Reebok Skates: 18k vs 17k vs 16k

[pfyxoeous 0]

Edit: Added 18k for consideration.

So I'm starting to get back into hockey for the first time since I was in the Air Force some 15 years ago. I need to upgrade since my old Flite Summits are too narrow for me. They never were very comfortable, but I always had my old Daousts kicking around, and I would just use them if needed. I don't have this option any more and the spring league is fast approaching.

I was kicking around the idea of getting the WhiteK, but I want a skate that will be durable. I am now at a toss-up between the 16k and 17k. Do the features of the 17k put it well above the 16k, or would I be better off saving money and going for the 16k? I finally am in a situation where I can afford what I want, so I don't want to skimp and regret.

For the details you might ask: I'm a utility player, and might play any position on the ice (except between the pipes). I'm about 5'8" and 175 lb. I used to be a pretty good skater, but wouldn't consider myself "advanced."

Anything else I'm forgetting, please let me know. I plan on pulling the trigger on these this weekend so they'll be here this week.

Thanks for your time, and I apologize for my first post being a request for help. I've been out of this for a while.

Sam Harwood

[mc88 160]

If you can wait, then you may be able to score some 20Ks at a good price. The Ribcor line of boots are coming out pretty soon and so the 20Ks should be heavily discounted. Or you can buy one of the newer K series boots that comes out with the Ribcor line.

If not, then it's really a matter of preference. Comparing the 17K to the 16K, the difference is minimal. My guess as to the $80 difference for the 17K is how they combined the quarter package of the 16K with the quarter package (inner liner) of the 20K. But other than that, they're probably constructed the same.

So... I'd recommend waiting and getting the 20Ks or one of the newer K series boots. However, if I had to choose one of the skates, I'd go with the 16K. HOWEVER! The downside is that the skate may not hold up for very long... especially if you play often. Those skates have been known to break down (tendon guard snaps, stitching comes undone, and eyelets bend then pop out) after 6-8 months at 2-3 uses per week.

[Matty33 6]

I believe the only big difference in the two is that the 17k has a different, more stiff, quarter package. It's the same as the 20k so it'll be more stiff and a little more protection.

I currently have the 16k and love them, so far no issues but it has only been 6 months. No signs of anything major and I'm skating 2-3 times a week at least.

However, if you can get the 20ks at a good price that'd be the way to go. The 18k is also nice, basically the old 11k but compared to the 16/17 it has a different outsole and slightly better footbed. Both the 20 and 18 are quite a bit more in price than the 16 however.

[pfyxoeous 0]

So I'm leaning now toward to 18k. I want durability, and I think that is worth the extra $150 over the 16k. I don't think I can justify $600 to myself for skates considering my level of play. Does this sound reasonable to you guys? I'll probably skate 1-2 times a week right now, but I don't know how often in the future. Who'd have known that there'd be hockey in New Mexico? I gave away all of my hockey gear before I moved from Michigan a couple years ago.

[Matty33 6]

I think the 18k is a great choice, due to the recent price drop if I personally were looking now I'd be looking at the 18k myself or the 20K.

Lots of sales going on this weekend and week, if you're buying online it's worth a call in to see if the discounts can be taken off the skates. They're all MAP online but most times if you call you can get the discount/a discount when they're running specific sales.

[Souldriver 64]

Have you tried on the reeboks yet to see if they fit well or have had your foot measured by someone competent in skate fitting? This would be a real good idea especially since you havnt played (and I'm assuming skated or had any type of new skate) in nearly 15 years.

[pfyxoeous 0]

I live in New Mexico, and all of my fitting will have to be an iterative process thru the mail. I know my 8d Flite skates are the right length; they're just too narrow. I've done everything I can from here, and won't be able to get to a real hockey shop until next month at the earliest when I'm in Houston on business.

I'll probably buy the 18Ks tonight unless I get some persuasive info in the next few hours.

[pfyxoeous 0]

Well, it looks like I'll be waiting until tomorrow morning since Ice Warehouse isn't open to take orders by phone on Sunday.

On a separate, but related issue: I am planning on picking up some Sole brand heat moldable foot beds (yoursole.com). I have had good luck with these in work boots (they're the brand that Red Wing boots rebadges and sell in their stores), and they sell a thin version for sport use. Any input regarding insoles would be appreciated too.

