Loose Runners - Problems and Solutions

[matt333 0]

Hey ModSquad. I recently purchased a pair of Bauer Vapor X:60 skates from the local Sport Chek in the area. They were on sale for a really good price. I noticed the runners were slightly loose (just enough so you can slightly move them). The sales associate told me this is common and is not a problem at all. I purchased the skates. Is this a serious issue for a new pair of skates? Is there a problem with the holder or runner? Are they going to continually be coming loose? Any insight in this issue is greatly appreciated.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

I wouldn't call it common, but have seen some cases that it's happened. Is it slipping up and down or back and forth?

Remove the runners and reinstall them.

If it doesn't tighten up, go back and have them try a new set of steel to see if it does the same thing.

[matt333 0]

Thanks for the info. It moves up and down, and slightly side to side (and I mean slightly). Back and forth they seem to be tight enough to hold them in place.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

Yeah, could be a little under tolerance.

Chances are you'll be fine as long as it's tight at connection point, but still, wouldn't be out of the question of getting them swapped out.

Were they sharpened?

[matt333 0]

Ya they sharpened them in store (and I had to get them ground down and re-sharpened at different store as the Sport Chek skate technician did a very uneven job but that's a different story). I emailed corporate and they informed me they could locate another pair and will let me swap them for a new pair. My concern is whether it is worth it to have them exchanged for a new pair, after having these runners profiled, though I am looking at doing what will be best for the skates.

[Beleafer 14]

I'd suggest bringing them into a legit hockey store (aka not sportchek) and have them looked at by someone with a lot of experience. Or just get them exchanged.

[jimmy 194]

It's likely not the runners, more likely a typically defective holder.

[JIMRB96 0]

Quick fix is small pieces of scotch tape to tighten up the loose areas. I did this with my MLX blades/holders cuz I couldn't stand the clicking. Never noticed any issues.