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What is the main difference...

Prospalous

Prospalous

Registered User
Jan 13, 2008
163
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New York
from a skate like the Vapor XVI and the Vapor XXV? I'm currently skating in the Nike Bauer Vapor XVI's and I was wondering when would be a good time to maybe upgrade to maybe a better skate? I'm currently playing basically pick up hockey and stick times, but I've taken a few pucks to my feet when playing defense and it hurts like :rant::rant::rant:!! hahah. Do the better skates have THAT much of a difference in padding, or I guess what I want to know is, what is it (hopefully something other than lightness) that differentiates a $160 skate and a $300 skate. I would just like to avoid spending the money if it's really not going to either improve my skating or protect me better against those damn slappers.

Thanks for your help! :yo:
 
Ya the better the skate the more protection for sure.

The only thing Id say is that the upgrade in protection from the XVI skate to XXV skate PROBABLY will not be a big one compared to something more like the XXXX.

If I needed to replace my XVI(currently use them myself) I would def get the XXV, but just to purely upgrade skates for more protection Id try and snag some XXXX. I have seen some guys with the XXXX and it is definitely a noticeable difference stiffness wise with the material.
 
Is there any improvements to skating performance though? I'm not sure about this - but I once heard the better skates have better steel (truth?) and help for better skating.
 
Prospalous said:
Is there any improvements to skating performance though? I'm not sure about this - but I once heard the better skates have better steel (truth?) and help for better skating.
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There is some improvement in performance, especially on edge control. A stiffer boot is going to allow you to push it further on your edges without sliding out.

The steel comes with the holder. The lightspeed 2's on the xxxx, xxv, and xxii come with tuuk stainless steel. If im not mistaken, the lightspeed pro that comes on the xvi comes tuuk carbon steel. Its just different, im not sure if its better or worse. But, the xxv will have the same steel as the xxxx cause it has the same holder.

You are also going to get a better tongue, as the xxv has a carbon or composite metatarsal guard in the tongue for lace bite and protection from shots versus the plain felt in the xvi.

Some websites still have the xxxx on closeout for around 250 to 300, you should try to find that as they will be a big step up from the xvi's.
 
do you know if the XXXX will fit the same as the XVI? Otherwise, I will have to go to a Local Dealer and feel bad that I tried on the skate without buying from him, lol.
 
Prospalous said:
do you know if the XXXX will fit the same as the XVI? Otherwise, I will have to go to a Local Dealer and feel bad that I tried on the skate without buying from him, lol.
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yeah, the fit should be about the same, the pitch on the holder is different though. youll feel much more on your toes on the ls2 vs the ls pro.
 
I went with the XXV's because it's just a bit less stiff and a bit heavier than the XXXX's with a bit different liner. You don't want to go too cheap on a skate because the outsole will fall apart sooner, the skate will lose a lot of stiffness, the holder/steel will be cheaper quality, on down the line.
 
Regarding the steel- Last spring I upgraded from a skate with carbon steel blade to X:40s (Which I understand is the same skate as the XXV) with the LS2 blade. The main difference that I have noticed in the blades is that my edges now last about twice as long as they did in the carbon blades. I still use the same hollow but I'm now getting my skates sharpened every 5-6 games rather than every 2-3 like I was with the Carbon Steel blades... and even when I do get them sharpened now, I feel like I could still go another few games but I just do it anyway because I feel like I'm neglecting them or something if I don't.:laugh:
 
pfloyd75 said:
Regarding the steel- Last spring I upgraded from a skate with carbon steel blade to X:40s (Which I understand is the same skate as the XXV) with the LS2 blade. The main difference that I have noticed in the blades is that my edges now last about twice as long as they did in the carbon blades. I still use the same hollow but I'm now getting my skates sharpened every 5-6 games rather than every 2-3 like I was with the Carbon Steel blades... and even when I do get them sharpened now, I feel like I could still go another few games but I just do it anyway because I feel like I'm neglecting them or something if I don't.:laugh:
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haha, that actually would make a lot of sense. yeah my blades on my XVI's lasts maybe a couple of open hockey sessions before I feel like I'm going to fall every time I take a sharp turn.
 
The better (more expensive skates) are made with lighter, stronger materials so they are stiffer and provide more protection. Some skates even have a metatarsal guard in them which is the bone on the inside of your foot. Those new $900 Bauer skates even have the interchangeable guards in the tongue of the skate from what I hear!!

If you're really having trouble with shot blocking they do sell plastic ankle guards that you can slip over your skates.

http://www.torontohockeyrepair.com/c_ankle.htm

The bottom line is that if you get tagged with a good shot it's going to hurt. Better skates WILL lessen the blow and improve your chances of not breaking something.
 
