keenanj 0 Report post Posted December 11, 2013 FolksI have a size 9.0 left and a 10.5 right. I'm using a mid-level Vapor and I am big (6ft, 250lbs). I am now at the skating level that I want to get really good skates. I have mastered my backwards crossovers and am in an adult leauge and am super dedicated. It's time to get the right skates that will last me.I need help. What do I do about the different size feet?I know about VH skates, but are there others with the problem that have different solutions? I looked and could not find a solid topic stream on this.This is my first post, so apologies in advance if I have broken protocol. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AIREAYE 248 Report post Posted December 11, 2013 You can go custom Bauer, which will run you around a grand give or take. That will ensure the right fit in a top end skate that will last you for a long time.Or hunt around for pro return skates that have a similar sizing discrepancy as you. It's a cheaper but timelier strategy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
keenanj 0 Report post Posted December 11, 2013 You can go custom Bauer, which will run you around a grand give or take. That will ensure the right fit in a top end skate that will last you for a long time.Or hunt around for pro return skates that have a similar sizing discrepancy as you. It's a cheaper but timelier strategy.Thank you.Custom Bauer is through dealers only, correct? That is the sense I have through this forum.Where is the best place to locate returns? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AIREAYE 248 Report post Posted December 11, 2013 Yes through a dealer.No idea where in NJ, call around the brick and mortars. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
romdj 26 Report post Posted December 11, 2013 I'd go to vh skates if I were you Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
keenanj 0 Report post Posted December 11, 2013 I am likely doing VH/bauer if there are no other thoughts. I'm just making sure I am not missing anything before putting done some serious money. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IPv6Freely 2096 Report post Posted December 11, 2013 Either Bauer custom, or two pairs of retail skates I guess... heh. For the same money as Bauer custom (or less) you can get VH. That's the route I'd go if I were you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Souldriver 64 Report post Posted December 11, 2013 Like others have said, the custom route is the best option here, not sure of all of the options VH has but I know Bauer has the ability to stiffen up the skate more than the retail stuff is. With someone that has your frame it may be worth it to help them last.I'm about the same weight as you and I use a mission ac2 skates which is made by Bauer and it has a good stiffness and they seem to be holding up well. I also have different sized feet but mine are about a quarter of a size off so I don't need to go through any extreme to fit skates thankfully. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jsykes 35 Report post Posted December 11, 2013 If you can find a good Graf dealer, Graf will do custom skates as well and you do not have to choose the top of the line model, which will save you some money. For instance, you can have them do customs on skates that normally retail for $450, such as a 735, (which are still great skates that should last you) and with the custom charges you'll be out a lot less than with Bauers which require you to customize their $850 skate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SirJW 207 Report post Posted December 11, 2013 North or South New Jersey? If North contact the Devils, Ranger and Islanders to see where the used gear ends up and see if they are willing to split a pair for you although 9 is pretty small for Pro's.If South contact the Flyers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jbatafuco 6 Report post Posted December 11, 2013 I went through Peter at the IceHouse in Hackensack, NJ for custom Bauer. My feet are 3/4 of a size apart and slightly different widths as well. Peter was great throughout the process and I'm very happy with the finished product and his customer service. Great guy and I would highly recommend this route if you're going Bauer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kadayo 9 Report post Posted December 11, 2013 VH all the way. Much faster turn around. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
keenanj 0 Report post Posted December 11, 2013 Wow, thank you. Tons of choices and even local ideas. I am North Jersey and even waited once in the Devils used equipment sale day! Thank you.I emailed VH this morning and got a response within an hour. Just letting y'all know that at least initially they were responsive. I'll start researching Graf and Peter from Ice House when I get home. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hunterphfr 12 Report post Posted December 12, 2013 Customs or buy 2 different sized slightly used but significantly marked down pairs on Ebay and make a pair. If you have the money I'd go customs, Bauer, Graf or VH. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites