The manufacturers are really to blame. Price fixing at retail but not giving smaller companies any breaks at wholesale to make sustainable mark-up. So the giants can buy large quantities are a lower price to increase profit per unit, which snowballs because they’re selling those higher quantities. It’s the same in every industry where manufacturers set retail pricing. Gaming, tech, furniture, appliances, some clothing (shoes most notably). On and on.
Agree somewhat.
But the small shop can typically offer a better experience for a little more money- figure an extra $30 on a $899 skate. I think that’s worth a correct fit/correct recommendation/proper baking.
Problem is no shop can charge if you have your skate fit there, then leave without buying the skate, buy them on a warehouse site, then bake them yourself. So the small shop dies because they did the sales labor for free, then the customer goes to the giants online where it’s typically a guess on sizing, fit, recommendation.
I wouldn’t go cheaper than this:
https://www.purehockey.com/product/bauer-x-ice-hockey-skates-senior/itm/56915-41/
But I’d personally stick with the hyperlites and wear thicker socks. Those are nice skates.
Definitely look around for used hockey skates.
Even though it's a low contact league, you don't want to take a puck off the foot in 100 dollar rec skates
The skates I currently have I'm pretty sure are recreational and I've taken a few shots no problem (Bauer hyperlite but an older model from like 2019,2020)
I see your confusion. These are an SMU model, they say they are for the recreational to performance level player in the description. These however, are not considered recreational skates (something like the Bauer Colorado, Expedition, whistler, etc.).
Recreational skates generally have softer materials and are not designed to withstand the impacts and rigours of hockey. These are made for casual skating at a rink. This is why it is not sold as a hockey skate.
That being said, if you’re on a budget - I would try looking for an SMU model (generally more value for your buck) that a local store has or an older model hockey skate on clearance.
It’s hard to recommend something since it depends on what is in stock on your area, but a google search shows there Bauer S35s on clearance at many retailers. These are entry level hockey skates that would be suitable for recreational level hockey and are currently selling anywhere from $99-$190. Hope you can find something in your size!
Depending on where you live, check out whatever store has the largest selection of used skates.
Just make sure they have enough blade left on them cause then it’s not worth the “deal.”
I always bought used skates growing up. Better quality for the lower price range and already broken in.
Get your size and fit at a local shop and then find 2-3 year old skates of the same make and size on sidelineswap.com.
This is why local shops are dead and everything is pure hockey or hockey monkey. Get fit at the store you plan to purchase skates at
The manufacturers are really to blame. Price fixing at retail but not giving smaller companies any breaks at wholesale to make sustainable mark-up. So the giants can buy large quantities are a lower price to increase profit per unit, which snowballs because they’re selling those higher quantities. It’s the same in every industry where manufacturers set retail pricing. Gaming, tech, furniture, appliances, some clothing (shoes most notably). On and on.
Agree somewhat. But the small shop can typically offer a better experience for a little more money- figure an extra $30 on a $899 skate. I think that’s worth a correct fit/correct recommendation/proper baking. Problem is no shop can charge if you have your skate fit there, then leave without buying the skate, buy them on a warehouse site, then bake them yourself. So the small shop dies because they did the sales labor for free, then the customer goes to the giants online where it’s typically a guess on sizing, fit, recommendation.
I wouldn’t go cheaper than this: https://www.purehockey.com/product/bauer-x-ice-hockey-skates-senior/itm/56915-41/ But I’d personally stick with the hyperlites and wear thicker socks. Those are nice skates.
Definitely look around for used hockey skates. Even though it's a low contact league, you don't want to take a puck off the foot in 100 dollar rec skates
It’s not even that, it’s they’ll be so flimsy they won’t offer much if any support.
The skates I currently have I'm pretty sure are recreational and I've taken a few shots no problem (Bauer hyperlite but an older model from like 2019,2020)
Bauer Hyperlite isn’t a recreational skate. If you have those and only have a budget of $150 now, stick with the Hyperlite.
Hyperlite skates were a top end model my friend.
I cant read.... Theyre Bauer ELITES not hyperlites
I see your confusion. These are an SMU model, they say they are for the recreational to performance level player in the description. These however, are not considered recreational skates (something like the Bauer Colorado, Expedition, whistler, etc.). Recreational skates generally have softer materials and are not designed to withstand the impacts and rigours of hockey. These are made for casual skating at a rink. This is why it is not sold as a hockey skate. That being said, if you’re on a budget - I would try looking for an SMU model (generally more value for your buck) that a local store has or an older model hockey skate on clearance. It’s hard to recommend something since it depends on what is in stock on your area, but a google search shows there Bauer S35s on clearance at many retailers. These are entry level hockey skates that would be suitable for recreational level hockey and are currently selling anywhere from $99-$190. Hope you can find something in your size!
Depending on where you live, check out whatever store has the largest selection of used skates. Just make sure they have enough blade left on them cause then it’s not worth the “deal.” I always bought used skates growing up. Better quality for the lower price range and already broken in.
a used mid range set