Best Hockey Skates

The Tacks XF Pro skates that feature a new One-Piece Boot built with innovative FORS composite, it's lighter, more responsive, and more durable, while maintaining pro-level stiffness. Equipped with best-in-class STEP Blacksteel and our new Game Ready Fit, it delivers performance that never felt so good.

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If you need a skate that can handle heavy impacts and provide support, the XF Pro delivers on both fronts. The boot is incredibly stiff, locking your foot in place and providing good energy transfer. The SpeedBlade steel is razor-sharp and holds an edge. They're a bit heavier than some other skates on the market, but the trade-off in terms of protection and performance is well worth it.

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Kelly Leathem, Expert Review

The Bauer Vapor X5 Pro hockey skates are designed for elite players, featuring durable Curv Composite materials and a stable Injected Facing construction. The POWERFLY Holder enhances agility and responsiveness, while the available blades and 3D sizing options help elevate your performance on the ice.

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As a skater focused on speed and agility, these skates are a dream. Their lightweight design allows for quick acceleration and direction changes. The snug fit and Curv composite quarter package offer great ankle support while maintaining flexibility. The 3D-Curved carbon fiber blade provides stiffness for precise edge work and power. While they're a bit pricey, the X5 Pro delivers excellent performance and durability, making them worth the investment.

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Kelly Leathem, Expert Review

The CCM AS-550 hockey skates offer a comfortable and durable option for recreational players. The 3D injected boot provides a great fit and feel, while the pre-sharpened runners allow you to hit the ice right out of the box. With their stylish design and reliable performance, the AS-550 skates are a great choice for players looking to enjoy the game without sacrificing quality.

The Bauer Supreme M5 Pro Ice Hockey Skates are designed for powerful skaters who play frequently and want to enhance their explosiveness. They feature a lightweight, supportive, and thermoformable 3D lasted Carbon Curv composite boot, which is stiff at the lower portion for better power transfer. The design allows for maximum ankle flexion and extension, and also includes a "Choose Your Steel" option for blade selection to match playing style.

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The M5 Pro is focused on giving a lot of power. Normally, you'd hear a Supreme or Bauer Pro model going for $900+. The M5 Pro is different than that. It has all the Pro features, but for a cheaper price—more of a mid-range level price. So the M5 Pro has all the same comfort features, durability, the ability to change your steel, and the traditional supreme anatomic fit. With the new Fit System mechanisms, the M5 Pro allows you to customize whether you want it wide, narrow, etc.

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Austin MacDonald

The CCM Jetspeed FT6 Pro is a high-performance hockey skate designed for speed and agility. It features a one-piece boot for a comfortable fit and excellent range of motion, along with an ADPT comfort tongue for added flex and fit. Equipped with a Step Blacksteel blade, it offers better edge life and smooth gliding.

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The FT6 Pro is basically the FT4 Pro on steroids. It offers really, really good speed and a bit better comfort than the FT4 Pro. It also has more flexibility and memory foam to prevent lace bite, and it addresses range-of-motion issues. This skate offers speed, power, and a good range of motion. You can really dig in and get that power and still go with the angles.

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Austin MacDonald

The Bauer Vapor 3X Pro hockey skates are designed for agility and speed. They feature a lightweight, heat-moldable Curv composite boot that provides great stability within the skate. The 3x pro skates also feature AeroFoam+ which is interior padding for comfort and support.

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The 3x Pro is made of light materials and is super durable. It's a pro model, so it has top-level comfort with high-quality foam and an asymmetrical toe cap. The lower part of the skate is softer, while the upper part is stiffer, allowing for more support. The 2X Pro was such a hit, and it's kind of hard to follow up... but they made a decent skate with the 3X Pro.

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Austin MacDonald

The Bauer Supreme M4 hockey skates are designed for developing athletes, featuring a flexible composite material for a powerful stride and exceptional comfort. The Pro 48 ounce Felt Tongue adds support, while the 3D Lasted Flex Composite quarter ensures a responsive fit. With Traditional Facing and a Symmetrical Toe Cap, these skates aim to enhance on-ice performance.

Bauer Supreme Mach hockey skates are crafted for elite players focused on speed and power. They feature a lightweight, 3D lasted 12K Carbon Curv composite boot for support and stiffness, along with AMP Flex facing for powerful strides. With various runner options, these skates are designed for different playing styles, showcasing Bauer's commitment to innovation and performance.

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The Mach is the premiere equivalent of the HyperLite skate. In my opinion, the Mach is really popular because it's all black and can look new even after two years of pretty intensive play. I know that color doesn't impact feel or performance... but the all black is one reason the Mach has been really popular. Also, the power of this skate is a lot like the Ultrasonic, which came out right before it. The Mach is super lightweight, which means you can go a lot faster, and of course, Supreme is always featuring new kinds of foam and other tech in their skates.

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Austin MacDonald

The Vapor Hyperlite 2 is a high-performance hockey skate designed for quickness and agility. It features a stiff upper and flexible lower boot for optimal balance, along with the PowerFly Holder for explosive acceleration, Aerolite 2.0 Tongue for comfort, and Hyperflex Tech for durability. With its lightweight Carbon Curv Composite construction and LockFit Pro liner, the Hyperlite 2 ensures a secure and powerful skating experience.

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There is not as much difference between the HyperLite and the HyperLite 2 as there was between the Hyperlite and the 2x Pro, but the 2 is really just a lighter skate. More comfort features have been added also, and there is a new locking mechanism. The HyperLite 2 still offers the quick release, but it's a different upgraded style, which makes it easier to switch the steel in and out. The holder itself is different and extremely lightweight.

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Austin MacDonald

The Bauer Vapor X4 hockey skates are the ultimate in lightweight performance. Crafted with innovative materials like Curv Composite, these skates offer pro-level support without sacrificing speed. The trusted Lightspeed (LS) Edge holder and LS Pluse SS Steel Blade provide exceptional stability and acceleration. The Pro Stock Comfort Tongue, Comfort Edge, and Asymmetrical Toe Cap ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Experience the next level of hockey skating with the Bauer Vapor X4.

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The X4s are great for the recreational hockey player. The boot is comfortable right out of the box and should last you a long time. The skate feels lightweight and responsive, making it easy to maneuver on the ice. The blade holds an edge well and provides good stability. While it may not have all the top-tier features of the X5 Pro, the X4 offers a great balance of performance and affordability.

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Kelly Leathem, Expert Review

The Bauer Vapor 2X Pro hockey skates are lightweight and designed for agility, making them perfect for players who prioritize quickness on the ice. They feature Bauer's DYNAFLEX system with an asymmetrical toe cap for a low-volume fit, along with a carbon composite quarter package for stiffness and energy transfer. The 2X Pro also feature the Tuuk Lightspeed Edge holder which stabilizes the skate and makes it feel extremely secure.

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One of the things that makes the 2X Pro great is how light it feels. It's an extremely lightweight boot that is also really durable. It's a predecessor to what you see in the HyperLite these days. Very durable but also very light. So the 2X Pro is perfect for agility, cutting back and forth across the ice. And, it still has good power. At the professional level, some NHL players use the 2X Pro and have no issues. It’s a skate that will last you. Mine are still fine to play in even after years. It's a skate built to last.

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Austin MacDonald

The Bauer Vapor 3X hockey skates are ideal for performance-driven players who skate frequently and need a balance of comfort and value. They feature a lightweight composite boot for support and custom fit, a comfortable 40-ounce felt tongue, and a durable Lightspeed Edge holder with LS+ stainless steel blades. Known for quickness and agility, the Vapor line offers the 3X as an affordable option that retains many features of higher-end models.

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The 3X was released close to the HyperLite, which was a revolutionary skate at the time, so it kinda got lost in the mix. It's still a good skate and very similar to the 3X Pro model but without as much comfort. It's a mid- to upper-level fully composite skate with a felt tongue and a hydrophobic liner with a great grip.

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Austin MacDonald

The Bauer Vapor Hyperlite is a premium ice hockey skate aimed at professional and aspiring players prioritizing agility. It features the Powerfly holder for improved responsiveness, enabling quicker acceleration and smoother transitions. Its lightweight Aerolite foam offers mobility while maintaining support and comfort, emphasizing quickness and maneuverability, in contrast to the power-focused Supreme line.

