Hockey Skate Stiffness: Hype or Help?
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- With all of the marketing about boot stiffness, one might think you need cinderblocks on your feet to skate well. In this video, I'll share my personal experiences on boot stiffness and give you a run-down on current 2021 top-end boots from stiffest to softest.
Guitar Slinger, love your perspective on this topic. Elephant in the room: we hockey players all want the top of the line model skates so we can appear to look like "good" hockey players. Money spent on sticks and skates is well spent also no argument there. The manufacturers up-charge the heck out of the top model skates. From my experience there is a sacrifice going to a stiffer boot, possibly going to loose comfort and there is less room for error on fit, has to be perfect. Pros have unlimited choices and change tweak this or that. What about buying the 2nd, 3rd model down from top of the line skates? I have skated in 2nd and 3rd tier models and they are absolutely adequate or most of US beer leaguers (my perspective). Look at 29 from the Avalanche, he is using a Ribcor model which is a more flexible boot and literally one of the best skaters in the world if not #1. McDavid using a jetspeed (older model). Well said that stiffness is better/not always the case. Comfort trumps everything... When i try on the 2nd and 3rd down from the top end, those seem to provide more comfort! Keep up the great videos.
Thanks and glad you like the content! I totally agree with you in that 2nd and 3rd tier skates are adequate and sometimes provide better comfort and more appropriate stiffness. My only gripe with dropping down from the top model is fit. Even changing the type of foam can mess with the fit as seen in the difference between the Hyperlite and the 3X Pros. Of course cost becomes as issue and it’s a gate to entry for a lot of people. When folks are concerned with cost, I usually recommend buy last year’s top end skate or used top end skates over dropping down a tier or two. Just my two cents. Thanks for watching!
Some good food for thought here! Thanks for putting the time to share your insights.
Since you’ve had extensive experience with True skates I’m curious if you’ve experienced what seems to be a common occurrence - constantly falling out/loosening rivets?
Re skate stiffness: I’ve always skated with my top eyelet undone specifically to enable the forward flex while taking advantage of the lateral stiffness. Any thoughts on this?
Lastly would you recommend 100k over true? If so is it just because of the variable flex profile?
Hi there, thanks for watching! So, regarding rivets and eyelets, I haven't personally noticed anything abnormal specific to True, but I also wouldn't worry too much about that type of stuff unless you don't have a competent shop near you. About your top eyelet comments, I believe that's a personal preference thing that's come to be because a boot feels too restrictive (subjectively) to lace them all the way up. I'm personally one to lace my skates all the way up, but the times I've tried keeping the top eyelets unlaced, I've gained forward flex, but lost lateral stability. Just my two cents. Now, I can't speak to the 100Ks, because I've only seen pictures of them, but I can speak in great deal about the custom 80Ks. The 80Ks are the perfect balance of a traditional boot and the foot wrap of a TRUE custom skate. My theory is that it's related to the variable flex profile of the boot. I'm not sure how or if CCM was able to keep this feel in the 100Ks, since the 100Ks will be the first ever one piece Ribcor skate.
Very interesting review, and I do think that you covering your history skating is very interesting since there is so much that has to do with weight, strength, technique, and preference. I am not as good a skater as you but I am 210lbs. I recently went from old RBZs to Super Tack AS3Pros. My skates fit me perfectly (or near perfect) they are 1/2 or a full size smaller than what the size chart suggests and there is literally no negative space. I haven't baked them. Yes they are super stiff, so I just don't lace them nearly as tight as my old RBZs. Now, I'm not sure what increased performance benefit I'm getting from night lacing them super tight but the added protection and quickness of drying are noticeable and appreciated.
Hey there, thanks for the comment! I think you did great in getting the AS3 Pro. I believe they’re a fantastic skate as are all CCM offerings (assuming they fit). Stiffness has to be in the correct location of the boot for it to be good. For example, you don’t want lateral movement, but you do want to flex forward. The skates you have are possibly the stiffest skate ever made. I predict they’ll take a year to break in but then you’ll love them. Definitely get them baked up to three times by a professional shop, however. You’re running the risk of hurting your foot or ankle for literally no reason. They should fit like slippers afterwards.
