Need Help: new goalie skates for 13 yo

[BrokeGoalieDad]

Hello,

this forum has been such a help, I figured I'd ask about new goalie skates.

Our 13 yo has a pair of Vapor XIV's (size 5D), he's had them for about 1&1/2 years now. Trouble is that we're running out of blade. He's says they are getting just a little tight, so I figured new skates instead of replacing the cowling.

So? What are the absolute best goalie skates? Vapor XXX? RBK 9K pumps? Something else????


Thanks in advance, I'm sure I'll get a lot of great advice, as always.

BGD.

[hroark2112]

Unless you're just into wasting money, don't go for the 9K or XXX. He's 13 and still growing, I'd go with AT MOST a RBK 5K pump or Bauer XIV skate, when his feet quit growing then I'd go for something better.

Just my .03, I have the 5K skates and they're pretty good.

[bschafran]

RBK 5K good value at approx $US290 unless you can find older CCM Vector 4.0 They have the same replaceable blades and are below $US200

[Cujo_64]

My son has the same Bauers and he is 11 yers old...using a mens size 6.5 now they are working well, he uses them 4 times a week if not more..they were the cheapest and thats what I went for since he is still growing... I bought a half size bigger than what he needed and that will help last a bit longer... he was sized for a 6. anywho for this age group the XXX and 9K isnt worth it, it wont be that much difference in their game at this age.

Stick with what works and will save you some funds.

Rob

[goalieman077]

I would personally say get a pair of graf 650s they are about 300 dollars and cqan mould to your feet as far as I know plus there made in canada. Also are the 5k pumps made overseas or in canada?

[Cujo_64]

Originally Posted by goalieman077

I would personally say get a pair of graf 650s they are about 300 dollars and cqan mould to your feet as far as I know plus there made in canada. Also are the 5k pumps made overseas or in canada?

i believe overseas.... but 300 for a goalie skate for a 13 year old that will outgrow them within a year... not worth it...

you can get the next level bauers and bake them as well... or just get a hair dryer and heat up the inside and then put the foot it and tie it up....does damn near the same thing... but not to that extreme...i did this with his and that helped his break in.

rob

[Jim]

Originally Posted by BrokeGoalieDad

So? What are the absolute best goalie skates? Vapor XXX? RBK 9K pumps? Something else????

BGD,
the best are the New Graf made in Switerland not Canada.
there is a link here. I would contact Rolf and let him hook you up.
My new swiss Graf G-50 arrived

or
Wait for the new Bauer One90 goal skates in the spring.

Those are if your looking for the best.. For best value, try and find Bauer 7000
left overs. Some sporting good shops have them still and sometimes on Ebay.

Are you looking for a size 6?
here they are:
BAUER 7000 GOALIE SKATES SIZE MENS US 6.0 D WIDTH - eBay (item 110210137937 end time Jan-06-08 17:03:35 PST)

I scored mine off Ebay used. i just did the dryer trick.. hot socks out of the dryer on your feet right into the skates a few times and they are perfect.. near new.
No issues with needing to get them heat molded.
For the money you cant beat the bauer 7000.

Cheers
Jim

[EvilPepe]

I'm going to agree with the others, and say that your best bet would be to get a lower-mid range skate, rather than spending the money on a top of the line skate that he will grow out of in a year and a half. Unless money isn't an object, in which case, go for it

If the Vapors fit his foot, why not stick with those? Number one rule when buying skates: fit is the most important aspect. The fact that the runners are not as easy to replace shouldn't be a factor as he will likely outgrow them before needing to replace them (unless they are to be hand me downs or sold afterwards).

[BostonBorn]

I would consider trying to find the Bauer 7000's. They are a great skate and since they are an older model, they are a great price.

[itechgoalie4.8]

either i have freakishly large feet or he has small ones
im 13 and i wear a size 9.5!!

[BrokeGoalieDad]

He wears a 9.5 shoe, not sure why a 5D goalie skate still fits!


Thanks for all the great info everyone,

BGD.

[jrigz20]

Itechgoalie4.8 You think your feet are big im 13 also and I take a size 15.

[bschafran]

The RBK 5Ks and CCM Vector 4.0s are made in Thailand, no more Canadian. Any skate you purchase will be painful $wise as your son will outgrow them within a year. Consider trade-in shops or eBay to keep your sanity.

[Masked_Warrior]

I'm a 16 year old girl and I wear a mens 9.5 and a womens 11.5! I cant find too many womens shoes my size. So mens shoes it is for me. I order all my skates a half size too big cause I like the room and the comfort.

[BrokeGoalieDad]

He decided on the RBK 5K's. He also tried on the Vapor XIX's, but liked the feel of the RBK's better.

Thanks for everyone's advice, I steered him AND the salesman away from the XXX's and 9K's.

Next practice is today, I'll post on how he likes them.

BGD.