When to buy top of the line skates like nxg or apx etc.

[Hckyguy77 0]

Alright so after wonderful help from a fellow modsquader i was able to figure out a way to try on skates and get a higher brand than some might choose to. for those that have gone above and beyond to spend money on hockey skates that are worth $700+, what was the biggest factor that made you decide, ok im going with these over the next down for say $500. i am playing division2 hockey practices twice a week 1 1/2 hour practices games twice a week sometimes show cases etc, the top lines like nxgs and apx (just bauer specific, not trying to seclude any other high brands) catch my attention more than wanting to go for a one.7 and on. so just wanting everyones opinion on what makes them go for that extra bang. thank you to all for the help in advance i just recently stumbled upon this site and love it

[t6lock 24]

i didn't pay quite the $700, but heres my main factors

1. if i can afford it

2. if i needed new skates (was either new steel or new skates)

3. if i thought i was a strong enough skater to upgrade

4. correct me if im wrong, but i think the higher end skates are more durable, so i decided to get them in hopes that they would last me many years. had mine for a year now and they still look and feel fantastic

[Cams 7]

For me, I prefer a higher end skate over the step down for the following reasons...

A) The comfort and fit will obviously be better that higher you go in most cases

B) My ability and experience dictate that I will certainly enjoy the benefit of certain features offered

C) As above, the "can I afford these" factor is a big part too.

D) Durability - When I was playing 4/5 times a week - I think it is also obvious that the higher end skates will of course last longer.

I really wish I would have paid more attention to my own "A" on my last purchase!

[All Torhs Team 0]

I think Cams said it right with:

B) My ability and experience dictate that I will certainly enjoy the benefit of certain features offered

When hockey is your life passion you make investments that might seem silly to the normal person. But we all know this is the most expensive sport you could take up....that being said when its in your budget to splurge; and you eat/sleep/breath hockey -- go for it

[tareatingrat 4]

Just be careful.

I blew a grand on custom skates (CCM U+ CL's) that I ended up hating (long story).

Whatever skate you decide on, it had better fit right. Think long and hard about what you currently like and dislike about your current skates. If you like them, stick with something similar. If you hate them, then change it up.

Other than that, I'd look at stiffness compared to your ability level, and then any other features you think you might like.

Price is very low on my list when it comes to skates. They're kind of important, so get something that's right.

[SolarWind 23]

To add to everything above there's also emotional satisfaction factor to consider - sometimes we just want certain things, and sometimes only the top will do :)

Plus for me personally while generally I found the skate that works for me (been in top of the line supremes for the past 5 years) I still want to make certain minor tweaks (ie differently sized feet, oversized ankle pads etc) and customs can only be done for top models...

[MyBoxersSayJoe 133]

I have a weird foot. None of the retail sizes fit perfectly and wanted to go custom. I also figured I had my last skates for 13 years, I might as well buy something really nice that I was going to love. I didn't have a problem shelling out a lot of money for something that was going to be exactly as I wanted it. I'm insanely picky about my skates.

[nittanypucker 1]

Once you decide on what you want, you may want to check ebay. You'd be surprised what you can find there, especially if you do a search for pro stock skates. A friend of mine swears by it. Another thing to consider is you can always custom order skates, as Joe said. If you contact the manufacturer, they can customize the skates. I love hockey and am crazy about my skates, but I am super picky about what I like. I do not have a super high-paying job but for skates I am willing to splurge. Skates can be a crap shoot and if you get something that is going to fit your foot well and fit your playing style,, then it is worth it (to me) to pay for something that will last.