XR4s Vs XR5s

[z1ggy 81]

Looking to get a new pair of skates for the up coming season. Can't decide if it's worth it to spend the extra money for the XR5s. Will be using this to play in a fairly competitive league, 2-3x times per week. My ice hockey skates are Bauer Vapor XXvs, so I'd like something equally as stiff.

[Kyle Friedman 9]

I would go with the xr5s if you're playing up to 3x per week. Much stiffer, more durable boot and it comes with better wheels/bearings. Worth the extra $$ in my eyes.

[z1ggy 81]

I would go with the xr5s if you're playing up to 3x per week. Much stiffer, more durable boot and it comes with better wheels/bearings. Worth the extra $$ in my eyes.

Just wondering, why/how is the boot much stiffer?

The only three differences I could tell between the 2 are:

XR5 has composite outsole, XR4 does not.

XR5 has a "quick wicking" inner liner, XR4 has the regular liner

XR5 has the swiss bearings, XR4 has ABEC 9

Price difference on hockey monkey is around 80 bucks.

[Kyle Friedman 9]

Other things I did not mention/to clarify-

-The xr5 has a higher grade chassis that will be made from a lighter and stronger aluminum

- The boot of the xr5 is made from a material that bauer calls "tech mesh," it is the same material as what is used on the x60 ice skates and rx60 roller hockey skates (top of the line models from 2 years back now) and it is much much more durable and stronger/stiffer than the nylon type material used on the xr4. The tech mesh boot will last longer and be more responsive.

- The xr5 has a composite outsole which is a very notable upgrade - it will make the whole skate feel more responsive and stronger on your feet (in my opinion it is worth the $80 upgrade just to get out of the plastic outsole and into the composite one)

- Also has a better moisture wicking liner that will not absorb as much sweat and in turn last longer without wearing holes and smelling as badly

- Swiss bearings are great too although abec 9 are not bad by any means.

For a difference of only $80 I would go for the xr5 for sure. Keep in mind when these skates were released 2 years ago, they had a difference of $200 in retail price (the xr4 being $250 and the xr5 being $450).

With the better chassis, much better tech mesh boot, better wheels, better bearings, better (thicker more comfortable) tongue, and the addition of a composite outsole there really is about $200 in upgrades in this skate vs the xr4.

Bottom line- I think if you do decide to spend the extra $80 for the xr5s you will not be disappointed.

[z1ggy 81]

^^ Okay thank you for the info!! I'll look into purchasing these. They will fit exactly the same as the XR2's, no? That's my current roller set up.

[Kyle Friedman 9]

Fit should be exactly the same, I would definitely get them baked to help with the fit/comfort and to shorten the break in time. They will likely be slightly less comfortable (vs the xr2's you're in now) after skating on them at first because of the much stiffer boot but once they are baked/broken in you should love them and find them to be more comfortable and much more supportive compared to what you have now.

[z1ggy 81]

Fit should be exactly the same, I would definitely get them baked to help with the fit/comfort and to shorten the break in time. They will likely be slightly less comfortable (vs the xr2's you're in now) after skating on them at first because of the much stiffer boot but once they are baked/broken in you should love them and find them to be more comfortable and much more supportive compared to what you have now.

Yeah I remember, even with a bake my current XXVs took around 4 skates to stop murdering my feet, and around 8 skates to be comfortable. Not looking forward to blisters -_-

Thanks for all your info, you've made my life much easier, cheers.

[MThockeydad 469]

I was just about to post a similar topic. Glad you already asked, z1ggy; thanks for the great responses, Kyle. I'll bet you guys get besieged this time every year by ice guys looking to extend their seasons...

I'm in x7.0's for ice. They're probably stiffer than I need, but they were a screamin' deal.
Will the XR5's be similar in stiffness or a bit softer?

I'd like to spend about $200, so that's ruled out Sprungs or Marsblades as I don't have a great conversion donor lined up, either. My old Bauer HH100's aren't exactly donor material. I found one pair of XR5's for $200 (which is more than I spent on my X7.0's). Guess I'd better jump on them!

[Kyle Friedman 9]

I would jump on them at that price. The xr5s will be a little softer than your x7.0s but will still be very stiff.

[z1ggy 81]

I was just about to post a similar topic. Glad you already asked, z1ggy; thanks for the great responses, Kyle. I'll bet you guys get besieged this time every year by ice guys looking to extend their seasons...

I'm in x7.0's for ice. They're probably stiffer than I need, but they were a screamin' deal.

Will the XR5's be similar in stiffness or a bit softer?

I'd like to spend about $200, so that's ruled out Sprungs or Marsblades as I don't have a great conversion donor lined up, either. My old Bauer HH100's aren't exactly donor material. I found one pair of XR5's for $200 (which is more than I spent on my X7.0's). Guess I'd better jump on them!

Where for $200? New? Please link ASAP I would buy at that price.

Best I can find is $270 right now.

[MThockeydad 469]

Sorry! Single pair of 12.0's on eBay from "Monkeysports". Discounted because the 2nd wheel rubs the outsole.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181337567907

After reading all the ice to inline conversions, I realize this is not an uncommon problem and I'm not afraid of it.

I got lucky this year. Found my x7.0's for $149 from PureHockey.com.