Total One Skates-Durability Issues

[dunc19 0]

Well I have had my Total One skates since the beginning of the season, making it roughly four months. I love the skate a lot, but they haven't been holding up very great. I am having issues with the liner, tongue, boot, and tendon guard. I contacted Bauer's skate warranty person, hopefully they'll have an explanation for all of this. It's really frustrating when I'm spending $900 on a pair of skates and this is the quality I am getting. I used my xxx skates for two full seasons and nothing like this happened. I know the skate cut on the boot can't really be avoided but should it be cutting in that deep?

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[automorph 0]

you are probably hard on your skates....how often on ice? competitive/recreation....so many factors

I play beer league/shinny for 2 years...my one95s look new aside from 1 blade gash

[dunc19 0]

you are probably hard on your skates....how often on ice? competitive/recreation....so many factors

I play beer league/shinny for 2 years...my one95s look new aside from 1 blade gash

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I guess I am on the ice 5 times a week playing competitive hockey. I take good really good care of my skates.. I'm just concerned because my one 95s lasted a full season of competitive 5 times per week and are still in great condition with no issues like the ones posted.

[SolarWind 23]

I take good really good care of my skates.. I'm just concerned because my one 95s lasted a full season of competitive 5 times per week and are still in great condition with no issues like the ones posted.

Sorry bud - I know exactly how you feel since I went through the exact same experience and ended up going customs. It's too bad you waited 4 months before deciding to deal with the issues since the warranty might not cover it now? I'd still try of course!

But since all the symptoms in your case are so remarkably similar to mine I wonder if the potential root cause might be similar as well: are you sure the skates fit properly?

The reason I ask is because in my case they did NOT: I went with the same size as One95 just to discover fairly shortly that T1s fit bigger length & width wise (different liner + different boot internals = slightly different fit - larger)

This is what cause the boot wrapping too much at the top to the tongue was rubbing too much against the liner wearing it down to a couple of holes exactly as yours

Also the boot was bottoming out at deep angles which caused the separation of the outsole just like in your case.

Long story short I went down .5 size AND true D width vs. wider D width of the retail skate which is made of E last. 2 months later the skates are still like new. Retail T1s were done in 3 so just something to think about.

[Franky 0]

Bauer XXXX and X60 were/are a good load of crap too, bauer is going down regarding the quality of their skates. Their current skates are designed to last a season.

The one90/95 were the last durable tops of the line.

I see more and more people going for ccm and rbk at least their high end skates are still made in

C

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[beerleaguecaptain 999]

Bauer XXXX and X60 were/are a good load of crap too,

I've had Bauer XXXX's for three season. I play two to three times a week. I'm a big guy so there is lots of pressure on them but I admit I don't beat them up very much. They are in great shape and I think they are excellent skates.

[MLSman 22]

Wow...those skates are pretty beat up.

My customs look almost new after 8 months... and I play competitively 2-3x a week. It looks like you are incredibly hard on skates. There is nothing wrong with that per se...but you may want to consider in the future going custom with some options to adjust the places you are having some issues. For example, on customs you can go with a reinforced tendon (most issues I see there are from the way you take skates on and off), a traditional or thicker tongue, and you can choose a clarino liner or the reinforced liner from the x60.

This is why I make the argument about high end retail skates. If you have the option...always go custom.

Fortunately, most of your issues can be addressed by a cobbler. You can have the tongues replaced, the tendon repaired, and the skates relined by a qualified skate repair shop. There are a number of places mentioned on MSH for good places to do this. That will allow you to extend the life of the skates.

[raganblink 82]

From what I've noticed working in a shop, the kids who play high end hockey who have their skates last them, they fit them. for the kids who destroy their skates they didn't fit them but they went with them anyways.

[larrivee 3]

My TO's are near new (~12 skates total) and I am also getting wear that looks like it will bust through at any time above the top eyelet. I've also worn through a lot of the rubber on the tongue on that side (as well as the others). It appears the felt was sewn right over a plastic edge, where on the other boot there is some sort of foam there.

[SolarWind 23]

Bauer XXXX and X60 were/are a good load of crap too, bauer is going down regarding the quality of their skates. Their current skates are designed to last a season.

The one90/95 were the last durable tops of the line.

I'm sorry but this sounds like 'load of crap' to me ;) since XXXX were tanks - you see even pro-stocks after a season of AHL/NHL hockey in great shape. Same applies to One95.

One90 on the other hand was a hit-and-miss at best, the skate had substantial durability issues.

I'm sticking with my theory about proper fit = long lasting skates and sounds some people are agreeing with me on this.

my other theory is that the skate design has advanced so much that it became a lot less forgiving for any fit issues. Skates are meant to fit tighter and flex only in certain places, and when it's compromised due to improper fit then all sorts of issues happen.

[zaytser 0]

Well this blows. I tried on some totalones and would love to by some since they were the first high end Bauer skate that has actually fit my foot in 10 years. However, now that I have seen this, there is no way to justify a Grand on skates with durability issues like that. Bauer is raping us and they don't care because their will always be parents that will do anything and spend any amount of money to get little Johny to the NHL.

