Upgrading from Entry Level Skates

[fretlessthumb 0]

Hi guys,

I used to play a fair bit of hockey as a kid. These days I manage the occasional skate thanks to a very demanding job, but having had a day off on Monday and fitting in a 4 hr skate, I've realised 2 things:

- I still LOVE skating and need to start going more

- If I start skating more, I seriously need to replace my ancient Bauer Impacts that I got as a temporary measure when my CCM Tacks were no longer useable

So, I'm starting looking at skates. I'm in the UK and have always struggled with finding knowledgable sales folk and therefore spent most of my time in poorly fitting skates, I've been through several Bauers, CCM Tacks, Easton, so I've not got a huge preference for any particular brand. I'm hoping to get something that fits great, will keep me skating for years and just be really nice to skate in.

So this very long story leads me to the point that I haven't bought skates in 15 years and a lot has changed...Reebok have arrived, CCM have been bought by them, the full impact of Nike/Bauer has taken place, skate baking has come in ... So I'm doing my research, but basically starting from scratch knowledge wise.

Given I'll be skating once a week or so, I shouldn't need anything great, so my starting point was the Vapor x1.0, Reebok 9k, CCM U+4 kind of range, but I'm also thinking that I plan on using these for years, so if spending a little more is going to make a difference, then I think I should consider it. I'm 5ft11, 135lbs (I'm a girl if that sounds weird!) and its just for rec skating so shouldn't need anything majorly heavy duty.

So my very long way of asking this question:

Does anyone have experience from upgrading from the entry level models to 1 or 2 models up, and if so, did it make a lot of difference?

Thanks!

[Kessel'sOversizedSuit 18]

Will you notice a difference with an upgraded skate? probably.

Will you notice a difference if the skate fits properly? absolutely.

It's the same recommendation every time, but that's because it's the truth. Try on everything. Buy what feels and fits best. You're feet will thank you and your skating will improve as a result.

To your point about wanting to be in these skates for years, I would say going up a model from the ones you've suggested isn't a bad idea. However, given your light weight and relatively low impact use, you could certainly be quite happy with the models you suggest. The risk of course is always that you'll really get hooked and be quickly looking upmarket again. A little extra pain in the wallet now might satiate an impending wave of gear lust.

[salibandy 21]

I would agree with everything Kessel'sOversizedSuit wrote, although I'll add that if you're planning to stay in these skates for years, you'd probably want to look at one or two models up, the stiffness should last a longer time. When I started playing hockey, I got some entry level skates, CCM Vectors I think. I hated those, they were soft and I felt like I had no support. So I bought a pair of Vapor X6.0s and loved the support they gave me.

What size are your feet? Also, having been through all the different brands, which are the ones that have stood out as being the most comfortable?

[boosterbosch 2]

Hi guys,

I used to play a fair bit of hockey as a kid. These days I manage the occasional skate thanks to a very demanding job, but having had a day off on Monday and fitting in a 4 hr skate, I've realised 2 things:

- I still LOVE skating and need to start going more

- If I start skating more, I seriously need to replace my ancient Bauer Impacts that I got as a temporary measure when my CCM Tacks were no longer useable

So, I'm starting looking at skates. I'm in the UK and have always struggled with finding knowledgable sales folk and therefore spent most of my time in poorly fitting skates, I've been through several Bauers, CCM Tacks, Easton, so I've not got a huge preference for any particular brand. I'm hoping to get something that fits great, will keep me skating for years and just be really nice to skate in.

So this very long story leads me to the point that I haven't bought skates in 15 years and a lot has changed...Reebok have arrived, CCM have been bought by them, the full impact of Nike/Bauer has taken place, skate baking has come in ... So I'm doing my research, but basically starting from scratch knowledge wise.

Given I'll be skating once a week or so, I shouldn't need anything great, so my starting point was the Vapor x1.0, Reebok 9k, CCM U+4 kind of range, but I'm also thinking that I plan on using these for years, so if spending a little more is going to make a difference, then I think I should consider it. I'm 5ft11, 135lbs (I'm a girl if that sounds weird!) and its just for rec skating so shouldn't need anything majorly heavy duty.

So my very long way of asking this question:

Does anyone have experience from upgrading from the entry level models to 1 or 2 models up, and if so, did it make a lot of difference?

Thanks!

Hey,

welcome aboard from a fellow UK based player! Where abouts are you based? Depending on that I might be able to point you to a good store or at least to a person able to assist you better with finding a good new pair of skates.

[AIREAYE 248]

Assuming that you've tried a bunch on and have narrowed the fit down to a few lines, I would always recommend looking at skates one or two levels above the very bottom for those looking for a better quality rec boot or for those just starting to play hockey. That's the sweet spot IMO. Those would include the X2.0,3.0, One.5, U+04 etc. See if you can find some on clearance as well.

[Oink 0]

The risk of course is always that you'll really get hooked and be quickly looking upmarket again. A little extra pain in the wallet now might satiate an impending wave of gear lust.

This x100. Especially with skates.

When I upgraded skates I planned on spending in the $200 range, but when I tried skates I sucked it up and tried on skates that were a model above what I was originally planning to buy and I couldn't be happier.

I'd rather spend the extra buck now, and keep the skates until they NEED replacing, than to decide that I want a higher model skate in a year or so when the skates I already have still have some life left in them.

[fretlessthumb 0]

Wow, thanks for all the responses, that's really helpful. I'm thinking I'll be aiming for the upper end (assuming one of those fits great)

boosterbosch - I'm down on the south coast, so I'm quite limited. I work in Woking in the week though and just saw that Hockey Range is about 10 minutes away, so I'm planning on giving them a go