Youth Bauer skates

[jj20 0]

Hi, I'm trying to decide which skates to buy for my son who, will be turning 5 in July. He's been skating for the past year and a half and has been wearing bauer vapor 0.5 skates which we bought used. He's skates now about 4 times a week. I want to buy him a new pair soon and I am trying to decide between bauer supremes 100 and 60's and vapors 3 and 7's, and he's still in the youth sizes. He's a become a somewhat strong skater- for a 4 year old that is. Will there be any advantages to keeping him in 1 line of skate (vapor) as he develops, or if I get him a pair of supremes to take advantage of some good sales will that make any differences in his skating development? Also, wIll there be any major stiffness differences between the 100/60's and 7/3's. I know you don't always need to buy the top of the line, but there really isn't a major price difference between the youth skates (supremes are cheaper though), and would pay a little more if it would help him develop. I also read somewhere that you shouldn't bake the vapor youth skates, but someone told me it's ok, so any feedback on that would be appreciated. Thanks.

[AIREAYE 248]

Get him what fits better and what works for your price range. More expensive skates will obviously be a bit stiffer though it's a bit more difficult to judge since you are obvserving them as an adult. The effects should still be felt, especially if, as you say, he's a stronger skater. Youth skates don't use the same innards (AFAIK) as JR and SR models so while it might be worthwhile to bake your One100s and 7.0s, your child wouldn't miss out if you elect to skip the bake. Again, get him what fits the best; doesn't have to be Bauer.

[jj20 0]

Thanks for the reply. I've always been a Bauer skate person, so it's hard for me to think of him wearing something else, but I'll let him try others on....maybe. He is difficult to figure out with things and likes anything new, so I kind of feel like I need to pick them out for him. I want to just get a line of skate to keep him in so it's easier to get. Most of the LHS don't carry youth skates and I have to drive about an hour to get to hockey giant to try skates on, and the last time I was there they didn't have much in his size now. So I think online ordering may be in my future.

[bandits_5 18]

I have 4 boys ages( 6-19 ) .All of which have played travel hockey at the AA level and the oldest plays college club now and I can tell you , you dont need a high end skate for a 4 yr old. The reason there isn't much of a price difference is because there isn't much difference in the skate. Youth sized skates are basically all the same. They'll have some subtle fit and performance charecteristics , but for the most part , they're the same. When a skate is made that small its hard to make them different

What you can do , is start developing good buying habits for him. Teach him that a skate should fit and feel good. Tell him not to pick the one he thinks looks the best. Take him and let him try them on. He'll probably tell you one feels better and youll be laying his skate buying foundation. But as far as fit and performance of a skate that small. There really isnt that much of a differance from line to line and brand to brand

[mlobitz 0]

My little guy is a pretty good skater as well and used the Supreme's last year. He really liked them over his previous skates (can't recall the brand, but it wasn't a major company). I think his were the 30's but I'm not positive. As said above, the differences between the higher and lower end were minimal when we went shopping... The boot on the higher end skates was a little bit stiffer, but the difference seemed minimal. Everything else seemed to be a wash...although the higher end ones are definitely more asthetically pleasing.

[jj20 0]

Thanks for the tips. I will teach him about how a skate is suppose to feel and go from there. Hopefully the hockey giant store has a few pair of skates in his size to try on. Has anyone had any issues with buying skates online? Or is it pretty safe?

[Cams 7]

I wouldn't buy skates, or anything that is fit related online. It is a lot easier to get them from a local shop (assuming you have one nearby). You will be able have have your little try on different models, etc. They will be fit properly by an employee there. Chances are you might get a free sharpening too. Plus, should something go wrong and you need to return (warranty issue for example), it sure it a heck of a lot easier to do it, versus buying online. Online - I would only buy sticks, and supplies.

[Jordan 13]

Fit is everything!

You need a fitter that knows what they are doing. At this age kids are not very good at describing what fits correctly. They simply don't know yet.

If the skates cause pain, your child won't like skating. Of the skates are too big, they won't do well, and won't like skating.

Take the time to go to a good LHS and spend some time with a sales assistant trying on several skates.