Help with skate choice for a big guy

[tweets44 0]

Hey guys! My mission h350's have died. Looking at either the Mission Axiom A5, mission inhaler AC5, or Reebok 5k. I am 6'1" and 235 lbs playing in a rec league. The axioms are considerably cheaper and I haven't tried on a pair of Reebok (nobody around here carries them) I have a medium wide foot and lacebite has been an issue. I tried on some Mission Inhaler AC7's yesterday bc my local store had them. They fit pretty well. Also tried on some use Bauer XR2 and they fit well too. Thanks for your help.

[althoma1 574]

Even if you're only playing rec hockey I'd recommend trying to get a higher end boot on closeout since you're a big guy. You'll get better support, power transfer and they'll last longer.

As I'm sure you realized after trying on the AC7's, Mission changed their sizing since the h350s. The Mission skates now use the Bauer Supreme last and the XR series is based off the Vapor last. So if you can't find the roller hockey skates in various sizes or widths then you can try on the ice hockey equivalents. The lower end models may feel/fit a bit different than the high end models due to the different materials. The higher end skates will also be heat moldable.

Alkali Skates fit about a half size up from the Bauer/Mission skates. So if you're say an 8.5 in Bauer you'd be a 9 in Alkali.

Reebok will fit the same as the Reebok ice skates (which fit differently than the Bauers and Missions, but the lengths are about the same size for size).

The lace bite is likely either caused by a tongue that has broken down or a boot that doesn't have enough depth for your foot.

Before you decide on a model read about fitting and the pencil test. Here are a couple threads to get you started, but there are plenty of others:

http://modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/35455-the-pencil-test/?p=493651

http://modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/topic/59693-perfect-skate-fit-post-break-in-length-wise/

Here are some top of the line or second from the top skates that are on clearance:

• Alkali CA9 for $299 or around $240 with the 20% off code, SUMSV20, on HM right now. Top of the line skate. Only a few sizes left.
• Alkali CA9 for $299 if you need an 8.5 as HM doesn’t have that size in stock.
• Bauer Vapor XR Premier for $349.88 or around $280 after using the 20% off promo code on their site. 2^nd from the top of the line:
• Reebok 11K pumps for $375 or $300 after the 20% off code.
• Bauer Vapor APXR. Top of the line for $449 or $360 after using the 20% off code.

As you can see there are some really good high end options between $240 and $360 which is around what you'd spend on current model mid-range skates, but you’ll get way better performance, support, comfort (if you fit, size and bake them right) and they should last you longer. If you look at the original prices of those skates you can see they're heavily discounted right now and most sizes for the Vapor and Reebok models are in stock - the Alkali CA9 has more limited sizes available, but they may have your size.

If you were lighter then a mid-range clearance skate could be a good deal, but I would stick to the top two skates at your weight.

[tweets44 0]

I read the thread on the pencil test and I guess I don't fully understand how to do it. Can you give me a brief rundown on how to check it on my current skates? Thanks!

[althoma1 574]

• Unlace your skates - pull the laces right out of the top 4 eyelets

Put your feet in

Pull the tongues forward

Put the pencil across the skate 3 and then 4 eyelets from the top

If the pencil can touch both sides without touching the top of your foot and your foot is just under the pencil; the boot has the ideal depth. If the pencil touches your foot; the boot is too shallow and you should look for a deeper boot. If your foot is way under the pencil; the boot is too deep and you should look for a shallower boot.

[tweets44 0]

• Unlace your skates - pull the laces right out of the top 4 eyelets
• Put your feet in
• Pull the tongues forward
• Put the pencil across the skate 3 and then 4 eyelets from the top
• If the pencil can touch both sides without touching the top of your foot and your foot is just under the pencil; the boot has the ideal depth. If the pencil touches your foot; the boot is too shallow and you should look for a deeper boot. If your foot is way under the pencil; the boot is too deep and you should look for a shallower boot.

Thanks!!!

[tweets44 0]

So, looking at the budget, not thinking a top line skate is going to be possible right now. Anybody have thoughts on the Mission Axiom A5? Found a good deal on them in my size.

[default user 3]

I never used any on the Axiom skates but a lot of the guys I play with seem to like them. I you don't mind what exactly is your budget? There are loads of higher end skates on clearance right now online. Skates are definitely the one thing were spending more money is worth it. The difference between a cheap low end skates vs a higher end is leaps and bounds.

[althoma1 574]

Yes, if you're just playing rec level roller then you can cheap out on shins, elbows, sticks, gloves ect., but you'll definitely notice the difference between high and low end skates (and wheels if you're on Sport Court). Try to splurge on skates and get the highest model that fits your foot on clearance that you can afford. Stretch the skate budget as much as you can.

[tweets44 0]

I ordered the axiom (which would have only been $80, what a steal) and then got a call from the company that they opened the box and there was only one skate in it and they couldn't find the other. So, I'm back to square one and have to have something to play on this Sunday. I would like to keep it to around $200 or less if possible

[althoma1 574]

Just stretch a bit and you can get the Alkali CA9 for $240 or the Bauer XR Premier for $280 from HM after using their 20% off coupon. That's assuming those will fit you well and they have your size in the CA9 - they seem to have a full stock of just about every size in the XR Premiers. Either of those skates will be miles better than something like the Axiom A5 and should last longer. Just think about it this way - over the span of the life of your skates it'll really be only a few cents more per game.

[tweets44 0]

Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it! Found a great deal on some Inhaler AC5's after talking to some guys I play with that have had good luck with them. So, I went with those for now. Bauer's are too narrow for me and nobody around here had an Alkali to try on for fit. Hope to move into a better skate in a couple years when I get another kid out of daycare (I have 3!).

[althoma1 574]

Well fit is the most important thing. If you can get a high end skate that fits well that's your best bet, but it's better to get something lower end that fits properly than something high end that doesn't fit. I've read the Alkali's are highly responsive to heat, however; that doesn't mean they'll fit everyone. If you know the Vapors are too narrow (even in EE) then it's better you didn't get them. Hopefully the new skates work well for you and last until you can afford better ones.