Easton Stealth 85S vs CCM U+12 skates

[LearDriver 1]

I'm still playing in my Vapor X:20s that I've had for a while now. They're still in great shape with just the marks and scuffs, but I know they're very entry level. Wasn't really expecting to play in them when I bought them; got 'em more for family skating.

I'm looking to move into something a bit better. Can't afford to spend too much right now either, but HM has both of these skates on Clearance and looks like they'd have my size. I wear 9.5 D in my Vapors (~11 shoe). (Would go with Bauers, but looks like they don't have my size in skates in my price range.)

If you guys were choosing blindly, what would you go for? I've never skated in anything (ice) other than these Bauers.

ETA: HM now has the Vapor X6.0 in my size, same price as Eastons.

By the way, I play Level 5 Beer League. Nothing too aggressive.

[ntwusc 62]

I tried on both and ended up with the U+12's. I was initially comparing CL's to RS, but the U+12 felt as good as the CL's, while the 85S's were much less comfortable to me than the RS. I got the most comfortable fit by swapping out the stock CCM insoles with the new ones that come with the RBZ's.

[LearDriver 1]

I tried on both and ended up with the U+12's. I was initially comparing CL's to RS, but the U+12 felt as good as the CL's, while the 85S's were much less comfortable to me than the RS. I got the most comfortable fit by swapping out the stock CCM insoles with the new ones that come with the RBZ's.

Thanks for the insight!

I don't know if you'll see this reply, but I just chatted with HM and they have a single pair of those Vapor X6.0s in my size. I'm thinking I may jump on those since I'm familiar with the Vapors.

I asked the girl about width variations between the brands and she said from narrow > wide: Bauer, Easton, CCM. After your comments I feel like tossing the Eastons out of the mix. How much of a difference in D-width is there from Bauer to CCM? Is it drastic?

Went ahead and ordered the Bauers since I know how they fit. Thanks again for the reply!

[ntwusc 62]

I've got a normal to wide forefoot and narrower heel, and the CCM's fit my feet very well. I've never been able to get a good fit in Vapors due to lack of good heel lock. I also got a great fit in the older Easton Stealth skates, but those tended to fall apart after about a year.

I think the U+12's are a great skate, especially for under $200 with HM's 20% off coupon. If they only have one pair of the X6.0's left, maybe try those first and if they don't feel right out of the box, exchange them for U+12's.

[LearDriver 1]

I've got a normal to wide forefoot and narrower heel, and the CCM's fit my feet very well. I've never been able to get a good fit in Vapors due to lack of good heel lock. I also got a great fit in the older Easton Stealth skates, but those tended to fall apart after about a year.

I think the U+12's are a great skate, especially for under $200 with HM's 20% off coupon. If they only have one pair of the X6.0's left, maybe try those first and if they don't feel right out of the box, exchange them for U+12's.

Good idea. Will plan on that. I've always been a big fan of CCM's stuff in the past, though no experience with their skates, obviously.

[Stewie 721]

I have the u10s, both the original and midnight version. Ccm fit my feet wonderfully and the skates have held up great, minor wear and tear on the originals. I got the midnight ones at a steal for 100 new, and I love the tongue that comes on the midnights, which other than the color difference is the only noticeable difference as far as I can tell on the boot.