jpeaslee

I hear where you're coming from, and I appreciate that. I definitely have taken some comments into consideration (whether my responses show that or not), and I do appreciate the feedback from the forum. I guess most of what I was looking for was an objective answer on a subject that seems fairly subjective, which you did give the most objective answer so far, despite the rest of your response. I thought about not posting the thread for fear it might turn into one of those threads you mentioned awhile back, but thought there might be some good info that came out of it. Thanks again for the feedback boys.

I feel like we're possibly talking about two different types of things here. To me there's a big difference between hack jobs (hooks, slashes, elbows, etc.) and physical but non-checking play. Maybe there isn't a difference, and that's my problem, but I'm not talking about using a stick or really appendages in any of the instances I'm taking about, at anyone's feet tripping them up or holding them, not talking about skating into people. Talking to most of the guys we play against after the game they comment on how fun it was blah blah, but there's one or two guys on every team that are constantly complaining about everything during the game, throwing threats (not chirps) etc. Most games there are 2-3 penalties, I haven't been one of them (can I take that as a sign that I'm ok, or just crappy refs?) C league here isn't the lowest level, it's a step up from a beginner league, a lot of guys that played in high school, took some time off and got back at it, or guys that are stepping up from our real beginner league. I really hope I'm not sounding argumentative here, as my goal in hockey is to have fun and get some exercise, and my goal in this is to help clarify what's appropriate and what's not. I'm not really a competitive person, but also if I just wanted to skate laps with a puck, I'd be at stick and puck instead of forking out for league fees. I get invited to some of the regular pickup games when they're short players, and I've definitely built up some contacts in the league outside of my team, so I don't feel like I'm a terrible guy to play with (though maybe against?) So if someone is posted up in front of your goalie, how is an appropriate way to move them?

That's exactly how I feel like I'm playing. I keep my elbows and shoulders out of the mix, but I'm not just going to roll over when getting pinned against the boats. The guys that do that and then throw a an elbow or hook as I'm leaving just piss me off a little. I need to just get over that. I know as well as anyone that we all have to go to work the next day (i got 3 weeks of PT over the Christmas break due to a dirty trip and head first slide into the boards) and I never want to be on the other end of that.

I hear what you're saying. I feel like I know exactly the type of player you're talking about, and I don't feel like it's me. There are a couple guys in our league that are always throwing those hooks, slashes, and elbows in the there, and they seem to be the biggest complainers in general. I guess I was hoping for a fairly objective answer for what is appropriate in front of the net and in the grinds in the corners. The guys in my team say I'm fine, I just like to know where I stand and where the boundaries are. Most of the guys I play against enjoy playing with me and will chat it up after the game. I appreciate the feedback boys.

I definitely get that. I'm not reckless or uncontrolled. I don't ever knock anyone around, but I'm definitely an aggressive player. Often guys will try an do similar things to me, and end up on their ass. Last night I had a guy push me from behind in front of the net, he fell on his ass, and then was screaming at me. I literally did nothing. Didn't push, didn't use my arms, I just didn't give. I think I'm going to move up to d2 next session and hopefully that will fix some of that. A vast majority of guys in our league learned hockey at a later age, so this is not only the highest level of hockey they've ever played, but also they're coming from football, basketball, etc.

I grew up playing roller in South GA (not exactly Hockeytown USA) but recently moved up to Huntsville, AL where there's actually ice. I finally am playing ice and loving it. I've always been a more physical player (6'2" 250lbs) but not dirty. I keep catching flak for playing too rough or "checking" (always from players, never from refs). How much leeway do I have moving bodies out from in front of the net on defense? Can I come up from behind someone and walk them out from in front of the net (pushing my body forward with my legs, not cross checking them out of the way). When getting double teamed on the boards, is it somehow dirty to skate through these guys? I definitely have a stronger legs/stability than most of these guys and I'm bigger too. Am I just a magnet because of my size and being better on my feet as well as low level players tend to whine about stuff? I'm not being any more physical than I was when playing roller, but I knew those guys and it's just how we played.

