Bauer Vapor Youth Skates

[goblue9280 33]

I had a question for an LHS worker/owner... I was looking at the Bauer X3.0 and X7.0 skates for my '03 mite (IW actually has what looks to be specific details for the youth versions of these skates.) It seems like these 2 models have the same boot construction, the same holder/runner and the same TPU outsole... so why is the X7.0 twice the price of the X3.0?

It always bugs me that the major skate manufacturers never seem to list the details of their youth skates. They usually just use the details from the same model senior/junior skates... which are far different than the youth skates. It would just be nice to be able to compare the features of the different youth skates.

[AIREAYE 248]

You missed the other feature improvements: the quarter pckg, the footbed, liner, tongue material etcetc Not to mention stiffness.

[goblue9280 33]

You missed the other feature improvements: the quarter pckg, the footbed, liner, tongue material etcetc Not to mention stiffness.

That's really why I'm asking, as I don't have the option to go check them out at an LHS here in Houston. IW seems to be the only place that has any listing of the youth skate details, and the details for those 2 models are the same (footbed, liner, quarter pack, outsole, toungue, etc.)

So that's why I'm curious what the upgrades are (if there are any)... as it would be silly for me to pay twice the price for a 7 in place of a 3.

[chrisg19 5]

That's really why I'm asking, as I don't have the option to go check them out at an LHS here in Houston. IW seems to be the only place that has any listing of the youth skate details, and the details for those 2 models are the same (footbed, liner, quarter pack, outsole, toungue, etc.)

So that's why I'm curious what the upgrades are (if there are any)... as it would be silly for me to pay twice the price for a 7 in place of a 3.

They do appear very similar. The only real difference I see is the X3.0 fatures a woven nylon Quarter, and the X7.0 features a "tech" nylon quarter. If you look at the images enlarged, it does look like two different materials for the quarters on the skates. I would guess the X7.0 would be stiffer, and more durable that the woven nylon.

[theWB 2]

When it comes to the youth model, the X7.0 isn't worth the extra cash (in my opinion, no top of the line youth skate is). Differences are minimal and are certainly nothing that will affect performance. Save your money.

[AIREAYE 248]

Better yet, go to a local Play It Again and get used skates so you can keep trading them in until your child gets older

[goblue9280 33]

Very limited options for skates/hockey equipment in Houston... the play it again has pretty much zero hockey equipment. The two rinks with pro-shops usually only care 1 or 2 youth skates (usually a couple of model years old) in limited sizes. I probably wouldn't go with a used pair anyhow... he has a younger brother, so if a new pair holds up well, then they can be saved for his brother.

I've always bought him middle of the road in the past. He went from a pair a used pair that my dad sent me, to a pair of Vapor XXII to Supreme one35's. Just trying to find out if there are any serious advantages to the higher level youth skates.

[raganblink 82]

Depends on two factors personally

A) Is he average or above average in terms of weight for his age?

B) Does he skate hard?

If yes to both, 7.0. Its a stiffer skate which still make it a excellent option for your younger child, and he most likely will be able to notice the differences between that and the 3.0. Even if he doesn't skate hard it will still hold up better than the 3.0. Meaning instead of buying two 80 dollar pairs of skates, you can get by easily with this one pair.

Also the 7.0 is a full thermo upper, while 3.0 only has footbed as anything that will mold. So your child will get a better fit, and breakin time wont be so noticeable.

[goblue9280 33]

I'd say average height... and yes he skates hard. He takes a power skating class once a week in addition to games/practices... so he's one of the best skaters on his team. I know the skates won't neccessarily make him a faster/better skater... but if they will give him a noticeably better feel for his edges, then I'll probably spring for the 7.0s.

[Pucks & Palm Trees 3]

FWIW, I'd be careful about stiffness in youth skates. Although many parents assume that higher/more expensive is "better," the boots that come with higher-end youth skates are usually way too stiff for young players, and make it difficult for them to learn to flex forward and bend their knees properly (unless you untie the top lace or two, in which case you'll lose some lateral stability & power), or to toe kick. At that age, the best two options, imo, are the Bauer Flexlite 3's and the Graf 370's.

[goblue9280 33]

FWIW, I'd be careful about stiffness in youth skates. Although many parents assume that higher/more expensive is "better," the boots that come with higher-end youth skates are usually way too stiff for young players, and make it difficult for them to learn to flex forward and bend their knees properly (unless you untie the top lace or two, in which case you'll lose some lateral stability & power), or to toe kick. At that age, the best two options, imo, are the Bauer Flexlite 3's and the Graf 370's.

Are you talking youth or junior skates? Because I don't think the Flexlite 3's are available in youth sizes (Y13.5 and under). I know next year (when my son is 8 and will probably need a junior size) not to go out and buy the top of the line junior skates, as they will be entirely too stiff for him. But I figured the youth skate models (even top of the line) would be flexible enough for the age group they fit (8 and under)?

[AIREAYE 248]

Depends on two factors personally

A) Is he average or above average in terms of weight for his age?

B) Does he skate hard?

If yes to both, 7.0. Its a stiffer skate which still make it a excellent option for your younger child, and he most likely will be able to notice the differences between that and the 3.0. Even if he doesn't skate hard it will still hold up better than the 3.0. Meaning instead of buying two 80 dollar pairs of skates, you can get by easily with this one pair.

Also the 7.0 is a full thermo upper, while 3.0 only has footbed as anything that will mold. So your child will get a better fit, and breakin time wont be so noticeable.

This ^

FWIW, I'd be careful about stiffness in youth skates. Although many parents assume that higher/more expensive is "better," the boots that come with higher-end youth skates are usually way too stiff for young players, and make it difficult for them to learn to flex forward and bend their knees properly (unless you untie the top lace or two, in which case you'll lose some lateral stability & power), or to toe kick. At that age, the best two options, imo, are the Bauer Flexlite 3's and the Graf 370's.

How can you suggest those skates for him...the kid is in youth skates, neither model comes in that size range, plus you don't know if his feet will fit well in either model. goblue9280, go with raganblink's advice

[Pucks & Palm Trees 3]

About 1/2 of the 8 year olds on the team I coached last season wore Flexlite 3's, in the small jr sizes. Those that switched to that model after being in stiffer skates had noticeable improvements in their stride, some almost immediately. A few of the others wore the 370's. As with everything, your mileage may vary...

It is obviously far more preferable to try on different sleds @ a LHS, but OP doesn't seem to have many options in that regard.

[raganblink 82]

P&P is right... in that 1-2 size range, its 99% of the time a waste of money getting the top-end skates (in OP's case, 7.0, 6.0). 5.0 would most likely be ideal if he is a strong skater, as it will still have thermo for the full upper.

There are a ton of kids in skates that are too stiff, and not stiff enough (opposite ends of spectrum, parents who don't care what it will cost to get their kid "the best" even though it usually hinders their ability. And then the people who think you can suit up a kid playing check for 200 bucks on new equipment with gear that they will find comfortable and give them the support/protection they need).