9K RBK Skates
Written: Jun 30 '06 (Updated Jun 30 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Light Weight
Great Fit
Handy lace-lock feature
Easy break in
Cons: Expensive
Stiff boot, may not be the best for more recreational players
The Bottom Line: I would recommend this skate to anyone who is playing at a high level of hockey. If you are a CCM user, the switch is quick and painless.
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| ti-girl's Full Review: RBK 9K Pump Hockey Skates |
Skater Background
5'9, 170 lbs competitive female player.
On the ice 4-5 times a week during the winter, 2-3 times a week during the summer.
I have skated in numerous pairs of CCM Tacks and CCM Vectors as well as the first generation Nike and Mission Betty Flyweights.
Fit
I have always worn a size 7 in all of the other skates, except for the Missions which were an 8. I wear a 6 in the RBKs. When I first put them on I knew I would have to get them baked, but that's not a big deal.
They hugged my foot without any pressure points. The pump allows you to tighten the skate around your ankle/heel in just a few seconds. I have a very narrow heel and a wider toe box. The CCMs have always fit me the best, but my ankle would still slide around causing blisters and making it harder to get a good knee bend and cross-overs.
The 9Ks totally fixed the problem.
I tied them really tight around my toebox my first practice and I though my foot was going to fall off. But when I re-laced they were wonderful.
How they skate
I didn't believe my buddies when they said that my skating would improve my first practice with these skates.
They weren't lying.
As soon as I got used to the stiffer boot my speed and cross overs improved instantly.
I have always been a strong skater. FAST, but never quick. With these skates my acceleration improved and they allowed me to turn sharper.
The skates allow you to achieve a deeper knee bend, lengthening your stride and making your skating more efficient.
The Runner/Holder
This has been the biggest problem I have had in skates. I broke the holders of my Mission Betty Flyweights within 2 months. My Vector holders have held up for 2 years and these are the same ones. I really like how CCM/RBK revamped the holders.
I have heard that the blades are weaker because of the steel being perforated, but I haven't had any problems.
Boot
For this part, I'm going to go through each part separately.
Toecap
I've ripped through 3 toecaps on other skates. Though, they weren't my Vectors. These are the same as most of the other high-end skates.
They aren't too narrow and they're the solid plastic.
Sole of the skate
Carbon fiber keeps them light. Unlike the past skates such as the Vector Pros and the Pro Tacks they are surrounded by plastic ribbing stopping the premature splitting.
Outsole
The new "armour" decreases weight and is still strong. I took a slapshot off the inside of my foot and I barely felt it. I love the fact that they're black too. None of this flashy silver stuff.
Inside of the skate
The inside is anti-bacterial and it doesn't absorb any water. This keeps the skates light and keeps them from getting sloppy.
Insole
I took out the insole and put in my Superfeet ones. This is just personal preference.
Tendon guard
I enjoy the thicker tendon guard. It allows me to transition easier without worrying about bending them, which I am prone to do.
Lace lock
I wish we had these when I was growing up. This allows you to tighten the top three eyelets independently. It's a great little feature and I haven't had any problem with them bending or breaking.
THE PUMP
Wow, it's nice to be able to control the amount of support you want or need. I know a girl that doesn't ever use the pump where I pump them about 5-6 times to get it the way I want.
I haven't had any problems so far with it, just make sure that if you bake the skates DON'T PUMP THEM WHEN THEY'RE HOT!
Overall
I love the skate. It seriously moved me up into another skating category. It has made me a stronger skater, better technically, faster and my edge skating is better.
Recommended
YES
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
ti-girl
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Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 1 member
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