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I've had multiple pairs of the HyperLites, both retail and custom-made. It's like the HyperLite took the best elements from all the top Vapor skates and made them even lighter and more comfortable. The Hyperlite is the lightest skate I've ever used. It's almost so light that you need to get adjusted to putting pressure differently using your blades because heavier skates do give you a little extra weight. Also, it's a great travel skate. Everything is weight-based if you're flying somewhere, so the HyperLite is an excellent option.

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Austin MacDonald

The Bauer X-LS skate is designed with a traditional lacing system, a comfortable microfiber liner, and a stainless steel runner with a forgiving 13-foot radius. The X-LS skate provides a balance of comfort, support, and ease of use, making it an ideal option for those just starting out in the sport.

The Bauer Supreme Ultrasonic ice hockey skates are designed for elite players, offering powerful strides and superior control. Their Performance Fit System ensures comfort and better energy transfer, while the 3D lasted Carbon Curv composite boot provides stiffness and support. The unibody sole enhances power with each stride, making these skates ideal for serious players.

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I've used these. Really good states. They are kind of the predecessor to the Mach, which is a top comfort skate. The ultrasonics is just a classic, extremely durable skate. The power boot cut creates a super powerful stride so that you can attack the puck better and the boot is really supportive. These skates will go on forever. Really good power. Pretty good agility.

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Austin MacDonald

The Bauer Vapor X3 skate is a fantastic option for new hockey players, offering advanced technology at an affordable price. With a flexible DIGI COMP Quarter and a comfortable Pro Stock Comfort Tongue, the X3 provides a great fit and feel.

The Bauer Supreme Shadow hockey skate includes a Powerfly holder for energy transfer, a Carbon Connect outsole for acceleration, and an Ergo Connect toe cap for comfort and agility. The Carbon Curv composite provides lightweight support, and the PowerCoil tongue and liner offer comfort and performance.

The Bauer Supreme 3S hockey skates are designed for skilled players seeking a comfortable, powerful stride. They feature an injected foam for pro level protection and lace bite protection. The 3S also feature a LockFit Liner, which helps wick away moisture and aerofoam agile pads for increased comfort.

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The 3S will give you a lot of power, more power than you would get with some of the older models. It features the Pro TPU outsole, which has additional stiffness in the lower portion of the skate, delivering more speed. It's lightweight, and the upgraded foam also adds comfort. The 3S has the stainless steal runner and the trigger release system, allowing you to quickly swap out the blade. It's a skate you could play multiple seasons with.

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Austin MacDonald

The Bauer Supreme 160 is a high-performance skate built with a durable Pro-8 dual-density TPU boot and TUUK Lightspeed 2 holders, the 160 offers excellent power and control. The anatomical 48 oz. 2-piece felt tongue provides added comfort, making it a great choice for players looking to elevate their game.

The CCM Tacks 9040 Hockey Skates features a comfortable injected mesh boot and a supportive microfiber liner. The pre-sharpened, non-replaceable stainless steel blades let you hit the ice immediately, but they cannot be replaced when dull, making this skate less suitable for everyday use. The 9040 also features an injected plastic outsole for flexible stability, and an injected mesh bot for comfortable control.

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The Tacks 9040 is a great skate for people wanting to try out the Tacks line but don't want to spend $1,000 on the top model. This skate will have all the comfort features you'd expect, like the moisture-wicking capability and high-quality foam. These skates don't have the quick-release mechanism, which is usually right under the heel. The blades are durable, but after lots of sharpening, you will need to replace the blade over time. The 9040 is a great option for kids and youth skaters who will outgrow the skate before replacing the blade. It's a good stepping stone.

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Austin MacDonald

The CCM JetSpeed FT340 is an entry-level ice hockey skate designed for new and recreational players. It focuses on comfort and affordability, featuring a durable outer shell, a supportive fit, a comfortable microfiber liner, and a pro-style tongue for protection. The CCM SpeedBlade Pro holder enhances power transfer and stability. As the most budget-friendly option in the JetSpeed line, it's ideal for beginners.

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This skate is intended for people who skate about once a week and are not super competitive. It'll hold up. If you skate ten times a week with these skates, they will only last you a little while, maybe a month or two. However, there is no quick or easy release for the metal runners or the blades. Many players look for skates with a metal release, which will let them swap out their blades. The more you sharpen them, the thinner they get. And in this case, you'd have to replace the whole bottom, the holder. It's more intensive than just clicking a button and adding new blades. But really, this is a solid skate for those who don’t skate every day.