I had CCM Supertacks skatesa for like 3-4 year, so it was time to buy some new skates. And CCM SuperTacks were the first skate to introduce one-piece boot construction. They were very stiff and rigid which I actually kinda liked it because i am a heavier player, but I wanted to try something new. Bauer Vapor 2x pro came out last year and all of my teammates had it and I just saw that everyone was wearing them . So I bought them. But after the two weeks of practice, I noticed that they are much softer than CCM Supertacks (especially the top). I dont know how can someone skate in them. So trash. I am just sad and angry that you didn't post this video before I bought my skates ( or If I bought the skates after seeing your video xd). And actually, you are the first guy who i saw on the internet that said something true about vapor 2x pro. Good video!!!!
Oh man, I’m sorry! If it makes you feel any better, I made the same mistake. The problem that many don’t know is that those pro guys wearing the skates are literally nothing like what you’re buying in the store, even custom! I’m not sure what you’re skating in now, but you won’t believe this. I now skate in a retail pair of Bauer Vapor Hyperlite size 8 fit 3! They’re almost perfect and fit NOTHING like the 2X pros! Way more volume and width for us heavier players. You’ll also notice the eyelets are segmented now. That allows the boot to wrap the top of your foot, that wrap is what gives you the side to side lateral stability you need. I actually would’ve have gone with custom Ribcor 80Ks if these were out at the time. Hindsight is always 20/20, right? Lol
Good video. I've always understood stiffness, generally, as a function related to longevity. People that are on the ice a lot need/want a stiffer boot so that it takes longer to soften ... i.e. allows them to skate in the boot for many, many more sessions before softening and wearing out. People who skate only once a week don't need as stiff a boot because they don't skate in it often enough to really wear it out very quickly.
All other things being equal, and only talking about the effects of stiffness, for one skate session, an entry level skate will perform similarly to a high end skate. Twenty sessions later ... likely not so much.
Thanks for the comments! I’ll add to that. I’ve noticed the stiffer a boot, the better that boot needs to fit or hot spots have a tendency to develop. The softer boots seem a little more forgiving. To me, the Jetspeed FT4 pro is the ideal stiffness for my weight, skating style and ice schedule.
@@mongillohockey that's an excellent point. A know several guys in my league that have bought top end (stiff) skates, and complain about blisters and discomfort!
@@mhicaoidh1 That’s right. The key is to go softer top end boots if your budget allows. The Ribcor is the king of that game but no one seems to like that skate.
@@mongillohockey yeah, I tend to agree. I always go "next step down" when I get skates. I have been a Bauer Vapor guy for years, and True has gotten my attention lately. I've not skated in the Ribcor unfortunately. I wasn't aware they were unpopular. Interesting.
My GRAF PK4700 stretched a lot in 12-15 public skates. To the point where I am not no longer having heel lock in the skate. So a stiffer skate may be the better option if this is going to happen.
And by the way both Mcdavid and Barzal are skipping the top eyelet and it’s safe to assume that being the two fastest players in the game they can flex the boot they are in and have experience with profiling. So it’s safe to say that skipping the top eyelet doesn’t always have to do with limited ability or lack of knowledge, it’s often a personal preference. I tried both and skipping top eyelet def increases my agility and reduces fatigue. But I can just as easily skate laced up all the way as I’m over 200 and advanced strong skater.
So, I'm not 100 percent following you on this comment, but I think you're saying that McDavid and Barzal don't mind having the top eyelets undone and they're some of the fastest at the pro level and therefor this means that keeping the top eyelets untied is mostly preference. Is that accurate? Feel free to correct me if I misunderstood. Anyways, if that was what you're getting at, I kind of don't really like to include pro or elite players as examples in my videos. I find that they're all freaks of nature and so much better than everyone else that it doesn't apply. It's like pro stock sticks. You can give those guys anything and they score from anywhere with it. Sure, they'll have a preference, but my experience has shown me that the average joe gets more use out of the technical pros and cons because he needs all the help he can get! Myself included! I'm also not sure about Barzal, but I know McDavid is using RBZ skates. If he was using a "retail stiffness" boot, they're softer than anything out there today. Also, CCM offers different stiffness ratings on all three models of skates at the custom level, so it's hard to tell how stiff a pro stock boot is. For example Jon Tavares uses skates that are soft as rotting chicken meat (Same as P.K. Subban). Anyways, basically everything is personal preference, but the non pro players seem to get the most benefit out of it.
