Too much skate?

[kmunk 0]

Hi,

new here...

I've been skating for decades but only started playing hockey - about twice a week - a couple of months ago and of course it shows. I used to think I could skate, but I suck. While my skates were hardly to blame I have felt the need for an upgrade from the over sized 40 dollar Reebok Endure II that I bought years ago just to do a few laps around the rink every now and then with my kids.

I had given myself a 300 dollar budget thinking I should get something good but given my limited ability it would be silly to splash out more. At the store I tried on several different brands and it became clear that the Bauer Vapor series were the best fit for my feet. The attendant showed me the X500 and while I would have been happy to buy them I noticed he had a pair of old X90 in my size on sale at only about 45 dollars more, the same as the price of a pair of X600 and still within my budget. While I knew I didn't actually need it I still figured that at that price this was a steal and the upgrade had to be worth it so I ended up buying the X90. The attendant said he hadn't thought of the X90, me being a beginner and all, but he did not discourage me from buying them or argue against my perception of them being a better buy.

Once I got home, I started reading about buying hockey skates (I know, that's somewhat backwards...) and I read people saying that not only do you only benefit from buying a very stiff skate as an experienced and / or heavy skater, worse yet it might actually be to the detriment of skating ability for inexperienced and lighter players (I'm 170 lbs) (as they don't have and don't develop the necessary ankle strength and it limits them from bending sufficiently low in their knees, I think it was).

So my question is, have I made a mistake and, much more importantly, if so what can I do to break in my new skates faster (I presume returning them to the store is out of the question since they were heat molded to fit my feet) and learn to skate well in spite of my skates?

...Or should I just be happy I made a steal?

[GloriousLeader 31]

Sounds like you're thinking too hard... You got a good deal on sweet skates. Just be happy and get out there and play.

My two cents, I personally don't buy the argument that stiff skates are detrimental to learning to skate. Whether you're in old school leather Tacks or stiff composite skates, poor form and physical weaknesses (ie ankle) will going to make you a poor skater. Likewise whether you're in soft leather boots or hard composite, you need to learn to skate either way. Considering you've been skating for decades, I take it you're not ankle grinding out there.

They are good skates, just get out there and have fun and remember skates don't make better skater.

[kmunk 0]

Sounds like you're thinking too hard... You got a good deal on sweet skates. Just be happy and get out there and play.

My two cents, I personally don't buy the argument that stiff skates are detrimental to learning to skate. Whether you're in old school leather Tacks or stiff composite skates, poor form and physical weaknesses (ie ankle) will going to make you a poor skater. Likewise whether you're in soft leather boots or hard composite, you need to learn to skate either way. Considering you've been skating for decades, I take it you're not ankle grinding out there.

They are good skates, just get out there and have fun and remember skates don't make better skater.

Thanks.

after posting I figured as much myself, went to the rink and tried them out. After a few minutes of getting used to them they felt good and I'm happy. I did not in any way feel inhibited in terms of bending my knees and getting into a good low stance.

[stick9 896]

If you use waxed laces and find the boot feeling a little too stiff, ditch the waxed laces for some regular ones.

You can also try skipping the top eyelet. Modern skates are cut pretty high. I have trouble getting the proper knee bend when I lace my skates all the way to the top.

[vinprun71 61]

X90s for only $45 more than X500s is a great deal. Keep em'. It will help in the long run when you break them in.

[kmunk 0]

Thanks to you guys as well.

I'm keeping them, now relishing my good luck rather than worrying, look forward to playing in them tomorrow.

Oh, and I'll keep the tips about laces in mind.

[fatwabbit 93]

Maybe try skating with the top eyelet undone? Or maybe even two eyelets? Try and give each a shot and see what best suits you and your skating style. I've been playing inline for many years, and always laced all the way to the top. HOwever after a long hiatus of not playing, I went to the open skate and tried skating with the one/two eyelets undone, and now find it so much more 'fluid' and comfortable by skipping the two eyelets. I also had to skip one of the eyelets nearer the toe to provide some pressure relief on the bunion that I've got on my right foot. Looks weird, but feels more comfortable to me.