Graf G5 or RBK 9k

[cis429 0]

Hi all -

I'd love some well-informed opinions about a critical decison (my next skates). I've skated on Graf 705's for the last 5 years but they are wearing out (a little earlier than I expected). I have Tuuk holders on them. I play 2-3 times a week. I have a buddy who is an equipment manager for a semi-pro team and has a pair of Graf 5Gs and a pair of RBK 9ks in my size. All they will cost me is a case of beer.

He lives out of state but will be in town in a couple days with them. The catch is I'll be able to try them on but will have to make a choice without skating in them. So since the price is right, I don't have much to risk picking a pair, but I'd certainly like to pick the right pair...

So I'd naturally lean toward Graf since my 705s fit so well. Famously with Grafs though, that took a good year to happen and I don't really want to break in another pair of skates with that much difficulty. I've heard a lot good things about the RBKs and the 9ks and G5 have similar fits, from what I've learned (I have wide feet). I'm a little leary of the RBK pump, namely that one will break at some point. While the pump may be an added bonus that shouldn't be a substitute for a good fit, that doesn't mean it won't suck having to skate with them after I'm used to using it. Also, I've heard that lace bit is a problem with them. I could swap tongues but I need to draw the line somewhere.

So assuming they both feel OK when I try them on, what do you all think? I'll likely throw my Tuuk runners on either pair, so that isn't really a factor (e.g. the pitch of Graf runners).

THANK YOU

And glad to be here, by the way.

[JBP 18]

Buy two cases! One for each pair :). More related to your question. I went from a Graf 705 to a Reebok product with very little transition anxiety 3 years ago and cannot be more pleased with the change. No problems with lace bit or the pump. Pump has been a nice secondary fit feature and use it for sure. I did try the G5's briefly and was in unimpressed. Definitely was not my trusted old 705's. But, as all people on here will say. It is all in what fits your foot best and after that all blade preference issues can be dot with.

[yrhmblnr8r 69]

+1 on JDS's buy two cases suggestion. At that price, take them both. Then you have time to test drive/sharpen/bake/swap footbeds at your leisure. If you hate one of them after all that, sell them to a teammate for a case of beer and send it to your EQM buddy.

I went from Graf 709s to CCM U+ 12s, so it's not a direct comparison but I did notice a major fit difference pre- and post-bake. I believe the RBKs are bakeable but the G5s might not be. Take it all into account.

[chippa13 1844]

I wore the 9K's. They were a great skate for my foot, fit really well but they did break down quick. I only got about 1 and 1/2 years of beer league out of them. As for the pump, I didn't even use it.

[cis429 0]

My buddy is going to keep the pair I don't want, or I would definitely buy two cases of beer! I think I'll take the Grafs. It's hard to argue against what I know already.

[osicks 6]

buy three cases. one for yourself

[cis429 0]

Now you're talking osicks!

[akravetz 29]

I have G5s, they are bakeable and they are the most comfortable skate I have ever owned. I haven't tried 9Ks but I do love my G5s. I play defense in a nocheck league and have taken a few shots off the boot. It's left a mark but the pain hasn't been that bad. And the forward tilt people talk about, I don't notice. I just like the skates. I can't offer more than that. I like them.

Andy