@@mongillohockey Sounds like you have been having volume problems with the skates more than anything and is likely exacerbated by super stiff boots and really wont apply in most peoples cases, as for the top eyelet the way a nhl power skating coach explained it to me was the stiffer boot allows for the player to choose to run down an eyelet increasing forward flection but still supported by the stiff boot increasing skating performance. I personally run all eyelets as its what I like best but many teammates have tried going down one and loved it.
@@angussiegloff5238 Hi there, thanks for the comment and checking out my video! Yes, volume is totally my issue and I recognize my case is an outlier compared to most. As far as I can tell, most folks can just walk into a pro shop and walk out with a pair of skates. I'm SO jealous of that. Anyways, your experience with the eyelet is totally common. I generally see the same thing when I'm reffing higher level leagues. I assume skaters electing not to use their top eyelets are doing so because of the same reason you mentioned. That said, the younger players in the more novice leagues and that includes many adult rec players seem to be doing it because they feel restricted in their movement if they lace them all the way up. Now, I'm sure you know this, but they don't always know that they can simply put a profile on their steel to rectify that restriction, but it's always a fun topic to discuss. I learn new things about it all the time. Thanks again for watching!
I have two pairs of skate one cheap roller hockey skates and a $300 pair. The cheap pair have no support and the stability is horrible I have to tighten them way more to get the same level of support at the cost of losing range of motion.
It depends. If I lace all the way on my inline skates I feel like I’m on stilts or being pushed back up if I get into a deep knee bend. Same with a similar boot on ice. But now I got a slightly different boot for ice that’s newer and I can lace all the way and still get a good flex. It’s just highly dependent on how your foot fits the boot. Main thing is to tie the top laces while crouching wth knees over toes to ensure full fwd flex.
Nice channel, hockey needs more gear reviews. Thanks
Thanks man! Good pic, too. Now you know the "Slinger" part of my channel title. LOL
Great video! I'm learning a great deal about hockey skate lines since my 10-year-old grandson has begun skating with an eye toward playing hockey. He's at that age and stage where parents can easily make expensive mistakes when buying skates that, at most, will only last a growing child two years. It's great to get some useful, first-hand information from someone who's NOT trying to sell on-hand inventory. Would you advise people like me who are buying skates for a 65 pound youngster to buy fairly flexible skates or do young skaters need the additional support of a stiff boot? I don't want to diminish his interest by buying skates that are not fit for his individual situation. Unfortunately, we who live in the south do not have access to the hockey equipment stores that were available when I lived in Michigan. Thanks again for the spot-on video.
Hey there, thanks for watching and I think I can help. Although it’d obviously be ideal for you to head into a shop to get him scanned for size, I’m going to recommend you order the size you THINK he is. If you buy from Pure Hockey or I e Warehouse you can return them so long as you don’t skate on them. You might need to buy two sizes with the intention of returning one of them. Regarding size for a growing kid, I think one size up is ideal, but a half size would work if needed. That’ll give him room to grow. Regarding boot stiffness, for young light weight players, I’d err on the side of soft and flexible. Only the heaviest of players need super stiff boots. Support comes from proper fit and how well the boot wraps the foot. This comes to the next point. Not all skates fit the same. For instance, Bauer Vapor skates have a fairly wide forefoot and narrow heel. The Bauer supreme has more of a regular width forefoot with a wide heel. CCM Supertacks are standard width forefoot and wide heel. CCM Jetspeed is narrow everywhere. Finally, my first recommendation would be the CCM Ribcor line. Very versatile and comfortable Fit. Let me know how it works out!
when you say the skates should flex what do you mean? I used to think that putting the shinguard over the tongue is best until I watched a freestyle skating video recently, which illustrates that you can basically do every skating motion without tying the skate laces. The idea is that you will develop much better ankle mobility and strength to have a more fluid motion. Then I began trying to put my shinguard behind the tongues to increase the range of motion. I feel that my skating is a lot more fluid now and it allows for a much deeper bend. I guess ultimately it depends on your style of play, the europeans and North Americans have completely different skating styles. The best skating you see in the game are the ones who are able to combine both: Barzal, mcdavid, Kane etc
Yep, I agree with all of that. When I refer to your skates flexing, I’m referring to that very mobility and fluid motion you describe. It’s true that shin pads over the tongue can add a little stability, but it’s more of a crutch. The true wrap of a boot, heel lock and forward flex without lateral instability is what I believe provides the best mobility. Many skates today are too stiff and can inhibit your mobility. I’m guessing that there was a time when skates were too soft and manufacturers tried to fix that, but the metaphorical pendulum swung too far in the direction of stiffness. You can see this being addressed a little in the Bauer Vapor Hyperlite skates. Just tried a pair and was pleasantly surprised.
