Vapors or Graf 703/G5 - Help me with skate fitting!

[LobstaLOL 0]

Hi,

Was wondering if anyone could help me out with skate selection. First post too!

A little bit of some history - had been using the Vapor XXII for a while now about 7-8 years. Very good boot at the time, didn't remember how it fit when I tried it on but it seemed to work for me in the long run. I use to skate with these taped up with sock tape, call it a personal preference.

I also did buy a pair of 735's from Graf from hockeymonkey and those were pretty good as well (this was during year 6 of my bauers). They took a couple of games to adjust to the Cobra's, couple of soar feet in the first few skates but eventually adjusted to them. I eventually kept wearing them throughout the year until I started building some 'growth' on my heel and then got blisters on the top of the pinky toe area (only my right foot). The 'growth' was around my heel, it was like a hard callous/tissue. The 'growth' wasnt such a big deal but the lace bite on the pinky toe area is what got me, that eventually went away but depending on how tight I laced my skate it came back (usually just let the first four eyelets loose). I adjusted to them and they really didn't bug me, never had to tape them up either.

Fast forward a year, I decided to go back to my Bauers and didn't miss a beat. I currently live in two places right now so I keep my Graf's back home and my Bauers in the other city. Unfortunately, now my Bauers aren't holding in the greatest shape (probably becuase I didn't take GREAT care for them, my fault I know). The toe cap seems to be coming off the sole (not the holder) of the boot. Plus they have this awful stench since I prefer playing barefeet =].

Went to try on a couple skates at my LHS. Here's a couple of notes of what I wore with superfeet:

Vapors (tried in 7.5D)

- Tried on the X7.0 and the X6.0 and they felt like my Vapors exactly so that was good.

- Also tried the APX's and those were super nice but don't think I need to spend that type of money (unless of course they are on sale when the new line releases in 2013).

- Felt like I had to tape these up near the ankle, they were comfortable but again, felt like my current vapors

- Heel lock was similar to my vapors but not tight.

Got to try on the Grafs 705s as well (tried in 7.5/8D)

- Felt like money! I've never had a skate feel so comfortable when I tried it on.

- Felt really deep as well, good ankle support and didn't feel the need to tape around the boot

- Heel lock was more tighter than the vapors and the forefront of foot an sides were snug and comfy.

After the skate fitting I thought I knew the skate I was gonna get, I was definitely leaning towards the 705s at the time.

The next couple of days I went back in for the second time and tried the 705's again - WOW, this hurt! Mind you I was wearing different socks at the time but the forefront of my boot felt like lace bite on both sides. Heel lock was amazing though and that's what I remembered from the first time. There had to have been only like 1 - 2 mm (larger) difference in the sock I had on the second time going into the store. I'll be going in again with the same socks that i had on the first time so we'll see if that was the issue.

Tried on the Vapors and they were fitting just like they did as the first time, really just wished the ankle lock was as tight as the 705s.

Is there any other boots you guys can think of where there's a strong heel like the 705's but the forefront of the vapors? I want to be able to have peace of mind that there's a boot I haven't tried on to try. Although the rep said everything else is pretty big for me (Nexus, Supremes, other grafs, other brands).

Is there anything I should try the next time I fit on the skates again to get some consistency with fitting and eventually be able to make a decision?

Thanks!

[Powerfibers 8]

I wore 735s in E width before my current Flexlites. I could never fit the Vapors, too straight and not enough heel lock or volume. I think you should try the Supremes. I didn't love the fit because I needed more volume, but the heel lock was good and similar to 735.

[LobstaLOL 0]

Went again to my LHS and fitted on an array of skates.

Tried on the Supremes as you suggested, definitely loved the volume of the boot but the fit seemed as snug as the Vapors, just a tad less tighter at the heel.

Tried on the RBK 20s - way too wide all around the foot

Tried on the Graf Ultra G65S - forefront was good but ankle lock was just messy

Tried on the Reeboks 20ks - even with the pumps but heel wouldn't lock in, but comfortable in the forefront

Tried on the Easton RS - pretty awesome heel lock, rest of the boot felt amazing as well! Although the ankle play was similar to the Vapors and has me guessing whether or not I'll be doing what I would always be doing, and that is taping it around the top of the skate again.

I'm wondering with the Easton RS if there is any way to use the TUUK holders, has anyone tried this? Would it be a mess, new holes to drill, etc??

I've gotten to a point that its either the Eastons or the 705's. I've gotta try on the 705's again for the third time since its been hit and miss.