Ye Ol' Skate Thread

[John_S_Osborne]

Well, I'm in the process of getting some new skates, and those who read the board rather frequently know why. Damn theives.

Anyway, my last pair of skates was a pair of Tour 962s. I absolutely loved these things, so my first thought was to try to get another pair of them from my local hockey shop. The good news was they were having a sale on 962's and they were going for $199 a pair. The bad news is that they didn't have any left in my size of 9.5.

So, now I'm left with a decision. The store will give me a pair of Fishbones (982's) for the same price, and they do have my size for those. However, I've heard of and seen some boot cracking problems with the Fishbones, and I know since I'm a bigger guy that if anyone will break them, it will be me (I've already broken two Mission frames).

Also, the store is stocking the new CCM Externos. I haven't heard alot about them, but I was thinking of trying them on and giving them a shot. Anyone currently wearing these? Got any thoughts? I was looking at the Mavericks by the way.

I know I could also get my 962's again from the net, but I really wanted to play on Sunday. Considering I haven't even skated in over a month (probably closer to two), I'm dying here.

Anyone got any thoughts?

- john

[columbus_RHstar]

Why not pay extra for overnight or 2-day shipping?

[John_S_Osborne]

Good point. I guess that option is available, although I do have like a really tight relationship with my hockey shop, so I try to take all my business there. I've brought them alot of business over the years, so they give me discounts on most items that have wide margins.

I'm interested in people's feelings on the Externo, and whether they're worth it.

- john

[rlrhky13]

I have never used the CCM's but I have heard nothing but great reviews from people I know that have them.

[John_S_Osborne]

Too late, folks! The lure of the 962 was too much to break; I bought them with overnight shipping from HockeyMonkey a few hours ago.

I did try on the Externo's. They didn't have Mavericks in my size, so I tried on Cages. The boot fit okay, except for the interesting way it loosens itself when you lace your skates up, but I think a pass through the skatebake oven would take care of that. One thing I noticed is the definite difference in lower ankle and heel support in the CCMs as opposed to the Tours, but I think everyone pretty much knew that already.

So, as of tomorrow (hopefully), I'll have a full bag of equipment again and I'll be ready to play. As far as I know, I'm due to play Sunday and Thursday already next week, and I can't wait. Lord knows I'm going to suck since I haven't played in such a long time and I'm breaking in virtually every piece of my equipment, but I just want to play!

I was thinking of like putting my equipment on and rolling in the dirt so I won't look so bright, shiny, and new when I play! My friends aren't going to realize its me until I build a nice level of odor into my new stuff.

Anyway, thanks for the help.



- john