@@mongillohockey The MAKO was actually great for me in terms of flex and stiffness. The True Skates to me are just too stiff and heavy. However, the lateral stability of MAKO is an issue and that was why I went back to vapors. Like you, I own almost every pair in the market, except CCM jetspeed and tacks.
Interesting to see you say that Hyperlite is a decent surprise. I am just a bit sceptical about the flexible outsole..Bauer is heading in a direction where lightness trumps everything..I dont believe its a good thing. Their shoulder pads are paper thin and cant absorb shock properly..
@@ClassicGil Right there with you. I was very surprised by the Hyperlite skates. If they were around when I was considering the custom ribcors, I may have actually chosen them. Think about THAT for a second! LOL And yes, I don't like Bauer gear much. I do use the Ultrasonic pants, as they fit really nice if you like a cross between a girdle and the old Nexus line, but we'll have to see about durability. I've generally done okay with Bauer Helmets and pants, but that's it. The flexible outsole on the Hyperlite skate wasn't totally noticeable, but it felt natural. We'll see what happens. Anyways, if you ever call Bauer and they tell you the fit of the Hyperlite is "No different than that of the 2X Pro Vapors," they're not telling you the truth! LOL The toe cap is totally wider.
@@mongillohockey Yes..they have not been completely honest. They keep saying the old vapor fit is the fit 1 and supreme is fit 2. The fit 1-3 are built on a complete different last than the D/EE predecessors. Bauer is only saving cost by introducing so called new fit system. In the past, skates could accommodate wide feet but low instep. Now the new fit system seems to only recognise the fact that every wide feet person has high instep or narrow feet/ low instep, for that matter. So bad CCM is copying this as well. Not to mention that the second price point skates in the current line up, 3X Pro, only has a TPU outsole yet the price goes up every year..
I’ve watched a couple of your videos regarding a good skate fitment. I’ve tried many different CCM models and the pain to the inside arch of my right foot was too much. I also tried a few Bauer models. The best fit I’ve had is with the Bauer-Sr Shift Pro. The pressure point is still there on my right arch but not near the others. I don’t know if wearing the skate for a few weeks would reduce the pressure point.
Unfortunately we don’t have a scanner to get an image of my foot. Nearest one is a 3 hr drive one way.
Do you recommend anything to get rid of the pressure point? The skate guy there did not recommend a punching in the arch.
Look forward to your response. 🇨🇦
Hey there, sorry about your foot trouble! You’re talking to someone who really knows where you’re coming from. I think you have two options. Option one is to stick with what is working best even though it’s probably far from ideal. In reality, as much as it pains me to say it, you might be a candidate for custom skates. If you go this route, only go CCM or True. Bauer can’t do custom the way you’d need. Before trying that though, consider different insoles, like the offerings from superfeet, orthomove or elite hockey. Those might help but I think you might be a custom skate guy. It’d be worth the drive but try not to go custom if you can avoid it.
@@mongillohockey thank you for such a quick reply. I will look at insole options that might alleviate the pressure point. The pressure point is about the size of a dime ( American or Canadian one ) lol.
@@cleanasdirt6832 Haha yes, start there and let me know if that changes anything.
Here is a update regarding the fitment issue.
After a long search, my patience paid off and I am currently skating in a Bauer M4. Absolutely zero discomfort, as they did a small punch out where the pressure point would normally be. Now upgrading to DLC blade tech runners.
I went from 300$ tacks to the asv pros, I glide so nicely in them not sure why but it does feel perhaps to stiff for my level
I have a problem bc I skate 4 times a week so cheap skates aren't comfortable enough but the top end are a bit too stiff perhaps although the guy at pure hockey who's a pro told me no problem for me to have stuff skates even though I'm not a pro skater so it may be up for debate
So not sure what to do maybe I should get ribcore 100k
Thanks for your videos
Glad they’re working for you! I think you got a boot that’ll last you a good long while.
