Bauer, CCM

id go to play it again and try on stuff in your budget.

brand means nothing, fit means everything. a good fit is a safe fit. Ive switched back and forth between CCM, bauer vapor, and bauer supreme.

I loved my CCMs for their fit, and love my current bauer mach for their fit.

A great fitting cheap skate is better than a crappy fitting $1000 skate.

Find a pair of True skates on sale right now and live happily ever after!

Daoust, Lange or Micron

/s

> good quality beginner hockey skates (less than $200)

they don't exist.

As far as brand goes, it hardly matters anymore, but as others have said you do need to try some different models on to see what fits. Generally skates are made for 3 different foot types, which is why a company like bauer has the vapor, nexus, and supreme lines, and CCM has the jetspeed, supertacks, and ribcor lines. There’s not a lot of variance on features so much as it is about the shape of your foot. From there they have like 8 different skate models within each line depending on how much you want to pay.

Unfortunately there is no new skate for under 200 that anyone could call “good quality”. With the cheaper models you will get poor ankle support/protection, cheaper materials that are heavier and sometimes a cheaper steel blade as well.

Ultimately I would just find out which line of skates will fit you best, and then go from there. You may be able to find a sale on older models, or even might find a decent used pair that would be more worth your while.

If you're serious about playing, I'd recommend going straight to mid-tier skates.

Beginner skates don't last very long (1-2 seasons).

You can get mid-tier skates on clearance in your price range.

Remember that “beginner skates” as in entry level skates may not be suitable even for a beginner.

Your body mass can affect how much support you need from the boot also.

Ones that fit properly. Go to your local shop and try on every skate they offer in your price range. Get the pair that fit the best.

Skates: this depends on your budget and preferences. Big thing is you def want hockey skates, not figure skates (those have a toe pick that will definitely make you eat ice). If you can, get properly fitted for skates at a pro shop near you and take the size info to find used skates in your price range. Skate sizes will generally be a few sizes smaller than your actual shoe size. If you have to size yourself, push your foot as far forward in the skate as you can, you shouldn't be able to fit more than a pencil between the back of your foot and the shoe.

Sticks: these suckers can get complicated and expensive fast, I could (and have) write a whole essay about the eaches, but beginners only need to worry about shooting direction (which way the blade curves) and length. Your top hand (the one that goes on the butt of the stick) is the one that does the lion's share of the work stickhandling, so most recommend using your dominant hand but you can def use whichever hand feels more comfortable. If your left hand ends up on top, then you'd need a right-shooting stick and vice versa.

For stick size, you want the stick to come up to just under your chin in skates. It might be closer to nose height in regular shoes. Sticks can be cut down to size, but taking a lot off can do funky things to stick physics so aim for a stick that needs minimum adjustment. I literally buy the cheapest stick that's my size and shooting direction, it'll be a couple seasons before I'm good enough for the rest to matter.

Safety: Don't skimp on the safety equipment. Get a new helmet, you don't know if used ones have taken too many hits already. Get a full cage, beginners and most amateur players don't have the skill to keep pucks out of faces (and even pros get nailed in the kisser). The less you get injured, the more you can play!

Fun: I am so serious when I say fun is the most important thing! If you're not having fun, why do it? Get wacky color stick tape and your favorite team's jersey for practice. Go to themed open skates, cheer on the pick up hockey games until you can participate yourself, make dumb hockey memes! Do whatever you need to make sure you're having a good time and welcome to the best sport in the world :)

I'm 31F and approximately 5'4" , depending on your size you might be able to save some money by getting intermediate equipment. try there first!

CCM has a women's line called FTW. It might be hard to find used because it came out recently, but their pants and shoulder pads can be great options since a lot of men's stuff doesn't account for hips/chest.

The first time I got on the ice with my brother and I was bambi on ice out there he told me as we walked to the car after "Cherish this moment, that was the worst you'll ever be on the ice". Now, after 5 years, I'm starting to forget what it felt like trying to learn my first crossovers or how to stop.

What he said stuck with me, and everytime I go out there to work on something I tell myself "That is the worst I'll ever be at X". Gives me a laugh and puts things into perspective. Always strive to be a little bit better next time!

It's gonna be hard at first no matter what. The only advice that's worth anything to me is that you have to be aware of that and willing to stick it out. Embarrassment is the price of admission for greatness and whatnot.

Don't be afraid to look dumb; if you're not falling then you're not pushing your limits. It'll get easier, I promise.

And, most importantly, have fun and don't be a dick.

If you are just starting out don't get the most expensive equipment. Look into play it again sports or Facebook marketplace. People are constantly selling used equipment. Hockey is the greatest sport. You will be addicted to it in no time

The ones that fit your feet the best!

Fit most important. If you can get scanned best but if not try a wide variety on. Set aside enough time that your not rushed try them on walk around see how they feel.

Something secondhand. Fit is more important than anything else.

