Stiff Skat Vs Mid Stiff Skate

[gmill 0]

I was wondering what some of the benefits are of having a skate that is stiffer vs a mid stiff skate? Furthermore, How do you know how to measure Heal Instep Depth?

I am currently in a 9.5 Supreme One60, feels too soft for my 6'2" 215lbs frame. I was getting heal slip unitl I put in shock doctor insert and use a tube sock. Would like a skate that I can wear a thinner sock, not getting a good feeling of the ice with current set up. I am not the strongest skater but not a beginner.

I talked to a hockey shop up in NJ and they said based off of my measurments of foot, that if I go to a CCM or Reebok I need a size 10. Not sure about that. 9.5 fit perfect. Toes barley touch the end of toe box and when laced up standing good to go. My foot measured with a seemstress measuring tape is:

Lenght: 11"

Width: 3 3/4"

high arch

Heal is narrow with a slight pronounce

I know some of you are sizing guru's, I do not have the option of trying on alot of skates, pro shop is 8 hours one way trip. Everyone in my area has to order online or call shops and place orders to be deliverd.

Thanks All

[IniNew 53]

Stiff skates provide stability laterally. Something I struggled with in the mid-level skates. However, once I went to stiffer skates I was forced to unlace the top eyelet to get the proper forward flex. It's a give and take. they can help cover up some short comings in your skating, at least they did for me. As far as fittings go, I went from One95s with heel slippage only in my right to Easton S17's. They are just as wide, but have the Padlock Heel which is very thin. Might take a look at a pair. Note for stealth skates though: you'll most likely need to go up half a size to get the proper length.

[AIREAYE 248]

Adding onto what Ini said, I find that most people moving up (me included) to better skates undoubtedly notice and appreciate the upgrade. However there are people who prefer the flexibility (or lack of support) that lower end/ mid end skates offer. The stiffness can be too much.

However for your weight, a stiffer skate would offer you better support and would last longer than a mid-end skate as both the support and quality of material is improved.

You've got the right idea in that you should head to an LHS to get properly fitted. Sizing varies by company and even within the same brand. I fit in 8.5 S15s but have to move up half a size in the S17s for example.

[gmill 0]

How do the new Easton EQ 50 or EQ 40 fit or size compared to the S 17? Width, Toe box Heal ect.?

[nicksmission14 0]

How do the new Easton EQ 50 or EQ 40 fit or size compared to the S 17? Width, Toe box Heal ect.?

Completely different fit wise, in my opinion.

[gmill 0]

I am not able to go to a LHS, I live in West Florida. I called the shop in NJ and gave them measurment of foot and they in turn used that on a skate fitter. I have to use the old try it an then return by UPS or other transporter service. Have to drive about 8 hours one way and they do no stock high end skates.

Florida has some soft ice, but hey at least it's ice. We can only skate from Oct - April or so, depending on our low level southern league team the Pensacola Ice Flyers.

[nicksmission14 0]

When I had DarkStar50 do my customs, we went to a 3 stiffness. I was a little concerned about going with that kind of stiffness, but I am very glad I did. I absolutely love the lateral stiffness of the skate. I did have a slight problem, I couldn't properly flex the skate forward at first, but nothing I couldn't fix with lacing techniques and now I've got the best of both worlds. Forward Flex and lateral stiffness. Love it.

[AIREAYE 248]

Completely different fit wise, in my opinion.

Not really, the Stealths generally have a narrow heel and a wider forefoot area whereas the EQ line doesn't have that wider forefoot. I do believe the heel/ankle lock on the Stealths are more pronounced than the Synergys

I am not able to go to a LHS, I live in West Florida. I called the shop in NJ and gave them measurment of foot and they in turn used that on a skate fitter. I have to use the old try it an then return by UPS or other transporter service. Have to drive about 8 hours one way and they do no stock high end skates.

Florida has some soft ice, but hey at least it's ice. We can only skate from Oct - April or so, depending on our low level southern league team the Pensacola Ice Flyers.

PM JR, isn't his shop in Florida?

[MyBoxersSayJoe 133]

I really appreciated having the support in the ankles on very sharp, abrupt stops and changing direction. The lateral support in tight turns is great as well. If the skates are sized right, forward flex shouldn't be too much of a problem. If you have to, you can go down an eyelet. In my Graf 703, I used to wrap the laces around the ankles because they were soft skates and I liked the added support from that. In my x60's, I dropped an eyelet because I didn't have the forward flex I was used to. My APX's are the first skate I have that I lace up normally. I think the new tongue in them is a large factor in that as well as the correct size.

If JR's in Florida, hit him up.