[Souldriver 64]

I live in New Mexico, and all of my fitting will have to be an iterative process thru the mail. I know my 8d Flite skates are the right length; they're just too narrow. I've done everything I can from here, and won't be able to get to a real hockey shop until next month at the earliest when I'm in Houston on business.

I'll probably buy the 18Ks tonight unless I get some persuasive info in the next few hours.

I know it's now late on a Sunday but some people on here may be able to suggest some places nearish to you that have some type of hockey knowledge. It's also hard saying thus skate was the right length and going off that bc all skates have a different shape and different way of measuring length even if the sizes are the same. If you have time before the season starts I would say make a trip somewhere.

You can even go to a shoe store with proper measuring tools to at least get your foots true length and width. Not saying this is you but I'm sure many store reps see many people coming in thinking they have a wide foot when theirs is perfectly average. Also remember fit isn't just length and width, there is also other concerns like heel lock and volume.

If you really cant do anything at least you're ordering from a place with free return shipping, ice/inlinewarehouse has been very good with me in that respect.

[pfyxoeous 0]

Thank you all for your replies.

I have been measured recently and found that I'm almost exactly a 9.5 D for work boots. The foot volume and heel width thing are kind of a mystery to me, but I'm relatively confident that the 8D will be a good starting point, if nothing else.

There is one hockey shop a couple hours south of here. I might make the trip tomorrow, but probably not. The Dick's Sports in Albuquerque doesn't carry ANY hockey stuff. I miss Michigan.

[mc88 160]

If you're a 9.5 shoe, then the 8D will work. Shop around on the internet. See if you can buy them cheaper on ebay (new or used).

For example, this guy is offering 18Ks for $429+free shipping+no tax. http://www.ebay.com/itm/ICE-HOCKEY-SKATE-RBK-18K-PUMP-/181324197259?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a37c3ad8b

or this guy who's selling 20Ks for $485+free shipping+no tax (unfortunately, 8D is out of the stock) http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-REEBOK-20K-PUMP-SENIOR-ICE-HOCKEY-SKATES-NIB-800-VARIOUS-SIZES-WIDTH-/331122581999?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item4d1871a1ef

[grnmtnvt 18]

Yea, I actually went from the 16K to the 18K recently. I had the 16K for about a year and decided with the recent price drop it was worth it to pick up a pair of 18Ks. The 16K were a solid intermediate skate but the 18K is definitely a better made boot and will last me longer playing 3 times a week. It's a lot stiffer and feels far more solid. The tendon guard is much stronger too so it'll last longer. The 16K isn't a bad skate, especially at the price right now, but if you can swing the cost jump, I think the 18K is a better skate if you are looking for something long-term.

I've skated in the 20K and really, unless you're a bigger guy or an advanced skater, it's not worth the jump from 18K to 20K, IMO. The 20K felt a fair bit stiffer and took quite a bit longer to break in. I'm not convinced that for most people that there will be much of a durability issue between the two either, longterm. The 18Ks and the 16Ks took no time to break in.

[Souldriver 64]

If you're a 9.5 shoe, then the 8D will work. Shop around on the internet. See if you can buy them cheaper on ebay (new or used).

For example, this guy is offering 18Ks for $429+free shipping+no tax. http://www.ebay.com/itm/ICE-HOCKEY-SKATE-RBK-18K-PUMP-/181324197259?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a37c3ad8b

or this guy who's selling 20Ks for $485+free shipping+no tax (unfortunately, 8D is out of the stock) http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-REEBOK-20K-PUMP-SENIOR-ICE-HOCKEY-SKATES-NIB-800-VARIOUS-SIZES-WIDTH-/331122581999?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item4d1871a1ef

But he is also playing the game of trying it on and may need to send it back icewarehouse does have 20% off with free shipping both ways if needed. not saying its bad to go elsewhere ive just been burned on ebay before with returns.

[mc88 160]

He stated that he had been recently fitted, so he should be OK.

But yeah, I was thinking about that as I was posting. The upside would be that if the skates did fit, but he didn't like them, he didn't pay as much. Plus he could turn around sell them for close to what he paid.

Icewarehouse skates are MAP'd, so the 20% coupon won't work.

[pfyxoeous 0]

When I say I was fitted, I mean I went to the bootery near here and was measured for length and width. I am hoping that these will work first pop, but am willing to pay a little bit more to have the convenience of being able to return or exchange them. I'll let you guys know what happens.