You should buy the ones that fit

I am a 50 year old male playing hockey my whole life . I now have 2 pairs of skates . Bauers because my wide foot only fits Bauer . Loose around the ankle allowing for flexion and mobility when my ankles are feeling good . Then I have my true skates . Super over the top ankle support for when my ankles are acting up and need the support . Both require adjustment when i skate because they are on the opposite spectrums of each other . You need to find your needs and buy the skates accordingly . Also good advice from others is buy used skates as they are already broken in . When I buy new skates they would need atleast a year of pain to make comfortable .

If you can stretch your budget by $30 (totally understandable if you can't) the Marsblade R1 Team are on sale for $227 right now. They're meant to play roller in, not specifically off ice training, but if you ever wanted to play roller they'd be well suited for it.

Alternatively, their off ice trainer is $229. So if you can swing the extra $30 + tax, both of those would be good options IMO.

How big are you? Cheap skates from any brand can break down if you're on the larger side.

I don't know how the higher end skates from Alkali hold up, but the soles of my revel 6s completely cracked after 3 months because the chassis was flimsy and I'm 220 lbs.

I do think you get more skate for your $ outside of Bauer. I've been pretty happy with Tour skates. I have the volt pros but their other models felt good and seemed like they would hold up better than my low-end Alkalis.

I got bauer xrs and they’ve been fuckin awesome so far, 250. Know it’s a little over 200 but I’ve been on them 3-5 times a week since mid April and they’ve only gotten better

Tour kv 2 or kv 4 (cheaper) are fantastic beginner skates

Get the tour volt KV2s

The only thing you need to worry about is getting the right skate fit for your foot. Try on as many different varieties as possible. Some might pinch over the top of your foot, some might pinch the heel, etc. you want to find the one that doesn’t pinch anywhere. Go as small as possible. Like I wear a size 9 in shoes, but a 7 in skates. It should feel like putting on a shoe, comfortable when you lace them up and try walking around in the store.

More expensive doesn’t mean better. Especially as a beginner, you don’t even know if you’re going to stick with it and commit to the sport, so you don’t need to spend a lot. Get some basic entry level skates, it’s going to take a while to learn how to skate decently.

I’m still wearing the same skates I bought in 2015.

Your skate size is most likely going to be 2 or more sizes smaller than your shoe size. Try everything on and let your feet pick the best fitting skate. Keep in mind that after time the skates will break in and feel a little different.

Whats your weight? Some of these skates are so stiff light skaters may never break them in. I weight 130lbs and struggle even with mid levels skates. currently trying to break in graf pk4700s

Whatever your budget allows for. Get what's comfortable.

So the best skate is the one that fits your foot the best.

Each brand is going to have multiple lines like "bauer vapor" or "bauer supreme" or "ccm tacks."

These are all for different foot shapes. Some are for narrow feet, some are for wide feet, some are wider in the toe, some are wider in the heel, etc.

One of them is going to be the best fit for your foot shape. It can be a little tough to figure out what a good fit is supposed to feel like if you aren't used to it, but it should feel snug enough that there's no room for your foot to slide from side to side, especially in the ankle/heel area, but not tight enough that you start to feel pain or tingling before you even get them on the ice. Keep in mind that skate sizes aren't the same as shoe sizes.

They tend to be smaller but it's not exact, some people wear pretty close to their shoe size, some people wear up to 3 sizes smaller, most will be about 1-2 sizes smaller than their shoe size (the number is smaller, not the actual skate, so if your shoe size is 10 you might start looking at size 8 skates first, then adjust from there).

Once you've figured out what line of skates is right for you, you can figure out the price point. Each line will have an absolute cheapest option, then a bunch of increasingly expensive options until you get to the absolute top of the line skates.

You don't want the cheapest option, usually around $150. They tend to be pretty shoddy for hockey use, and you can't replace the runner.

But the second-cheapest, usually around $250-300, is fine for anyone who just wants to play pickup or join a beer league. After that it's just a matter of how much money you feel like spending.

Search the group, this is asked almost daily.

The best option, find your closest hockey shop and shop in person, get properly fitted for skates and try on everything within your budget.

It's the "off-season" so clearance deals are likely happening, but stock will be limited.

If you are not opposed to it, buy used gear, not new. Plenty of people selling gear in good, or near new condition. The exception to this is your helmet, unless you can find a good new-ish used one. Any brand is fine for beginners and you don’t need to spend a lot. Once you’re past the learning stage and playing regularly, then you can invest in new gear.

For just basic learning to skate, you really only 'need' the skates, either hockey type (stiff boot, no toe pick) or figure skates (flexible boot, toe pick).

If you're worried about injury from falling, you can add a hockey helmet (no cage needed), and elbow pads, and possibly light hockey pants to protect your tailbone and hips, and knee pads.

Without a skate shop nearby, you'll be flying a bit blind on skates, so you might want to get used skates; get them 2 or 3 cm less than your regular shoe size from Ebay (if hockey skates). Reheat and refit them CAREFULLY at home, following YouTube tutorials. Expect to spend about US $150-200 for 'decent' used hockey skates. No need to spend a ton yet, but don't get really cheap ones.

