Graf 735 Skate

[GardinerExpress]

Hey guys, any of you have any experience with the 735 model. I'm getting an awesome deal on these and wanted to hear opinions about them. I've never owned a pair of high-end skates (Been using entry level RBKs for last 2 years) so i don't really have anything to compare them to. I searched google and youtube, couldn't find any reviews. Thanks.

 

[Jarick]

I've been in G35's for the last couple months...same skate, different holder and outer material (possibly liner too, not sure).

It's a forward pitched boot, will put you on the balls of your toes. The tendon guard also is pointed forward, forcing you to bend your knees. If they fit your feet, they're awesome, super comfortable, really nice skate.

 

[Ozolinsh_27]

Just curious, have you gone in for a proper fitting at a store? Is it a hockey shop thats giving you the deal or is it used/private sale?

The only reason I ask is do not buy a pair of Graf skates that you haven't been properly fit for at a Graf authorized dealer. Each model is different, say from a 705 to 735.. the 735 and G35 are almost the same except for materials. I think the 705 and 735 are similar but the 735 was built for a wider forefoot than the 705s. 703s were for narrower feet.

The 700 series of Graf skates took in a lot of moisture and would get heavier towards the end of a game, from what I remember the G series improved on repelling moisture/drying faster. There are likely a few more improvements but I haven't used a Graf G series skate - correct me if I'm wrong, my advice is probably a little dated, I've only used a 700 series like 10 years ago, but I switched over to Bauers almost 3 years ago now.

I wore a 705 fine for 5 seasons, starting having trouble with 705s, then switched to 704s then 735s trying to find the proper fit. 704s killed my arches, the 735s was simply too wide at the forefront so my right foot shifted a lot. As I got older as my right foot is now almost a half size smaller than my left, so I tried Bauers and loved how light they were and didn't retain moisture, so haven't really looked back unfortunately. I would have liked to try a G5 but I don't think they're manufactured in junior sizes, I loved my 705s.

 

[canuck44]

I have a pair. I've had a couple of competitive seasons, and a couple of just pick up seasons in them now. SOB of a skate to break in, but I don't have any other complaints. I picked up my pair for $300 or $400 on sale long ago.

 

[GardinerExpress]

Just curious, have you gone in for a proper fitting at a store? Is it a hockey shop thats giving you the deal or is it used/private sale?

The only reason I ask is do not buy a pair of Graf skates that you haven't been properly fit for at a Graf authorized dealer. Each model is different, say from a 705 to 735.. the 735 and G35 are almost the same except for materials. I think the 705 and 735 are similar but the 735 was built for a wider forefoot than the 705s. 703s were for narrower feet.

The 700 series of Graf skates took in a lot of moisture and would get heavier towards the end of a game, from what I remember the G series improved on repelling moisture/drying faster. There are likely a few more improvements but I haven't used a Graf G series skate - correct me if I'm wrong, my advice is probably a little dated, I've only used a 700 series like 10 years ago, but I switched over to Bauers almost 3 years ago now.

I wore a 705 fine for 5 seasons, starting having trouble with 705s, then switched to 704s then 735s trying to find the proper fit. 704s killed my arches, the 735s was simply too wide at the forefront so my right foot shifted a lot. As I got older as my right foot is now almost a half size smaller than my left, so I tried Bauers and loved how light they were and didn't retain moisture, so haven't really looked back unfortunately. I would have liked to try a G5 but I don't think they're manufactured in junior sizes, I loved my 705s.

hey thanks for that, i'm actually getting them from a store in Toronto called Majer Hockey. Will be getting them baked as well. I'm getting them for $350. I really hope they fit properly, my feet are not very wide, there more on the narrow side so i've heard the 735s are great for that.

 

[Ozolinsh_27]

I really hope they fit properly, my feet are not very wide, there more on the narrow side so i've heard the 735s are great for that.

If I remember correctly they were intended for a narrower heel with wider forefoot. 350$ sounds like a good deal, hope it works out for you.

Let us know if you like the waxed laces, once you go waxed you never go back

 

[Nbr-17]

hey thanks for that, i'm actually getting them from a store in Toronto called Majer Hockey. Will be getting them baked as well. I'm getting them for $350. I really hope they fit properly, my feet are not very wide, there more on the narrow side so i've heard the 735s are great for that.

That is a good LHS, they will fit you properly.
For the ultimate in comfort, I'd suggest also getting custom footbeds.

 

[Jarick]

If your whole feet are narrow, 703's are more for that foot shape...but yes, if they do a good job fitting you shouldn't have anything to worry about. My local shop wanted me to get into the tightest fitting, narrowest skates possible, then bake and stretch if needed to open them up a bit, that way they fit super close onto the foot to prevent it from rolling around.

FWIW, I have really narrow heels, narrower feet, but really wide up by the toes. Went with G35's and had them stretched out way up by the toes...fits beautifully.

 

[canuck44]

If I remember correctly they were intended for a narrower heel with wider forefoot. 350$ sounds like a good deal, hope it works out for you.

Let us know if you like the waxed laces, once you go waxed you never go back

Yep, they're designed for wide feet. Fits me well.

Although I'm quickly getting tired of the lack of ankle support in it (and along with Grafs in general).

Oh and, waxed laces are the answer.

 

[Jarick]

Man I couldn't say they lacked ankle support...but then again in my Vapors I skipped the top two eyelets and my Grafs I can laced them all the way up. Love the low cut boot.

 

[Ozolinsh_27]

On a pretty amusing note, I googled Graf skates ankle support and check out this quote from this article this person should not be advising people on how to buy Graf skates

http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1654552

The first thing that you are going to consider before purchasing Graf Hockey Skates is if they are a good color. You should always try to match the color of the skate to the color of your uniform so that you look more professional.

The second thing that you are going to want to consider before purchasing these hockey skates is if you are comfortable in them.