Refresh me on the new skates

[Hockeydog 8]

So I have been in my EQ50's for a few years now. They are not bad but they were a compromize when I bought them. Not sure how the EQ50's rate on the stiffness scale as compared to other skates, but I think I could benefit from a less stiff skate. They also seem to be a taller boot, again not sure how they comapre. Since CCM has come out with 2 new lines ( Tacks - RBZ) , and RBK has become narrower since I last shopped for skates I thought I'd sniff around and see if there was something newer that might fit the bill - or foot as it were!

My EQ50's are good in the forefoot, and depth is good. Heel lock was an issue at first but for games it is okay ( but not great) at this point. Ideally I'd like a little more secure heel lock, a little less stiff and maybe not quite as tall. But tall wouldn't be bad if the boot was flexible.

I do have an LHS and I will be trying on and buying locally. I would like to have a game plan going in because they are not knowledgeable and are the types that thrust a laced up skate at you, stand over you while you un lace to put it on, and then ask you if you like them about 2 seconds after you stand in them! They also think everyone should fit in a Vapor ( which unless they have changed in the last 5 years I can't simply due to heel slip / otherwise a good fit for me) I am not the type to be rushed, but still would rather have some target skates going in just because the annoyance might cause a drop in focus! They carry Bauer, CCM , and RBK. If a Graf or Easton is in my future, I'd have to take a road trip.

Thanks for any suggestions. I am not dying for new skates, but will pull the trigger if something newer can help my game.

[Hockeydog 8]

Nothing?

[z1ggy 81]

If I'm not mistaken, EQ50's were on the more wide fitting side, no?

Either way here's my experiences with skates today and how they fit my foot. I fit in Vapor XV's, which are on the narrow side. I have low arch, low instep.

Vapors: Wider and deeper than they used to be. Even a D width was too big all around

Supreme: Even more depth than the Vapor, with a slightly more "box" like toe cap, and rounder heel

Nexus: N/A because they are even wider & have more volume all around than the two above

RBK RibCore: Fit like Vapors, but with a wider heel and slightly more volume

CCM Tacks: N/A but I've been sold they fit like Supremes

RBZ: N/A because they fit wide, but not quite as much as Nexus I believe

Graf 80/9035: Wider than the RBK, on par with Supremes. Heel lock was really good, volume was more than Vapors and RBK as well.

Easton Mako II: My favorite skates by far. Heel lock felt incredible, wrap was very tight. Didn't have them baked so I suspect that would only have helped. Volume was the lowest by far out of any skate, same with width.

Might I also suggest looking into VH skates. This is what I plan on ordering for my next pair. I don't want Mako's because I don't trust them durability wise, and I don't think I would like the CXN holder. Some swear by it, but I personally don't think I would like the extreme pitch. VH skates can be made custom to your foot, which in my case I think I would need. No other skates on the market right now fit me other than Mako's.

[Chadd 916]

Everyone has a different definition of "wide" and fit/feel. Nexus and RBZ are the wider fits for the respective brands, but I would plan on trying on everything as a narrower fitting boot in an E or EE may be a better option than a wider boot in a D width.