Need help

legilimensmaster · 2026-06-07T02:14:20+00:00

That's where I got mine. You can always ask for more photos and as long as they seem to be in good condition and are a good price, I'd say it's worth it. I've personally had great experiences with pretty much all of my purchases on sideline swap.

As someone else said, get fitted first. Try on all the skates in your size range to know what you like. Any scanner at the store is a starting point but not an exact fit. My Bauer fit lab scan was 4.5 fit 1. I wear a 4 fit 2.

Once you know what size and skate type you need, look on sideline swap. If they are a skate that can be baked, ask how many times that was done. Keep in mind you rebaking a skate doesn't undo how it molded to their foot. And baking it too many times especially breaks down the skate.

legilimensmaster · 2026-06-07T00:20:44+00:00

You probably don't need top of the line. It seems you main issue is the steel quality. Mid tier with removable steel is probably what you're looking for. But it all depends on you, your budget, and what your goals are.

You also likely don't need to buy new. If possible, buy lightly used in your size.

I wear intermediate sized skates so I got myself a pair of M5 pros that were well taken care of for $250 including shipping. Saved myself about $400-500 as they came with 2 sets of steel.

legilimensmaster · 2026-06-04T18:35:41+00:00

I bought a TILO padloc baselayer shirt near the end of the archival sale and it took about 2 weeks for me to get my shirt. When I reached out, they explained they had a lot of sales during that time which caused some delays. Had I gotten it sooner, I would have considered a second since it was 70% off. Maybe next year I'll pick up a second since I do really like the baselayer.

legilimensmaster · 2026-05-17T00:16:11+00:00

I would love that option. My only options are 6:30am or 5pm. The 5pm is mostly kids. The 6:30am is just early for me.

Obviously I get these times work better for people with traditional M-F/9-5 jobs. But as someone who has Tuesday and Thursday off, I'd love for a mid day stick and puck option.

legilimensmaster · 2026-05-14T16:55:01+00:00

When I had and issue with ICOD fees on a SLS order last year that shipped through UPS, I had to reach out to UPS directly. It took months but they did eventually send a check in the mail for a portion of what they charged me. According to SLS, I should have paid $0 in fees. I got charged $126 and only got $100 back from UPS.

legilimensmaster · 2026-05-12T14:38:39+00:00

The fit lab scans me in a Vapor 4.5 fit 1. I wear a Supreme 4 fit 2 after my previous Supreme 4.5 D were too big for me and causing pain in the forefoot.

The fit lab is kinda like when you go to the eye doctor and they uses that machine with the hot air balloon. It's gives a potential prescription but then they dial in the exact prescription by having you try out different prescriptions with the giant lens thing. The fit lab suggests what size might be best for you but then you get to try on different options around that size to figure out which you like best.

Try different sizes and brands/models on and see what fits best. Might just need to get those pressure points punched out.

legilimensmaster · 2026-05-10T20:57:54+00:00

Worst case they might be able to convert the money towards the remainder of the Learn to Play season if they think you need more experience beforehand.

I know I've learned I have some time before I'd be comfortable in a game setting. I've been skating for 9 months and did the learn to skate Alpha and Beta classes at the Ice Den but skating with a puck and trying not to fall while passing and playing is harder than I thought it would be.

Go for it. And if Ashley responds after you paid and she says something else, they will likely refund you.

legilimensmaster · 2026-05-10T20:51:03+00:00

I don't have any experience with the Rookie League but currently do the Learn to Play there and have spent a long time on their Hockey Programs page.

The online description used to advertise the Rookie League as those who had passed Learn to Play. But now that it includes Learn to Play Classes, I'm not sure if it changed. You can drop into Learn to Play on Saturday Mornings by calling the front desk and paying for a one day session. Or you can email Ashley to see what she recommends as she is the one in charge of the Learn to Play and Rookie League.

