Dumb question-current new models of skates

[epstud74 24]

I'm currently in a set of Ultra G70s and they're very comfortable, but prior to my lace bite issues, the Vapor XXXX's were probably the best skates I ever used. Which was a long time ago..2007-2008 or so? The only problem with those, were issues with the forward lean that led to my lacebite problems (and high instep)

Have they corrected this with the current model Vapors and Nexus skates? I always had forward lean issues in Bauer (and other) skates in the past. When skating down the ice, I could feel myself leaning into the boot and hoping they wouldn't give way at the laces.

I really liked the performance of my Vapor XXXX's otherwise. I think I may have sold them on here to a forum member.

I'd go the custom route if I could get that sort of performance again w/o the lacebite.

[lpgbackups 17]

use bunga gel pads my friend

[romdj 26]

If forward lean is what you want,then I'd seriously have a look at the mako skates.

[AIREAYE 248]

If you're asking about depth, then Vapor skates are still on the shallow end. Some have said that the APX2 offers slightly more depth, but based on the degree of problems you faced in your XXXXs, I would be inclined to look at a deeper boot, such as Supreme, Nexus or CCM.

[epstud74 24]

Bunga pads are not an option ha

I wont pay $800 for a set of skates and have to resort to using bunga pads.

I think I'll just have to hit up my LHS and try on a bunch of the Nexus skates. I just dont want to spend 2-3 hours in there like I often do..Having a 5 year old in tow isn't conductive to a good skate fitting, plus the little shit gets into all the sticks and starts whizzing around the shop.. I did post a question in the JR's Custom shop thread about the Nexus hybrid

I wore the One95s for a short period before ditching those. I failed the pencil test in the old Flexlites too. I like the fit of my Ultra G70s but they're getting old and worn down..and I'm itching for something new. I used to be up to date on all this but oh well.. Is Graf coming out with a new line this summer/fall?

[Chadd 916]

The new Graf skates have been delayed. It's a shame, as they look to be a really nice boot.

[epstud74 24]

Have you heard anything as to the reasons for the delay?

The new CCM RBZ skates look nice, but I've never tried them on though..Not sure as to the fit of those.

I need something that'll fit well with my heat moldable SIDAS insoles. I wont skate without them

[epstud74 24]

Ok..Grafs finally died on me and apparently Graf is out of business.  I'm in the market for new skates again.  I may have to hit up General Sports in Edina and see if they have anything that will fit my high instep.  

[Kgbeast 195]

Grad still trying to cobble their way in. They are now represented by Vaughn Skates. Vaughn also got manufacturing rights for Graf skates in USA and Canada as well as they are now customer service for Graf in NA. Vaughn also has plan to start R&D for new Graf line probably towards the end of next year if everything goes well.

Not sure how PeakSpeed compares to G70, but they basically exact same instep and fit as G735 or G535 with more anatomical fit. They are on par with modern skates as far as boot technology goes. Light, and not bulky with better tongue and tendon guard designs. Hockeymonkey has pretty good stock on them. I bought PK3300, no baking needed. Graf is still Graf if it fits your foot.

[IPv6Freely 2096]

Hit a store and try everything. Graf is pretty much dead so it's probably a good time to find something else that fits. 

[Kgbeast 195]

I

10 hours ago, epstud74 said:

Ok..Grafs finally died on me and apparently Graf is out of business.  I'm in the market for new skates again.  I may have to hit up General Sports in Edina and see if they have anything that will fit my high instep.  

Read a couple of comments above and choose your course. One thing that you should consider is  your style of skating that loads the laces up something awful (from reading your earlier post). CCM is probably should not be your first choice as their eyelet row is probably the weakest. I have seeing more than a couple of times RibCor and JetSpeed skates with laces ripped through. RBZ eyelets were also known to pop out on some skaters. I am pretty sure that RibCor and JetSpeed will not make your instep anyway. Tacks have less eyelets complains, but they do have that as well (even on this board). Perhaps SuperTacks are better, but I do not know for sure. I personally think that  CCM eyelet row is just too weak of the material for anyone who leans into the laces a lot and squats a lot. 

Bauer would probably be plenty strong in the laces and you can try Nexus line, but I doubt you'll like the heel-lock. Also, Bauer is pretty flat. This means that if you used to forward pitched skates, you most likely will load the laces even more with bauers  unless you profile the runners to put them in the same stance as your Graf. If you are looking to spend $800 US, you can also concider VH. I think they will be closer to $1000, but they are custom and you can order them with Graf holders.

 

[flip12 717]

14 hours ago, epstud74 said:

Ok..Grafs finally died on me and apparently Graf is out of business.  I'm in the market for new skates again.  I may have to hit up General Sports in Edina and see if they have anything that will fit my high instep.  

I was just up at Dave's Sports in Fridley, and they had some G70's...didn't see the price or what sizes they had available. They're helpful if you give them a call though.

[darkhors 88]

If you're really looking to spend $$ on skates, why not go the VH route? For the same $800-$900 for the top of the line CCM's or Bauer's you can have a fully fit to your foot skate. If I could afford them now I'd jump ship from Bauer and get some VH's, but they'll have to wait as kids are first :) You can get whatever pitch/holder/steel you want along with different tongues and liners. Seems to me the best bet if you're spending that kind of money.

[tpedersen3118 58]

15 hours ago, epstud74 said:

Ok..Grafs finally died on me and apparently Graf is out of business.  I'm in the market for new skates again.  I may have to hit up General Sports in Edina and see if they have anything that will fit my high instep.  

I used to live in Woodbury. I know you have your pick  of ma and pa as well as big box in the metro for hockey shops, but have you tried Strauss in Oakdale? Might be able to find some last year's Nexus on sale.