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Which skates are the best threads

I was lucky when I went and bought my skates. I told the employee at my LHS that I was brand new to hockey and wanted a good skate that wouldn't break the bank. He asked me what style I like (the Vapors) and recommended the X:30's as a good mid line skate. He had me try them on, baked em and seemed genuinely interested on the feel. He then sharpened them for me with a V cut. I was only charged for the skate so I'm assuming baking and sharpening was included. And boy do I love those skates!
 
Usually that stuff is included. I have very hard to fit feet and have been working for HOURS with my skate fitter punching out and stretching the Grafs I'm buying and its all being included. Skate guards are extra though. ;)
 
and people wonder why customers shop online...

First sharpening should absolutely be free of charge with the purchase of new skates because you can't stake on the factory edge.

Also, any skate that reqires baking should also be free of charge. It's part of the fitting process.

Skate guards are entirely optional.
 
stick9 said:
and people wonder why customers shop online...

First sharpening should absolutely be free of charge with the purchase of new skates because you can't stake on the factory edge.

Also, any skate that reqires baking should also be free of charge. It's part of the fitting process.

Skate guards are entirely optional.
Click to expand...

I called the store again today to confirm that all of those charges were extra as standard, and the person said "yes, we charge for each of those items additional to the purchase price of the skate" so at least I know I was not singled out.

That being said, I am less than thrilled this happened, as it seems standard operating procedure around the country NOT to charge for these items. :amazed:

Clearly I will need to find a new Graf authorized dealer in my area in the future...
 
FloPoErich said:
n00b question, what is punching out?
Click to expand...

Its putting the skates into a press or similar machine that will create space or pockets in the boot to allow for different shapes of feet.

For instance, I have a bone that sticks waaaay out in my ankle and I can not even stand up in unlaced new skates because it puts so much pressure on that bone its painful. They actually push out the padding and boot in that area to create a pocket or space for that bone to fit into so as not to create too much pressure on it. It can also be widening a boot slightly for someone that might have one foot wider than the other.

That kind of stuff.

For me, I have combined issues of very wide feet, bones that stick out and other issues that make for a very hard to fit foot. I spent hours with the fitters, trying on the skates, pointing out where there is pressure, having them modify the boot, put them back on, repeat till we get them right. All part of the fitting process. They are also going to do a custom profile sharpen for them as well for the first sharpening.
 
nystromshairstylist said:
Another item - the skates I went into the store to purchase were either a 703 or 705, but the dealer said the G70 would be a better fit for my foot shape, neglecting to mention that the skate was $ 120 more...
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I wouldnt jump to conclusions of them upselling you yet. They are right in that the skates are all designed for different shaped feet. I'm also getting the G70s. With Graf you cant just choose one you like because they are all designed with different foot shapes in mind and just cause you like the 705 doesnt mean its the right one for you.

There is not a fit equal in the 7 series to the G70. Its also why I'm in that skate. Though I did try a 705 and found it fit well as well, but the G70 is a different fit than either of those you mentioned.

A well fitting skate is essential though. You may have gotten "screwed" in a sense of paying that extra fitting fee, but at least be glad they got you into a skate that fits well and you'll be comfortable in them.
 
nystromshairstylist said:
I called the store again today to confirm that all of those charges were extra as standard, and the person said "yes, we charge for each of those items additional to the purchase price of the skate" so at least I know I was not singled out.

That being said, I am less than thrilled this happened, as it seems standard operating procedure around the country NOT to charge for these items. :amazed:

Clearly I will need to find a new Graf authorized dealer in my area in the future...
Click to expand...

would you mind saying where you went? this could serve as sort of a psa for the benefit of the forum members.
 
nystromshairstylist said:
I called the store again today to confirm that all of those charges were extra as standard, and the person said "yes, we charge for each of those items additional to the purchase price of the skate" so at least I know I was not singled out.

