Quote:
Originally Posted by c0nquistad0rian
Spud,
I'm not surprised that the wheels on your Bauer XG Lite's have already started chunking and cracking. Those Blue Hyper wheels are ****.
The old versions of the Bauer skates used to have black Hyper wheels that I think were an 82A. You can still find sets of them every now and then on eBay or in the classifieds on this BB.
As for the 47mm Rink Rats, even though they're only 74A, they're MUCH more durable than the Hypers. I'm a lighter goalie (5'9, 145lbs), but I had a set of the Rink Rats that lasted me about 14 months, with only one wheel slightly cracking down the middle. I could still play in that set, but I am now in a new set just because I noticed that they started to lose a little grip.
Obviously some people have had other experiences with the Crossbar wheels, but I think that you should give them a go before you make your decision.
If you're not into that idea and are set on going back to a 59mm wheel setup, then I think that another option that you have is to take your Tuuk chassis off of the Bauer skates and put a lift/spacer in between the chassis and the cowling which would then allow you to put larger wheels in.
It sounds like a lot of work, but when you consider the price of the Labeda Predator chassis and the fact that you already have a perfectly good chassis in the Tuuk chassis, it definitely seems worth it.
Here is a pretty detailed thread with pictures on how this mod is done:
Roller Chasis? |
I am well aware the the Bauer Hyper's blow chunks (literally
), but I have also heard from some people mentioning that even the Rink Rats can chip apart.
Thats a good idea about raising the chassis and I wish I could do that, but 59mm wheels still won't fit in the Tuk Chassis.
In the picture below you can see whats happening to my wheels and how the chassis prevents me from using 59mm wheels even if I raised it. The damage to that wheels occurred after 5 games, during the period of one week. On the chassis, there are metal bars between the wheels and they don't allow enough clearance for a 59mm wheel.
I think I have decided to order the new Labeda Chassis tomorrow evening. I play on average 5 times a week and my wheels get a lot of wear on them so being able to use the cheaper and harder wheels will save me money in the long run as they won't have to be replaced as frequently. i also prefer a harder wheel at around 78a/80a.
It's yet another expense
I know, but I am trying to think forward here; what will save me money in the long run and what will i be most happy with. Also, I will be a little higher off the ground with the Labeda chassis, which will help stop my pads from dragging too much (I have a wide stance).
Thanks for everyone's opinions, please keep them coming if you have them.