Advice on Deemax3 vs. k2 Soul?

[mack]

Hello, guys

This is going to be my skating comeback after a couple of years. The only models I seem to like are either the Salomon Deemax or K2 Soul ones. I need them for casual skating, but I want to be able to enjoy them sometimes more than some 5h a day somewhere downtown.

Would you give me some advice on these? I tried other K2s and Salomons available in retail and yet from my previous (personal) experience I may say that Salomons were always the best when it comes to comfort and fit. Yet, the K2 Soul seem attractive, too.
After I tried, I noticed that I like those Salomons' fit better, but the two kinds of wheels in the Deemax makes me wonder about the life of these and costs of eventual rotations and replacements--I'm concerned.

Which ones would you recommend and why (I plan to use them for the next 2-5 seasons, so I'm serious!)

Thanks!

[IW Staff]

May be difficult to get reaction on here for the poll. The Souls just came out as well, so not much time for feedback.

Good luck!

Stan @ IW

[mack]

OK, then:

to make that simple:
1. Why should I pay, let's say, $170 for Souls instead of some $130 for Deemax?
2. Are Souls INDEED more comfortable than some of the rest of the K2s?
3. Which one would you get, as long as you have HANDS-ON experience with them?

Any personal notes on that (I already gave up on the poll, I'll answer myself symbolically when I get the stuff :) )

[IW Staff]

The Deemax is a skate that has been out for a while, went on closeout actually... Then was brought back and the price never went back up. So the value is good for that skate. Anytime you get something on closeout, you'll get a good price.

The Soul is a 2005 skate and therefore priced higher. Whether you can find just as much comfort in the Deemax as you would the Soul? Sure! Everyone's feet our different though and I'm sure some will feel better in the Soul and others in the Deemax.

So you see, there's no real simple answer other than to slip one on. We ship out for FREE, so if totally confused or undecided, get both. Try them on INDOORS and ship back the one you don't want.

I don't know if I'm just not that picky or what, but my feet feel great in pretty much all of the fitness skates. Might have something to do with 90% of my skating being done in hockey skates, but I get out on the trails too. The RB Lightning skates are real comfortable on my feet (just to confuse you more ). Both the Deemax and the Soul are great skates. The Deemax has more history having been out a while. The Soul is K2's answer to Salomon's Freeskates (FSK). K2 didn't have a FSK last year. Salomon has done it for couple years now and they have done pretty well. Hence K2 Soul.

Hope this helps and sorry to ramble.

Stan @ Inline Warehouse

[mack]

Thank you, Stan--I like the idea of ordering both and trying them on.

It's not that I'm too picky--I used to skate a pair of semi-aggressive Roces and have them on for hours and that was fun no matter what! It's just that I *hope* not to wear my boots too soon and would like something real good.

I appreciate that you replied 'though there was no easy answer--that's a good advice anyway. I have been off for too long to know either of the models. Quote from k2's webpage:
The Soul Slide name has carried a cult status among skaters for 10 years.
I have no reason to distrust the above, but you tell me Souls are fresh on the market, while I thought they were well-established. Never mind.

Thanks!

[IW Staff]

Not sure who or where you are quoting, but possibly they are going off an older model/version.

Stan