Question on Graf Skates 705 Supra G5 and Ultra G5

[skates89 0]

Ok I have been having skate issues for sometime now. I skated in Graf 705s for a long time like 15 years and I loved them. They alway felt so comfortable and the radius was always short on them like a 7 foot radius so I could turn shift spin etc really easy. Over time as an older player now and having tried a pair of MLX which are so much lighter I cannot skate in the graf 705 anylonger as they soak up the water and become logs

My question What current skate or even skate within the past few years offers a cross between the old technology which allowed a lot of ankle flex which I liked and the new technology which is light yet allows th ankle flex and is comfortable. I got the supra g5s which seem to be a little lighter and I will use them for now but Id like to know any thoughts on the Ultra G5 which seems even lighter if anyone has them or any experience with them. I really need the lightness as I feel I get much less fatigued in them. I appreciate any help here

Also for those familiar with these skates and the runners I noticed on my garfs supras the new ones I got they have the cobra runner with a 272 on them and they are supposed to be a 9 skate..I thought they put 280s on these . They seem like a 9 in fit to me compared to my old 8s just wondering if anything wrong with that as it doesnt seem like a 280 could fit on there is I wanted to. I ask because I have some tuuk customs Id like to put on there that are 272s and one last question would the supra g5 be considered slightly lighter than the 705s..They seem to be but I dont have a scale so I cant tell. Thanks so much for any answers to any of my questions. I just want to solve this and be happy skating again. Its been a long time for me and I need to get the skate that will be bascially the best of both worlds

Mike Long Island

[Mattc555 22]

I have the Graf Ultra G5. I've been skating in them for over a year, and really enjoy them. They are definitely lighter than the 705 and come with a better runner. I recommend them. You may want to check out the Bauer Nexus line too.

[bdh13 1]

I've had all of these pairs of skates (705, Supra with clarino liners, Ultra G5) and always come back to the 705. The Ultra G5 materials felt cheap to me, but it has been updated and I haven't tried the newest version. You know that newer 705's come with a different liner that fixes some of the weight issue right?

[akravetz 29]

Been skating in the Ultra G5s for more than a year and love them. They aren't the lightest in my book. I has Supremes before and those were comparable. However, it doesn't matter to me. For comparison, I am 43, 5'5, 155 so not the biggest guy or the shortest. As for quality, I have noticed Graf steel rusts faster than Bauer and there are some nicks and tears in the quarter panel but overall, the skates have been great. Very comfy once I got them baked and stretched for my hobbit-like feet. I have the last version of the G5s which was the 2011 model year, I think, as they have been replaced per another thread on this board by the G75s, I think.

Andy in Peoria

[beedee 227]

I also have Graf Ultra G5's, I bought them in February of 2012 and have skated with them since then. It took me nearly 10 months to finally get them dialed in. My foot is right on the border of a regular boot or a wide boot. My buddy whom is a manager at the store I bought them from encouraged me to go with the regular width, and bake them, and punch as needed. I had them punched two times in the middle area, on the outer portion of the skate to alleviate the recurring pain I was experiencing in my foot there. I also started experiencing pain just underneath my big toe, on top of my foot, that part of the foot was rubbing the area near where the toe cap connects to the boot. I finally had that area punched out and I can honestly say my skates are finally dialed after that last punching.

This is my first Graf skate, and at first I wasn't digging it at all. I wanted to like them, but I couldn't. I was very close to giving up on them before the last round of punching. As far as the weight of them goes, I couldn't tell you if it is lighter than this skate, or that skate. I have scuffed them in a few places on the instep, towards the heel, but other than that, they are holding up great. I play beer league once a week, and then pick up once every other week. I'll probably skate these for another year or so and maybe look at the Bauer Nexus line. Maybe just 600's, I don't want to splurge for the 1000's.

[skates89 0]

I've had all of these pairs of skates (705, Supra with clarino liners, Ultra G5) and always come back to the 705. The Ultra G5 materials felt cheap to me, but it has been updated and I haven't tried the newest version. You know that newer 705's come with a different liner that fixes some of the weight issue right?

