It’s no secret that skating is a key element of ice hockey and although you don’t need to be an excellent skater to succeed and have fun, it certainly doesn’t hurt. When searching for the perfect pair of intermediate skates you should be on the lookout for a the right combination of fit, comfort and protection. Most modern skates are lightweight and heat moldable which results in a more customized fit but make sure they feel comfortable on your feet without any irritations. They need to properly protect all areas of the feet and should also keep them cool and dry during the action by wicking away odours and bacteria-causing moisture. It’s crucial that they fit properly regardless of the size number printed on the skate.
SHORT ON TIME? Here are our picks.
BAUER VAPOR HYPERLITE
For the hockey player who needs the latest tech and most advanced performance and safety features, the BAUER VAPOR HYPERLITE are the best OVERALL Intermediate hockey skates available today.
CCM TACKS AS-580
The skates with the best mix of VALUE AND FEATURES are the CCM Tacks AS- 580 hockey skates. Great performance and safety in these mid-range skates.
BAUER X-LP
After much review, these hockey skates are our pick for the best BUDGET FRIENDLY hockey skates. They take a lot of what is great about the skates above and won't break the bank.
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For full reviews on the best intermediate
Table of Contents
- 1) Bauer Vapor 3X Intermediate Skates
- 2) Bauer X-LP Intermediate Skates
- 3) CCM Jetspeed FT485 Intermediate Skates
- 4) Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Intermediate Skates
- 5) CCM Jetspeed FT4 Pro Intermediate Skates
- 6) Bauer Vapor 3X Pro Intermediate Skates
- 7) Bauer Supreme Mach Intermediate Skates
- 8) CCM Tacks AS-V Pro Ice Intermediate Skates
- 9) Bauer Supreme M5 Pro Intermediate Skates
- 10) CCM Tacks AS-V Intermediate Skates
- 11) Bauer Supreme M1 Intermediate Skates
- 12) CCM Tacks AS-580 Intermediate Skates
1) Bauer Vapor 3X Intermediate Skates
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Overview
These new two-piece intermediate skates from Bauer are ideal for those who are looking for great performance at an affordable price as they offer quality fit, protection and agility. The lightweight 3D Flex composite boots are heat moldable and provide the perfect blend of support and stiffness required. They come with internal memory foams, 40-ounce felt tongues, moisture-managing liners, asymmetrical toes and foam ankle, collar and footbed padding.
The LS Balance stainless steel runners are designed for stability and outfitted with Tuuk LightSpeed Edge holders which come with a fast-release trigger system. The skates feature unwaxed laces with Digi Comp outsoles and TPR plastic midsoles as well as dry, moisture-wicking liners.
The Bauer Vapor 3X skates are available in various profiles, widths and sizes with the size nine model weighing 851 grams each. These are ideal for price-conscious hockey players as the intermediate skates are generally found in the low to mid price bracket.
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2) Bauer X-LP Intermediate Skates
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The X-LP intermediate skates by Bauer have been introduced to the market in 2021 and are aimed at players who are new to the game. The unique boot design and comfortable foam ankle padding helps make learning to skate and play hockey a wonderful adventure. The 13-inch stainless steel blades offer newcomers plenty of stability and are held firmly in place by Tuuk LightSpeed Pro II holders while the padded 30-ounce tongues provide protection to the top of your feet.
The boots are made with a durable poly carbon material with 3D injection. They feature traditional tendon guards with TPR plastic midsoles and outsoles along with unwaxed laces and Microfibre liners to keep your feet dry and cool.
The Bauer X-LP intermediate skates are ideal for new and recreational players. The skates have a medium volume fit profile and come in various sizes with the size nine boot weighing just 754 grams. They offer great value as they can usually be found in the lower price range.
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3) CCM Jetspeed FT485 Intermediate Skates
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The new CCM Jetspeed FT485 intermediate skates are second to none when it comes to value for the money as the provide the ultimate in performance, durability and fit at a bargain price. They feature lightweight RocketFrame composite one-piece boots for fantastic energy transfer and speed as well as foam collar padding and reinforced tendon guards.
The TotalDri Liners keep your feet dry and comfortable while the ADPT memory foam ankle pads supply added protection. The quick-release tool-less dial XS holders allow you to remove and change the XS1 stainless steel blades with ease and the reinforced XS felt tongues are also replaceable and interchangeable. They also boast unwaxed laces along with high-strength plastic midsoles.
The heat-moldable, abrasion-resistant skates are available in medium and high volume fit profile as well as regular and wide widths and several sizes. The CCM Jetspeed FT485 intermediate size nine skates weigh only 876 grams each and can typically be found in the mid price range.