What was your experience with True customs. I know you said you had to have them remade 3 times? Do you think it was a bad scanner? Or the employee not knowing how to do it right? I got scanned for a pair and am waiting for them to arrive and hoping they turn out ok. Thanks
Hey there, thanks for the comment! So first off, let me say that True is a really great company and I love most of their products (skates included). Regarding the skates, I owned two pairs of the versions that were around in 2019. The ones that are out there now are much lighter and have a way nicer fit and finish. That said, the fit is exactly the same. In my case, it wasn’t the scanner or the person fitting me. As you probably know, True skate fit with zero negative space and have the most aggressive forward pitch of any skate on the market. What happened in my first pair, is that I got scanned and submitted with no notes or comments. When I got the skates, they were too narrow and to short. Now, too short didn’t mean that they were the wrong length, it meant that combining the forward pitch of the boot with how little room there was in the toe box, the result was a permanently (and partially) torn big toe tendon after one month of ice time. True was great and immediately fixed the skate size by making a new pair, but the damage was done. Two years later, it’s incredibly painful to push off on the ball of my left foot. So, what does this mean for you? When you get your skates, pay attention to any pressure on the tips of your toes while skating. If you don’t feel any, you should be fine. Same with the forefoot width. Don’t assume it’ll break in...it won’t. Get help early if that’s the case. My guess is that you’ll love the skates, but pay attention. I do know for sure that the skates did cause my injury, as it’s been medically diagnosed. I also know that I’m not the only one this has happened to. Lastly, if you haven’t ever skated in True skates, there’s a learning curve to getting used to them. It took me about 40 hours to figure them out and then they were great. The fit forced me to break old habits! Lol. Anyways thanks for watching! Let me know how they fit when you get them. I have some ideas to share with you if you have some minor hot spots.
@@mongillohockey thanks for the info. Ill let you know when they arrive!
@@mongillohockey so they came in. Having skated on them 3 times I have to say I am totally disappointed. I find the fit rather odd. Im experiencing what you said about how they are short in length, almost too short, I dont have pain but combined with the aggressive pitch of the holder and that they put on a 254 vs the 263 on my bauers im constantly slipping over my toes, feels like I’m learning how to skate all over again. Secondly, the forefoot and toebox feel huge, doesn’t feel made for my foot at all, i put powerfoot inserts and stuffed the tongue all the way down, yet still have to crank on the laces to get it reasonably snug. I don’t get a great heel lock either even after doing the clamp method True shows. The only part I like is the ankle area which definitely feels custom made for my ankle, but feel a little lacebite coming on from how much I have to crank the laces due to the poor fit everywhere else. Not sure what to do, talk to True or go back to Pure Hockey and go through them? Im kinda wishing I could just get a refund, forget trues and go custom with bauers or ccm but I dont know if they just give refunds vs remaking. Any ideas? Thanks again for your help!