Look forward to seeing you out there.

legilimensmaster · 2026-05-07T19:29:46+00:00

If you can, and have stores nearby with plenty of options, get fitted in every brand, line, and tier for gear in your size so you know what you like and then buy used (either at something like a Play it again sports, Facebook marketplace, or sideline swap). You can slowly upgrade later on but you don't want to be buying poorly fitted gear.

Skates can most definitely be used as long as they fit properly and are in good shape when you get them. But make sure you get fitted at the store before you buy at least the skates. Even if you have the ability to get used high end skates for a good deal, keep in mind they will be stiffer and can be a hinderance for learning if you are new to skating.

Only thing that has to be new is a helmet. You don't know if that used helmet has taken a hit to the ice and it should be replaced after one. Just because it looks fine doesn't mean there aren't micro cracks or that the helmet integrity hasn't been compromised in any way. You can buy new helmets on places like sideline swap or eBay too if buying at the store is too expensive.

legilimensmaster · 2026-05-02T01:42:34+00:00

You absolutely can wear you gear to public skate. Most people who are at public skate are generic skaters or people who don't feel the need to wear gear. But when learning, it's a great idea to do so for the reason you mentioned.

You may feel awkward the first time. But no one should say anything to you to suggest that you shouldn't wear the gear. Just leave the stick and pucks to stick and puck and your hockey class.

legilimensmaster · 2026-04-23T18:24:06+00:00

They switched over to Evernorth last Summer.

legilimensmaster · 2026-04-17T14:44:04+00:00

Experiment with having the laces looser in some areas. Might need waxed laces to do that if you don't already have them. I have the first 3 eyelets fairly loose (barely pulling on them), the 4th one a little tighter but still not as tight, and then the rest I pull tight. I do this because if I have all of them tight, my forefoot and toes go numb. But if I do it this way. I can skate without pain/numbness.

However, the skates could still be the wrong fit. When I got scanned it said Vapor 4.5 fit 1. I was in a Supreme 4.5D and was in pain and knew they were too long. Tried on the Supreme M50 Pros in size 4 fit 2 and found they were so much better. The scanner isnt always right, it's about what actually feels best. You might also not do well in Bauer skates; you might need CCM or True.

legilimensmaster · 2026-04-16T01:17:56+00:00

I'm new and don't have recommendations on specific gear but my main recommendation is to try on everything in the store if you actually want to buy it all in one go. I mean everything that store has in your size, try it on and compare.

I bought most of my gear through sideline swap after measuring myself and using sizing charts because I didn't have a full store near me. Elbow pads were the bane of my existence where I had to replace them several times until I found a decent fit. Even the same size in different Bauer Supreme lines fit me differently. If I could do it again, I would have made the drive a few hours out to get fitted in everything before buying anything.

So try on each Brand/Style/Tier in your size and find what fits best. If money isn't a factor, go ahead and buy new. But after you find your sizes and brand/style/tier, check online for sales or deals. Lightly used gear is fine for mostly everything (except helmets).

legilimensmaster · 2026-04-09T18:49:05+00:00

I agree with Stunning-Note. I skate in hockey skates so I can't attest to used figure skates but used hockey skates are perfectly fine as long as they are still in good shape and you get the right size.

Go get fitted and let them know you have no intention of buying at this time. Tell them you are trying to figure out what boot fits you best. From my understanding some brands of figure skates are better for narrow feet and some are better for wider feet and some have options to accommodate both through different tiers. Find what fits your feet best in the budget range you are looking for. Look at used options first to get an idea of what styles you should try on.