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Austin MacDonald

The Bauer Vapor X3.7 hockey skates are ideal for recreational and intermediate players seeking comfort and performance. They feature a lightweight 3D injected composite boot, a microfiber liner, and memory foam ankle padding. Designed for narrower feet, the X3.7 is a mid-tier option in the Vapor line, providing solid performance at an affordable price.

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The X3.7 is a middle-tier skate. It's the skate a player would use after a introductory level skate or a lower level like x 2.7. This skate is flexible and agile and has a good amount of comfort, enough that it will last you quite a while as long as you're not skating seven times a week. The X3.7 has a quick release for exchanging blades, so it's meant to be worn for quite a while, longer than the lifespan of a single blade.

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Austin MacDonald

The Bauer Supreme 3S Pro hockey skates are ideal for skilled players seeking a balance of comfort and performance. They feature a lightweight, thermoformable 3D Curv composite boot with a power-cut design for better ankle stability and power transfer. The LS Pulse Runner is engineered with a high mirror finish to provide superior glide for increased speed. Overall, these skates are a great choice for players wanting comfort and high performance.

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Similar to the 3S, the Pro version has even more bells and whistles. It features the classic pro tongue with molded inserts for a customized fit. It still has the classic Supreme composite boot and higher-level comfort foam. The higher the level of skate, the more comfort in the foam, and usually, the less time it takes to break in. You still see the 3S Pro in the NHL, and they hold up well. You can also quickly change out the blades and keep going. Players use them for years without any kind of loss in performance in terms of power.

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Austin MacDonald

True Custom Hockey Skates are designed for individual foot anatomy, utilizing a 3D scanning process for personalized shells that ensure optimal fit and performance. This approach marks a shift from traditional skates and showcases True's dedication to innovation. Founded by Scott Van Horne, who has over 30 years in the custom skate industry, True emphasizes individualized performance reflecting its heritage.

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The True Pro Custom are the skates I currently use. They're fantastic. The durability on these is just otherworldly. I've used my Pro Customs for over two years, and they still hold up great. In being custom, a lot of the holders (what keeps the steel in) can be swapped out. They will feature the quick-release Bauer version, or you'll see these skates with the quick-release CCM version. When you're looking for these skates, you can pretty much find whatever you desire.

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Austin MacDonald

The Bauer Supreme M3 hockey skates are designed for recreational and competitive players. They feature a Digi Comp quarter for a lightweight and supportive fit, a memory foam ankle pad for comfort, and a traditional flex profile for a good range of motion. The liner is made of a moisture-wicking material to help keep feet dry, and the LS Edge holder makes it easy to swap out blades. The Bauer Supreme M3 skates are a good mid-range option for players who are looking for a skate that offers good value for the money.

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The M3 is a low to mid-level skate. It's a bit more expensive than the introductory ones, but it has the quick-release steel changer. So players can use the M3 for a lot longer than if there was no way to change the blades efficiently. It has a lot of comfort features like a thick padded tongue. It's so focused on comfort and this keeps players happier. Because when you're starting out, comfort is a bit more important. The reason I've seen people STOP using this skate is just because of the durability aspect. As people become more comfortable with their game or their skating, and they start doing different cuts and using their skates differently, the wear will happen in different areas and degrade this skate faster than higher-end models.

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Austin MacDonald

The Bauer Ns ice hockey skates have a stainless steel runner, secured in a Tuuk Lightspeed Pro II holder, providing smooth gliding and reliable performance. The EVA footbed offers a comfortable base, while the injected composite weave quarter package provides a balance of stability and flexibility.

The Bauer Vapor X2.7 hockey skate is designed for competitive players who value comfort and performance. It features a one-piece 3D Polycarb quarter for a snug fit, enhanced by the Comfort Flex system. Memory foam ankle padding and a microfiber liner offer added comfort, while the Tuuk Lightspeed Edge holder enables easy blade swapping. This low-volume skate is responsive, making it ideal for agile players, and provides a good balance of features and affordability.

