/skates/

I copped some used CCM Tacks for 40 bucks a few years ago. They've paid for themselves several times over in skipped rental fees. Tacks hold up really well as far as I can tell.

throw some duct tape over that user

Just upgraded from Bauer X60s to Bauer Supreme 180s.

Skates/stick/helmet are your most important weapons and a solid pair of gloves not only sells your dangle ability but also decides how naturally you'll feel the stick.

IMO for entry level depeding on footsize and what position you like go for a pair of supremes or ccm tacks. Tacks are more of a defensemans skate traditionally.

I dont remember my first pair but looking back to age 13-14 it was tacks and then a pair of Reebok 9ks with the pump.

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I tore some major ligaments in one of my knees when i was a teenager. Should i take up skating if my knee still feels somewhat loose/weak

Remember faggot, 1.5 US sizes smaller than your regular shoe size

Yeah, If anything you'll end strengthening your thigh muscles and making it better in the long run

Nothing wrong with getting a cheap pair of skates to start with imo. Do you have a wide foot? If so, I'd recommend Bauer Supreme as they have a wider foot, and if not then I'd go with Vapors. If you like skating though, I definitely recommend getting a mid/high tier skate. Getting them when they're on clearance is a good idea as well.

cycling would probably be the lowest impact method if you want to work on leg strength and what not.

Knowing I won't be able to try them on before I get them, should I get the slightly cheaper S160's as a starter pair and expect to get a new one in a year or two or should I get the S170's and hang on to them for a few years?