I ordered some custom Alphas at the end of November, 6 weeks later theses guys showed up. The mesh on the figures and cuff roll almost looks dark grey (which I actually would have preferred) in certain lights, which I think looks pretty slick. The emblem is my initials and number (80 or 8). I do like the cuff on these a lot better than the retail gloves, but I liked the stretch gussets better on the retails. They feel a bit tighter and smaller, I'm hoping breaking them in will loosen them up a little.

Sorry, but the 1x shaft, both 1x blades, and the apx2 shaft all sold on Sideline Swap. I still have the p88 blade and a couple mission v-hex tapered blades in a PM9 pattern if you're interested.

I did the same thing. I think I paid like 35 or 40 bucks for it. Killer bag for that price. I love being able to walk through doors easily with it. I get ribbed a little for it being a "backpack" bag, but then half the geezers on my team have wheelie bags so... I'm a big dude too (6'2" 260), but even with virtually all XL sized gear, I can make it fit. Now, I do stuff my elbows into my shins, into my pants, but it works out fine and make sure I don't forget anything. I always take my gear out to dry it after every use anyway. I put my skates in the main compartment and use the end compartment for towels, tool kit, etc. Even the large (though it's still only a 32") fits into the trunk in my BRZ (which was the real reason for getting a new bag in the first place). It's a small trunk, but the kicker is how low and small the opening is. I'm thinking about picking up another one of the easton bags while they're on sale for my roller gear, but I'm afraid I'll bring the wrong back to the wrong rink. The one thing I have had happen is a lot of the zipper pulls (the string part) come off. I just made some paracord zipper pulls that are a little bigger and easier to pull anyway.

Any updates Keith?

Bauer Vapor APX2 blade, P88, New $40 shipped Bauer Vapor 1x blades (2), P92, used. One blade in perfect shape. The other has a few chips on the toe and a knick on the top of the blade. $35 shipped for the good one, $25 for the chipped one Bauer Vapor 1x shaft, 54" 87 flex. Non-grip. a few chips in the paint. Only one tiny knick near the blade end of the shaft. $70 shipped Bauer Vapor APx Shaft 52.5" 77 Flex, Grip. $70 shipped Bauer Vapor APx2 Shaft 52.5" 77 Flex, Non-Grip $70 shipped Discounts for buying multiples. I'll get some pics of the Interested in RH PM9/W01/P45/E4/PP9 sticks/blades or 4 roll style gloves, 14", & XL elbows.

You just got an alkali pants customer, probably for a long time. Most xl pants are a 45" which is understandable, but also a bit long for me. Thanks Justin!

Anyone have any of the pants in XL? I need to find out what the overall length is on them.

Definitely check out the sprung thread. Its a long read, but the info you gain from it is insanely helpful. To sum it up, with the sprung chassis, you get the benefit of 4 80mm wheels with regards to speed but you have unmatched maneuverability which is supposed to be the most ice like feel of any inline skate (i'm only an inline guy). I instantly adjusted to the changed and haven't even contemplated ever going back. Now instead of looking at the latest inline skates I'm looking at Ice skates because I KNOW I'm instantly ditching the stock chassis and putting on some sprungs. Another added benefit is the durability and replaceability (don't think thats an actual word, but...). At 6'2" 250lbs, and a wild skater, I've destroyed many an inline chassis. With traditional inline chassis, as soon as you go too fast into a board or whatever else, you're out at least one chassis, maybe two. With sprung, on the odd chance you actually break one, they're much more replaceable, and MUCH MUCH more economical (as well as easily) to fix. And while at some point it does get slightly annoying to explain what exactly is attached to the bottom of your skates, its easily balanced out by the performance as well as joy of spreading the mojo of the sprungs. Speed, maneuverability, and overall GREAT feel of the sprungs is second to none. They're awesome :)

I can say there is a definite difference holding an aluminum chassis in one hand and a mag in the other. I can't tell you how that calculates on the rink. I went from an aluminum chassis to sprungs, and then skated on a set of mags for a pick up game and then converted back to the sprungs. I was much more focused on my actual skating rather than how much my skates weighed. But I can say that they are crazy light.

How do they skate? Ultimately, that's really all that matters.