CCM U+ CL Skates vs REEBOK 20K Skates: Fit Differences

[Mario123 2]

Just wondering what the main fit differences are between these two models. Does the CL have a wider heel? I tried a pair of CL's on. They seemed to have decent heel lock out of the box. I passed the pencil test out of the box. The forefoot seemed a little snug , but not too painful.

Would they open up a little with a bake? The clerk wouldn't bake them unless I bought them. Just thinking these might be a better fit than the 20K's possibly. Any insight/experience between these two models is helpful.

[EvilPepe 24]

The CLs will open up a fair bit (if you need them to) with the baking - more so than any other skate I can think of (a possible exception being the Mako). Of course, it is all a matter of degrees...

[Mario123 2]

So they can expand slightly if need be in the forefoot?

Could they be punched out if need be?

[AIREAYE 248]

Yes and Yes. A D width CL has the capacity to expand to an E width if need be.

[Chadd 916]

Yes and Yes. A D width CL has the capacity to expand to an E width if need be.

Stretching any boot that much is going to result in weak spots and reduced life span. While most boots are capable of being stretched significantly, you should always go to the wider size if that's what you need.

[AIREAYE 248]

I'm not talking about stretching, but rather its natural capabilities once baked.

[Mario123 2]

Is the AA heel in the 20K wider than the A heel in the Crazy Light. It seemed that way.

[Mario123 2]

Anyone know if the AA heel in the 20K is bigger than the A cup in the CL?

[AIREAYE 248]

AA is narrower than A.

[Mario123 2]

In your experiences, how similar/different is the width on the other parts of the skates between these two models?

[AIREAYE 248]

Well, you should know that I've never skated in either skate, only have tried them on without a bake. I'll draw from that as well as from fitting people in them.

The CL's true fit story is only apparent with a full baking procedure due to the mouldability of the foams within as well as the boot overall. As such, it would be best to bake and try them before you buy. If not, I would settle for a modest fit and heel lock and let baking take care of the rest. Coming stock however, they are a wider boot as well, perhaps slightly wider than the Reebok. Same toecap shape. Deeper instep.

The 20K definitely features a narrower heel, but not by too much. My foot is shaped such that my heel doesn't sit deep enough in the pocket because the thick ankle padding holds my ankle bones, preventing a proper fit. With the Pump and thicker quarter guts in general, I find that those with bony, protruding ankle bones such as mine will not find a good fit in that area. The Pump however, will definitely change the fit in that area, the degree of which varies of course. It was designed to push downwards on your heel and inwards above the heel to lock it in place, though, as with everything, the effectiveness depends on your foot shape. The 20Ks aren't as mouldable as the CLs, but aside from the thickness of the interior foams and the depth, I find that they fit similarly.

[grnmtnvt 18]

I had a pair of the CL in 7E and the 20K in 7E as well. I ended up going with the Reebok and it was an easy decision, personally. I found the mouldability of the CL to be good, but not overly impressive in my experience. The heel lock was a wash for myself and I found the 7E CL to be not nearly as wide in the forefoot as the 20K. The CL felt stiffer overall, but to be honest and this is only my impression, I got a better first mould out of the 20K skate. The pump is a nice feature, but I've never used it in three months. If you are looking for the 20k in Canada, look for Pro Life Hockey's 20K Seconds. I paid 400$ instead of 800$ because of some minor cosmetic imperfections at the factory in Quebec. Otherwise, the CLs are really going down in price right now.

[Mario123 2]

Anyone see any CL seconds kicking around?

[grnmtnvt 18]

Check the ProLife Hockey website.

[Mario123 2]

Checked there. They only have 20K seconds