Elshupacabra said:
The bottom line is that if you get tagged with a good shot it's going to hurt. Better skates WILL lessen the blow and improve your chances of not breaking something.
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Agreed, I would just like it to hurt a little less than a state of me skating around on one foot screaming expletives I don't think you want to hear :laugh::laugh:
 
It's very close, and they do heat mold, so if the lower skate fits pretty well the top end skate should be able to fit pretty well as well.

For the most part this has been covered, but here goes:
Pricier skates will be much stiffer, which helps in protection. Padding isn't enough to stop a puck's energy, but a stiffer boot will help a lot. The most protective boots out there are the stiffest- the shot energy will be absorbed by the shell and won't even make it to the padding. I have taken 90 mph slapshots off the sides of my feet in Synergy 800s (Now SE10, one piece glass fiber boot) and had all pain go away in a minute or so. These are shots that would break a foot in most traditional leather skates.

The other big advantage is weight. Yes, it does help speed. A lot. Try putting ankle weights on, skating for a while, and taking them off. Your footspeed improves dramatically, which makes you faster and lets you remain fast longer into the game as it wears you down less.

The steel will also be better. Stiffer and stronger, so it holds an edge longer. The holder will also be better, transferring energy better. That along with a stiffer boot lets you put more energy into each stride, making you go faster, and supports you better, allowing you to make tighter turns. Cheaper skates also often come with holders with the steel molded in, so you can't replace it. If the steel breaks or runs out you're SOL.

You have better linings to help your foot stay comfortable, you have better tongues to help prevent lacebite and to add more padding to protect the least protected area on a skate.


Cheap skates are designed to be quick, cheap and easy to produce. Top end skates are designed to be the best thing they can make to skate and play hockey in, which usually means they're not cheap, quick or easy to make.
 
So I'm having a difficult time finding the Vapor XXXX in my size... Anyone have any experience with the new Vapor X:40? I've read its comparable to the Vapor XXV, but since I don't know the difference between the XVI and the XXV, I have no idea what kind of downsides this skate would have compared to going right for the best skate (XXXX or X:60). Also, is there anyone who has experience with a various brands of skates that can recommend something else in the $200-$400 range? Sure I can head to the store and try them on, but I don't think the local dealers allow for a test drive.

Thanks for your input.
 
Prospalous said:
So I'm having a difficult time finding the Vapor XXXX in my size... Anyone have any experience with the new Vapor X:40? I've read its comparable to the Vapor XXV, but since I don't know the difference between the XVI and the XXV, I have no idea what kind of downsides this skate would have compared to going right for the best skate (XXXX or X:60). Also, is there anyone who has experience with a various brands of skates that can recommend something else in the $200-$400 range? Sure I can head to the store and try them on, but I don't think the local dealers allow for a test drive.

Thanks for your input.
Click to expand...

The best skate is the most expensive skate you can afford that fits you the best. If your foot fits in the xxii's well, with not heel slop or uncomfort, the x40's will most likely fit you pretty well also. The foot mold is slightly different in the xxxx line to the x:## line, so i would recommend trying them on. Also, if you are on a budget, take a look at one75's. theyre a very serious skate, and if they fit you you can get them at a great price right now since the new one## series is coming out. The x40 is right on par with the xxv, and is a very good skate.
 
fat pat said:
The best skate is the most expensive skate you can afford that fits you the best. If your foot fits in the xxii's well, with not heel slop or uncomfort, the x40's will most likely fit you pretty well also. The foot mold is slightly different in the xxxx line to the x:## line, so i would recommend trying them on. Also, if you are on a budget, take a look at one75's. theyre a very serious skate, and if they fit you you can get them at a great price right now since the new one## series is coming out. The x40 is right on par with the xxv, and is a very good skate.
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Thats not true at all. The best skate is one that fits, meant for your weight, meant for your skating ability and strength. It is not the most expensive skate you can afford. Sometimes a entry level skate is the best skate for an individual, some times an int skate is, most of the time a high end skate is not.
 
Prospalous said:
So I'm having a difficult time finding the Vapor XXXX in my size... Anyone have any experience with the new Vapor X:40? I've read its comparable to the Vapor XXV, but since I don't know the difference between the XVI and the XXV, I have no idea what kind of downsides this skate would have compared to going right for the best skate (XXXX or X:60). Also, is there anyone who has experience with a various brands of skates that can recommend something else in the $200-$400 range? Sure I can head to the store and try them on, but I don't think the local dealers allow for a test drive.

Thanks for your input.
Click to expand...

I've been skating in the X:40s since May and I like them a lot. Very solid skates for the price. Fairly stiff and light though not so much as the XXXX or X:60s but the fit is the same. I know that my feet have not hurt at all since getting them and I have had no stingers in them yet.
 
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