Help with buying Hockey skates

[kipperfan]

So, my old pair of Bauer Supreme's are finally on the verge of giving up the ghost after about 10 years of solid use and I am looking for some advice on buying a new pair. I am not looking to spend a ton of cash, no more then $250 or so, but need a skate that can stand up to some serious use, I would really love to get another 10 years out of this new pair.

Anyone have any recommendations for me? A few skates I have been looking at are the Crosby SC87 4 Pump and the Graf Supra 370, can anyone speak to either of these models? Any help would be appreciated, I haven't bought a pair of skates in a long time.

[J epworth]

I've had my Graf's Supra 703's since I was 15, fortunately my feet slowed down growing around then, so now onto 7 years and counting with them and The boot is holding up so well, that I wouldn't doubt as the amount I play hockey decreases, I'll be able to use these skates for another 20 years. I'm currently on my third set of blades on them, so they have gotten a ton of use, and the boot is just as solid as it was the day I got them.

I know the 370's are a lot lower in Graf's hierarchy, but at least in my opinion my Graf's couldn't be better, and I don't expect to change skates anytime soon.

[soulchoice]

In my opinion, whatever fits your budget and most importantly, whatever fits your foot best. Graf, bauer, reebok, ccm all have good skates, but it comes down to what fits your foot.

[Mass_nerder]

From what I've been told, Graf are constructed with cardboard type material to keep them lighter. Not sure if that's actually true, but if so, they're maybe not the best bet for longevity.
I'm personally partial to Bauer Vapors...I've had a new pair every few years, and I'm always very happy with them.