If they don't work out, you may have to sell them on and try again. Your big toe should be lightly touching the inside of the skate, and you shouldn't feel a lot of pain along the outer edge of your foot, on top of foot, across toes or in ankle, although a little pain is expected at first. New insoles can help adjust the skates to the amount of arch you have.

Good luck - hope you have a good experience!

Start with skates and a helmet. If possible, enrol in skating lessons for a few months and work at until you can comfortably accelerate, crossover, turn, pivot and stop, both forwards and backwards. What sets the game aside from most others is the entry barrier of knowing how to skate. It’s the single most important skillset you need to learn.

I am in the same situation as you ! im currently in skating lessons and looking to learn hockey. I managed to find gear through friends and facebook marketplace. Used sporting goods stores are also good.

All skates produced in the last 10 years are more than good enough to serve a beginner, even low end skates. Shop for a pair of used skates on-line and you'll save yourself a lot of money.

That $250-350 range gets into solid mid range skates, shouldn’t be stiff, but provides good support and comfort. Try a bunch of models on around that price point. Get a 5/8 or 3/4 radius to start as a bigger guy.

I weighed a little more than you when I started skating a few years back and my S29 skates have held up well. I would compare them to current M3 or M4 model I would say.

When I bought my first pair of hockey skates I went to Pure Hockey and was first recommended skates from the Bauer X series. I told the salesman I was looking for something a little better than that and I went with the Bauer 3.5X. Perfect fit, they baked them for me and I’ve never had any issues. I use them about 2-3 times a week. However, everyone has a different foot and you should go by whatever feels the most comfortable. We used one of those Bauer foot scan things before I tried on any skates, I’m sure that probably helped. No idea if it’s a gimmick or not but it worked out for me. That was about 1.5 years ago, they have held up very well for me.

You likely don't have 'weak' ankles your body just isn't used to it. Take learn to skate lessons and go to open skates as much as practical to build up your ankle strength and balance. I'm learning to skate myself at an more advanced age and the first month or so is rough but it gets better

Skates wont fix your ankles. Learning to skate will.

There’s a guy I know from learn to skate who has those exact skates and he upgraded to a moderately expensive pair and said he hated them so much he switched back.

I think your answer is probably going collectively be: fit matters most then beyond that personal preference and skill levels would dictate

Yep these would be good skates

Ice skates weigh nothing compared to rollerblades, especially aggressive skates. Like, both ice skates probably weigh less than one Aeon. I don't know what you mean by adding soles to the ice skates for support since the sole of a skate has nothing to do with ankle support. You're not going to be grinding in ice skates or anything and there aren't sole plates on them.

Ankle support is going to have to come from your own strength and skill and having the proper size skate. The aggressive skates have a high plastic cuff, buckles, and liners for support. These ice skates will have none of that. If you've been rollerblading for a while, you should have decent control and strength, especially if aggressive skating so ankle support from that perspective shouldn't be a concern.

However, ice skates are different fit than rollerblades. You will probably need a size much smaller than you think. Rollerblades and Aggressive skates in particular are notoriously poor in sizing. They have one shell size that covers like 7-9, 9.5-11 or whatever and use the different sized liners to actually size your foot, your USDs are like that.

Ice skates need to fit very close to your foot. For example, I wear a size 9 shoe and a 6.5 hockey skate. If you buy ice skates that are too big for your feet, you will have very poor ankle support and probably get blisters all over the place as well. You will probably have to size down at least one or two sizes. The insides aren't plush and soft like the rollerblade liners. They will feel weird, but you basically want them just barely bigger than your feet, like you can feel the edges and toe cap of the skate when you wiggle your toe. Because of this tight fit, it can be difficult to get a good fit in some skates for some people. Some boots just don't fit some feet. There is no guarantee that these will be right for you. You should go to a shop with a variety of skates and try them on if possible rather than ordering online. Width is also an issue if you have Flintstones. There are extra wide ice skates too.

Those particular ice skates are not great, but they should be fine for learning and messing around. There is a high variance in quality for ice skates too and again, they're not modular like your aggressive skates (Aeons less so than other UFS skates but you know what I mean) where you can replace liners or bearings or wheels to get different performance and effect if you don't like something.

I aggressive skated for 30 years before getting into ice hockey lately. The skills and strength definitely transfer over. You should be able to skate around fine. The big difference is learning your edges and stopping. I found decades of muscle memory with rollerblades was great except stopping is totally different and I had to unlearn and break a lot of habits before I could slam on the brakes in ice skates.

First pair I bought, I really liked them

I got some X-LP skates about a year ago to learn how to skate, and then playing low-level league hockey after getting the foundations figured out. They work really well for what they are! I’ve taken a few pucks to the boot and to the rocker and theyre still going strong. It took some playing around with lacing to figure out a comfortable fit, but once you’ve got that down it’s easy enough to get the fit dialed in with some practice. If you wanna gun for a more expensive pair off the bat, that’s totally up to you, but for what I paid for these, I’ll probably keep them til I can’t use them anymore.