Blade and stick questions

[WFDLt19 0]

I haven't skated in several years now, and from all my internet searches for my question, there are definitely a lot of knowledgable folks on here, so I'm hoping to get some help. I have an old pair of Bauer Custom Supreme 2000 with a white Tuuk blade. These skates are probably about 25 years old. The white plastic on the bottom of the boot, as well as the Tuuk, have turned yellow. My first question is, does this weaken the blade at all? If that's not a concern, is there a way to turn everything white again?

To go along with my 25 year old skates, I also have an Easton aluminum stick, which is about the same age. Do they even make aluminum sticks anymore? Do these sticks become weaker over time? I seem to remember aluminum sticks being filled with a foam like material, which I assume over time would dry up considerably.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Chadd 916]

Aluminum sticks eventually get bent out of shape from shooting. Other than that, an old aluminum shaft should still be usable. As for the skates, chances are that they will not hold up for long. I would think that the yellowing would indicate a weakening of the plastic.

[WFDLt19 0]

Thank you for the reply. I took the skates out today, and the yellowing is only on the base of the boot, and comes off with a little bleach and a lot of elbow grease using an abrasive sponge. The blades are actually in perfect condition, other than needing a good sharpening.

Now I have another question. I was reading a few things about "heat fitting" skates. I tried my skates on, and they just don't seem to have the fit they did a couple of years ago when I last used them. Is it possible to use the heat method with skates that are 25 years old to re-fit them to my feet? I remember hearing people talk about putting on wet socks then lacing up the skates to get a fit. Again, any suggestions are greatly appreciated, and thank you in advance for your anticipated replies.

[Chadd 916]

I don't believe your skates were designed for baking, but I could be wrong. A little heat wouldn't hurt to speed up the break in process, but it won't have the same impact as it would with modern skates. I've never been a big fan of the wet sock method, but I knew a few people that loved it.

Are the fit issues spot issues or more widespread?

[hockeyguy1 1]

why not just buy new skates?? it has been 25yrs after all. technology has taken a big leap in equipment since then.

[WFDLt19 0]

The bad fit seems to be rather widespread, so I'm thinking new skates might be the route to go. I may lace them up and go public skating to see how they feel, and it using them helps them loosen up again.

[skyscrape 5]

The bad fit seems to be rather widespread, so I'm thinking new skates might be the route to go. I may lace them up and go public skating to see how they feel, and it using them helps them loosen up again.

If money is not an issue...I would say why not make it more enjoyable than it used to be. I took a long break as well and will say one thing is for certain! The technology and knowledge of proper fit are game changers compared to the good old days. The comfort of a new skate is absolutely amazing when they fit right!

[hrbekroenick 0]

OP, sent you a PM.

[Nealoc187 10]

Chadd is correct, Custom Supreme 2000s are not designed for heat fit. I had those skates back in the day, and still rock Custom Supreme 4000s as my back up skates.