Seriously, when are these companies going to start making something with value. I haven't played competatively in years and only skate a couple times a week and my one year old Graf skates may as well be sandles with butter knives taped to them. I am getting sick of being hosebagged by these companies and pretty much have been going the pro stock equipment route for the last while. But finding pro stock skates that will fit me will proe to be almost impossible.

[dunc19 0]

Well this blows. I tried on some totalones and would love to by some since they were the first high end Bauer skate that has actually fit my foot in 10 years. However, now that I have seen this, there is no way to justify a Grand on skates with durability issues like that. Bauer is raping us and they don't care because their will always be parents that will do anything and spend any amount of money to get little Johny to the NHL.

Seriously, when are these companies going to start making something with value. I haven't played competatively in years and only skate a couple times a week and my one year old Graf skates may as well be sandles with butter knives taped to them. I am getting sick of being hosebagged by these companies and pretty much have been going the pro stock equipment route for the last while. But finding pro stock skates that will fit me will proe to be almost impossible.

Yeah it's really disappointing. I mean I have used Bauer skates for the 12 years I have played hockey and I have never came across something this bad. These skates do fit me as skates tend to only last me two years max as I am still growing in sizes. I haven't heard of too many other people with problems with these skates but if I got my money back right now to buy another pair of skates it would most likely be the CCM CLs. I am hoping Bauer has an explanation for this as I take great care of my equipment and this is happening.

[zaytser 0]

Yeah it's really disappointing. I mean I have used Bauer skates for the 12 years I have played hockey and I have never came across something this bad. These skates do fit me as skates tend to only last me two years max as I am still growing in sizes. I haven't heard of too many other people with problems with these skates but if I got my money back right now to buy another pair of skates it would most likely be the CCM CLs. I am hoping Bauer has an explanation for this as I take great care of my equipment and this is happening.

I tried the U+ CL skates cause ccms tend to fit wider as I use either Bauer EE or CCM E or Graf Wide and the CCM U+ CL E width wasn't nearly as wide as previous models. My foot didn't even reach the bottom. There was way too much padding at the bottom and the foot bead was too narrow. I couldn't believe it because normally it is the Bauers that fit narrow on me. Perhaps the RBK would fit, but now that I have felt how light the Totalones were even compared to the One100s, it is going to be hard to try something else.

[bostonjuniorblackhawks 1]

I tried the U+ CL skates cause ccms tend to fit wider as I use either Bauer EE or CCM E or Graf Wide and the CCM U+ CL E width wasn't nearly as wide as previous models. My foot didn't even reach the bottom. There was way too much padding at the bottom and the foot bead was too narrow. I couldn't believe it because normally it is the Bauers that fit narrow on me. Perhaps the RBK would fit, but now that I have felt how light the Totalones were even compared to the One100s, it is going to be hard to try something else.

CL is narrower compared to the reloaded's? I heard the forefoot area was wider and the heel area was slightly narrower

[adalbort 1]

When I bought my Easton S17 everywhere I read there were some serious durability issues, but 8 months later at a 5-6 days/week use (and I weight 90 kgs, almost 200lbs) they are OK. Sure, they sure some serious sign of wear and tear, but nothing too bad. Definitely not the "serious durability issues" I had read about.

I wonder how much has to do with one/some particular production lines, meaning whether certain pairs (say x out of 100) just dont quite cut the minimal specs...

The pictures you post definitely are what I would consider under durability issues, at least for that amount you have used them. I would presumme they are also not fitting you properly, since you say you do take care of them...

[xFortune 0]

I've had my Grafs for ~8 years with heavy competitive play and they've stood the test of time! <3 Though, I've dropped ~150 on different holders and stuff going between the T-blades and back to Tuuks, blade tightenings, etc. But the boot? Perfect. Graf's for life.

[jds 20]

Is this a case of high end performance being secondary to durability? F1 cars are built to perform but they disintegrate if they bump into anything. This was the issue with S17 sticks from what I could tell. Great kick but lack of durability. I think we may be confusing what high end means. There is performance, durability, price etc. I big league executive had the famous quote of " You have it fast, you can have it good and you can have it cheap. Pick any two." The high end stuff is getting more and more engineered for performance which costs money but doesn't necessarily mean it is durable. Pros will do whatever it takes to get the performance. Shave that composite blade, heat it and curve it. It will only last a game but it will perform better. Average Joe's like us have to find that balance between price, performance and durability since we can't afford to get new skates every three months and a new stick every game or two.

[Axxion89 32]

For the OP, have your LHS contact Bauer, they will take care of you for this problem trust me regardless of warranty. Bauer has very good customer service if you have a good LHS that will work with you. They resolved my skate issue very well with Vapor 30 skates, they will take care of you and your T1's.

