Tough skate recommendation

[AENutrition 1]

Hey guys,

I play higher level inline and typically skate 7 days a week. I am 6'1 and fluctuate between 245-300(competitive bodybuilder as well). I have a pair of Tour Thor EX-1's right now..I got them in May, but they are already destroyed(rivets coming out, boot is very weak). I also have destroyed all of the Micro Hub Addictions that came stock, although this was expected with my weight, skill level and play time.

Obviously the Thor's are not working out as expected, and they feel very flimsy. I'm looking for a new skate rec. I was thinking of buying an ice boot and converting, but not sure which to go with as well as which frames to go with. Any help is appreciated

[mtc 0]

im not sure but bauer vapor skates should be alright

[AENutrition 1]

I was thinking about getting the Bauer one100's and converting them.

[sharks25 9]

Just get a skate that fits correctly. Easton stealths are known for poor durability though. Any stiff skate should last fine. I would recommend a mission mag chassis. I've bent an aluminum chassis, but never a mag.

[Vet88 674]

Maybe have a look at an MLX boot, price wise they ain't far off a one100 and it will be custom built to fit. Fit a Magnesium chassis or a Sprung frame with mag rockers (if Sprung ever make such a beast, waiting for the new rocker release is like waiting for Xmas....:(

[henryb 4]

Hey AENutrition, I would recommend that you try to find a pair of Bauer Vapor RX:60's rather then converting a pair of ice skates. Now with the new APXR's out, you can get the RX:60's for fairly cheap. These are supreme stiff, yet incredibly comfortable (heat moldable). They already have the Magnesium chassis. Also I cant speak highly enough about Sprung Chassis, just the best thing to hit Roller Hockey! Check out my full review on the RX:60's in this forum.

One key element for longevity with the amount of use you put them through is to take extra care in getting them dry every day. Using wet skates will break down down the glues and structural materials that keep them rigid, not to mention the rivets will eventually come loose.

Good luck with your hunt.

[Justin 1933 134]

If you can wait till November, our new skates will be hitting the market. We have put a lot into the boots to make them durable and fit great.

[AENutrition 1]

Maybe have a look at an MLX boot, price wise they ain't far off a one100 and it will be custom built to fit. Fit a Magnesium chassis or a Sprung frame with mag rockers (if Sprung ever make such a beast, waiting for the new rocker release is like waiting for Xmas....:(

Never heard of MLX until now..I will look into them. I'm considering switching to Sprungs, but need to do more research on them.

Hey AENutrition, I would recommend that you try to find a pair of Bauer Vapor RX:60's rather then converting a pair of ice skates. Now with the new APXR's out, you can get the RX:60's for fairly cheap. These are supreme stiff, yet incredibly comfortable (heat moldable). They already have the Magnesium chassis. Also I cant speak highly enough about Sprung Chassis, just the best thing to hit Roller Hockey! Check out my full review on the RX:60's in this forum.

One key element for longevity with the amount of use you put them through is to take extra care in getting them dry every day. Using wet skates will break down down the glues and structural materials that keep them rigid, not to mention the rivets will eventually come loose.

Good luck with your hunt.

I'll grab a pair on Vapor RX: 60's and see how I like them. You're review was solid, I appreciate the input very much. I've been on the Hum'er Chassis for as long as I can remember but have wanted to try something different recently.

I have a glove/boot dryer I use after each skate so that shouldnt be an issue with the break down. I think the fact that I'm as big as I am and faster/more agile than anyone my size, and skate daily makes for a hell of a beating on inline skate made for guys 215lbs and lighter.

If you can wait till November, our new skates will be hitting the market. We have put a lot into the boots to make them durable and fit great.

Justin, I've sent you guys a couple messages on facebook(Aen). I am looking forward to the CA9's and November is coming up quickly. We have a pre season tourny we might end up doing and then the start of the AIHL/Winter tourny season, so I'm hoping to atleast get something between now and then. I really don't have a problem with grabbing more than 1 pair of skates to see what I end up liking. Definitely planning on donning some Alkali gear ASAP though(Buckets on right now).

I know you guys have put in the time and research with the materials/structural integrity of the skate..my only concern is(and this goes for all inline skates) the amount of abuse it can take from someone like me.

Just get a skate that fits correctly. Easton stealths are known for poor durability though. Any stiff skate should last fine. I would recommend a mission mag chassis. I've bent an aluminum chassis, but never a mag.

My Thor EX-1's fit fine...just getting beat to all hell.

[sharks25 9]

I didnt word my last response the way I wanted to :D If you fit correctly in one skate, you wont fit correctly in another, which can cause pre-mature breakdown. Perfect example: Vapor boots fit NOTHING like Tours and getting them will probably be a huge mistake for that reason. Skates that fit similar to tour: CCM U+, Bauer supremes, Reebok (sorta) and Easton EQ. The Vapors are very narrow, compared to a wider fit with the Tours. I have narrow feet and the rx60s were too narrow for me.

Hope this helps more!

[AENutrition 1]

I didnt word my last response the way I wanted to :D If you fit correctly in one skate, you wont fit correctly in another, which can cause pre-mature breakdown. Perfect example: Vapor boots fit NOTHING like Tours and getting them will probably be a huge mistake for that reason. Skates that fit similar to tour: CCM U+, Bauer supremes, Reebok (sorta) and Easton EQ. The Vapors are very narrow, compared to a wider fit with the Tours. I have narrow feet and the rx60s were too narrow for me.

Hope this helps more!

Definitely does. I have wider feet for sure. The one thing I don't like in the Tour fit is the ankle. It feels like my ankle is never very secure.

[sharks25 9]

Check out those skates I mentioned for sure then. U+s are supposedly very, very stiff and durable, so you may wanna try those out. Supremes have good heel lock too.

[caldakid 0]

XR5 vs RX60 , any thoughts??

[the_game 452]

Tour continues it's reputation of making a disposable skate with the Thor EX-1, skates won't even last a year if you're a bigger guy. It's amazing how quickly the Tour boot deteriorates, loses its support and finally breaks down. I'm glad I'm not the only one who experiences this issue with the Tour brand.

If you're looking for a stiff boot there is no doubt converting the Bauer APX or just buying the Bauer APXR might be the way to go, I think it all depends on your chassis preference. For me I love the Hummr, but if you want to try Sprung's I would suggest converting a high end ice boot. Finding a Bauer boot that fits you correctly w/ their technology is probably going to be your best bet. Thats what I plan on doing, taking the chassis from my THor EX-1's and putting them on a solid ice boot. I can't see spending the money on a Tour skate thats going to break down.

I am also curious to see what Alkali brings to the table too. Since Alkali has the all 80 set up, I'm intrigued as thats my chassis of choice, but since its a new product I'll be a little worried about how well the boot will hold up.