Hockey Skates

[LChoy]

Hello

I am looking to get myself a new pair of skates for the winter season. It's been a while since I got myself a pair. I was at Sports Check, and the range on a pair of men's hockey skates was from $100-$800. Anyways, I'm looking for advice for a good brand/model of skates for the occasional ice hockey game. I don't think I need to spend $800 for a top of the line one, especially since I'll be skating like an old woman with arthritis for the first few times.
Also, good place to get skates in Calgary? (Or Edmonton, if it's transit friendly)
Oh, lastly, I know of places like Sports Swap where I can get used stuff, but I kind of want something brand new.

Thanks CP

[Sample00]

I asked the very same question once. dont worry bout brand names or anything like that. go and pick a pair that are the most comfortable.
good place to start

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by Sample00

I asked the very same question once. dont worry bout brand names or anything like that. go and pick a pair that are the most comfortable.
good place to start

Comfortable isn't where you want to be when the skates are brand new. Those skates need to be tight and to fit your foot shape correctly. If they seem a little too tight and you can get your feet in them it's a good idea to keep in mind that you'll gain about a 1/4 to 1/2 a size once they're broken in.

In Calgary, go to B&P Cycle or Tuxedo Sports. In Edmonton, go to United Cycle.

[North East Goon]

I second B&P and Tuxedo both great places to get good to great skates, and most importantly fitted properly.

[pope04]

Is there any reason why you won't consider a good pair of used blades? I lucked out a while ago, stumbling upon a garage sale that had a pair of CCM Tacks with the pump feature that were just my size.

They are so much better than the brand-new skates my wife bought me it isn't funny.

[stang]

Originally Posted by pope04

Is there any reason why you won't consider a good pair of used blades? I lucked out a while ago, stumbling upon a garage sale that had a pair of CCM Tacks with the pump feature that were just my size.

They are so much better than the brand-new skates my wife bought me it isn't funny.

I wouldnt get used skates because they are broken in to someone elses foot.

[pope04]

Originally Posted by stang

I wouldnt get used skates because they are broken in to someone elses foot.

Yeah, I guess there's that; I must've lucked out, because they feel like a comfy old pair of slippers, even after wearing them for hours.

[ken0042]

I was in a similar position about 5 years ago- skated a bit as a kid but really didn't know more than how to go forward or wide turns.

I went and bought a $60 pair at Canadian tire. Used them for a while, then bought a $200 pair afterwards; being able to tell the guy what I didn't like about the old skates; and get the right ones. I figured that was better than buying a $150 pair, then buying a $200 pair after. Also it allowed me to see if I was really going to continue playing hockey or not.

[Five-hole]

My advice is don't keep them on a high shelf.

/boyle

[hockeycop]

I am partial to Pro Skate in Calgary, but it is a little expensive. I know a few people who pick their skates and gear there (knowledgable staff) and then buy their product at Tuxedo or B & P.