jonesy9020 77 Report post Posted July 12, 2015 Not looking for advice on fit, just on what's a better value/will hold up longer.I know there are a lot of alkali guys on here and they definitely make a great product, but I just don't have the cash to spend on a new mid-high end skate at this point. I've found a few pairs of skates in my size and price range (about 70 bucks tops) on eBay and just wanted some advice from you guys.Mostly deciding between some older but great shape Mission Proto VIs and newer but entry level Alkali CA3s. They're priced more or less identically.I know the CA3s will probably be a better skate initially, but my concern is that in an entry level skate with the newer skate materials, they will deteriorate much faster than the Proto, which has a mostly leather construction. In short -- stiffness and performance isn't a huge concern for me, durability is, as I'm really just looking to get something to go skate around with at an outdoor asphalt/concrete rink from time to time.Before anyone directs me to clearance racks -- I'm probably the most popular size out there 11.5 shoe size so looking at a 10 in Alkali, and that size is looooong gone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vet88 674 Report post Posted July 13, 2015 Between the 2 you have mentioned, personally I'd go for the Mission skate, the Proto VI was a solid, dependable skate. The Alkali CA range wasn't that great and they made big changes in the next couple of model releases. One thing to consider though is the break in time for a used leather skate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonesy9020 77 Report post Posted July 14, 2015 Thanks for the tip, that's kind of where I was leaning. I don't think break in time will be a huge problem as old mission inlines generally fit me better than almost any other skate out of the box. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonesy9020 77 Report post Posted July 21, 2015 Picked up some Mission Proto VS's for pretty cheap and got a roller puck, inline pants, and a few extra wheels thrown in as a bonus. Looked for some info on them but can't seem to find much beyond that they appear to be mid-high end for the time (the time being around 1999, they have the old Mission green and red oval logo). They have a red insert looking thing on the outer edge of the outsole. Anyone know if these are composite outsoles or just TPU? Thanks.Here's a link to the auction, if it helps. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mission-Proto-VS-Mens-Roller-Hockey-Skates-Rollerblades-penetrator-Size-10D-/331605050117?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=RtVZlArJzawAL%252BhOozUlkU2iq%252BE%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Justin 1933 134 Report post Posted July 21, 2015 Mid level skate. 1st version of a composite/plastic combo outsole. One piece chassis. From around 1999 I believe. I have the catalog at home somewhere. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonesy9020 77 Report post Posted July 22, 2015 Nice. Thanks, Justin. Looking forward to taking them for a spin. Also just saw your post about Alkali. That's too bad. I wish you the best wherever you head next -- any company would be lucky to have you and you're one of the best, most responsive reps on this site. Good luck with it all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