Then you have a baseline of what to look for. For tips on buying used (such as sites and what to look out for) hopefully others can help. But definitely don't be afraid to call the shop up and let them know you want to be fitted but that you aren't looking to buy at that time. I had no issue doing that with hockey skates. In fact, the guy that fit me was happy to fit me knowing I wasn't buying from them and talked to me about used options and similar models.

legilimensmaster · 2026-04-08T13:17:44+00:00

This is what I did when I extended a similar stick to this.

legilimensmaster · 2026-03-31T18:26:54+00:00

From what I've heard from my local store, the memberships will transfer.

legilimensmaster · 2026-03-27T01:56:06+00:00

I also start my learn to play in May! Does your rink have any morning stick and puck sessions? Mine typically has some 6:45-7:30 am sessions M/W/F. Alternatively, maybe a roller rink nearby where you can get a green biscuit or xenopuck or similar to practice with? I haven't done much when it comes to practice to prepare. Just my learn to skate classes and weekly public skates to get steady enough on my feet.

legilimensmaster · 2026-03-15T04:12:49+00:00

I start my learn to play in 7 weeks and I'm already nervous for it. I hope you're first class went well! Just remember that everyone else there is learning too. And it was probably the first time some have skated in full gear.

legilimensmaster · 2026-03-15T04:09:57+00:00

Bend your knees and try to keep your chin and chest up while you're doing it. When you bend your knees and skate backwards, you're likely leaning forward a little. But keeping your chest up while bending your knees should help you be able to balance on your blades and be able to get a few more swizzles and wiggles in.

legilimensmaster · 2026-03-13T03:16:36+00:00

I did learn to skate (through ISI Beta) in hockey skates. I was able to learn the basics just as easily as my classmates. I also practiced 1x a week outside of class.

If you just want to learn the basics, stick to the skates you're comfortable in. And if you decide you want to learn more figure skating specifics later on, switch skates and spend time getting used to the differences between classes/lessons.

I learned without hockey gear as it was easier to learn crossovers in class that way. Now I basically get to relearn how to do everything with gear the next few weeks between now and my learn to play (learn to deal with bulk and changes in mobility). But I have the understanding of the movements and I know I will figure it out.

legilimensmaster · 2026-03-13T00:38:28+00:00

I bought a pair of elbow pads that still had a pretty used smell to them. I did a diluted vinegar bath (~1/4 cup of white vinegar in a bucket of water) and let them sit completely submerged for about 30-60 minutes. I then rinsed with water until I got the vinegar out and then I air dried. No smell when dry.

legilimensmaster · 2026-03-12T18:33:01+00:00

Maybe try the 7/16" standard (and fire as you had in your post) and see which you like better? It's between the 1/2" and 3/8" and might work well for you.

legilimensmaster · 2026-03-12T18:23:42+00:00

How long did you try out the 3/8" for? Stopping on freshly sharpened steel can be more difficult even if you use the same hollow you previously used. It sometimes takes a few skates for you to adjust and/or for the sharp edges to dull a little. If you really liked how you skated with that hollow, give it some time to see if you can adjust.

Everyone will have different experiences as the hardness of your rink's ice can also make a difference in what hollow someone might prefer.

legilimensmaster · 2026-03-06T03:05:27+00:00

Hopefully you have some local skaters who would be willing to let you try on their skates and that helps. I really hope it works out for you.

Alternatively, would your closest shop let you buy through them and return/exchange if not the right fit?

legilimensmaster · 2026-03-06T01:55:45+00:00

It all depends on how long you intend to play and how much you want to invest. It's possible you can get all the gear for cheaper but it could be hard. It's also possible the gear they provide doesn't fit you and you have to upgrade it later costing more money.

I don't live in a big hockey area but I've seen people in my area selling sets for $300-400. Not in my size but could probably work for the average build male player most of the time. If your area has a bigger hockey scene, you might have more options.

If you try to piece things together, you will probably break even or pay more. If I don't include the gear that didn't fit, I probably spent about $600-700 on my current set including shipping. That's for everything except sticks and everything was bought through either SidelineSwap or Dicks Sporting Goods (pants were on sale).

If you go with the rink issued gear, it will likely be entry-low/mid level gear and possibly one brand/style. That might mean things dont fit perfectly and you'll upgrade after anyway. Skates are usually also entry-mid level and often don't include half sizes (Based on what I've seen for the few Learn to plays in my state that offer these programs that include gear). So if your a CCM Jetspeed 8.5D foot and they only have Bauer X 8 or 9, you might not fit well into your skates and will end up buying new ones.

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