CCM/Bauer Skate Build Quality

[theelite 1]

Apologies if this has already been talked about. I couldn't find a link and if someone had a handy link to a topic like this, please let me know.

Lately I've been getting some pain in my ankle and knees after playing some hockey, and I decided that it was time to get new skates. My original skates, were Nike Bauer One50's from a few years back, sized 8EE. I went to my LHS and got fitted for a size 7 skate, regualr/wide depending on the skate brand.

I tried on every line/model of skate, and at the end of it all, the CCM U+ 10 fit me the best. Had no issies with my feet, at all. Since my left foot is slightly wider than my right foot at the toes, I usually get pain there from the toe cap. Not with the CCMs. They fit great. Just as I was going to pay for them, I do a quick inspect of the skate, and noticed how sloppy the build quality was.

Looking at the bottom of the skates, I saw that there was glue leakage from glueing the bottom piece (where the vent thing is) to the bottom of the boot. The glue was dry, but it seemed like when they applied the glue, they applied too much, and the leakage was a result of that. I also noticed that the holders weren't lined up straight from back to front. Last thing I noticed was that in general, things weren't lined up properly. From the holder, to the vents, to the runners. I was really disappointed. Everything was great about the skate until I inspected it. These skates retail for $379.99 CAD where I am and I was dissaopinted that such an expensive pair of skates could have such poor build quality. I ended up going to several different stores to see if this were the case with other stock that people had carried, and to my surprise, every CCM skate was like this. Reeboks were clean, and looked like they were well built, but not the CCMs.

I ended up not getting the CCMs, and went on trying more and more skates. I finally decided to get Bauer One80s. They're great skates, but not nearly as comfortable on my feet as the CCMs. They're the second best fitting skate that I've tried on, and I'm hoping that this pair will be awesome. I did the same inspection on the One80s and noticed that although the build quality was better than CCM, it still wasn't as good/perfect as I imagined it would be.

Has anyone else noticed this? I was told by my LHS that most people would skate through these issues anyway, but for me, a recreational hockey player to spend this much on skates, I expected them to be amazing in both performance and quality. I'm not really sure what to do. CCM's bit the best, but their build quality sucks so I don't have a lot of confidence in their skates. Bauer's fit second best (but not that close to the CCMs), their build quality seems to be okay though,

Sorry if this sounds a rant or something.

[LeMagnifique66 0]

My CCM U+ CL's were immaculate.

So were the U+12's I tried on when I bought the CL's.

Reebok owns CCM. Pretty sure all models (except the CL, which is made in Canada) are made in the same overseas factory.

So, don't really know what to tell you other than I would have bought what fit my foot best.

[TeamHonda401 54]

So, don't really know what to tell you other than I would have bought what fit my foot best.

This.

[DarkStar50 680]

You could have bought the CCM, used them for just under the 90 day boot warranty and then seen what the condition issues were then. I know you said the holders weren't true but at least you would know how the boot felt on the ice.

[Davetronz 109]

I've recently seen quality issues across a few brands and models that I've owned (yeah, I change skates like underwear).

Bauer One80 (current skate) - Holders were both mounted incorrectly causing the steel to bend. Exterior coating/paint is gone in a handful of places after 3 months.

Easton EQ50 - Boot fell apart and became "spongey" in under 6 months of use. 3 rivets on front of left skate popped out and needed replacing about 3 months in.

Graf 705 - "Nails" in sole/footbed were not trimmed/bent properly, were sticking into my feet through the insoles. Inside sole/footbed ended nearly 1/4" from the toe cap, toes hung over the gap while skating. Both tongues sewed on crooked.

Bauer Vapor x50 - Material covering inside portion of tendon guard on back of skate was cut too short. Sharp plastic "threads" cut into back of ankle while skating.

Bauer XXX Goalie (current goalie skate) - Glue all over tongue and seaping from some seams.

Honestly, you probably should have gone with what fit your foot best - although nothing against the One80. Quality assurance seems to be a thing of the past when it comes to skates - some things are aesthetic and you can overlook, others aren't.

[LeMagnifique66 0]

Graf 705 - "Nails" in sole/footbed were not trimmed/bent properly, were sticking into my feet through the insoles. Inside sole/footbed ended nearly 1/4" from the toe cap, toes hung over the gap while skating.

Wow. Now that would be something I'd find unacceptable.

[DarkStar50 680]

Graf has always done a horrible job with finishing off the nails in the interior sole. Their figure boots were even worse. We got so tired of QC issues with the figure boots and nails, we dropped Graf from the shop. For all the elite Graf boots we sold, it wasn't worth the trouble to have to fix their finished product before we sold it.

[theelite 1]

Thanks all for the replies.

I've come to grips with the quality issues. I guess I expected too much from things that are manufactured in Asian countries.

I've ordered a new pair of CCMs online, and will inspect them when they arrive. I'm probably going to keep these ones assuming there are no glaring problems with it. I've also got a pair of One80's that I'm going to hang on to until my CCMs arrive.

Thanks for the tip, DarkStar50. That's a good point - I can skate/play in them, and see what they're like within the 90 day warranty period. If any issues arise, I can take them up with CCM.

[AIREAYE 248]

It's not about where it's manufactured, it's about quality control from management.

[TommyKru06 2]

I have CCM U+10s and after 4 months have not had any issues with them. I did not notice anything that you noticed, save for the glue.

I hope that you get as much comfort and performance out of them as I have.

[Leb_CRX 0]

It's not about where it's manufactured, it's about quality control from management.

yep

my one95's, which from what I know are Canadian made, have the holders mounted off center on both skates (one's too forward, one's too far back)...the difference is close to half an inch I'd say

you'd think with them being their top of the line skate (at the time) they'd be some better quality assurance control

BUT, after 2 years, and an average of 5 hours of ice a week, they're still holding up great

[TommyKru06 2]

I have CCM U+10s and after 4 months have not had any issues with them. I did not notice anything that you noticed, save for the glue.

I hope that you get as much comfort and performance out of them as I have.

Didn't want to start a new thread for this but...

As luck would have it, after posting this I started to get a severe crease in the right skate of my U+10s that starts right at the outside eyelet in the middle (one under where the RBK lock thingy would be) and the boot is starting to show cosmetic damage such as cracking. I am wondering if this affects the integrity of the boot, eyelets and whether or not CCM will do anything about the warranty. Thank you for any suggestions, experiences or advice. Want to get a few insights before I call CCM