Im looking to buy a pair of new ice hockey skates for less than $100. So far ive found a lot of different pairs on a few different sites and was just wondering if anyone knew which one of these pairs was the best or better or had any insight on them or had any other suggestions. Well heres what I've found: Nike Flexlite 4, CCM Vector 4.0 '06, Bauer Impact 300, Bauer Vapor VI, and CCM Tacks 492.
So anyone know anything about these skates or know which would be best?
2007-02-13 10:26:23 · 6 answers · asked by Sniped101 3 in Sports ➔ Hockey
Skate prices are differentiated by the quality of materials, the degree of support and performance like weight-reducing features and benefits. For a $100, you're getting a basic product package. A $200 skate will give you exponentially more bang for your buck, but that will be for you to decide.
The most important consideration in this situation would be your size. If you're 190 lbs or more, any of these products will likely break down on you after minimal use. Keep that in mind when you are determining the intended use of this purchase and your budget cap. Next piece to consider would be your foot morphology. Wide or narrow? Deep arches or flat feet? Prominent ankle bones or not?
Speaking in general terms, Bauer lasts (mold fit) tend to fit narrower feet better, while ccm lasts are more accomodating to wider feet. With all this said, I would recommend either the Bauer Vapor VI or the CCM 492's, depending on the shape of your foot.
Hopefully you'll have a chance to try them on before making a purchase. If you're going through a website, try to make it to a pro shop and at least try on a skate from each brand, regardless of model. This will help you identify your size and fit preferences before commiting to a purchase.
Last point, skate sizes do NOT match shoe sizes. When I played at a fairly competitive level I wore sz 8.5 skates with my sz 11 feet. It was a very snug fit and I have since gone to a sz 9 as my needs have become more recreational. Either way, you'll have to go down at least 1 shoe size to get a proper fit.
When a skate is laced up and your heel is locked in to the back of the skate and you are in a moderate knee bend, your toes should be brushing up against the toe cap. Keep in mind, also, that you won't necessarily wear the same size from brand to brand, much like with sneakers or shoes.
Good luck.
2007-02-13 11:38:05 · answer #1 · answered by zapcity29 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're going to do any serious skating, you will never be happy with a cheap pair. It's like anything else. As Jerry Seinfeld said, you get what you pay for. Cheap skates don't offer the proper fit or support so your feet will always feel very tired trying to compensate as you skate. You will definitely not enjoy them. Better to spend a little more and be happy.
2007-02-13 11:02:17 · answer #2 · answered by cottagstan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of those are at or near the bottom of the line for their brands, so if you really want to get cheap skates, just go to a shop and try some on and get the pair that fits the best.
Ive seen enough people struggle and hate their cheap skates sp much that they only kept them for a year before getting new ones, so when I got my first skates I decided to get a halfway decent pair that would last longer. I paid $200 and wore them for almost 5 years before they just got too soft.
2007-02-13 10:44:28 · answer #3 · answered by rinkrat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the vector 4.0 06 and they are wicked good i use them 5 times a week and they rock I would highly recommend.
2007-02-13 11:18:50 · answer #4 · answered by robbygolfs73 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cheap skates have no ankle support, you'll be skating on the inside of your feet all the time, and your feet and ankles will def. hurt.
2007-02-13 11:42:18 · answer #5 · answered by manley_jeremy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What size shoe do you wear?
2007-02-13 11:18:13 · answer #6 · answered by big ben 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