K2 "Power Transfer"

[yirm]

Various K2 skates do (or did) come with a "power transfer" rating. My 2001 Catalysts were a 3, my 2003 (I think) Power XPs were a 4.

Right now I'm considering getting either another 2001 Catalyst, or a 2003 Mod LT (which is a Power Transfer 5). Is it worth an extra $80 or so for the Mod LT?

Just to be up front about it, I'm not purchasing here, because you don't have these models in my size (10). But if you have other suggestions for a "closeout" high-end, fast, comfortable fitness skate, I'm all ears.

I did purchase some accessories about a week ago (they should arrive today according to UPS), and I was happy with the way the order was handled, and like what I see on this message board, so I'd be happy to spend my $$ here if you have something I'm looking for.

BTW, I like to have two pairs of skates -- my "good" pair, and my older pair which turns into a "bad weather" pair. My "good" pair was my size 10 Power XP (which fit perfectly once I took the foam insert out), but I left them on the train the other day, and they were never turned in. My "bad weather" pair are my catalysts, but they are a size 11 -- too big. I was thinking about getting the size 10 catalysts for this year. And getting the V02 Max next year when they are on closeout (90mm wheels), and using the Catalysts for bad weather.

Oh, I skate for fitness and transportation on paths and city streets.

Sorry for the babbling. If you have any general advice, I'd appreciate it.

[IW Staff]

I personally would go with the Mod LT. They sell for $100 on our site, so I can't imagine you are getting the Catalyst for $20?

Both are several years old.

We have one pair of Salomon Pilot 9 Pro 2004 skates that have been selling for $188. Suggested retail of $329. We got this one pair back in as it was too small for the guy that bought it. The wheels are slightly worn as it looks like he went about a 1/2 block before realizing they were too small. As we cannot sell them again as new, I have them on the site for $160.

I would take this skate over either of the other two you mentioned. You get 84mm wheels which will be a lot faster. These are on the site if interested or you can call and order by phone.

Stan

[yirm]

Well, the catalysts were less than $80 including shipping. One thing I have to say about the catalysts that I prefered to my Power XPs were the old school laces. Big thick laces which you tie. If you think about it, that's probably worth the wheels and bearings alone?

But you definitely are tempting me with these Salomons. I've never used them. Tried a pair in the store once, but never actually skated.

That model does look sweet, and $160 is hard to pass up. I'll have to clear it with my wife.

Are Salomons true to size?

I have low arches. Will that be a problem, or do they have a thick insole which can be replaced?

Okay, I'm starting to drool.

[GhostRider]

Quick note on power transfer ratings, from one skaters opinion. I tried out a set of Mod 10.5 K2 boots rated with "power transfer" and the transfer was very poor. Advanced fitness boots I think would give you better transfer. The transfer is the ability to exert power to the wheels for forward thrust. Too much padding between the foot and the frame that holds the wheels I have found will cause a power bleed off and it can also cause some loss of stability.

Example.. when I did a stride on the Mod 10.5s (example case here) I got very little power from the stride in comparison to my present Rollerblade 10s or my prior Powerslide R4s. This meant I had to work harder to accelerate and maintain speed. I prefer to be able to feel the frame Im pushing down on for better control and thrust. Ever wonder why a lot of speed boots dont have much padding in them? ;)

The question is a balance of performance and comfort. Many of the fitness skaters on the CFTB club Im a part of are skating on Salomons or Rollerblades and they enjoy them a lot. I personaly now use the Rollerblade 10s for high speed and long distance training. For better performance dont get too cheap a skate otherwise it just costs you more money and performance in the long run. 80+mm and 80a+ hardness wheels for fitness skating is a good way to go. Call up the guys at IW and find out how much padding is under the foot and what kind of arch support is in the boots. Nice part is you can order from them with free shipping and try the boots on (without skating on them) to see how well they fit.

Good luck.. and I hope this helps in some way. ;)

[yirm]

Well, I ordered the Pilot 9 Pros. Can't wait for them to arrive. Looking forward to trying the 84mm wheels. The cuff also looks a bit lower than what I'm used to. These will be my first Salomons.

The K2 Power XPs I had - I had to take the insoles out, otherwise they cut off my circulation. I also found the arches to be too high. I didn't replace the insoles with anything, and I never found it uncomfortable at all having my foot against the bare skate.

I had already ordered replacement Catalyst 2001s. I may keep them as well, since they probably cost less than the the wheels and bearings would have alone. The catalysts I have now and am using for wet weather are a full size too big, and the bearings are trashed. So unless the new Catalysts don't fit, I'll probably keep them.

But I really can't wait to try on the Salomons!

It's really a shame that there's no way to really test a skate without making it unreturnable. Unless you've used lots of skates, it's hard to tell unless you've spent an hour at least on them. And then it's too late. But fortunately, it is possible to reduce or increase the inner padding.