Yeah its the clarino liner I love that was suking up the water and adding weight to I suppose. I havent tried the new 705s with wick technology something like that. Im afraid they might be to thin the sidewalls and hurt my ankle bones which I have had happen with some of these stiffer sidewal skates. Have you or anyone tried the Supra G5 it looks exactly like the 705 has a similar soft liner but has the composite outsole. Is that skate lighter if anyone knows

Been skating in the Ultra G5s for more than a year and love them. They aren't the lightest in my book. I has Supremes before and those were comparable. However, it doesn't matter to me. For comparison, I am 43, 5'5, 155 so not the biggest guy or the shortest. As for quality, I have noticed Graf steel rusts faster than Bauer and there are some nicks and tears in the quarter panel but overall, the skates have been great. Very comfy once I got them baked and stretched for my hobbit-like feet. I have the last version of the G5s which was the 2011 model year, I think, as they have been replaced per another thread on this board by the G75s, I think.

Andy in Peoria

Hi andy thanks for your feedback. So question have you ever had the graf 705s Ive been talking about and if so how is this skate comparable to the 705 in terms of bootflex and ankle flex? Thanks so much in advance

I have the Graf Ultra G5. I've been skating in them for over a year, and really enjoy them. They are definitely lighter than the 705 and come with a better runner. I recommend them. You may want to check out the Bauer Nexus line too.

Hi matt thanks for the feedback..So you have worn the old graf 705s at onetime in your playing career. If so how does the ultra g5 feel in comparison and what year model did you have 2010 2011 ? Thanks in advance

[bdh13 1]

I had the Supra with the soft (think it's still clarino, but grey) liner. It soaked up water like the tan liner. I can see your concern with the airnet liner, but I've never really had an issue with ankle pain. To me the new 705 doesn't feel radically different, but it's been awhile since I wore the older liner.

[skates89 0]

I had the Supra with the soft (think it's still clarino, but grey) liner. It soaked up water like the tan liner. I can see your concern with the airnet liner, but I've never really had an issue with ankle pain. To me the new 705 doesn't feel radically different, but it's been awhile since I wore the older liner.

I think I might have to go for a pair of these new 705s. So they are lighter than the old clarino liners. Yes I have the supra g5 with the grey liner and they do feel a little lighter and didnt suck up to much water my first time but I can tell I want a little lighter. God this is a pain in the ass and costly. I buy them used on ebay then if I dont like them resell them and when I find the right one Ill get new. Just figured to share that as a method of testing these things out. Thanks so much

[crazykoreo 3]

Just to throw out another option:

If you're willing to search Ebay and be patient, Mission S500/s400 were a good mix of new technology and ankle flexibility. Mission AG120 and AGX are also other options depending on your foot.

I finally got a pair of the S500 and I really really like them for the mix of mobility in the ankle but stiffness where it counts. Compared to the 705s, I find them deeper overall, especially in the instep, and a bit narrower in the forefoot compared to the 705. They are lighter than the 705s and I find them more responsive. They are very comfortable boots.

If you fit into the Reebok's, those aren't nearly as stiff as the current skates out.

[skates89 0]

Just to throw out another option:

If you're willing to search Ebay and be patient, Mission S500/s400 were a good mix of new technology and ankle flexibility. Mission AG120 and AGX are also other options depending on your foot.

I finally got a pair of the S500 and I really really like them for the mix of mobility in the ankle but stiffness where it counts. Compared to the 705s, I find them deeper overall, especially in the instep, and a bit narrower in the forefoot compared to the 705. They are lighter than the 705s and I find them more responsive. They are very comfortable boots.

If you fit into the Reebok's, those aren't nearly as stiff as the current skates out.

wow you know your stuff..Thanks so much for the input. See thats just it I have been recreating a skate in my head. It should be all that hard plastic around the forefoot and around the ankle etc just below the bone and then ont he way up a firm but slightly giving upper made of leather or a combo. To me this would be perfect. For me I just feel locked in and there are moves I like to make off my ankles that I cant make with say an x60. I didnt grow up with these skates so thats my issue. In anycase I am listening to everything and Im gonna do some research on those s500 and the others you mentioned. I know Im getting closer to finally solving this and Im really gratefull for this help from so many very informative players. Its been rough

[Chadd 916]

Just to throw out another option:

If you're willing to search Ebay and be patient, Mission S500/s400 were a good mix of new technology and ankle flexibility. Mission AG120 and AGX are also other options depending on your foot.

I finally got a pair of the S500 and I really really like them for the mix of mobility in the ankle but stiffness where it counts. Compared to the 705s, I find them deeper overall, especially in the instep, and a bit narrower in the forefoot compared to the 705. They are lighter than the 705s and I find them more responsive. They are very comfortable boots.