That being said, I am less than thrilled this happened, as it seems standard operating procedure around the country NOT to charge for these items. :amazed:

Clearly I will need to find a new Graf authorized dealer in my area in the future...
Click to expand...

First things first, Graf's not the only game in town. If they fit you and you like em great, but there are other options.
 
Hey everyone,

I've had skates before but I've never had skates that fit me properly. After about half an hour, my skates would always start squeezing my feet and causing pain (on the outer side of both my feet). Usually I just ignore this pain but I'm just wondering if there is something I can do about this? Are there custom skates I can buy? Or things I can put in the skates? I should also add that I suspect my feet don't fit regular skates because I have very flat feet that are wider than they should be based on my shoe size. Thanks in advance.
 
nystromshairstylist said:
Too late now, unless you can return skates after buying and wearing them... :blush:
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What I am saying is, you don't necessarily need to look for another authorized Graf dealer. You can bring those skates anywhere. If you have problems with them the shop you bought them from would likely charge you anyway.
 
MB91 said:
Hey everyone,

I've had skates before but I've never had skates that fit me properly. After about half an hour, my skates would always start squeezing my feet and causing pain (on the outer side of both my feet). Usually I just ignore this pain but I'm just wondering if there is something I can do about this? Are there custom skates I can buy? Or things I can put in the skates? I should also add that I suspect my feet don't fit regular skates because I have very flat feet that are wider than they should be based on my shoe size. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

No reason to go custom unless you have no choice. With that foot type you should look at CCM, Reebok's or certain model Graf's. Maybe even go to an EE width.
 
Out of the loop

I have not bought a pair of skates for 15 years or so (and pretty much have not skate regularly for that many years).

My last two pairs were Micron 10-90 and I really liked them. However, one pair literally broke down while I was skating a few years ago and the other is just about done as well.

I would like to start playing regularly again and need new skates. Seems technology has evolved quite a bit. Would someone be kind enough to give me a quick "Buyer 101" course (what brands to look for, what is up with the lingo: baking/punching/etc.) & maybe some recommendations?


Height: 6'0.5"
Weight: 180-200 lbs
Skating ability: Standard to strong
Ankles: Weak to standard
Foot shape: ??? Size 10 shoe / Little wider than standard / unsure about arch
Usage: 2-3 times / week.
Budget: prefer $200-$300, max $400
Country: Canada
 
Hfboards2010 said:
I have not bought a pair of skates for 15 years or so (and pretty much have not skate regularly for that many years).

My last two pairs were Micron 10-90 and I really liked them. However, one pair literally broke down while I was skating a few years ago and the other is just about done as well.

I would like to start playing regularly again and need new skates. Seems technology has evolved quite a bit. Would someone be kind enough to give me a quick "Buyer 101" course (what brands to look for, what is up with the lingo: baking/punching/etc.) & maybe some recommendations?


Height: 6'0.5"
Weight: 180-200 lbs
Skating ability: Standard to strong
Ankles: Weak to standard
Foot shape: ??? Size 10 shoe / Little wider than standard / unsure about arch
Usage: 2-3 times / week.
Budget: prefer $200-$300, max $400
Country: Canada
Click to expand...

For 200-300$ you can find some REALLY nice upper level old stocks from last year, like last years CCM U+ or Bauer One75, and other prolevel/almost pro-level skates. I would go to a local hockey shop and try the skates. Some skates tend to run narrow (like Mission) while others like CCM are wider, so it is best that you try them out personally. Punching the skates out can make the skate fit better to your feet. Baking the skates molds the inner padding to fit your feet and all these processes just help break in the skates as painless as possible. As far as Brands go, just about any "big" brand makes great skates. Bauer, CCM, RBK, Graf, Mission (bought by Bauer, no longer making ice stuff) will be great. Brand isn't something that will affect quality but the level of the skate will. A 90$ skate will not last very long and will be made of cheaper materials than a 300$ skate.