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I've had these many times; it's a mid-tier, performance-level skate where you can undoubtedly play a few seasons (probably not in the NHL), but in University, high-level competitive play. The X2.7 has a quick-release holder, and the Vapor fit will be a bit lower, snug, and flexible. The top-level pro-Vapors might last you three years, whereas these might last one and a half two years, but it's the same kind of comfort. It just comes down to your abilities.

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Austin MacDonald

The Bauer Supreme One20 is a classic entry-level hockey skate designed for beginners and recreational players. With a durable nylon upper, a comfortable felt tongue, and stainless steel runners, the One20 offers a reliable and affordable option for those looking to enjoy the game of hockey.

The Bauer Supreme M40 skate offers top-tier performance at a competitive price. Designed for the performance-minded player, the M40 boasts a lightweight, thermoformable CURV Composite boot construction for a custom fit and superior support. The Pro Stock Felt Tongue provides pro-level comfort, while the Sublimated Liner helps keep your feet dry and comfortable.

The Bauer Supreme 140 hockey skates offer an excellent entry point into the iconic Supreme line, known for its anatomical fit and close-to-the-foot feel. These skates are ideal for recreational players or those just starting in the sport, providing a comfortable fit with a premium nylon construction and a microfiber liner. The injected TPR outsole and TUUK Lightspeed Pro holder with stainless steel runners offer durability and reliable performance. Building upon Bauer's legacy of innovation, the Supreme 140 delivers quality and value to help new players discover the joy of hockey.

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There is no quick-release mechanism for the metal runners or blades, which makes the 140 a good skate for beginners or skaters who skate less often and don't want to pay too much but still want a quality skate. The 140 will last only a few years, but it’s an excellent introductory skate in the Supreme line, allowing you to get a feel for it. Do you like the Supreme? Do you like a bit of extra power or do you want to try something different?

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Austin MacDonald

The CCM Super Tacks 9380 is a high-performance hockey skate that features MetaFrame technology to ensure a superior fit for the player’s foot, while the thermo-formable core delivers exceptional skating performance. The Total-Dri liner, carried over from the AS3 Pro, provides optimal comfort, moisture management, and a secure fit.

The CCM JetSpeed FT4 Pro hockey skate is tailored for elite players seeking a close fit and explosive acceleration. Its one-piece boot is made from lightweight, NHL-caliber composite materials for optimal energy transfer during strides. The STEP BlackSteel blades offer effortless gliding and sharp turns. These skates continue CCM's tradition of innovation in high-performance hockey gear, building on the responsiveness and speed of earlier Jetspeed models.

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Many people compare the FT4 Pro to the HyperLite, but the FT4 has much more power. It's an incredibly powerful skate, and the fit is perfect. I would do my stride in the FT4 Pro and realized pretty quickly that I needed to watch out! I'm not used to the power. You see a lot of NHL players still using the FT4 Pro. I'll see a player going really fast and think wow, look at that. Oh yeah, they are wearing the JetSpeed FT4 Pro.

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Austin MacDonald

The CCM JetSpeed 250 hockey skate caters to recreational and entry-level players seeking a balance of affordability and quality. Part of CCM's Jetspeed line, it inherits the brand's commitment to performance. This skate boasts a comfortable, supportive shell and a durable liner for extended use. The non-replaceable stainless steel blade offers a long-lasting edge, reducing the frequency of sharpening. While lacking the high-end features of its JetSpeed brethren, the 250 remains a solid choice for beginners looking for a comfortable and reliable skate to perfect their game, upholding the brand's legacy of providing equipment for players of all levels.

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The JetSpeed 250 is at the lower end of the JetSpeed line and focuses on speed and explosiveness. It's built for people just starting out or who only skate once a week. It'll give you a good feel of the JetSpeed line. The 250 doesn't have the quick-release holder, so you'd have to replace the bottom, but in most cases, for a recreational skater or someone just learning, it’s a great skate.

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Austin MacDonald

The Bauer Supreme S140 skates have an anatomical design that provides excellent heel lock and overall support, ensuring a solid foundation on the ice. The microfiber liner and plush ankle padding offer exceptional comfort, making it suitable for both frequent and occasional skaters.

The CCM Ribcor 100K Pro ice skate is ideal for players seeking maximum agility. It features one-piece boot technology for enhanced range of motion and performance. The FlexMotion tongue and flexible tendon guard allow for deep strides and sharp turns, making it perfect for quick cuts and direction changes.

