is it crazy to buy reebok 18K's as first pair of skates?

[mjpisat 36]

Well, first pair I've had in years. I have a 20% off so I'm getting them for like $480. It was between those and a pair of bauer vapors. I like the pump in the reebok and they just feel a little more comfortable. I figure why spend $200 or so on something and then before I know it want to upgrade. Seems you spend more in the long run.

[AIREAYE 248]

Try them on and see what fits the best, doesn't matter if it's Reebok or Bauer. Although you really don't need that much skate.

[Davetronz 109]

Unless you're a bigger guy, or you're going to be on these skates 3+ times a week, they're likely too much skate for you.

You'll probably find them too stiff otherwise.

Price or percentage discount shouldn't be your first consideration. AIREAYE is right, try on the skates and go with what fits best - then dial down to your price level, if applicable.

[Chadd 916]

RBK skates aren't as stiff as the top end Bauer skates. It's unlikely that they will be "too much skate" for most people. Fit is the most important factor with any skate and if this skate fits, you may not be replacing it for years.

[leftwinger37 43]

If you can handle the stifness and you can afford them, do it.

[jebaxter 0]

.

[Zorlac 22]

The 18Ks are awesome, but the pricetag is a bit high for the skate IMO. May I suggest the 11Ks since the price has dropped ALOT and they are fabulous skates! If you tend to have a wider foot, as I do, I believe you'll love em! As suggested, the skate does break in rather quickly. I dropped to a 6.5E in the 11K, as compared to a 7.5D in my old Tacks. They were on the borderline of being uncomfortably tight, HOWEVER...after a baking and only a few games of hockey in them, they now fit perfectly. Toe just grazes the cap, then settles in after a few mins, and I don't have to "Horse choke" my laces in order for the skate to feel snug. I paid too much for my 11ks but now the price has dropped over $100 from what I paid.

I play a few times a week, and public skate for exercise at least 2 times as well, they've held up perfectly. granted I'm not Lucic, but they can handle some abuse....

OH...and about that "pump feature," I firmly believe that pump is an EXTRA feature ONLY! I do NOT need it for my skates to feel right. If you MUST use the pump to have your ankle feel secure, youre not in the right size skate! DROP DOWN A HALF SIZE...I'm not saying not to try it as some people may like an overly tight ankle feel. I don't lace the top lace, or use the pump at all.

[mjpisat 36]

Stopped by a shop today and tried on 12k 14k and Bauer vapor 4.0. I'm a 6.5 in reebok but 7 felt best in Bauer. For the price I went with the Bauer. The reeboks felt a little uncomfortable. Only 200 for the vapors so we'll see. Returning 18 k. Thanks.

[Kessel'sOversizedSuit 18]

If the Vapours worked for you, there is no way the reebok would, imho.

[mjpisat 36]

Why is that? after reading zorlac's post maybe I should have gone with the reeboks. They were a little uncomfortable/ tight in the volume (from bottom to top of foot) but they were a 6.5 opposed to the vapors which were a 7. my dress shoe size is an 8. maybe I'll revisit one more time. i can return if need be.

[Chadd 916]

Loosen the laces as and slide your foot as far forward in the boot as you can. If you have a finger width or more behind your heel, it's not the right size. Too many people feel pressure on the side or top of the skate and go with a bigger size when what they really need is a wider boot.

[mjpisat 36]

will do

thanks

i have pretty small narrow feet so a d width should be fine. i think i'll just need to figure it out as i go. glad i decided to go less expensive with a cheaper pair so i can figure out what i like fit wise.

thanks for all the advice.

[Kessel'sOversizedSuit 18]

Why is that? after reading zorlac's post maybe I should have gone with the reeboks. They were a little uncomfortable/ tight in the volume (from bottom to top of foot) but they were a 6.5 opposed to the vapors which were a 7. my dress shoe size is an 8. maybe I'll revisit one more time. i can return if need be.

I say that if the Vapour works, the RBK likely won't because I understand that the lasts that those two boots are made on are very different. They certainly felt very different to me anyway. I ultimately ended up in the supreme line. If its been said once around here, it's be said a million times, get the boot that fits.

[mjpisat 36]

Revisited the reebok 12k and vapor 4.0 in a 6.5

Think I got it right this time. Went with vapor 4.0 for 200. Baked them and they feel good. Thanks for the advice.

[AIREAYE 248]

That's an excellent pricepoint to be at imo. Good value at that level for a skater in your situation. Let us know how they feel after a while.

[Zorlac 22]

It certainly boils down to fit.... SQUEEZE that foot in! FEEL that toe cap! Deal with the numbness for a game or two... you'll be happy you did!