Coming out of retirement and need HELP!

[ThunderGatti]

I used to play roller hockey when I was a kid and I stopped at 19 years old. Well that was 6 years ago and now I want to play again. My co-workers have a team I'm planning on joining. I don't know about the advancements in skates, chassis', bearings, etc. over the last six years. What have I missed? I used to play on Bauer H9's, Labeda Pro Extreme Edge frame, ninja mini-mizers, and all 72's. Is this setup ancient? I have been reading about using 2 76mm wheels and 2 80mm.......or all 80's. Is the straight 72mm setup outdated? I was thinking of keeping my Labeda frame and replacing everything else. Should i get rid of the frame too? Will my frame only work with a flat wheel setup? What are the benefits of these new techniques? I would really appreciate some recommendations for boots, wheels, bearings, frames.........anything else that would help catch me up on the new technology.

I know it's hard to explain it all but I sure could use some enlightenment

[whjs416]

well there are a few differ wheel setups depending on brand i have never saw 72's only, i just bought this year the new 2007 mission wicked 5 skates, and they are 76,76,80,80 its a vanguard chas. But i also have a paid of ccm pf2's and they are 72,76,76,80, missions idea behind this years skates with the 76,76,80,80 wheel setup was that the bigger wheels will cover more ground per stride i love them. I cant really help you with how much things have advanced from 6 years ago i would think alot, this is only my third year of hockey i started playing when i graduated hs.

[mcchockey9]

Alot has changed in 6 years, but the top companies are the same. You want to get skates from Tour or Mission. I have worn both, and I find that the Tours are made just as well as mission, but seem to not be as much in the same level comparison. Tour uses an all 80 wheel system. Mission uses the traditional hi-low. They made this change with theory that smaller wheels up front are for quick burst speed, and the larger wheels in back keep speed longer between strides. I don't necessarially believe it, but it's how it is. I do know that it has caused you to have to find two different size of wheels. I owned a roller skating rink for the past 14 years, and saw all the transfermations. I opinion is, not buy the best. Buy the 1 step down, and if you have to the second step down. Lesser than that won't hold up. With talking with Tour reps, the top level doesn't hold up. I had the top, and ripped the sole right off the boot, and blew out all the rivots. Good Luck, and if you have any other questions, let me know.