Thread: Reebok 8k vs 9k skates

Hope you guys can help out a noob here. I'm looking at getting a pair of skates under $200. Hockey Giant stocks the Reebok 8k skate (2010 model I believe) for $200 and the 2012 9k for $350. Icewarehouse.com sells the 9k for $165 though.

I don't want to be that guy that gets fitted for a skate in a store and then buys it online, so my question is whether there's a big difference between the 8k and the 9k. If there's not, I'd be willing to pay the extra $35 for the help Hockey Giant would provide with fitting. If the 9k has big improvements though, I'd rather buy from IW and risk having to return a pair or two if I get the size wrong, especially since they pay for shipping on skate returns.

Thoughts from anyone familiar with these skates are appreciated.

I'd advise going to a local shop, trying them both on, seeing the differences in person. Then, when all is said and done, if you like them, see if they'll price match. You aren't obligated to purchase anything from anyone just because they are doing their job of providing a skate fit.

Have you checked out HockeyMonkey yet? If not, give them a shot. My buddy Wyatt is a manager there and is super friendly and knowledgable about all brands of skates. I bought my Graf Ultra G5's from him.

I have checked out Hockey Monkey online. IW has a ton of video review/descriptions on their site, so I find myself comparison shopping there. Hockey Monkey has the 8k for $200 and the 9k for $165. This is why I'm so confused as to which is the better skate.

I guess I'll head to a shop and check them out. It may be a moot question anyway since the 8k seems to be a clearance item and may not be available in my size.

Thanks.

Just ask them to match the IW price @ HG, they likely will do it for you. Make sure to try on both, cuz you never know which one will fit better. As a beginner you don't really need all the bells and whistles, you just need a comfortable fit. Don't be stuck on one brand either just get the one that feels best.

Glad to hear that they'll probably price match. Thanks.

I'm not a total beginning skater. I've inline skated more miles that I can count, and I've done a fair chunk of ice skating too. I'm am a beginning buyer though. The only ice skates I've owned was a used pair of Bauers I got from Play It Again Sports about 15 years ago. I think they were probably a bit too big.

One question regarding fit and baking. How comfortable should the skate be before baking? In other words, if one skate slightly less comfortable than another but has better features or price, can I expect baking to take care of a slight amount of discomfort or do I definitely want to go with the skate that's most comfortable before baking?

In all my experiences with buying new skates, the majority of discomfort isn't felt until the first time on the ice. I have a wide foot, so I got a skate with a wider boot profile, and wider toe-cap. had them baked and then played a few games with them. I felt some pain in the middle of my feet, on the outermost area. I took the skates in and had them punched in that area that was causing the discomfort and they are much better now.

The sales staff should be knowledgable enough to identify if you have a narrow, regular, or wide foot and then find you the right boot accordingly. You will most likely buy a skate in at least a half to one and a half sizes down from your street show size. The tip of your big toe should barely touch the front of the toe cap when wiggling it. Make sure
to ask questions regarding RBK skate fitting and profiles. I know Graf has a variety of fitments in their line-up, shallow heel to deep heel, narrow toe cap to wide toe cap.

Try on both models, in both sizes, one will most likely stand out as a more comfortable fit than the other.

Good luck and keep us posted!

BTW, I love all of the IW video reviews too.

Originally Posted by beedee

I'd advise going to a local shop, trying them both on, seeing the differences in person. Then, when all is said and done, if you like them, see if they'll price match. You aren't obligated to purchase anything from anyone just because they are doing their job of providing a skate fit.

Have you checked out HockeyMonkey yet? If not, give them a shot. My buddy Wyatt is a manager there and is super friendly and knowledgable about all brands of skates. I bought my Graf Ultra G5's from him.

You aren't obligated, but it's kind of a dick move to go try on skates and waste the sales guy's time and then turn around and buy online. The brick and mortar stores have a lot more overhead to cover, hence their higher prices.

I do agree to ask for price match or even better in my opinion, go to hockeymonkey.

Is there a reason you're looking at just the Reeboks? I like HM's selection in store better. You can try other brands and see how they fit vs. the Reeboks too.

I agree on it being a dick move. I support local shops in all hobbies I participate in, even if stuff costs more.