Question from a friend -- Can't skate on new skates?

[tarmogoyf 2]

I got a text from my buddy last night asking me if he had any idea why he couldn't skate on the new skates he picked up (Bauer APX) from his old low end model skates (Bauer Supreme one40) I told him I had no idea really, but I figure you guys might have an idea. He said it's like he can't find his edges like he could on his other skates, and he feels like he can barely skate right now.

Thanks guys!

[TeamHonda401 54]

Huge jump in stiffness from the one40 to the APX. Could be that he is used to the softness of his old skates, and going to a very very stiff boot could throw off his stride and feel for his edges.

[forbs02 20]

Did he get them sharpened?

I know that seems like a dumb question, but lots of people will buy new skates and forget to have them sharpened.

[tarmogoyf 2]

Yeah, I was with him when he got them sharpened, I just didn't know how to answer the question he threw at me, because I don't really know why that happens. The jump in stiffness could totally be it actually. Thanks!

[MyBoxersSayJoe 134]

The forward pitch of the skate. When I went from Supremes in high school to Grafs, I had a similar sensation. It puts you more on your toes. That's my guess anyway.

[Cosmic 178]

The forward pitch of the skate. When I went from Supremes in high school to Grafs, I had a similar sensation. It puts you more on your toes. That's my guess anyway.

That's what I was gonna say. I had a similar issue, and it took me a few skates to adjust to the aggressive stance. I think that people think that APX will make you skate better because the Kanes use it, but I find that when I try to use what the pros are using, it just screws me up.

I would think the stiffness would help, if anything, but maybe that's just because I have a less than ideal left ankle.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Get them sharpened again?

I had a pair of skates at one point where the first sharpen didn't seem like they released it was an initial sharpening and I had bad edges. Another sharpening later, no issues.

Worth a shot, especially if they'll re-do them for free.

[flip12 729]

Get them sharpened again?

I had a pair of skates at one point where the first sharpen didn't seem like they released it was an initial sharpening and I had bad edges. Another sharpening later, no issues.

Worth a shot, especially if they'll re-do them for free.

I've had similar experiences.

[evh5150 0]

Had this problem today going from my CCM's to Bauer Vapors. Sliding all over the place, felt like the blades weren't sharpened, or that they were on a 2" hollow, although I just had them sharpened to 5/8". A few tight turns, pivots, and stops on both sides helped me find the edges. Had to bend knees more, and take a more aggressive angle to dig the edges into the ice. Still not used to them yet.

[MARKBENJ 1]

Just tell him to stick at it with the new skates. He will naturally make the adjustments to get his skating stride back in tow. It is always strange putting on new skates. As he continues they will also soften up a bit and adjust to his foot. Had the same thing with Graf Ultra G3's - Very stiff boot. It was only in about the 3rd hour of skating that I actually felt that I was getting back to my old self.

[bunnyman666 445]

Have the skates been baked? I admit when I first heard this, it sounded silly. After all- we only baked cookies in my day. But after I had done that and skated in my new skates a few times, it made a world of difference.