Graf 750 Goaler Pro Skates - They're simply the best on the market
Written: Mar 05 '04 (Updated Oct 05 '05)
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Pros: Highest quality construction of any skate, top notch components
Cons: Quality comes at a price
The Bottom Line: I will never buy another brand of goal skate. With 3 widths there is a Graf that should fit you. These are simply the best.
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| puckmugger's Full Review: Graf Supra 750 Goaler Pro 02 |
The Graf 750 Goaler Pro is simply the best goal skate on the market. As with all Graf products, there is nothing on the market that can compare in the quality of construction of a Graf skate.
The boot
Most goalie skates get their stiffness at least in part from the cowlings. Graf however, uses a cut down version of their 705 player skate in the cowling, assuring great fit support while offering premium protection from shots.
The lining of all Graf skates is Clarino, the premium material for skate liners today. It is supple enough that many players go sockless in clarino lined boots. It also will soak up substantial amounts of perspiration and dry quickly after use.
The Steel
Graf steel rivals that of any other company. As a skate tech who has sharpened more skates that I could possibly count, this is readily obvious. Graf steel is simply harder and holds an edge better than that in any other brand of goal skate.
The Fit
Graf Goal skates fit similarly to a Bauer player skate in width. They are a little narrower in the heel than a Bauer and slightly wider in the mid foot. Most Bauer fans will feel comfortable in the regular width of this skate. One of the other nice things about Graf is that they make most of their skates in 3 widths - narrow, regular, and wide. Other companies only tend to manufacture D and EE widths in a limited number of their skates. If you have a wider foot like I do, the Grafs in wide can be very comfortable. If you have a very narrow foot, this is the only goal skate available that is narrower than a Bauer.
Durability
The durability of these skates is very good. Skating three to five games a week and sharpening them at a very deep hollow (7/16”) weekly, my first pair lasted three years. Even then, the boots were still in very good shape, I just ran out of steel. One thing I would recommend is to make sure that the person sharpening your skates does not cross-grind them. I likely could have gotten another couple years out of my steel had I not been cross-grinding them for three years.
Components
The components on Graf are top-notch. Their use of the Rapid Mounting System screws makes their skates not only easier to work on, but is more durable than rivets are. The cowlings are highly protective. The toecaps offer protection from even the hardest shots.
I am on my second pair of Graf Goal Skates and don't foresee ever changing to another brand. In all, I would give the 750 Pro my highest recommendation for high level recreational and elite Goalies. This is a pair of skates that would, and does, serve well even in the NHL.
© Scott Noble – Unauthorized use prohibited
A few of my other reviews that you might find helpful:
Hockey Skate buying demystified
How to Care for Skates
Koho 560 Titanium Goal Skates
Koho 460 Goal Skates
Recommended:
Yes
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