MyBoxersSayJoe 133 Report post Posted March 29, 2017 What's the best way to know if my boot's breaking down? I had a powerskating instructor say that may be part of the issue with my back skate not being stable when stopping. I'm going to have to work on my technique and see if I can smooth out stopping on the outside edge. I've absolutely loved my current skates since day 1, (Custom APX's done by DarkStar50) and seriously dread the day I have to move on from them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matix218 11 Report post Posted March 29, 2017 Generally when a boot is breaking down it means that the structural material is starting to weaken. Do your skates seem like they are getting softer or flexing more than they should be? APX's are made with curve composite so they should be much slower to break down than a traditional skate material (I would think) but I dont know how long you have had them, how hard and frequently you skate, how powerful of a skater you are, how heavy you are, etc. If you are noticing a difference in how supportive and stiff the skate feels it is possible that the skate has broken down and it may be time to look into a replacement. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MyBoxersSayJoe 133 Report post Posted March 29, 2017 Definitely starting to notice some flex and instability. Mostly laterally in the upper part of the skate, ankle height. But my mindset about that is partially, "Well, just strengthen your ankles." Especially since I spent most of my youth in Graf 703's. I've had the APX's since they were released, so 2011? And between coaching and playing I'm on the ice 3-5 times a week. 5'7" 145 lbs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
althoma1 575 Report post Posted March 29, 2017 After skating 3-5 times a week for close to 6 years it's probably time to start casually shopping for new skates - you still have skates that are serviceable; so you can afford to wait for the right deal on something that fits you well. It doesn't sound like you're in dire need of replacement and you could probably get by on them for a while yet, however; if you want to maximize performance then a fresh pair that fits well should help. Also, if you happen to break a holder or steel or your steel is getting too low then investing in new skates would probably be more prudent then trying to fix up a 6 year old pair. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MyBoxersSayJoe 133 Report post Posted March 29, 2017 I'm definitely not in a rush, but it's something that became slightly noticeable at a powerskating clinic once it was mentioned. Breaking the holder is what made me finally give up my Grafs. I actually just switched to Step Blacksteel runners. My APX's are custom-sized and I'm not a fan of the injected molding lace systems on the models that came after it, as I'm not sure how much they would allow for customization. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krisdrum 233 Report post Posted March 29, 2017 21 minutes ago, MyBoxersSayJoe said: I'm definitely not in a rush, but it's something that became slightly noticeable at a powerskating clinic once it was mentioned. Breaking the holder is what made me finally give up my Grafs. I actually just switched to Step Blacksteel runners. My APX's are custom-sized and I'm not a fan of the injected molding lace systems on the models that came after it, as I'm not sure how much they would allow for customization. What kind of customization do your skates currently have? Length? Widths? Both? Other stuff? That might limit your ability to find a suitable off-the-shelf replacement as everything seems to be getting more and more homogenized. Graf is in limbo and has reduced their multi-model, multi-fit approach from what I can tell, Easton is gone to Bauer and likely won't see anything similar to their offerings coming from them. Bauer is 3 basic fits (narrow, medium, wide, with some variation for different widths within a fit line), as is CCM. They offer customization, but that ain't cheap. VH is full custom, but also has the pricetag. Am I missing anyone? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
althoma1 575 Report post Posted March 29, 2017 VH is now the cheapest custom option based on specific measurements/scans...it's still not cheap starting at $899, but cheaper than Bauer and CCM top end customs. Closeout high end retail options are the usually the best bang for the buck as long as you can find something that fits your foot properly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MyBoxersSayJoe 133 Report post Posted March 29, 2017 1 hour ago, krisdrum said: What kind of customization do your skates currently have? Length? Widths? Both? Other stuff? That might limit your ability to find a suitable off-the-shelf replacement as everything seems to be getting more and more homogenized. Graf is in limbo and has reduced their multi-model, multi-fit approach from what I can tell, Easton is gone to Bauer and likely won't see anything similar to their offerings coming from them. Bauer is 3 basic fits (narrow, medium, wide, with some variation for different widths within a fit line), as is CCM. They offer customization, but that ain't cheap. VH is full custom, but also has the pricetag. Am I missing anyone? EA 6-5/8 and EA 6-3/4, 1/8" stretch on the toecaps, 1" wider tongues for better wraparound. There was no break-in, no hotspots, the skates have been perfect. Basically, E's are fine for me in the forefoot, but then I get heel lift, which is what happened with my X:60's. I'm going to have to contemplate this for a bit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krisdrum 233 Report post Posted March 29, 2017 12 minutes ago, MyBoxersSayJoe said: EA 6-5/8 and EA 6-3/4, 1/8" stretch on the toecaps, 1" wider tongues for better wraparound. There was no break-in, no hotspots, the skates have been perfect. Basically, E's are fine for me in the forefoot, but then I get heel lift, which is what happened with my X:60's. I'm going to have to contemplate this for a bit. Sounds like my feet. Wide-ish up front, narrow in the heel. That is a tall order from what I am finding out. I'm in Graf 535s right now. Nothing else has given me anything close to that level of heel lock. Stock Vapor EE's were decent, but not great and I had to get them punched and re-baked a few times and was never able to get them to really wrap well. I hear the Ribcors could be a good fit, with some punch-out in the forefoot for me. Or maybe the new Tacks. CCM has smartened up and narrowed their heels. Post bake I think it gives them a wider foot shape range. Bauer doesn't seem interested in making that kind of adjustment yet. With your custom length, width, and other mods, going custom might be your only real option. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
A2rhino 63 Report post Posted March 31, 2017 I have the same issue with my heels being extremely narrow. When I had my skates heat molded I then had the heel spot heated and then had the fitter gently squeez my boot around my heel with a hand held vice and a towel. Worked great. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jgold47 12 Report post Posted April 7, 2017 in the old days you could stitch up a leather skate to make it stiffer. I dont suppose there's any way to do the same with composite. Having said that, I"m pretty sure you can order standard eyelets on a custom bauer skate. Most of the other changes you want can be built into the custom skate. even if they are $1K (not sure what the current prices are), for as much as you're skating, you may want to make that investment.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