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4) Bauer Vapor Hyperlite Intermediate Skates
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The new Vapor HyperLite intermediate skates by Bauer designed for enhanced on-ice agility and quickness without forgetting about the need for comfort and protection. The HyperFlex outsoles are constructed with rigid composite materials in the front and flexible dual-injected materials in the rear for the ultimate in energy transfer, blade contact and torsional flex. The lightweight skates come with the company’s AeroLite system and moldable, felt-less tongues to cut down on weight but not protection.
The heat-moldable skates boast durable carbon Curv Composite boots and feature LS CarbonLite stainless steel runners with carbon composite uppers and quick-release holders. They have a desirable 3D Lasted two-piece design with injected-plastic tendon guards, unwaxed laces, carbon fibre midsoles, foam ankle, footbed and collar padding as well as dry moisture-wicking liners.
The Bauer Vapor Hyperlite intermediate skates are available in several profiles, sizes and widths with the size nine CarbonLite model weighing just 849 grams each. These skates are geared toward competitive hockey players and can be found in the upper price range.
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5) CCM Jetspeed FT4 Pro Intermediate Skates
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The new intermediate CCM Jetspeed FT4 Pro
In addition, they boast comfortable heat-molded ADPT memory-foam ankle pads with reinforced, injected tendon guards, unwaxed laces and tough composite midsoles. Soft foam padding runs throughout the skates as well as ultra-light footbeds. The easy-to-remove steel black blades are constructed with top-class stainless steel and finished with carbon chrome while the holders have a quick-release, tool-less dial mechanism.
The intermediate CCM Jetspeed F4T Pro skates skates come in a variety of profiles, widths and sizes with the size nine skates weighing just 899 grams apiece. They provide ultimate protection and comfort and sell in the higher price bracket.
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6) Bauer Vapor 3X Pro Intermediate Skates
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Players in search of intermediate skates which provide plenty of speed, protection, fir and agility may want to check out the new lightweight, two-piece Bauer 3X Pro skates. They’re made with responsive, durable and heat-moldable Curv Composite boots with a one-piece injected lacing system for optimal lateral support. The outsoles incorporate flexible Pro TPU material for improved starts, stops, turns and strides while the ankles and tendons are fully protected.
The skates feature flexible 48-ounce Pro Tongues for maximum range of motion and energy transfer as well as moisture-wicking HydroLite liners and AeroFoam+ padding in all key areas for incredible feel and fit. The Vapor 3x Pro comes with asymmetrical top caps and Tuuk LightSpeed Edge holders with a fast-releasing trigger system to change the top-grade stainless steel blades.
The Bauer Vapor 3X Pro skates are available in assorted profiles, sizes and widths with the size nine boot weighing in at a lightweight 890 grams. These skates are designed for competitive players and are usually found in the higher price range.
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7) Bauer Supreme Mach Intermediate Skates
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The newly-released lightweight Bauer Supreme Mach Ice intermediate skates are for those who take the game seriously and need as much comfort and protection as possible while on the ice. The utmost in range of motion and comfort is proved by the 3D Lasted 12K Carbon Curv Composite quarter packages and flexible Powercoil tongues. Added protection can be found in the asymmetrical toe caps while the premium-level blades offer maximum glide, edge retention, acceleration and power.
The lower portion of the skates help provide maximum energy transfer while the upper portion increases mobility and agility. Bauer uses its Active Motion Performance Flex Technology for extreme flexibility while your entire foot is kept dry and in place and dry at all times by the moisture-wicking AeroFoam Pro and Lock-Fit Pro Lining design.
Players will notice their speed increase thanks to the one-piece boots and performance-enhanced blades which are held strongly in lace by the popular Tuuk holders. Three different blades are available, which are the Pulse, Pulse Ti and Carbonlite options and they can be easily and quickly installed and changed due to the convenient fast-releasing spring mechanism.
These heat-moldable skates fit perfectly to the shape of your feet and come in various sizes, widths and fit profiles with the size-9 skate weighing just under 850 grams. They offer plenty of value as they can typically be found in the mid to upper-level price range.
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8) CCM Tacks AS-V Pro Ice Intermediate Skates
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The CCM Tacks AS-V Intermediate Pro Ice Skates have been introduced this season and are being hailed as the company’s best-ever Tacks skate when it comes to comfort, protection and power. The 3D one-piece boots are extra stiff due to the innovative RocketFrame carbon and composite construction which helps boost maximum energy return and transfer. The heat-moldable skates wrap and conform to the shape of your feet while the reinforced, replaceable Metatomic foam tongues and carbon fibreglass PowerFlex tendon guards provide premium comfort and protection.
Your feet are always kept dry as well as odour and bacteria-free dry thanks to the advanced hygienic moisture-wicking liners. In addition, you’re also able to select which high-grade, lightweight steel blades you’d like from the V-Steel, BlackSteel, and standard Step options. The skates also boast abrasion reinforcement, collar padding, memory-foam ankle padding and molded footbeds for extra durability.
