Help buying new skates

[medic_jajs 1]

I'm sure you have all had this question come up here more than once but I'm in the need for a bit of advice. If this is the wrong area to post please let me know.

At any rate, I am in the market for a new pain of skates. I play currently in a recreational league, 1-2 days a week plus the occasional pick-up. I have had a pair of CCM Tacks in the past and most recently a pair of (low end) Vapors. I'm currently in the market for a pair of skates with a budget of $400-500. I want a pair of skates that will last, a good stiff boot, and fairly light. Since I haven't been in the market for a while I haven't been up to speed on previous years models and what has made a lasting impression but I think I have it narrowed down to:

Reebok RibCor 30K

Bauer Supreme 180

CCM RBZ 90

CCM U+CL or U+12

Easton Stealth RS

Can anyone speak specifically to these particular skates. I was interested in the skates that were 3.0 or 4.0mm higher but was that height difference something to get used to? What time period?

Thanks in advance for any help you might give.

[JoshV 20]

It doesn't matter which skate is the "best" as much as it matters which fits you best.

You need to know your foot type and proper size to make the best decision.

I could sell you the "best" skates in the world, but you wouldn't get much out of them if they didn't fit properly

That being said, how did your vapors fit?

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Add last year's Easton Mako to the list :)

[t6lock 24]

I also used to wear the old tacks and went to a vapor from there. The rbk's fit my foot almost as well as vapors so I'd start there if you like your current vapor fit.

[medic_jajs 1]

It doesn't matter which skate is the "best" as much as it matters which fits you best.

You need to know your foot type and proper size to make the best decision.

I could sell you the "best" skates in the world, but you wouldn't get much out of them if they didn't fit properly

That being said, how did your vapors fit?

Yeah, I wasn't really looking for the best. Maybe the one that seemed the most structurally sound. The vapors fit ok. Some soreness around the arches but awful lace bite. I never really did like the way they felt, a bit narrow it seemed, although they felt fine when I was playing a game (sore when I was standing around more like at stick and puck). Thanks for the input so far

[JoshV 20]

That being said, Supremes or U+

If you can find the U+12 or U+CL, they are great skates. Can't go wrong with them. Especially at the price you can find them for

But the 180's are also probably the best skate from this year under the $500 price point.

Tough choice, but I would probably go for the CCM's

[Stewie 721]

i have u10s. and kicking myself i didnt jump on some u12 or CL while my size was still available at the price they have come down to. the u10 is a great skate for my needs.

[medic_jajs 1]

Thank you all for the help and advice

Add last year's Easton Mako to the list :)

What kind of fit does Easton provide?

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Thank you all for the help and advice

What kind of fit does Easton provide?

Completely different from every other vendor, and even different from the rest of the Easton line. The entire thing is heat-moldable so for the most part unless you have some really odd shaped feet, they will work for almost anyone. The feel is more like a hiking boot - a snug but comfortable fit all over your foot with zero empty space. The new version is coming out for 2014 this month, so last years model can be found at some pretty steep discounts. I've seen them going for as little as 350.