Hockey skates are arguably the most important piece of equipment for every hockey player. Over the past years many improvements have been made in the market. The question now is, which is the best hockey skate today?
Many companies have turned their focus to skate production in the past year, from Bauer to True, the list goes on. Many new options have appeared as well for skate fit, such as custom-made skates, as well as 3-D photographs now being used for skate production. The following list will take into account comfort, affordability, and design of the skates to determine which is the best hockey skate on the market today.
3. CCM Super Tacks AS1
Comfort
Perhaps the biggest improvement upon this newly released skate is the comfort. CCM’s new orthomove technology provides a strong support to a player’s arch at all speeds. This technology adjusts the size of arch according to the player’s speed causing for a comfortable feeling at all times. As well, CCM decided to stay with the original baked interior padding. This is much like most other skates on the market which allow for buyers to heat the skates and mold the padding to their foot. While this style works, it is a downside for CCM as many of their competitors have switched to a custom fit style which allows for a better mold of the buyer’s foot.
Affordability
CCM’s new skates will cost you $1000 when bought from a normal retailer. While this price is higher than a typical skate on the market it is actually cheaper than most other top of the line skates. If you are looking for one of the best skates on the market this price range is what you should expect, thus the price tag of $1000 might turn away some buyers, it should not deter competitive hockey players or people searching for a great skate.
Design
Many improvements have been made in regards to the design of the skates compared to CCM’s other products. Their new 360-degree model foot causes for more foot to skate contact than ever before. This allows skaters to get a stronger push off the ice as well as cause for less injuries such as rolled ankle. As well the newly designed AS1 skate blades allows for players to go longer without having to sharpen their skates. The new technology causes for less wear on the blade when used; better for people on the go who do not always have time to sharpen their skates.
2. Bauer Supreme 2S Pro
Comfort
Definitely the biggest improvement in Bauer’s skates is the comfort. Over the past years Bauer has been known as one of the best skate companies, yet the comfort of their skates was left to be desired. This year, with their new custom skate design, comfort is the last thing buyers will have to worry about. Bauer’s Supreme 2S Pros allow players to fully customize their skates online and then order them. As well skaters can go to a store and have their feet evaluated for 10 different measurements from heel size to foot length, allowing for a fully custom skate.
Affordability
Even with the new custom skate feature Bauer has kept the price of their skates well below their competitors. Starting at $800 these new skates allow for skaters in all prices ranges to get a comfortable skating experience. When it comes to affordability there is no other company that competes with Bauer’s combination of elite design and comfort as well as remarkably cheap prices.
Design
While a new design was not the focus of this skate, Bauer still added important features to allow for more power and a softer stride. Their new Pro Tongue allows for more foot to skate contact, thus allowing the skater to supply more power into the ice. As well, Bauer’s new LS5 blades permit a softer feel on skater’s edges, but the blades have been known to break easier than others on the market. While the lack of steel in the blade can allow for a lighter skate as well as a softer feel it can cause the blades to wear easier as well as snap a lot easier than earlier versions.
1. Pro Custom True
Comfort
While True is a new company on the market they have set the bar for comfort of hockey skates. Their new Custom 3-D design allows for buyers to have their feet electronically scanned in a store and the information shipped to a True manufacturer. The mold of the skate is then based of the information sent to the company allowing for a truly custom skate which takes into account every bump in a player’s foot. If looking for a comfortable skate there is no retailer on the market that can beat the new Pro Custom True.
Affordability
The one downfall of this exceptional skate is the price. Starting at $1300 these skates are by far the most expensive on the market. While the price is justified as it provides the best comfort and performance on the market, these skates may not be desirable for buyers with a lower price range.
Design
The design of the True skates also set the bar for what a hockey skate should have. From strong durable blades to a flexible tongue this skate contains everything a skater needs. The Custom 3-D fit also allows for the most foot to skate contact out of any skate on the market, thus providing the most power to every stride. Moreover, True’s blades combine durability and performance to allow for skaters to get the best of both worlds.
Written by Matt Hayward
Comments