The popular SpeedBlade XS blade holders feature a tool-less dial release mechanism which enables you to quickly change the blades. These elite CCM skates come in several sizes, widths and fit profiles with the size-9 model weighing 992 grams. They are quality skates and can typically be found in the upper-level price range.
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9) Bauer Supreme M5 Pro Intermediate Skates
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The new intermediate Supreme M5 Pro Skates from Bauer are ideal for advanced players who are looking for premium fit and performance at a competitive price. These advanced skates present 3D-lasted, Carbon Curv two-piece composite boots, 52-ounce Reflex foam-reinforced tongues and Reflex tendon guards. You can also choose from the popular lightweight Pulse, CarbonLite, and Pulse Ti 10-inch blades.
The flexible, heat-moldable skates deliver better fit, energy transfer, maximum range of motion and plenty of skating power with each stride. The inside of the boots come with dual-zone Lock-Fit liners to provide top-level comfort and moisture-wicking while the AeroFoam+ ankle pads deliver the protection you need. In addition, the asymmetrical toe boxes are designed to maintain the right amount of foot-to-ice connection.
The intermediate Bauer Supreme M5 Pro Skates with plastic midsoles and composite outsoles come in several fit profiles, widths and sizes with the size-9 model weighing in at 809 grams. They also have abrasion reinforcement, foam collar and ankle padding and the LightSpeed Edge blade holders come with a quick-release spring mechanism. The skates are generally found in the mid-price range.
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10) CCM Tacks AS-V Intermediate Skates
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The pro-level intermediate CCM Tacks AS-V are also new on the market in 2022/23. This lightweight model provides stiff, responsive boots with a reinforced one-piece composite construction for maximum power and speed. They feature multi-layered 30-ounce XS Asymmetrical Tri-Tech tongues along with fibreglass PowerFlex tendon guards for ultimate protection and flexibility while added impact protection and comfort are delivered by smart foam reinforcements.
The heat-moldable skates provide a customized fit as they conform to the shape of your feet, which are always kept dry, odour-free, comfortable and cool thanks to trend-setting, moisture-managing, hygienic liners. The skates also boast traditional facing, unwaxed laces, high-grade plastic outsoles, abrasion reinforcement, molded footbeds, and memory foam ankle and collar padding.
This popular model offers three choices when it comes to premium-quality steel blades as you can select from Step, V-Steel, and BlackSteel options. The blades can easily be replaced via the SpeedBlade XS holders which feature a handy tool-less dial release mechanism.
The intermediate CCM Tacks AS-V Skates are available in several sizes, fit patterns and widths with the size-9 model weighing 955 grams. They can generally be found in the mid-price range.
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11) Bauer Supreme M1 Intermediate Skates
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Another new intermediate skate from Bauer is the Supreme M1 model. These are designed for newcomers to the game and casual hockey players and have been made to provide all the protection and comfort required. The lightweight skates come with supportive and flexible 3D-injected Polycarbonate materials in the boots along with 13-inch stainless steel blades for optimal stability and confidence.
There’s additional comfort in this model due to the 30-ounce, reinforced plush felt tongues and the boots can be quickly and easily molded to the shape of your feet simply by placing them in the oven and heating them. They also feature protective lace guards, TPR plastic midsoles and outsoles, foam-padded ankles and footbeds, traditional tendon guards and soft microfibre linings to keep your feet comfortable and dry while skating.
These recreational-level skates from Bauer are available several sizes with the size-9 model weighing just 758 grams. The blades are kept securely in place with the Tuuk LightSpeed Pro II Holders which also provide durability and stability.
The intermediate Bauer Supreme M1
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12) CCM Tacks AS-580 Intermediate Skates
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Overview
If you’re seeking a quality skate at an affordable price then be sure to check out the new CCM AS-580 intermediate model. They feature top-grade RocketFrame Composite lightweight one-piece boots to help promote speed, energy transfer and a comfortable fit without sacrificing mobility. The memory foam ankle and footbed pads, HD microfibre liners and Seamless Comfort collar pads all add to the overall comfort while keeping your feet dry and odour-free.
The skates also come with PowerFlex injected tendon guards and they can be quickly and easily molded to the shape of your feet by placing them in an oven. The SpeedBlade XS Tongue System allows you to use one of three different reinforced felt tongue designs, which are Slim, Regular and Extra. In addition, the SpeedBlade XS Holders come with a quick-release, tool-less mechanical dial system to change the XS 10-inch steel blades.
The CCM AS-580 abrasion-resistant intermediate skates come in two different fit profiles and widths and in several sizes with the size-9 model tipping the scales at 896 grams. They can generally be found in the mid-price range.
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