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The Ribcor 100K is a top-of-the-line pro model skate. You'll get the most comfort and super lightweight durability with this skate. The 100K is really known for its agility. This skate is exceptionally good at quickly cutting tight areas and getting a precise feel on the ice instead of just going fast. It has exceptional agility, comfort, and a flexible feel.

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Austin MacDonald

The CCM Jetspeed FT6 hockey skates feature a one-piece boot, ADPT comfort tongue, and enhanced holder. The lightweight RFM composite material and super skin material ensure elite-level protection and performance, while the TotalDri Pro Liner with polygiene keeps feet dry and comfortable. The molded CCM Ortholite Ultra footbed provides added comfort and support, and the SpeedBlade XS holder with enhanced dial technology ensures quick and easy blade changes.

The Bauer Vapor 2X hockey skate is a high-end choice for competitive players seeking a low-profile fit. It features the Tuuk Lightspeed Edge Holder, which includes a trigger mechanism to easily switch out a damaged or broken blade. The 2X also includes Aero Foam+ which wraps around the player's foot for comfort and is very flexible for a personalized fit.

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The Vapor 2X is just one notch down in durability and comfort from the 2X Pro. You might not notice as much comfort right off the bat, but overall, the fit and feel are pretty much the same. The 2X will still have the asymmetrical toe cap, ankle padding, and three-piece felt tongue. If you gave someone a new pair of 2X Pros and the 2Xs, blindfolded them, and asked them to figure out which was which, they would have difficulty distinguishing between the two.

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Austin MacDonald

The Bauer Supreme skate utilizes a stiffer composite material to maximize energy transfer with every stride, while the upper section offers increased flexibility for enhanced mobility. The Digi Composite quarter package and outsole provide exceptional support and thermoformability, allowing the skate to mold to your foot for a customized fit.

The Bauer Supreme 2S Pro Hockey Skates provide elite performance for players focused on power and acceleration. With a stiff, 3D-lasted carbon Curv composite boot, they ensure excellent support and energy transfer for powerful strides. The Reflex Pro tongue and lacing system enhance the locked-in feel, embodying Bauer's commitment to advanced technology for game elevation.

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The 2S Pro is a higher-end skate built for professional or competitive play. It has a lot of extra comfort and will be lighter with all the space-age technology materials. The 2S Pro has excellent power and control, so you can repeatedly explode your speed. This skate does have a quick-release mechanism to switch out your blades easily. The Supreme line has a more anatomical kind of snug fit. If you want a skate with all the bells and whistles, the 2S Pro is for you.

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Austin MacDonald

The CCM Jetspeed FT485 hockey skates are a reliable and affordable option for dedicated players. Featuring a lightweight one-piece boot, interchangeable XS Tongue system, and durable construction, these skates offer exceptional value. The RFM composite material and TotalDri Pro Liner provide enhanced performance and comfort, while the Speedblade XS holder ensures efficient blade changes.

Kelly Leathem, Expert Review

The Bauer Supreme S37 Hockey Skate is designed for recreational and performance-level players seeking a balance of comfort and performance. It features a fiber composite boot that provides flexibility for good power transfer and a wider range of motion, making it easier to use for new skaters. Comfort is enhanced by lightweight memory foam ankle padding and a 40-ounce felt tongue with a mesh metatarsal guard. The skate also boasts a TUUK Lightspeed Edge holder for easy swapping of blades. While not the top-of-the-line model in Bauer's Supreme line, the S37 offers good value for players looking for a comfortable and supportive skate.

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The S37 features an anatomical fit for a lot of power. It won't have the Space Age memory foam designed by NASA or something, but it will be comfortable. It may feel heavier than the top lightweight pro model, but it's more than enough to last quite a while. It's still a strong skate. And that's common with a lot of skates these days. There's not a ton of difference between the mid-end and the top-end skates. What really separates them is durability and the exact type of comfort features.

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Austin MacDonald

The CCM Jetspeed FT680 hockey skates offer a blend of features and value, making them a popular choice among hockey players of all levels. The FT680 features an HD Microfiber Liner that is highly resistant to wear and tear, with an added EVA layer delivering better fit and comfort. They also have a SpeedBlade XS Holder, a quick-release holder with a blade lock system so you can swap your blades quickly.