Skate shelf life question for experts.

[docar15 1]

Question about buying your favorite skates (Supreme 5000, Supreme 7000) 5 - 7 or even 10 years after they were made. Is it safe? How bad do materials deteriorate from sitting on the shelf? They can be had for a fraction of the price of what they used to cost, Supreme 7000 for $100 new, etc.

Thanks in advance.

[raganblink 82]

at that price, does it really matter? If you've had supreme 5000s, loved them, and can find NEW ones for 100 bucks, why not? In relative terms, that's throw away money, if they fall apart in a year big deal, you spent 100 bucks on them.

From what I've seen, if skates have been kept in the original box, unopened for years, in around 65 degree, normal humidity area, they don't really deteriorate. But I'm no chemist, and I haven't skated in them.

[Chadd 916]

If stored in poor conditions you could see some durability issues with the Tuuks. Other than that, I can't imagine any potential issues.

[docar15 1]

Thanks for the replies. $100 is not that much if they feel like they used to. For the record, my gear wh*ring efforts are first directed at golaie gear and explaining to my wife why we absolutely need the 'museum of all this old hockey crap'.

[DarkStar50 679]

How many pairs of shoes does your wife own? I'm married, too, FWIW!! And she can't stand my vintage hockey glove collection, also.

Your investment sounds like a safe one to me for those skates.

[docar15 1]

How many pairs of shoes does your wife own? I'm married, too, FWIW!! And she can't stand my vintage hockey glove collection, also.

Your investment sounds like a safe one to me for those skates.

She is not that bed, not like some of my friends.

I think I will have to sell one of my masks to try a couple of pairs of skates that work. MSH classifieds will save my a*s again. eBay totally sucks now with final value fees and listing rules from hell.

[elihl6 0]

Pretty sure I am not an "expert," but I wouldn't hesitate a bit like others said. One of my most favourite/best pairs of skates I had were custom 7000s when I played in college. I tried to find another pair, but had tough luck getting close to same custom size in good condition after I was done playing competitively (going to a 6000 that was too big and not as good, followed by 7Ks, then 9Ks, after trying out a bunch in between and now back to Bauer One95s). I waited too long to purchase a pair of 8090s as I got greedy on price and they finally disappeared, which I heard were most comparable.

I always wish I bought multiples (of most items like clothes, equipment, etc.) so that when the first one fails, I have the same backup to take its place, but generally end up regretting NOT buying them. Skates, not playing professional, at $400+, and lasting me several years now, it's just not in the cards. In your case, old faithful skates for a song of a price ($100 MAY not be throw away money for some), I wouldn't hesitate, especially if they were "new."

As mentioned, might have issues with the holders/rivets and only other issue might be with assembly/glue. BUT, if they are a higher-end model and so cheap, it's not as much of a gamble. After all, the only reason I gave up on the 7000s was that the liner wore away on the inside heel from use and that I was holding the TUUKs on with nuts and bolts because I blew the rivets out so many times. They weren't really coming unravelled due to assembly or even after so much use.

I say go for it! And good luck...

[JR Boucicaut 3795]

The biggest problem you will find is with the plastic used in the boot/blade (soles/holders/badges)

[docar15 1]

Composite here, even though I'll be getting sized for another brand soon.

7000?

[twolinepass 0]

My fiancé already complains about all my gear:(

[coryroth24 15]

My fiancé already complains about all my gear:(

+1

[the_game 452]

I can attest that if you're able to find an older pair of skates that have been stored away properly that you should have no issue with the skates in terms of durability or any other issues.

I managed to pick up a pair of Pro Stock Bauer 1000's about two years ago that fit like a glove. When I bought them I was told they were from around 1998, never used, just tucked away in storage. The only slight issue is the bottom sole/plastic is slightly discolored, rather than it be white, its kind of 'off white' but I think that just happens to plastic over time. The holders and steel are perfect, no issue with rivets, boot is perfectly stiff, etc.

The skates have held up and have not broken down and I'll skate 2 or 3 times a week in them. Now the only problem I have with them, is trying to track down another pair!

[stuie7 6]

I'm skating on Nike Flexlite's, I believe they're 2005ish (?) and I've had no problems, not quite as old as the 7000's but not a million miles away.

[docar15 1]

UPDATE;

I was lucky to get a pair of 7000 and 3000 in my size. Skated two days in them. I have forgotten how well these guys were made. Everything is double stitched around, logo plates are stiched and glued, etc. Compared to my reloaded, these old supremes look like they took three or four times longer to make.

After 30 minutes on the ice both felt like I have never taken them off. I missed that feeling.

Thanks everyone for your help.