Help picking goalie skates

[gymmonster 4]

Hey guys!

I finally decided to try out goalie after playing rec league as a player for a few years.

I've gotten most of my gear assembled and just need to buy skates for the position.

Of all the skates I was able to try on the Bauer one60, Vapor XIX and XIV fit my foot relatively well but I have no clue as to which skate I should buy.

I have read mixed reviews about the XIX/XIV and have been unable to find much user feedback regarding the one60s.

As the vapors are quite old I've been able to find the XIX for $100 on CL and $130 for the XIV (brand new) on Ebay. The one60s would be $194 retail.

Pricewise the one60 is my upper limit. I should also mention that CCM/RBK skates don't seem to fit my foot shape as I'm currently wearing one95s in EE width for my player skates:(.

Any help is much appreciated as I am unsure about how much protection I require. I will be starting in a lower mens rec league and playing drop in with friends who are div A/tier 1 rec players (for what that's worth lol).

Thanks!

[samson35 0]

Just like player skates, find something that fits well and is comfortable. TBH, I've never noticed protection issues in lower end skates as they all seem to do the job quite well. I feel like getting higher end skates equates to better quality and craftsmanship. So you end up getting something that might be more durable and more comfortable. When I first started, I got the Bauer 3000s which I paid $250 so I'm assuming its somewhere around the One60 (though mid-level equipment seems to keep getting better and better every year!). They held up fine, having used them about 3 or 4 times a week. However, I ended up getting rid of them because they just weren't fitting right and were giving me heel blisters. I switched to RBK 9Ks and they've worked well ever since. So I guess it all really comes down to finding something that fits well. If you get a chance, go into a store and try on different brands, different models. Hope that helps

[gymmonster 4]

Thanks for the feedback samson. I spent the past weekend at my lhs trying on the skates and the one60s fit well. I also tried on a teammates XIX (same size) which also felt like a good fit.

When it comes to the tech of goalie skates though I'm lost. My biggest concern is the one60s, since they're bauer's lowest current model goalie skate, are just a re-dressed model from prior years, so I'm basically only paying more for a new paint job.

[samson35 0]

well, I guess the One60 comes with the new style cowling, but tbh, I'm not 100% sure if its the same cowling as the One100. It looks the same, but there may very well be differences that make it less of a special feature. If it is the same cowling as the One100, then the extra money you pay for a newer model seems to be more worth it in terms of being able to have the more up to date feature on your skate. The replaceable steel might also be an incentive as well.

[Gwyren 0]

The cowling is, to my understanding, what provides most of the protection. Most skate lines use a similar cowling across that line.

The difference between the One60 and the One100 cowling is that the One100 cowling has a cutout at the inside ball of the boot to allow an increased angle between the blade and the ice and also uses a thinner blade than the one60 cowling. Protection-wise they should be a wash.

If any of the Vapors have the clear cowling, stay away. If I recall correctly those cowling are made of lexan and are prone to cracking.

If it fits comfortably the One60s should serve you well.

[gymmonster 4]

Thnx for the replies!

The vapors do indeed have that blue/clear cowling as seen on the vapor xxx goalie skates.

One60s are definately a good fit, ill go with those.

Thanks again!

[lukejameslarson 5]

Thnx for the replies!

The vapors do indeed have that blue/clear cowling as seen on the vapor xxx goalie skates.

One60s are definately a good fit, ill go with those.

Thanks again!

I think that you'll be happy with the One60s. I have a pair, and I really like them. No durability problems so far, and I've had them since around X-mas. The smaller cowling (which IS different from the one used on the One100s and One80s) has not failed to protect my foot thus far. Never been hit anywhere on the foot that wasn't covered by either the cowling or my pads. It also results in a drastic weight reduction. The skates weigh about 1/2 of what my previous pair did.

The only issues that I have had (and really the first one is just an annoyance) is that the blades are very clacky when you walk around in them. This is easily fixed by tightening the bolt on the front of the cowling. Maybe put some loc-tite on there so you don' have to do it often. My second issue is with the stock insoles. They are thin, and after a bit of time on the ice, you'll be feeling the tops of the rivets inside of the skates. I suggest looking into a different set of insoles to remedy this.

I have not at any point wished that I had spent any more money than I did to get one of the higher models, though they do have thicker tongues (which probably feel luxurious) and despite the fact that the Vertex-cutout intrigues me, I'm very pleased with the skates all the same.

Good luck. I hope that you like the skates as much as I have.

[gymmonster 4]

thnx for the quick review luke!

I just pulled the trigger on the one60s today. I've never used anything but stock insoles with my player skates but I'll grab a pair of superfeet based on your recommendations.

Thanks again everyone. Time to make a fool of myself on the ice ;)