Graf Cobra Question

[Matt1487 0]

Hey guys, I hate to start another thread like this, but I couldn't really find a concrete answer using the forum search.

I just recently bought a pair of Graf Supra 605, which I don't think fit me as well as I thought in the store, but that's neither here nor there. My problem lies with the forward pitch. I was a pretty decent skater prior to these skates. Now I look like I'm new to the game. I've always worn CCM, until my last pair which were pumps. I replaced the Reeboks with the Grafs because the pumps blew out, and I was concerned about buying more Reeboks because of that.

Anyway, is there a way to get that neutral pitch feeling? I see a lot of Grafs with TUUK holders, does this solve the issue, or is the forward pitch built into the boot and there regardless of which holder is on there?

If I had the option of returning them, I would, but since skate sales are final, I'm screwed here. I'm just looking for the best option. Thanks guys.

[ibeck 38]

Hey guys, I hate to start another thread like this, but I couldn't really find a concrete answer using the forum search.

I just recently bought a pair of Graf Supra 605, which I don't think fit me as well as I thought in the store, but that's neither here nor there. My problem lies with the forward pitch. I was a pretty decent skater prior to these skates. Now I look like I'm new to the game. I've always worn CCM, until my last pair which were pumps. I replaced the Reeboks with the Grafs because the pumps blew out, and I was concerned about buying more Reeboks because of that.

Anyway, is there a way to get that neutral pitch feeling? I see a lot of Grafs with TUUK holders, does this solve the issue, or is the forward pitch built into the boot and there regardless of which holder is on there?

If I had the option of returning them, I would, but since skate sales are final, I'm screwed here. I'm just looking for the best option. Thanks guys.

You can always try getting used to them. I have a pair of skates with heel lifts, so I'm already tipping forward and love it. You should try getting used to them unless they really bother you. Who knows you may end up liking them.

[xFortune 0]

I've got Tuuk Custom's on my Graf's. I went from T-Blades->Cobra's->Tuuk's.

They've been good to me. But, everyone's different so you just gotta experiment, only crappy thing is holders, blades, rivets, etc all get expensive.

[wetwilly17 6]

I've got Tuuk Custom's on my Graf's. I went from T-Blades->Cobra's->Tuuk's.

They've been good to me. But, everyone's different so you just gotta experiment, only crappy thing is holders, blades, rivets, etc all get expensive.

pitch-wise, i don't think you'll notice much of a difference unless you go with tuuk custom. or have someone reputable give you a reverse pitch on your cobra blades (much cheaper that swapping holders). or install a toe lift. its easy to do yourself with grafs since the holder is held on by screws. anything under 1.5mm and you can use the same screws. larger lifts may require longer screws but they are easy to get at hardware store. if you use replacement graf screws, just make sure they aren't the lightweight aluminum ones - i sheared one because they are so weak.

[interpathway 9]

3mm lifts placed under the front towers.

[adam14 182]

E-pros weren't neutral.

[JJStripes 1]

Of the many options described above I would recommend swapping the holders. If you put on a pair of TUUK C+ you will be all set. I would not recommend drilling any more holes in the boots though. I would align the front most hole in the TUUK with the front most hole in the boot and then drill holes in the TUUK as necessary to match up the rest.

[Powerfibers 8]

I put Pitch holders on my Graf 735s when I had. them. Liked them a lot better in the neutral position, and highly recommend them it you can still find them. Steel is great, too.

[JPB_69 0]

I swapped out the Cobra's for Tuuk Custom + for the same reason, nothing additional was needed.

[Matt1487 0]

E-pros weren't neutral.

I'm just saying that they were a lot less forward pitched then my Grafs are now.

Of the many options described above I would recommend swapping the holders. If you put on a pair of TUUK C+ you will be all set. I would not recommend drilling any more holes in the boots though. I would align the front most hole in the TUUK with the front most hole in the boot and then drill holes in the TUUK as necessary to match up the rest.

I swapped out the Cobra's for Tuuk Custom + for the same reason, nothing additional was needed.

Ok, so swapping out the Cobras for the Tuuk Custom + will get me off my toes and back to that familiar feel? I've been skating 3 times a week for about a month now and it's still pretty bad.

[adam14 182]

it wont be the same as on reeboks if that's what you're asking. You'll be more on your heels.