[chrisehyoung 14]

I paid $289 for my 18Ks brand new, in store. Have a look around and be patient and there are some great deals to be had on them. I just saw a pair go for under $200 on Ebay. I also saw a pair of Makos in an 8D go for under $200.

[Souldriver 64]

He stated that he had been recently fitted, so he should be OK.

But yeah, I was thinking about that as I was posting. The upside would be that if the skates did fit, but he didn't like them, he didn't pay as much. Plus he could turn around sell them for close to what he paid.

Icewarehouse skates are MAP'd, so the 20% coupon won't work.

That's the map yes. But even when you put them.in your cart it says to call bc they can apply the code bc it's not an advertised price when you call. 20% off their price comes out to roughly $480.

[pfyxoeous 0]

So, for the record: The 20% off the MAP does work. I called and was able to get the skates, soakers, a practice jersey and socks for $50 less than the price of the skates themselves. I ended up getting the 18Ks because of the advice I've received here, and reviews I'd read. I'll keep you guys posted on fit and whether I return them.

I thank you guys for your help and advice. Not only did you help me make a better informed decision, you helped me save a bit of cash too.

Now I have to get out and buy something for the house so the little lady isn't angry about me spending money on hockey stuff! Ha!

[mc88 160]

That's the map yes. But even when you put them.in your cart it says to call bc they can apply the code bc it's not an advertised price when you call. 20% off their price comes out to roughly $480.

Awesome! I had no idea they would actually do that. Thanks for the heads up.

[Matty33 6]

I didn't know that about the MAP until recently either, I feel so cheated all these years not getting the discounts lol

Good luck with the skates!

[mc88 160]

So, for the record: The 20% off the MAP does work. I called and was able to get the skates, soakers, a practice jersey and socks for $50 less than the price of the skates themselves. I ended up getting the 18Ks because of the advice I've received here, and reviews I'd read. I'll keep you guys posted on fit and whether I return them.

I thank you guys for your help and advice. Not only did you help me make a better informed decision, you helped me save a bit of cash too.

Now I have to get out and buy something for the house so the little lady isn't angry about me spending money on hockey stuff! Ha!

When fitting, go in with a different mind set. The skates aren't going to fit like a boot out of the box. Expect some uncomfortable parts in the boot, however, they should be manageable and/or disappear once baked.

However, here are some common things to look for when fitting:

- Lace bite -- the boot is too large/small for your foot (this boot isn't that stiff, so stiffness won't be a factor)

- Pinching of the foot -- often a sign that the boot is too small width-wise

- Toes curling -- a sign that the boot is too small length-wise

- Toes squishing together -- a sign that the toebox is too small and you'll need to move up a width size OR a 1/2 size larger (pain in the ass when you have a narrow heel/wide toes, but you'll have to find out which works best for your feet)

- Heel pinching -- usually means the heel is a bit too tight, however, you may be able to bake it and have it stretch out far enough to where no pinching happens

- Foot pressure points -- footbeds don't support your feet, you'll need to replace them with some Superfeet or CCM insoles (or some other aftermarket sole)

- Laces don't hold tight -- replace your laces with some cheapo waxed laces. The retail Reebok laces SUCK.

[pfyxoeous 0]

Is there a good tutorial, or YouTube video for baking? There are no hockey shops around here, and I'd like to not ruin my skates when I get them.

[grnmtnvt 18]

I put my 18K at 200F for 3:30min in my oven. Tuck the laces into the skates and open up the tongue a little. Tighten the skates up firmly but don't overdue it, the eyelets get soft and can rip. I put a towel on a baking sheet on the lowest rack so the quarter package doesn't melt. Make sure the bladder on RBK is empty, heat can damage it. There are a couple videos on youtube done by icehousewarehouse and totalhockey, I believe.

Some will say longer than 3:30-4min in a conventional oven, but I didn't want to risk the eyelets tearing or melting the holder. These skates will break in quickly too as they aren't the stiffest, so being cautious on the bake time won't hurt too much.

[Matty33 6]

The Reebok's were the only skate that I didn't bake, they were so comfortable out of the box I figured I'd roll with it and do it the old fashioned way. Turned out great surprisingly.

There are a bunch of videos on baking your skates at home though, grnmtnvt has great info above too.

[Souldriver 64]

In the Reebok box there will be a time and temp listed, mine came with it on a slip and my eastons say it on the box. Go by that and stay strict with it. You'll also need a convection oven.