@@JH-dr6do Oh man, I'm sorry to hear that, though I can't say I'm really that surprised. Obviously the majority of people who end up with True have a good experience, but that's irrelevant for those like you and me. First off, allow True the opportunity to fix what you don't like. Here's some tips. Since you had trouble with the pitch, this is you opportunity to have them remake the skates with a lift in the forefoot. This will make the skates feel neutral in stance. You can also put on a "REAL" holder. For example, the CCM XS or Tuuk Edge holder in a 263. True should be really good about getting you another pair. That said, you may need to have Pure Hockey be the middle man. Just document everything using pictures, typed notes on EVERYTHING. I'd give True one more chance to fix the skates before you look at another brand. You can also bring up the lace bite issue and see if there's a better tongue for you to use or something. In the event that you do start looking at Bauer or CCM, please know that Bauer is NOT NOT NOT a truly custom skate. They do length and forefoot width ONLY. The do nothing for volume, heel, etc. That really only leaves you with CCM. If you do CCM, there's two custom skate programs. I forget the exact names, but I think the cheap one is total custom and the all out full custom option that NHL players get is the total custom plus. The total custom plus takes into consideration every element of your foot. I find it to be the MOST custom option out there. Furthermore, the thing that most people don't realize, is that the MOST customizable skate in existence is actually the Ribcor 80K. It's THE best skate CCM makes, but people don't realize that because they think a one piece boot is better. Trust me, I own an FT2 Jetspeed, AS3 Pro and total custom plus Ribcor 80K and the AS3 and FT2 can't hold the metaphorical jock strap of the 80Ks in agility and comfort. I think the AS3's only advantage is that it might be a little faster in a straight line. Additionally, the 80Ks can be customized for literally any foot shape. To summarize, if you can't get the Trues to work, go total custom plus CCM 80Ks or wait until July 2021 to go with the CCM total custom plus Ribcor 100Ks. This is the first ONE PIECE Ribcor. They could be the best skate to come out in a LONG time. Please avoid Bauer though! lol Oh another thing about True. I'm an old guy now (42) and I don't want skates or a stick trying to re-train me how to skate or shoot. True skates try to "train" you how to skate properly and it's good for beginners or people who are trying to work on technique. The P28 curve is the same thing. It's great for teaching players how to shoot from the toe, but it's terrible for competitive play, unless you're young enough to have only ever used that one curve. Anyways, that's just my two cents. Let me know what happens.
@@mongillohockey Thank you for putting out this information! Even two years later, it’s very helpful! I’m only a couple of years younger than you and trying to finally move on from my 1996 Tacks 952’s, which is an arduous journey, and I’m clearly unfamiliar with how new skate technology has evolved and how they should feel. I’ve been thinking, as I have an irregular, high-volume foot, that I should go the ASV-Pro total custom plus route… I tried on the retail version, and man, although it was the right width, it wasn’t very comfortable at all. The Jetspeeds were a touch more comfortable but I wasn’t thrilled about the lack of wrap on either skate. Feels like there’s a lot of room between my ankle and the boot and the boots aren’t very high. I tried on the Hyperlites yesterday, and they felt very comfortable out of the box, and the boot is higher, better wrap, and seems flexible in the right spots (around the top laces). When trying on CCM boots, even when going total custom plus, should the boots be fairly comfortable? Does the ankle wrap up much more when they are the Custom, therefore eliminating the extra space between the ankle? I heard you mention somewhere that your ankles rubbed against the top of the boot, so I’m thinking if I add boot height I may just exacerbate that potential problem. I’m sort of thinking at the moment maybe I should do Bauer’s lesser version of a custom and get the Hyperlite, but have them made stiffer. I want to ask you though as I’m uneducated on this topic. I am a 190lbs and have a similar background as you, but haven’t been on the ice much over the last ten years because I was in the Army. I appreciate the help, Sir! And I throughly enjoy your content!
Do stiff skates wrap your foot less? I have 3x pros but found the new mid range x4 skates are much snugger on my low volume feet in the same size. Seemed strange to me that the vapors fit so differently from one model to the next.
Hi there, thanks for the comments and questions! So, in my experience, sizing and fit comparisons are usually directed towards to top end skates because of variations in fit from one level of the line up and down. For example, I found the Hyperlite in an 8 fit 3 fit pretty good, but the 3X pro in the same size fit like garbage. It was somehow a combination of too boxy and too tight. I’m guessing what you’re feeling is the design and materials differences from one level to the next. Skates are like sticks. The top end and one below top end are usually the ones you want to look at. If cost is a significant factor, SidelineSwap is where I’ll look for used top end skates.
@@mongillohockey Thanks for the reply! I always appreciate your insights. Few people online have experience with as many skates as you. I want to love the 3x pros, but I think your comment too boxy and too tight at the same time hits the nail on the head.
How does the stiffness of the original 2016 Super Tacks compare with the other skates that you've tried?
So admittedly, it’s been a couple of years since I’ve owned the 2016 supertacks, but I know the AS1s were only slightly stiffer. The AS1s are comparatively stiff to the Bauer Ultrasonic and the CCM AS3 supertacks. Note that I’m specifically talking about the AS3 and NOT the AS3 Pro supertacks. The AS3 is the next model down. It’s a fantastic stiffness. In fact, I just settled on custom CCM Ribcor 80Ks and basically used the AS3 stiffness as my choice.
