Skate Stiffness?

[gmill 0]

Sorry if this has been discussed to death, but is it better for a newer skater that is still building skills to have a really stiff boot such as the Vapor X 7.0 or get the mid level skate to build skills or do you get the better skate and get use to it while you are learning to play the game?

Skate Rec league 2 to 3 times a week 1 to 2 hour sessions, pretty much beer league but want to move up when skills inprove.

Thanks guys.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Less.

You want something that will allow you to learn your edges and feel the ice.

[gmill 0]

JR

Would a skate such as the Vapor 5.0 be better choice, middle of the road.

[Gefiltefish 9]

Agreed.

I skated roller for the longest time and reccently got back into ice. I am using the Vapor X4.0, which is a great starting point for $200. The outsole has a little play in it, which I find helps me with the transition. The boot itself is stiff (almost comparable with a X5.0 or X6.0) but not uncomfortable. I was very close to getting the X5.0 but the only difference that really mattered was the X5.0 had a stiffer outsole, beefier tongue and LS2 runner. I actually wanted the softer outsole and LS2 is not a huge selling point for me over Super Stainless. The X4.0's tongue had a ice bite guard as well so I did not see the justification for an extra $130 at the time... It may be a model I upgrade to later on...

I would sugguest starting around that level of skate. After I develop my ice skills more, I will likely upgrade to something like the 7.0 but would not want to start there.

[gmill 0]

I have the new 7.0 now, and it absolutley kills my ankle bone on the inside, no heal slip at all, no other discomfort, but I do not skate as fast as I did with lower level skate. Feels like I have cast on my feet. Also It feels as if there is not enough padding in the inside ankle area. Baked one time and only skated in them once. I will keep them and use them latter on when skills develop, at the moment they feel like they are too much skate for me. At least for now. I only have 25 or 30 games under my belt and Just started playing last Jan and our season just started agian this week.

[Gefiltefish 9]

I hear ya! It may indeed be too much skate.

There are a lot of players who prefer a softer/mid range skate. Professionals included. Most will say that the initial comfort and break-in is easier and they just deal with the quicker breakdown of the skates.

Its all personal preference and what suits your foot/style the best.

[Andoy 5]

7.0 is a high end skate comparable to last year's X:60. Break-in period is more pronounced in high end skates than low/mid level skates because of the materials used.

[gmill 0]

7.0 is a high end skate comparable to last year's X:60. Break-in period is more pronounced in high end skates than low/mid level skates because of the materials used.

That's why I am wondering if I skate 2 to 3 times a week if I will ever break them in? Could take me 1 year,, ha ha May take me a while to get benefit from them.

[wrangler 157]

That's why I am wondering if I skate 2 to 3 times a week if I will ever break them in? Could take me 1 year,, ha ha May take me a while to get benefit from them.

Your weight may affect your break-in, and how long your skates will last.

I hear ya! It may indeed be too much skate.

There are a lot of players who prefer a softer/mid range skate. Professionals included. Most will say that the initial comfort and break-in is easier and they just deal with the quicker breakdown of the skates.

Its all personal preference and what suits your foot/style the best.

What do you weigh? I don't remember you as a lightweight.

[Gefiltefish 9]

Your weight may affect your break-in, and how long your skates will last.

What do you weigh? I don't remember you as a lightweight.

270 lbs. I still find the X4.0 to be fine though. It has only been a few skates though and nothing too intense.

[gmill 0]

I am 6'2" 220lbs. I noticed that my inner ankle does curve in, wonder if baking them again would help, there is an indention for ankle bone, I just need it bigger, could have them punched out on the inside of boot where anlke bone is. I wore them a day ago and my anlkes are purple, brused from skates. I may need a skate that has more padding in the ankle area.

I was using Supreme One 60's pretty confy in the anke are but the forfoot is a little too wide. That is why I tried the Vapor line, they fit well in the fortoot except the inside anlke area, no problems with the outside ankle.

[MyBoxersSayJoe 133]

I had a coach who used to come out for all our practices with his laces undone, just to build up ankle strength. A less stiff boot would definitely help in building them up. You'll learn your edges and the limits of the skates. After that you'll probably be able to take advantage of a stiffer skate.

[wrangler 157]

270 lbs. I still find the X4.0 to be fine though. It has only been a few skates though and nothing too intense.

That's what I thought I remembered. It'll be interesting to see how they last for you.

[Gefiltefish 9]

That's what I thought I remembered. It'll be interesting to see how they last for you.

I'm honestly only expecting 6 or so months. After I develop my skating skills more I will hope that they wear out and I can upgrade to a higher-end skate.

[wetwilly17 6]

but I do not skate as fast as I did with lower level skate

if you only skated in them one time, you won't be used to them and you will feel clumsy especially since you are a new skater. since you already bought them, i don't see the point in getting another pair of new skates. if they are comfortable (and it sounds like they are with only minor hot spot at your ankle that will probably break in), try them for a few weeks.

[romdj 26]

if you only skated in them one time, you won't be used to them and you will feel clumsy especially since you are a new skater. since you already bought them, i don't see the point in getting another pair of new skates. if they are comfortable (and it sounds like they are with only minor hot spot at your ankle that will probably break in), try them for a few weeks.

Agreed, also try to go to open skating sessions to feel & explore your skates as they are much more reactive than your older skates..

[focker1636 0]

I started skating a year ago and had been skating the Reebok 4Ks, starter skate, until this weekend. I upgraded to the Vapor x5.0s and love them. I'm sure the x7.0 is a stiffer boot than the x5.0, but my personal experience is the x5.0 break-in period appears to be suprisingly short. I'm 5-9 and 172, purchased and baked the skate on Saturday, tested them Sunday early afternoon, and was comfortable enough in the skate to wear them in a game Sunday night. By the end of the game Sunday night I felt little to no discomfort.

Enjoy the 7.0s!