[dunc19 0]

For the OP, have your LHS contact Bauer, they will take care of you for this problem trust me regardless of warranty. Bauer has very good customer service if you have a good LHS that will work with you. They resolved my skate issue very well with Vapor 30 skates, they will take care of you and your T1's.

[/quote

I know the owner of the LHS where I purchased these skates from so hopefully she will be able to help me out a bit. I emailed her the picture of the cut boot a few months back and she said she could pass it on to the Bauer rep and I was told that the warranty doesn't cover skate cuts. I gave up for the time being, but I have way more issues now so I guess I should ask her to contact Bauer again. However I emailed the skate warranty person of Bauer on Thursday and i'll wait until she gets back to me. If she says warranty period is over she can't do anything then i'll go through my LHS. Hopefully Bauer gives me a good response in the next few days on how to progress the situation. What should I ask of my LHS if the email doesn't work? Just get her to send the pics out to Bauer again? And what do you think they'll do with my T1 issue?

[Axxion89 32]

[/quote

I know the owner of the LHS where I purchased these skates from so hopefully she will be able to help me out a bit. I emailed her the picture of the cut boot a few months back and she said she could pass it on to the Bauer rep and I was told that the warranty doesn't cover skate cuts. I gave up for the time being, but I have way more issues now so I guess I should ask her to contact Bauer again. However I emailed the skate warranty person of Bauer on Thursday and i'll wait until she gets back to me. If she says warranty period is over she can't do anything then i'll go through my LHS. Hopefully Bauer gives me a good response in the next few days on how to progress the situation. What should I ask of my LHS if the email doesn't work? Just get her to send the pics out to Bauer again? And what do you think they'll do with my T1 issue?

I know Bauer doesn't like to deal with customers on a first hand basis, its their business model. I had to do extensive research to contact Bauer reps (my former LHS was useless) and I ended up speaking with the CEO of Bauer over the phone to solve my misaligned holder issue. As for you, if you need to have your LHS contact the Bauer rep, try and arrange a meeting with the rep or get them on the phone and explain your issue and complaints. The damage is probably the result of poor QC and they will work out a solution. My best advice is to be adamant and keep on them to have your issue solved but don't be aggressive or hostile. Hope it works out for ya

[dunc19 0]

I know Bauer doesn't like to deal with customers on a first hand basis, its their business model. I had to do extensive research to contact Bauer reps (my former LHS was useless) and I ended up speaking with the CEO of Bauer over the phone to solve my misaligned holder issue. As for you, if you need to have your LHS contact the Bauer rep, try and arrange a meeting with the rep or get them on the phone and explain your issue and complaints. The damage is probably the result of poor QC and they will work out a solution. My best advice is to be adamant and keep on them to have your issue solved but don't be aggressive or hostile. Hope it works out for ya

Thanks. That's pretty cool how you ended up speaking to the CEO of Bauer. I guess I just gotta be patient til they get back to me through email and go from there.

[MLSman 22]

If you look at every single high end boot produced over at least the last 5 years, you will see a minority of people disgruntled with the durability of skates. With Bauer, the One90 and the Vapor XX would be the clear examples of some definite issues with durability. The One95 and the TO were major advances in technology and durability, as well as the Vapor XXX, XXXX, and x60. With that said...you can still find people unhappy with these skates. There are a number of reasons why: improper fit, runner misalignment, defective boot, premature breakdown, etc.

Those that have had issues will be the most vocal, so what seems like a majority is a major minority.

My point is that the TO is a great skate...but there will be some people that run into issues. What matters most is how the manufacturer responds to the issues, and most good ones will stand by their product.

[rachael7 1]

TO is a nice boot, but there seem to be an awful lot of durability issues. I've had two different pairs of them already (changed sizes by a 1/2 size and sold first pair) and the liners on both wore through in multiple spots in the first month or two. So while there is some nice technology in the skate, the issues with durability seem quite real to me. Whether design oversight/error, planned obsolescence or sacrifice of durability in the name of performance... I couldn't say, but they do seem to wear more quickly than other skates I've owned.

[zaytser 0]

I am sorry to say this, but most of us on this board no longer play competatively, but we still like our gear, and to treat ourselves to some new tech, so it would nice if these companies would throw us a bone??? We are talking nearly a thousand dollars for top of the line skates, not Walmart specials. I am not paying a grand just for performance, there has to be some longevity in these skates, sheesh. What is the warranty on these skates anyways? I have never even looked into warranty on skates before because they should always last a season or two. The liners should not rip, the tendon gaurd should be premium quality and not rip, the foot beds shoud be take a shit kicking like trainig shoes, etc... The list should go on and on of all of the good things about these, not just that they are super mouldabe and light. My sock is light on my foot and moulds around it too, but it doesn't do much for my skating.

[bdh13 1]

I think one should consider how "durability issues" impact the performance of the skates. I have a pair of Graf Ultra G5 with a lot of the same issues (tearing liner, gashes on the boot, other blemish issues that were present at purchase). However, they're still a stiff skate and they perform well. Appearance really counts for nothing.