Buyers Guide To Ice Hockey Skates
If you are in the market to buy ice hockey skates follow this buyer's guide to get the best fit and skate.
A hockey skate is suppose to give you stability while at the same time provide you with agile turning ability. They should also protect your foot from the puck. An ice hockey skate has a smooth edge from the front to the rear of the blade
A good beginner skate can be bought for around $75.00, while a good competitive skate will range from $150.00 to $300.00 and a top of the line competitive skate will cost $325.00 and up.
The single most important thing to watch for is that the skate has good ankle support and provides adequate ankle stability. So be sure to keep a close eye on this when you are trying on skates.
Next you need to watch for an overall good fit. No rubbing, adequate width for the toes. Skates usually fit one size smaller than your shoe size. The high end skates will mold to your foot and ankle within a couple of days, providing excellent support.
When you are trying on skates be sure to lace up the skate just as you would when you are skating. Snug it up until it almost feels too tight, because it will loosen with wear and you can always readjust. Then check the overall fit.
The most recognized names in ice hockey skates are Bauer, Graff, and CCM, all producing a full line of skates. Of course there are other makers as well.
Bauer offers
Pantera line in Sr, Jr, and youth. This skate is built for the aspiring player and is very affordable. TUUK holder with FASTEEL carbon steel.
The Vapor V in Sr, Jr, and youth, and the Vapor VII in Sr and Jr sizing. This skate is an advance designed with high tech features. The H2 Technology upper consists of thermo-formed, ribbed quarters for lightweight stability and protection and ultra-durable nylon. The outer sole has a TUUK® holder with a Fasteel® carbon steel runner
The Bauer Supreme 2090 in Jr and Sr sizing, and the Bauer Supreme 5090 in Jr sizes - This skate is for the competitive-level hockey player. It has asymmetrical latex ankle pads and forefoot lining. It uses the patented Pro-Integrated Anatomical Heel/Ankle Support which provides consistent, durable fit and optimal lateral stability
They also offer three goalie skates. The Bauer Supreme 1000 Goal in Sr, Jr, and youth sizing, the Bauer Supreme 3000 and 5000 Goal in Jr and Sr sizing.
CCM offers
The 52 Tacks are available in Youth and Jr.- This skate has an integrated wedge that provides lateral and medial support as well as heel protection. CAMBRELLE† lining for dry comfort, SURLYN† insole, with Carbon™ steel runner
The Vector 2.0 and 3.0 are available in Sr, Jr, and youth, while the Vector 6.0 is available in Sr and Jr sizes. - This skate has molded ankle supports and comfort foams to form around the ankle. CAMBRELLE† liner provides dry comfort, CCM® foot bed has a natural heel cup for comfort, with Carbon™ steel runner.
The 252 Tacks, 452 Tacks, and 652 Super Tacks are available in Sr and Jr sizes, while the 852 Super Tacks are available in Sr, Jr, and youth sizes. - This skate has an integrated wedge that provides lateral and medial support as well as heel protection. CAMBRELLE† lining for dry comfort, SURLYN† insole, with Carbon™ steel runner. WEARFORCE† side vamping for improved abrasion resistance and Integrated LACE BITE PROTECTOR™ evenly distributes lace pressure
The Vector Pro ice skate is available in Sr and Jr sizing - Just as the name says this is a Pro skate with the CCM® F-I-T-SYSTEM®, pro carbon anatomical ankle support, Lightweight foam-felt, ULTIMA DRY™ anti-microbial ULTRA FRESH† liner, MICROTEX† trims maximize abrasion resistance, ULTIMA DRY™ foot bed, TEXALIUM† perforated outsole, CCM® E-BLADE™ RPL blade, and PROformance Profile Stainless™ steel "scalloped" runner
CCM offers the 652 Goalie Skate for Sr and Jr, and the 1252 Goalie Skate for Sr.
Graf offers
Supra 502 is available in Sr and Jr sizes - This skate is a revolutionary mid-end model that promotes correct skating technique
Supra 503 is available in Sr and Jr sizes - This skate is the replacement for the retired Supra 501, but has a much stiffer boot and it uses the new Tecnoflex quarter panels and Thermolam© bonding technology,<./LI>
Supra 705 is available in Sr and Jr sizes - This skate's full grain TX-3 leather used in the construction of this boot actually has its roots in the Swiss Military combining strength, lightness, and durability
Supra 727 is available in Sr and Jr sizes - This skate is said to set a new benchmark in skating technology which is said to produce an unparalleled amount of skating flexion with a significantly improved stride and toe snap
Of course we couldn't possibly cover all the ice hockey skates available on the market. There are many other manufacturers and just as many other lines, but this gives you a pretty good idea of the choices that are available.
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