[rmnyi 0]

deleted duplicate post

[rmnyi 0]

It took me a couple of games to get used to the pitch but I skate my best in Grafs. If you can't get use to the Cobras, have the blades profiled to reduce the pitch. I had the blades on my Vapors profiled to give me a similar feel to my Grafs. I would experiment with profiling before I considered swapping out holders.

[aal 3]

Try swapping out the Cobra blades with Step Steel blades. They are more neutral. I had the same issues with Cobra holders / blades; too far forward pitch. I tried putting Tuuks on some prior Grafs I had, and it just didn't seem to work. The Step blades made a big difference.

[Matt1487 0]

it wont be the same as on reeboks if that's what you're asking. You'll be more on your heels.

Hmm. Forgive me if this seems like a dumb question, but could I put the E Pro holders from my Reeboks on my Grafs? How will this set up be different than the Tuuks and the Cobras?

[adam14 182]

yes you can, it would be the same as if you were to put tuuks on them, the pitch would not be as agressive as cobras, but you would be more on your toes than if you were to put tuuks on.

[lampliter87 8]

Bumping this up with an issue with the steel used in my Cobras.

Made the switch from XXXX's to G35's, love the boot, like the aggressive forward angle of the Cobra holders, but CAN NOT STAND the steel. Here's whats happening: during pivots, and sometimes from plain old stopping, the steel will not "bite" properly, and the blade will essentially skid on the ice, making this odd almost honking noise. This is happened with freshly sharpened skates and dull ones, and from different sharpeners.

Ideas? It a problem in technique, or is the steel defective?

[Too Old 1]

Bumping this up with an issue with the steel used in my Cobras.

Made the switch from XXXX's to G35's, love the boot, like the aggressive forward angle of the Cobra holders, but CAN NOT STAND the steel. Here's whats happening: during pivots, and sometimes from plain old stopping, the steel will not "bite" properly, and the blade will essentially skid on the ice, making this odd almost honking noise. This is happened with freshly sharpened skates and dull ones, and from different sharpeners.

Ideas? It a problem in technique, or is the steel defective?

It's not the steel, although the OEM Graf steel does suck. I'm much happier with Step Steel as it seems to hold an edge longer and doesn't chip/break away.

[jsykes 35]

Try swapping out the Cobra blades with Step Steel blades. They are more neutral. I had the same issues with Cobra holders / blades; too far forward pitch. I tried putting Tuuks on some prior Grafs I had, and it just didn't seem to work. The Step blades made a big difference.

That doesnt make any sense. Step Steel is profiled and radiused to the exact specs of the steel its replacing. So replacing Cobra steel with Step Steel for Cobra is going to be exactly the same.

[wetwilly17 6]

Bumping this up with an issue with the steel used in my Cobras.

Made the switch from XXXX's to G35's, love the boot, like the aggressive forward angle of the Cobra holders, but CAN NOT STAND the steel. Here's whats happening: during pivots, and sometimes from plain old stopping, the steel will not "bite" properly, and the blade will essentially skid on the ice, making this odd almost honking noise. This is happened with freshly sharpened skates and dull ones, and from different sharpeners.

Ideas? It a problem in technique, or is the steel defective?

its your skating technique. once you are used to the skates it will go away. maybe you are not used to the large rocker radius?

[lampliter87 8]

I've been in them for ~5 months now. Is it that I'm overcompensating for the aggressive lean of the holder? I would consider myself a strong skater but any tips are appreciated.

[schrempsky 0]

i would check the alignment of the holder on the skate. I had a similar chattering problem in a pair of skates before, only to find out that the holder alignment was awful.

[wetwilly17 6]

ii had similar issue as u when I switched to graf. Got my blades profiled and it immediately went away.

[lampliter87 8]

ii had similar issue as u when I switched to graf. Got my blades profiled and it immediately went away.

Profiled mine to 9' (standard Tu'uk radius) from the stock Cobra 11'. Problem solved. Thanks for the help.

[aal 3]

That doesnt make any sense. Step Steel is profiled and radiused to the exact specs of the steel its replacing. So replacing Cobra steel with Step Steel for Cobra is going to be exactly the same.

When I corresponded with a representative from Step, he told me that they had their own profile, and it wasn't necessarily the same as the oem profiles.