If you fit into the Reebok's, those aren't nearly as stiff as the current skates out.

I loved my S500s and wish there were more options like them on the market. I think Makos are a different solution with the same end result in mind.

[skates89 0]

I loved my S500s and wish there were more options like them on the market. I think Makos are a different solution with the same end result in mind.

Ok with these mission skates are they light compared to 705s

[crazykoreo 3]

Compared to the 705s yes.

[Chadd 916]

A little lighter but nothing like MLX/Mako

[skates89 0]

Ok guys I think i finally solved my issues. I purchased a used pair of Graf Ultra G5s off ebay great price and only used like twice. They are mint condition. Skated with them yesterday. in the end of the skate I stratigically loop laced the 4th to the third lace then laced the last two. The loop allows a little more flex in that area by skipping a set a well known trick but I do it lower in the boot and instantly felt all my mechanics come back. i realize I need a deep knee bend, deepr than i imagined I suppose. In anycase the skate offers just enough stiffness but not overly stiff. Its a light skate very light compared to a 705 and Chadd want to thank you as well as everyone else but you have always been a great help and very knowledgable on almost every skate in creation. Its amazing the stuff you know. So with that I cannot wait to hit the next skate. A little teaking here and there. Maybe a light wrap of tape at some point to keep them locked but lower in the skate will be all I need.

I know one thing is for sure. I finally felt like I was in a Graf supra 705 but one that was lighter, way lighter The carbon fiber outsole is cool with me so long as I have the better knee bends that allow for articulation and the feel I am used to but I would not mind a little tpu in it to be honest but trust me thats no adjustment at all. You would not believe how loose i make my laces up top and still skate. I have asked others to try it and they all say its to woobly for them but I love it. I am used to the lower cut and i realize i am more of an ankle skater than a straight out linear skater that many today are and this is why its so hard for me to skate in say an x60. I just feel way to locked up in them and no matter how loose i make them it is never enough. The cut is to high and L lace design verses the less dramatic c cut of the graf doesnt help me either

If anyone has any questions about these skates feel free to ask. I also like the cobra 5000 runner and I dont feel Im gonna need to change out to the custom tuuks which i always had on there. For some reason they feel very similar even though the 5000 runner is pitched forward. I hardly feel it. Thanks again everyone so much information was helpfull to me. Enjoy the playofffs

[arcsinice 6]

To Signor 89................

Not attempting to be a wet blanket..............., given your preferences which are a welcome "heresey" in today's beyond dumbed down new age gomer world................, too bad you've never been on a pair of G7's. You'd never leave. In a word; incomperable - IF and ONLY IF their volume accomodates one's foot which most certainly is not always the case. They do however mimic to a large extent the 705 and G5 volume, backstrap in any given length/width as per Graf. Perhaps one day you'll look into the G7 if Graf do not throw that crown jewel away...............

By the way, no difference whatsoever in Graf 5000, 3000 runners. Graf's runners are just fine (the best steel out there save for unparalleled Step Steel who are in a league of their own) and, as ever, always with Graf's factory 11 foot radius and raised heel on the blade which precipitates their forward pitch which, if need be, can readily be corrected via template pitch/radius change. But again, only via template, never freehand. This aforementioned "rust" nonsense is just that for chrissake. Any blade benefits from being momentarily removed from the holder and treated with either simple car wax, better yet a car sealant like Klasse "AIO" (red) as this seals up the blade and prevents it from "rusting". Great on cars, too, but I digress.............

When you put the runners back be certain to lubricate both the male and female fittings on their bolt preferably with a dry lubricant, the best typically being Finish Line DRY Teflon Bike Lube and do not over-tighten. If you're using waxed laces ditch them. Honestly.

I wouldn't ever worry about the "weight" factor. It's ridiculous and really getting so out of control as to beggar description and worthless in its face. Ever hold an ultra, ultra-high end figure skating boot/blade, all the more a pair in your hand? The next time any of you especially you impressionable newbies think your hockey equipment, in this case boot is heavy, do yourselves a favor and come in contact with a world class figure skater - either male OR female and ask to look - hold - their boot/boots. You'll shut up about all this ($$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$, saw you coming sucker) "weight" nonsense pronto.

[flip12 715]

I love the Graf waxed laces. I put them on everything.