Quick- Which skate: Alkali CA4 vs Reebok 5K?

[LearDriver 1]

On a trip in an area with a hockey shop that has inlines (nothing at home) with limited time to decide/try on stuff. Was trying on Reebok 5k and Alkali CA4 skates. I kinda like both, but would need to drive 30 mins for exact fit in the 5k; I need 1/2 size smaller. The Reebok felt probably a little more comfortable, but just wondering more about quality. I read a review on one hockey sales website (forget which) that had a Reebok skate bed break?

Who would you guys go with??

I need to decide pretty quick whether or not the Reebok is worth the drive. Starting to get later in the day and need to get to bed early.

[Beleafer 14]

I just picked up some CA5s as my first inline skate and I am loving them. Haven't even had them baked yet but worked well in a game.

[LearDriver 1]

Good to hear. I think I'm gonna go ahead and make the drive to the other shop to check out the 5K in my size, but others as well (they said they have a much larger selection at the other place). Thanks, Beleafer!!

[LearDriver 1]

Well, didn't care so much for the 5K. Going back to buy the CA4s now.

[LearDriver 1]

Now a new owner of Alkali CA4s!

Just have to learn to skate on a straight setup now vs my rocker chassis.

[JCon 6]

Now a new owner of Alkali CA4s!

Just have to learn to skate on a straight setup now vs my rocker chassis.

That was my only concern with Tours and Alkali skates. I've been skating on Missions Hi-Lo (and the Reebok Vanguard set-up briefly) for 10 years now. I'm curious to see how the transition goes for you and how long it will take to adjust.

Regardless, I think you made a great decision! Alkali seems really dedicated to roller hockey and making quality products.

[LearDriver 1]

Well, we took the kids skating yesterday so I got to try out the new skates. I really like the feel of the boot! I had to crank the laces down on my old skates quite a bit, so I did the same with these. I can definitely get them snugged down really well. After a while my right foot (bottom) started hurting a bit in the middle. I realized I don't need to crank the laces down on these skates- I loosened them up quite a bit and they felt awesome.

Skating with all four on the floor is weird, but not as bad as I had been anticipating. I didn't get a chance to get up to speed, but did a few light, light bursts (public skate afterall) and could tell my takeoff seemed a bit quicker than the old pair. I definitely don't feel as maneuverable. Tried some crossovers while skating backwards and thought I was gonna fall. That's going to take some getting used to. Did one hockey stop and about fell backwards. Definitely a different feel there as well.

Overall I really like the skate and will just take some time adjusting. Hoping to make my game Sunday night (flying home close to game time) to try them out. Will have the old pair there as a backup.

Will try to remember to post the occasional follow-up for ya, JCon!

[Justin 1933 134]

Great to hear you are liking the new skates. Where you able to heat fit the skates? This will eliminate any issues you have with comfort and fit. Please let me know if you have any questions. Good luck.

[LearDriver 1]

Hey Justin,

Yep, they baked them for me at the store. I think the issue was over-tightening them the way I had to do with my old skates. As soon as I loosened the laces a bit the discomfort went away. Thanks for the info though! A large part of my decision to buy Alkali came from reading of your support of those here on the forums. Good to see someone standing behind their product.

[Justin 1933 134]

Glad to be of service. If you ever have questions, feel free to contact me.

[LearDriver 1]

Well, I had a game last night and wore my Alkalis for a bit. Originally I started with my older pair as I wanted to get another time or two in of skating on the CA4s before I played, but things didn't work out that way. My wheels on the old skates (now 2 1/2 games of hockey in, but quite old) are a complete mess. Eventually, I could barely turn with them as they were so rough and little grip, so I swapped out to the new set of skates.

The new skates were definitely comfortable under game situations. I didn't even notice them on my feet. I felt quick in them, but I couldn't play effectively as I really couldn't turn with the other players. I could barely stop, too. We had a nice 2-on-1 at one point; teammate had the puck going down the left side and made a nice pass right to the net, but I had to pull off to the side as I knew I wouldn't be able to stop and didn't want to wipe out the goalie. Missed opportunity there. Not the skate's fault at all. Never fell though, so that's a plus I guess!

[Souldriver 64]

for me being a bigger guy going to an all 80 chassis with slightly harder wheels was great. ill admit going from a tridi and hilo set up was odd b. im still getting used to going from backwards to forward xbut in 3 games i got used to the turning and learned to get it as tight as i used to. stopping for me was easier so i cant help you there.

good luck on the skate.