My new(used) Bauer7000/RBK skates

[RichMan]

If some of you might remember, i started a thread in the EQUIPMENT FORUM asking about proper sizing for Bauer skates. Lots of you came through, and with some thought and patience, i finally got a chance to used them last night in my first game(subbing) of the new season (We won 6-2 btw)

Now i guess that when i first received my skates off of eBay, i was in shock as to how light they are! They are a Bauer 7000 boot with an RBK cowling, only one year of use on the boot and barely a few months with the cowling if even that. My concern was the fitting. I guess my feet were too swollen that day and that is maybe why they felt on the short side.

So i decided to use them last night. Of course, suiting up, i had in my thoughts that these could ultimately ruin my first game in. But, as i strapped on the pads and stood up to finish the rest, my feet were fine. My big toes barely brushed the ends. Cool!

The funny part is when i stepped onto the ice. I was sure to wipe out on the first stride when the zamboni doors closed. It felt so weird under my foot, so light, it was like, as if i was feeling the ice under my feet...i could even feel my pads overtop my boots!

Imagine going from this
to this


And so, skating was somewhat awkward. The same kind of feeling and adjustment you would go through if you went from old school pads to what is out now. I did trip on myself a few time, but managed to stay upright and keep my cool. Recovering from in the b-fly was much easier and faster. I can't imagine how even more improved my movement could be if i wore a newer model of pads as opposed to my Velo1s.

The 7000 boot is much thinner than my CCM452s and all leather, a nice welcome for better molding and durability. I did not feel the lace bite that i usually get from my 452s. The cowling is well, a cowling. What i did notice from them visually is the kinda carbon mesh underneath the boot. You can see it through the holes. I take it this is how they reinforce the bottoms while keeping them light. The blade is one of those dispensable ones, except not made by Shick. I didn't hear the squeaking like some of you have complained about, which is good...no distractions. I did start a small blister on my right heel, so baking them will be a must for me.

All in all, i do not know how i could of waited so long to upgrade to a pro skate. I could of been playing pro by now for all i know...

[crazy_glove30]

here's a better comparison



to this

[RichMan]

Yeah, but...does that second one come as an optional low rider?

I wouldn't say that the difference is that drastic. It's not like i was wearing Microns you know. The 452 is a solid good starter skate, but my game is good enough after 20 years that i deserve a good skate

[S2daj]

If you bought these on Ebay, i would assume that someone actually wanted to put the RBK pump boot into a Bauer Cowling, and then just attached the two leftover pieces together and sold them to you. I personally prefer the PUMP boot over the 7000 and i prefer the 7000 cowling/blade over the RBK.

could be just me though

[RichMan]

No, you are wrong...but we still like you

Actually she made the cowling switch cause she preferred the RBK ones and the fact you can replace the blades rather than the whole cowling...cost effective.

[S2daj]

haha i still think its a sweet setup. Anything custom like that, or original is awesome.