I have true tf9’s and they are to big length wise. I like the tighter fit around my ankles in skates which they do have but I’m thinking however about moving into a ccm tacks as3 not pro skates. This is because the TF9’s don’t wrap around my ankles properly, the medial malleolus of my ankle (that ball shaped bone on your ankle on the insides of your ankle) is uncomfortable and hurts. I used to have Bauer Vapour x1 but they were to narrow and hurt my feet and I didn’t like skating in them. Would you say the ccm tacks would be an option to consider?
I think they’d be the second thing to try. I’d actually consider the Ribcor 100 K or the one step down from that. They’re more accommodating and comfortable. I’ve actually started wearing the Hyperlite by Bauer and I’ve never been able to wear a vapor before and there’s more room than I was expecting and they’ve been quite comfortable and I also have the ankle bone thing. Your mileage may vary but it’s something to think about.
@@mongillohockey thanks for the reply👍🏻
@@canucksfan7332 anytime!
What skate would you recommend for a 11 year old thats playing AA and is on the ice 4x a week?. He is coming out of an s29 and I am looking to up his skates to either an as3 or 3s pro . I love the as3 and the idea of 1 piece boot construction but would hate to get him in a boot that is too stiff and that could mess up his ankle flexion. The 3s pro is a great option too and a level up off the s29 with better steel than the as3, yet slightly softer than the as3 from what I am understanding.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Hey there, thanks for watching and yes, I have some input. I happen to be a referee who works all ages of youth through junior A and college and have some ideas. Since he’s 11, he’s still developing his skating technique and growing. Additionally, he’s not at full adult weight yet. Yet, AA is decent hockey so he will need some skates that perform better than an S29. The first thing to understand is that comfort leads to performance and not the other way around. It’s become quite clear to me that the two best skates on the market for power, speed and agility is the Bauer Ultrasonic and CCM Ribcor 80K. And yes, you can apply that to the Bauer 3S Pro and CCM Ribcor 78K, but NO lower. So why are these better? It’s because both boots are designed to have a stiff bottom and softer top. Not only does this increase stride length and enables agility, but reduces potential high ankle boot pain that the AS3s, Jetspeeds and even TRUE skates cause. The one piece boot design is incredibly responsive, but not so good for power skating. And I personally question the agility they provide. Since they’re so stiff, they don’t flex with even my 212lb weight. Lastly, don’t forget that all steel that comes with skates is just a placeholder for “real” quality steel. More importantly, you have to profile the steel with a performance profile. Do Zuperior for speed and power or Quad zero for agility. Let me know if you have any questions on that.
@@mongillohockey Thank you for your thoughts. Your advice matches what I was largely thinking myself. i opted for the Bauer 3s pros (which comes with a quad profile btw) He skated in them for the first time tonight , and i am quite happy with the way he skated, and his feedback was largely positive. Alittle different feeling according to him,( probably more to do with the superfeet insert ) but no pain, comfortable , and his ankle flexion and stride length looked great. Im happy with this skate initially and it should continue to just get better for him as he puts in a few more sessions and breaks them in fully. Thank you for the response and for your solid advice. Much appreciated.
@@pally73 you’re welcome! I hope they work out great for him! That said, I’ll give you one word of caution about the 3S Pros and Ultrasonic skates. There’s a slight design flaw with the new toe caps. The profile of the caps are great, but the rivet that holds the cap to the boot is turning out to be in a bad location. I referring specifically to the inside rivet near the big toe of each foot. Many skaters have noticed pain develop over the first 15 hours of ice time on their big toe joints. I was one of those people. The pain started to become permanent in my case, which is why I moved away from them. What Bauer has told me is that a number of pro players are actually putting S2 Pro toe caps on their ultrasonics because of this. The same toe cap is on the 3S Pro. My point in telling you this, is to pay attention to this. Occasionally ask your son about it. If by 15-20 hours he doesn’t notice any rubbing or discomfort, he’s fine. If he is starting to notice the pain, straight up return the skates. Just do it. They cannot be fixed with a bake, punch, stretch or anything else due to the location of that rivet. Take a look at the location of the metal rivets when you get the chance and feel the inside of the toe caps with your hands to see if you can feel it. As I said, if they’re feeling good to him, rock on and enjoy the skates! Thanks!