Squid02

Matt Duchene using a Ribcore branded Reebok stick in Stockholm.

I've have the built in shot blockers on my VH skates and I can't tell. Saying that these are my first pair of VH so can't really compare, but it hasn't been an issue for me. Sure the skates are stiff but I still have way more flex than I did om my previous skates (CCM Tacks). The skates where comfortable from day one and haven't had to break them in at all. I would never order a pair without built in protection now.

They still do the "DIY Pencil Tracings" as before. I confirmed this via email a couple of weeks ago. I was also quite nervous when I did my tracings at home, and redid them quite a few times. However, as I live in Sweden I really didn't have an alternative as there is only one fitting center, which is no where close to where I live. Luckily, I couldn't be happier with the result. Once baked the skates fit like a dream. However, I agree with IPv6Freely, the more data points the better. Once it's time for a new pair there will hopefully be a fitting center closer to me. But if there isn't I won't be afraid of using the pencil tracings again.

I emailed them a couple of days ago to check if the new skates would only be available from a True Fitting Center. They confirmed to me that the "old" tracing method would still be available.

I did all of the tracings and measurements at home in accordance with the instructions from VH. Had some e-mail correspondence with VH prior to doing the measurements and tracings and they where great in their feedback. Also I discussed with them after I had placed my order and they said that if they had any questions or needed more measurements/pictures they would get in touch. I haven't heard anything so I am assuming that what I provided was sufficient. Based on what I have read on this forum the tracings and measurements are enough for them to make a perfect fitting skate. I will post a review once I have been able to test the skates properly. In terms of pro use in Sweden I haven't seen any players here using it yet. I have a few teammates who are very keen on seeing the result of the skate, but no one here has heard of them before. Apparently the skates have arrived in Sweden this morning so fingers crossed they might arrive before the weekend.

Received notification yesterday that my VH Skates have been shipped. Now I just have to wait a week for them to be shipped half way around the globe to me in Sweden. The wait is killing me. Hopefully they will arrive on time so that I can use them in a tournament next weekend. Feel like a kid at christmas haha.

So after reading through this thread pretty much cover to cover and having a few discussions with the guys at VH (who have been awesome at dealing with me and all my questions) I took the plunge and ordered a pair about a week ago. Lead time should be about 4 weeks, and as I live in Sweden I assume there will be about a week for delivery. The anticipation is killing me. I can't wait to get them home, bake them and take them out for a skate.

Quick question...so I've basically decided on ordering a pair of VH skates after reading through this forum and others. I have very flat feet that are at their widest around the ankle bone och over my (non existing) arch. Due to this I have always had a problem with skates fitting badly with severe pain as a consequence. I am currently in a pair of CCM Tacks skates in a EE last which fit well and the pain and discomfort is minimal, but the prospect of a completely pain free skate very convincing. So on to my question. What holders should I go for. As I am currently in CCMs i am using the SB +4.0 and I don't have any real complaints (except loosing one of the blade screws). I can't really remember if they feel any different than the TUUK LS2 i had on my previous skates (most likely I was in too much pain to notice the feel of the holders). When I started skating in my CCMs I felt that there was a little to much forward pitch but my LHS reprofiled the blades to remedy this. However, the Tacks has a pretty aggressive stance in the skate itself so this may have been the reason I felt like I was pitched forward. Therefore I am confused as to what holder to chose: LS2 LS Edge or Step. Does anybody have any input/experience between the various holders. Any help appreciated, really want to get an order in this season.

The CCM Ultra Tacks chins have D3O foam in the kneecap which adapts to the force of the impact. I have never had any issues with pain after an impact and the chins are generally very comfortable and the level of protection feels far superior to any chins i have ever worn.

I have a big and wide head and i have always had issues with helmets, not just in hockey. I'm currently in a Bauer Re-Akt 100 and it fits like a dream. No pressure or pain. Basically don't feel that i'm wearing it. I regularly try new helmets on from other brands, as I would prefer another brand, but i have never found another helmet that fits like the Re-Akt 100. Hopefully you will find a helmet that fits your head. Nothing worse than an ill-fitting helmet.

Helmet: Bauer ReAct 100 Visor: Bauer Euro Pro Shoulder: CCM Ultra Tacks Pro Elbows: Bauer Supreme MX3 Gloves: Easton Synergy HSX Pants: Bauer Nexus 1000 Shins: CCM Ultra Tacks Skates: CCM Tacks Stick: CCM Ribcore Reckoner P40