New Skates for Hockey Beginner

[3mar67 17]

Hi, been lurking here for a few weeks, but this is my first post here.

I'm 53, 5'10" 175 pounds and just getting started with pickup hockey.

I'm looking to get my first pair of half-decent skates.

Can anyone give me opinions on the two skates I've narrowed down my choice to?

One is the Bauer Supreme one.8, which I can get for about $230 Canadian.

The other is the CCM Tacks 4052, which I can get for about 300.

Would the new style taller holder on the 4052 be any kind of an advantage?

Would I be buying an obsolete skate if I went with the Bauer?

I appreciate all comments and opinions.

Thanks

[jonesy9020 77]

No the Bauer is not obsolete. It's a near-pro stiffness tech mesh skate. It's a better skate than the 4052 in my opinion. The taller holder is not a significant enough advantage to make you pick the Tacks over the One.8. That said, buy the skate that fits you most comfortably. Both skates are more than sufficient for a beginner.

[IPv6Freely 2096]

Also I'm curious how you narrowed down your choices? Did you get fitted at a store?

[3mar67 17]

Also I'm curious how you narrowed down your choices? Did you get fitted at a store?

I went in to a few stores over a couple of weeks and tried on a number of different skates.

Basically, I researched online how to determine a correct fit.

I used that as a starting point...then I went with what felt best after I laced them up.

I'm coming from a pair of Bauer Supreme 3000 skates that I've had for years.

[shoot_the_goalie 281]

I went in to a few stores over a couple of weeks and tried on a number of different skates.

Basically, I researched online how to determine a correct fit.

I used that as a starting point...then I went with what felt best after I laced them up.

I'm coming from a pair of Bauer Supreme 3000 skates that I've had for years.

Don't think the taller holder will benefit you noticeably unless you're a really strong skater with really good edge control. The benefit of the raised holder allows you to attack turns at a sharper angle (from a starting point of an already sharp angle turn). Regardless, the 4052 is a good skate.

Bauer Supreme one. 9 is a solid skate as well. Slightly less pitch forward than the Tacks, but again, not highly noticeable unless you're an experienced skater.

The only odd thing I find is that those are two very different fitting skates in my opinion, even though the Tacks were said to be CCMs answer to the Supreme line. They both feel similar in the heel, but Tacks have more volume in the mid and forefoot than the Supremes.

But if both skates fit you well and you like both, then go with whatever suits you better. Both are good skates.

[beanhead 22]

I'm coming from a pair of Bauer Supreme 3000 skates that I've had for years.

I went from Bauer Supreme 3000 to the One.7 and I am happy with my choice. You will be happy with the One.8 as long as it fits well. It is not an obsolete skate.

[mickz 107]

Obsolete? No. Discontinued? Yes.

Once you find a boot that is comfortable, make sure you can flex it at the ankles as well. If you can't then the skates are too stiff for you and will feel like you're wearing a ski boot.

[3mar67 17]

OP reporting back....

I went out on the weekend and tried on a bunch of skates in different sizes and widths.

CCM Tacks 3052, 4052, CCM U+12, Bauer Supreme 170, one.7, one.8, various vapors.

Right out of the box, I like the fit of the size 7 4052 the best. It was also the most expensive of the ones I tried on.

BTW...I was given a pair of 3052s a few weeks ago, but they are too big for me (8.5)...so they went in the closet.

Second choice would be Supreme one.8 size 7.5....but they are a little snug right where the toecap begins.

After baking, they felt quite a bit better. It would be nice to try these in EE, but I couldn't find any.

I took home the one.8 to try on for a couple of days in my house. Seems like the snug toecap is bothering me less.

I keep thinking I might be getting more bang for the buck with the Bauers, but the 4052 seems pretty decent quality as well.

Third choice was the Supreme 170. But I think I'd be taking a step down in quality (especially the steel). They were also 40 dollars higher than the one.8.

I went to four different shops, and three of them measured my feet.

They all said I shouldn't need an EE in any of the models I tried.

They also didn't have any EEs, except for the 170, (both D and EE felt very similar).

I think I'll go back and try the 4052s again before I make up my mind.

I went to a retail chain that is clearing out all skates at 30% off, but they didnt have my size in the 4052s, or I would probably have bought them.

[3mar67 17]

Moderator, feel free to lock or delete this thread as I have another thread titled "Are These Skates Too Big" and I feel the topics will probably overlap. Sorry and Thanks.