Graf is my favourite by a long shot...but they are pricey$$$
Everyone I know that wears Graf say they will never buy anything else from now on.
I have a 2 year old pair of mission Pure Fly's,they were missions uppper end skate at that time and I had them punched out and heat molded. They are super light and amazing. I've bought a spare set of blades for them as I'm almost through the first set now and they have a few years left in them yet.
At that time they were approx $600 from the local store and I got them on clearance for $99 USD from hockeygiant (after shipping around 190)
Buy something good and heat moldable. You will notice the difference in your skating ability vs something cheap.
It's the Easton Synergy 1300 and they are light as hell and extremely comfortable. When I was first looking to buy skates I saw these at a local hockey shop around two years ago for $699.99. When I bought them in August they were $299 and now they're going for $279.
They are heat mold and if you go to the sportchek in Sunridge mall there is a girl that works the hockey pro shop that was a huge help. Most places I went to just asked what size you were looking for and buggered off. She helped with the whole process from technical questions to calling four stores to reserve the correct size I needed.
That's what I'm rockin' this year too. Only complaint with them is that they break down very easily. I'm on them at least 5 times a week and they're starting to split where the stitching meets the carbon boot and where the side meets the toe cap. I suppose that's to be expected though because they're so light. Oh and one other thing that I'm really paranoid of is the way the blades are made. All those holes in them...I'm a little scared that I'm a slapshot off the skate away from not being able to play for the rest of the game...
Graf's are really good (if you can afford them) because they have so many different shapes and sizes of boot. Easton, NBH, Mission, CCM all of their skates are based on one platform. So if you don't like one pair of Eastons chances are you won't like any of them. The same is true with the rest of them. Graf however has something like 9 different boot designs so chances are you'll find something you like in them...too bad I couldn't find a pair in EE width...stupid feet...
But again, it's all in personal preference. Nobody can tell you what kind of skate you will like or not like. Just try stuff on until you find a pair that feels right. Oh, and I'd ask about their return policy. I had a pair of skates that I picked up at the beginning of the year and they felt good until I tried skating on them. Thank god they let me return 'em.
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I'd recomend Graf over anything else. Not only do they have that timeless look to them but there also great skates and probably the most easy to customize to your feet. I don't know where to go in Calgary to get skates fitted but when I lived in Edmonton and still played hockey I bought from Professional Skate who get alot of NHL clients (I think Jarome may have gotten some skates fitted there a while ago). All for pairs I bought from them had extensive work done on them but you really notice it in the long run.
That's what I'm rockin' this year too. Only complaint with them is that they break down very easily. I'm on them at least 5 times a week and they're starting to split where the stitching meets the carbon boot and where the side meets the toe cap. I suppose that's to be expected though because they're so light. Oh and one other thing that I'm really paranoid of is the way the blades are made. All those holes in them...I'm a little scared that I'm a slapshot off the skate away from not being able to play for the rest of the game...
It's not paranoia. I've experienced that very problem, once on each skate. I even looked into replacing the holders and blades with the sturdier Tuuk design, but that turned out to be more trouble than it was worth.
I grew up playing hockey and I always wore Bauer skates. The last pair I wore and liked were Bauer Supreme 100's...which are now worn out and then some.
I'm just starting to look for a new pair as I will be playing in a league one night per week.
What skates should I be looking at and trying on?
Bauer Ignites!! they are great I just got a new pair this winter.
They glide well and fit very snug, most skates that I tried on were actually very uncomfortable but these fit very well, regardless of whether you have a wide or narrow foot.
Thanks to everyone for some great advice and sharing your experience.
One thing I forgot to mention is that unfortunately I no longer live in Calgary, and I need to purchase new skates before I'm planning on returning to my hometown.
In northern Colorado, they really aren't any decent sporting goods stores in terms of hockey gear.
I cringe at the idea of buying them online, which is why I posted my message on CP...lots of experts!
, and I need to purchase new skates before I'm planning on returning to my hometown.
