Custom APX in Chicago

[watchgreat 4]

Where would be a good LHS near chicago be to get fitted for custom apx skates? I want someone who knows what they are dong and not some HS idiot.

[JR Boucicaut 3809]

None that I know of...not many people do this.

[watchgreat 4]

I am willing to drive outside the state. I think my best bet would be Michigan?

[Slapshot9123 0]

There is pretty much nowhere in Chicago to get custom skates, at least on the south side. Your best bet would be a Gunzo's up north and that is even a long shot.

[watchgreat 4]

I am on the north side. What is the process for ordering and sizing custom skates? When I called Gunzos they said something about scheduling an appointment for a fitting with a Bauer rep and i really dont think thats how it works. I was under the impression somone from the shop measures you and sends off an order form to Bauer.

[raganblink 82]

You can do both ways.

[Slapshot9123 0]

Both ways will work. Setting up the appointment with the Bauer rep will be your best option. If you can, please keep me posted as to how it all works out for you. I have been looking into customs after having skate issues for the past 3 seasons.

[lib310 0]

I'd say Gunzo's would be your best bet seeing as they have been around forever. Jerry's up in Schaumberg might do customs as well. Picks and Pucks at Center Ice of DuPage does custom work, you could try and give them a call.

[DarkStar50 680]

Most company reps are not experts when it comes to doing a custom skate fit/measuring. When was the last time a rep actually fit and sold a pair of skates in a shop?

[interpathway 9]

I imagine Bauer prefers the reps to do the customs because they know their people understand the ins and outs of the skates (depth, height, toe-box options, stiffness packages, etc.) better.

[JR Boucicaut 3809]

I imagine Bauer prefers the reps to do the customs because they know their people understand the ins and outs of the skates (depth, height, toe-box options, stiffness packages, etc.) better.

Wrong. You're giving those guys waaaaay too much credit. The only thing I got from any of my reps when I learned how to do this was the order form. Again, I'm not lumping them all in one pot - the ones who handle NCAA accounts can fit.

Rubo - Bauer prefers to pour it themselves, so the best way is to provide a negative.

[interpathway 9]

Again, I'm not lumping them all in one pot - the ones who handle NCAA accounts can fit.

What makes NCAA account reps different? Are they relied upon to fit the school's players so they have better hands on experience?

[watchgreat 4]

So if you mold your own foot Bauer will make you a complete custom?

[JR Boucicaut 3809]

What makes NCAA account reps different? Are they relied upon to fit the school's players so they have better hands on experience?

Yes

So if you mold your own foot Bauer will make you a complete custom?

First off, gotta know what you're doing, second, you have to provide specs, third, you need a store.

[DarkStar50 680]

Wrong. You're giving those guys waaaaay too much credit. The only thing I got from any of my reps when I learned how to do this was the order form. Again, I'm not lumping them all in one pot - the ones who handle NCAA accounts can fit.

Truth.

[watchgreat 4]

Yes

First off, gotta know what you're doing, second, you have to provide specs, third, you need a store.

What do you mean by specs?

[MyBoxersSayJoe 134]

There are a bunch of measurements they'll perform on your feet. All sorts of options for the boot itself. Usually an order form from whatever brand it is. It's not like "here's my mold" and they make the skate to it and all is said and done. Your personal preferences are taken into account.

It's a process, it's best to call ahead and schedule with someone that has a good reputation than to just drop in. It'd suck to make the trip over if they're not local and have them be too busy.

[watchgreat 4]

I am willing to drive. If anyone knows a good store for customs in michigan.

[Rage15511 0]

I actually joined just to give my my two cents. I had 2 pairs of custom bauers, vapor xxx, and x:60 done through gunzos. They called in the rep for me becuase they have the ability to do a lot of customized features that most employees are not comfortable doing. I actually had a problem with the x:60's when they were delivered and the rep was able to take care of it where gunzos said it would be a lot more difficult to get it corrected if the rep wasn't involved. just a thought.

[watchgreat 4]

What was the problem with the x60s

[Rage15511 0]

What was the problem with the x60s

I have a weird bone issue on my big toe and it was still bothering me for some reason after they heated them. Not sure if the toe cap was mounted wrong or what but the replacement fixed it.

[watchgreat 4]

How was your experience ordering through gunzos? 1-10

[Rage15511 0]

How was your experience ordering through gunzos? 1-10

With the exception of setting up the appointment with the rep and taking payment, the guys there really had nothing to do with it. They made the appointment and took my money so I would rate them a 9 haha. They did do the sharpening and heating which I have had them do before. no complaints.

[JR Boucicaut 3809]

Seriously, watchgreat, you're wasting people's time.

He's 14 and all he wants is a different tongue and liner. We tried to convince him in MSH Chat that he does not need custom skates.