Which Bauer Supremes for a Beginner/Intermediate?

[Campoli 9]

Hey all, I am in the market for a new pair of skates. I have been using cheapy Canadian Tire Vapors for a few years but they have become too flexible and I have become a better than than their intended sole "recreational" use.

I was recently fitted in Supremes for a better fit and have the opportunity to purchase some previous models for a good price. I can go with the One.7's for $159 or the One.8's for $220. I intend on keeping these for a long time and something I can use to develop into a decent beer leaguer :)

Which do you recommend for my level and the long term?

[boo10 323]

Both good skates that will last for a while. I'd say go with the One.8 because it is a significant upgrade. It has a much nicer liner, which on its own is worth the few extra bucks.

Based on the prices you've listed, I'm guessing you're going to buy at Sportchek? If so, sign up for their email list and you can save an extra 10%.

[mickz 107]

Assuming you don't have any issues flexing the One.8 I'd go with that. It comes with nicer steel and outsole (full composite vs full fibre composite).

[fbvnyc 12]

Agree with one.8. For long term carbon composite would be better.

[qmechanic 17]

It also depends on your weight. Heavier people generally need stiffer skates.

[Campoli 9]

That's what im concerned with. I weigh 170lbs and 5'10. I have decent strong soccer legs but am concerned over the stiffness. Are these a tough skate to break in?

[qmechanic 17]

If you were using cheap skates and those held up for a while, I'd say that the One.7 is probably fine. If you buy a skate that's too stiff or much stiffer than you're used to, that is just as much of a problem as skates that are too flexible. The appropriate amount of stiffness depends on the skater's weight, their skating ability, how often they skate, and personal preference.

I made the mistake of buying top of the line Vapors and they were too stiff. I ended up selling them and getting Supreme One70s (an older equivalent model to the One.7). These have held up fine over 5 years; they seem to be the right level of stiffness for me. I'm much lighter than you, though. I'm a good skater and I skate about twice a week.

In the end though, you'll just have to pick a skate and try it to figure out what your preferences are. I went through 4 different models of skates before I knew what I really wanted.

[fbvnyc 12]

Just realized one.8 doesn't have curve composite. one.7 would be ok I guess, but in the world of hockey gear and considering how long you will have skates the extra 60 bucks of features is probably worth it.

[Campoli 9]

Thanks guys. Interestingly a supreme in EE fit me very well but compared with D width I did not feel any snugness around the sides of my feet. The heel lock was good though. Would this indicate a better fit or should it be snug all around?

[boo10 323]

Thanks guy. Interestingly a supreme in EE fit me very well but compared with D width I did not feel any snugness around the sides of my feet. The heel lock was good though. Would this indicate a better fit or should it be snug all around?

You want as snug as possible without pain. If your foot has any side to side movement in the boot, then it is too wide.

[stick9 896]

It also depends on your weight. Heavier people generally need stiffer skates.

But it's not always for support. It's generally based on wear & tear and extending the life of the skate.