My recommendation is to look at Mission skates, all of their skates are on closeout because they have stopped producing skates after being bought by Bauer and almost all their stuff is marked down 50%+ in just about every hockey shop. You can probably get a 600$ Mission skate for 200-300$ now because of the closeout marking.
 
a 90$ skate will last just fine in beer league. There is no point in buying a top off the line stiff boot if you cant flex it or you skating isnt at the level the boot was intended for.

Since my 120 ag's died i have been using my 75 ag's. Mind you i got tuuks on them.


PS what Mission skates were ever 600$?
 
Either way Missions are fantastic skates if you can get your foot in. they are narrow as ****.

hence im still using my 75's ;)


I cant find 120 ag's anywhere.
 
CanadaBacon said:
Either way Missions are fantastic skates if you can get your foot in. they are narrow as ****.

hence im still using my 75's ;)


I cant find 120 ag's anywhere.
Click to expand...

these?
http://www.hockeymonkey.com/mission-hockey-skates-fuel120ag-sr.html

nice price drop too on them

i have the Mission Wickeds in E (similar to the AGX, heavier materials) and they feel pretty good but a little cramped up near the toe cap. I am going to skate on these for a while since they were pretty cheap but I will upgrade to better skates once I get a little better since I am just starting.
 
Johan Santana said:
these?
http://www.hockeymonkey.com/mission-hockey-skates-fuel120ag-sr.html

nice price drop too on them

i have the Mission Wickeds in E (similar to the AGX, heavier materials) and they feel pretty good but a little cramped up near the toe cap. I am going to skate on these for a while since they were pretty cheap but I will upgrade to better skates once I get a little better since I am just starting.
Click to expand...

yup, the only place in my area that had them was SportsChek for like 150-160$, by the time i found out and got there they had none left.

I dont buy off the interwebs, i prefer LHS's so im SOL
 
CanadaBacon said:
yup, the only place in my area that had them was SportsChek for like 150-160$, by the time i found out and got there they had none left.

I dont buy off the interwebs, i prefer LHS's so im SOL
Click to expand...

why not try it at a LHS and then order that size from the internet, I am sure you could try a similar skate like the AG 100 and order that size?
 
Johan Santana said:
why not try it at a LHS and then order that size from the internet, I am sure you could try a similar skate like the AG 100 and order that size?
Click to expand...

I dont buy off the internet in general, i prefer to support LHS's. Mission skates in general are pretty much gone in my area.

This is just my opinion, im not saying it is right or wrong but trying skates on in a LHS knowing full well you will be buying online is extremely grimy.
 
Johan Santana said:
For 200-300$ you can find some REALLY nice upper level old stocks from last year, like last years CCM U+ or Bauer One75, and other prolevel/almost pro-level skates. I would go to a local hockey shop and try the skates. Some skates tend to run narrow (like Mission) while others like CCM are wider, so it is best that you try them out personally. Punching the skates out can make the skate fit better to your feet. Baking the skates molds the inner padding to fit your feet and all these processes just help break in the skates as painless as possible. As far as Brands go, just about any "big" brand makes great skates. Bauer, CCM, RBK, Graf, Mission (bought by Bauer, no longer making ice stuff) will be great. Brand isn't something that will affect quality but the level of the skate will. A 90$ skate will not last very long and will be made of cheaper materials than a 300$ skate.

My recommendation is to look at Mission skates, all of their skates are on closeout because they have stopped producing skates after being bought by Bauer and almost all their stuff is marked down 50%+ in just about every hockey shop. You can probably get a 600$ Mission skate for 200-300$ now because of the closeout marking.
Click to expand...

CanadaBacon said:
a 90$ skate will last just fine in beer league. There is no point in buying a top off the line stiff boot if you cant flex it or you skating isnt at the level the boot was intended for.

Since my 120 ag's died i have been using my 75 ag's. Mind you i got tuuks on them.
Click to expand...

Thank you both. What about Tuuks?
 
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