Skates for Intermediate Skater

[moteef17 7]

The long/short is this: Replacing a pair of Mission Fuel 70AG skates (size 11E) with a pair of Bauer Nexus 400 (size 11EE)

Back story: Started playing men's league hockey in earnest 3 years ago, and basically learned how to skate in a pair of MISSION Fuel AG 70's. I had been searching for a pair of skates, trying on a lot of basic stuff (Supreme's , Eastons, CCM and Reeboks). Most everything felt terribel. By chance, I happened upon the Mission skates in a big box store, and I assumed it was some sort of online order returned in the store, because the store carried NO other Mission skates or gear. I paid $60 for them and never really looked back. I did discover later that the 'AG' skates were one eyelet lower than other skates, and were designed for more agility. Not sure if that was something I could really take advantage of at my level. Aside from some numbing early on, which i discovered was due mostly to over cranking lower eyelets, I have never dealt with pain or discomfort in the arch, heel, ankle....or anywhere.

The only issue is that the inside of the boots are getting torn up. I've worn down a section or two of the interior boot in both heels right to the 'core' of the boot. It's not causing any discomfort, but got me thinking to start looking for a replacement.

Bought the Nexus 400's and gave them a go this week. The fit is incredibly different. It seems the Nexus boot is pushing forward dramatically in comparison to the Missions. I spent 30 minutes or so in the Nexus skates in my local hockey shop paying close attention to the way my heel locked in place, and noticing how much more room was in the toe-box of the Bauer skates. That being said, I find that the Nexus skate was almost requiring a more 'forward stance', with consistent knee bend, whereas i could relax in a more upright position while gliding in the Mission skates. The Nexus wants me forward, knees bent all the time. I did like the overall heel lock i feel in teh Nexus, and it seems I'll be able to power in and out of turns as I develop more confidence with my forward foot / outside edge. But, as an intermediate skater, still lots to practice and learn.

So, I may be premature in posting this, but my questions are: What happens if i decide I prefer to remain in the Mission skates? Should I hold onto the Nexus 400's as a backup skate that is ready to go? Or continue searching for a fit that feels more like the Missions I'm in now, and sell the Nexus skates?

Just curious what the feedback would on this topic

[moteef17 7]

UPDATE: I spent another 30 minutes in the skates today (weekday public skate, not a full gear game or practice), and I think I'll be OK. I tried leaving the top eyelet unlaced, and I think this helped me deal with the forward stance I feel the Nexus boot seems to require. I'm also slighly (perhaps completely) flat-footed, and I wonder if my Mission's were encouraging that heel-leaning/upright stance all along, as opposed to an aggressive forward stance. Again, I'm not a phenomenal skater, and as such I've been skating in what I believed to be very basic skates. The stiffer and higher boot in the Nexus, as well as the true heel-lock that I'm feeling is completely new to me. I'll play my weekend game in the Nexus skates and see how many laughs I can provide my bench when I'm moving/falling at a different pace.

....woudl still appreciate some feedback if anyone has the time to reply