depth issues with Bauer Vapor X:60 skates

[qmechanic 17]

I searched and looked at many skate fitting threads, but I didn't quite find the advice I was looking for.

I currently skate in Nike Bauer Vapor XXVs. I never really liked the fit of the skate, but I wanted Bauers because I had a good experience with the Supreme 3000 (a pretty old skate).

My friend told me that the Bauer Vapor X:60s fit much more like the older skates and I ordered a couple sizes online (the LHS didn't have any in stock). The X:60 fits much better out of the box compared to the XXV, but it looks like I don't have enough depth in the boot. I also tried the Supreme line, but I just hated how it fit in general, so that's not an option.

I really like the fit of the X:60 (aside from depth) so I'm wondering how bad is the depth issue. Maybe I can get away with it. Here are some photos. (I have small feet.)

My current skates: Nike Bauer Vapor XXV size 2.5

Bauer Vapor X:60 size 2.0

Bauer Vapor X:60 size 1.5

The X:60 size 2 is about the same size as the XXV size 2.5. The X:60 size 2 fits comfortably but I worry that after break-in, it'll be too large. The X:60 size 1.5 is a bit tight, but the depth is less, which could cause issues. I tried the pencil test, but I'm not sure I did it correctly. The pencil test fails for all 3 skates, but I don't have enough experience to know how badly the test failed. The X:60 looks like it bulges out more at the instep compared to the XXV, but that might just be caused by the thicker tongue.

So what do you think? Can I stick with the Vapor X:60 and if so, the larger or smaller size?

[sebseb 0]

You can't stick with any Vapor skate, they're not the right fit for you. Try models from other brands, not only Bauer, or try the Flexlite line from Bauer.

[nicksmission14 0]

You can't stick with any Vapor skate, they're not the right fit for you. Try models from other brands, not only Bauer, or try the Flexlite line from Bauer.

Agree'd. The volume does not look right in any of those skates.

[qmechanic 17]

I didn't know that that the top of the line Supreme models need to be baked to fit. Maybe I should try that?

[nicksmission14 0]

I didn't know that that the top of the line Supreme models need to be baked to fit. Maybe I should try that?

Well the Supreme's do feel alot better after baking because of the materials used. What was wrong with the Supreme's when you tried them on?

[VakarLajos 5]

I didn't know that that the top of the line Supreme models need to be baked to fit. Maybe I should try that?

What exactly about the fit of the Supremes did you not like? Some of it may be alleviated by baking, some may not. I'd also try the U+CL and U+12. Your LHS should let you bake them before buying them and they change significantly when baked. Hard to say without seeing your actual foot though.

[qmechanic 17]

I don't have a very detailed answer, but I felt like when I tried the Supreme, it didn't feel close fitting, like the Vapor. It think there was extra space in some spots but maybe that goes away with baking.

[VakarLajos 5]

it's a deeper, wider skate. I went down a half size.

[qmechanic 17]

The strange thing is that I went to two local hockey stores and none of them said anything about the Vapor XXV being too shallow a skate for me. I pointed it out to the owner of one store and he agreed that the Vapor was not deep enough but he didn't think it was a big deal.

[VakarLajos 5]

he also might be trying to get rid of a skate that has been on the shelf for at least 2 years.

[nicksmission14 0]

he also might be trying to get rid of a skate that has been on the shelf for at least 2 years.

Agreed

[trtaylor 3]

The strange thing is that I went to two local hockey stores and none of them said anything about the Vapor XXV being too shallow a skate for me. I pointed it out to the owner of one store and he agreed that the Vapor was not deep enough but he didn't think it was a big deal.

You know how to do a pencil test? Doesn't sound like you do. See http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php?/topic/35455-the-pencil-test/page__hl__pencil%20test__st__90 Then go to a shop where you can try out several different brands of skates.

[qmechanic 17]

Thanks trtaylor! The first place I looked was in the "How do I..." forum. It would be great if we could put the pencil test photos in there and mention a couple other skate fitting tips like whether the toe brushes the toe cap and checking heel lock. The pencil test is mentioned dozens of times on MSH but it is extremely hard to find the page(s) where the pencil test is explained and depicted in detail.

[qmechanic 17]

I wanted to update this thread and let everyone know that I decided to get the Bauer Supreme One70 skates. I also went down half a size compared to my old Bauer Vapor XXV skates. The depth is not perfect, but it's better. Since I went down a half size, the boot felt cramped at first (toes jammed up against the end) but after skating for a couple months, it's broken in and fits well. Usually, when I buy a new skate, it takes forever (several months) for me to get used to it. This time, I was feeling pretty comfortable after 5 skates. It just goes to show how important it is to buy skates that fit properly. From now on, I'm going to buy skates that fit small. That half size really makes a difference.