Can anyone shed light on Hockey Skates?

[JashiK]

I'm in the market to buy new skates. I haven't played hockey in a very long time. I'm looking to buy skates for recreational use and since I'm not going to grow anymore I figure I'll get myself a decent pair.

I've narrowed my choices to RBK, Easton and CCM. I have a wide foot and found that those brands fit my foot the best.
Does anyone have real experience with any of those brands and can make any recommendations? I really like the RBK 9K @ $329, CCM U+ 09 (dunno the price), Easton Stealth S11 for $229.

Thanks~

Also, does anyone have hook ups with skates? Or know of someone who can help?

[kevcol74]

I run CCM Tacks, have for years. My preference. I tried Bauers, didn't like them (Nike basically)
I believe I had Eastons when I was younger, but don't remember them. No experience with RBK

[JashiK]

I've always wore Bauer, but I now know why I couldn't walk for 10-15 mins after taking off my skates. I need a skate for my wide feet and bauer is for people with narrow feet.
From my understanding RBK bought CCM. Similar skate design between the two.
Their V shape accommodates my foot very well.
RBK is more comfortable than Easton, but it comes with a $100 price tag. I'm having a hard time justifying the $100. With a wedding coming up I can't justify spending $329 on skates...

[kevcol74]

I actually boght my last pair from CT, they were on clearnace for $100, regular $320... :chuckle

Just look for the deals if you can, but getting the wide may be difficult on deals like mine.

[Lummix]

Alot depends on how much you plan on skating. I'm skating 5-6 times a week. The more you skate the more you should be willing to spend.


I just purchased new grafs to replace my old eastons. In my opinion they are the best skates available. However the price tag is up there 600-800.

However some things to consider...

Reebok 9ks feature the "pump". Unless you have narrow ankles you will not feel or receive any benefit of the pump. It doesn't provide enough pressure to provide a difference for larger feet. And essentially you are paying for the "Reebok Pump" name. The skates are essentially the same boot and blade as the CCM U+. AS well, the plastic pump mechanism on the boot itself have the tendency to break if you take a puck or stick in the ankle.

The CCM skates are around 400. They aren't as light as the eastons, but the durability of the CCM's is beyond none. They've stuck to a good manufacturing process and kept their materials pretty much the same. There is a reason why people can keep a pair of CCM skates for 10 years.

As for the easton skates, right now you can't beat the price. 10 years ago i wouldn't touch a pair of eastons. However they have managed to consistently improve their skates in the durability, safety, materials and performance departments. The coil technology they use to give an extra kick at the end of your stride may not be noticeable right off the hop, but after an hour or so you can feel a little bit of energy return in your legs. As well, the eastons are known for being extremely safe. They provide superior protection against pucks and sticks. To the point where i rarely noticed any stinging when i blocked shots off the foot.

Regardless of what pair you decide to buy, do your self a favor and have them heat molded in the store. Most place will do it for free or for a 5 dollar donation to a local charity or hockey program. The heat molding will allow the skates to fit to your foot. Make sure you do it the way you plan on skating in them. If you wear socks, then wear socks when you have them molded, if you go barefoot then go barefoot. Also, after a few times on the ice when they have begun to break in, you can get them heat molded again to make the fit that much more perfect. I know people who will get their skates heat molded once every 3 or 4 months.

[JashiK]

Hey Lummix,

Thanks for that write up~ I don't play in a league. I'm actually just looking for skates to go skating at the local rink and the occasional hockey here and there.
If I was playing more often def. I would spend $500+ on skates, but because I'm not it's hard to justify buying skates for $300+ for this type of use.

I never thought about the plastic for the pump breaking if it took a puck. If I could have it my way I would def. get the CCM U+ 09's, but they are in the $399 range. CCM and RBK both have the "V" boot shape which really helps people (myself) with wide feet.

A few days ago I bought a pair of Easton Stealth S7's for a really great price ($129), but when I got home I noticed that one of the blades were warped and returned them. They weren't as comfortable when compared to the RBK 9k and CCM U+, but after heat molded it fit fine.

The CCM U+ 09 and RBK 9K are too much $$$. I am interested in the Easton Stealth S11's for $229 @ national and sports chek. Do you think the price is good? Coil technology sounds beneficial...

[Lummix]

Seeing as how the the stealths are last years model and came out at 699, then dropped to 400 and now to 229 as they try to get rid of them they are a good buy.

[JashiK]

What are some of the main differences between the Stealth and Synergy lines?

[Lummix]

Truthfully, the name...

While the synergy is made of composite and the stealth plastics, they are essentially the same thing. The synergy is a few ounces lighter.

[JashiK]

Ah... so the Synergy line is technically better. Thought it was the other way around. Do you know what Synergy model would be similiar to the S11's?

Do you know if the CCM Vector 4.0's are decent? I don't think they are heat moldable though...