Hockey life, the Grafs there were not as clean looking the units at Proskate Edmonton ( Mine were customs though Proskate). Maybe some of the skates destined for the big US chains are different.

Regardless my Grafs have been incredible skates.

[bdh13 1]

One other thing I forgot:

If you buy them online, confirm the model year. The older ones have a short, black tongue that I don't like very much (some do though, I think it's lacebite prone). Newer versions(mid-2009 on) have returned to the old tongue with the white interior.