Fusion vs. LS3

[Dangles83 24]

Trying to get educated a bit more on skate steel. Can someone explain the differences between fusion and LS3? I hear many people opting for the LS3 on their new APX2 as opposed to the fusion steel that comes with them; curious as to the reasons. Thanks!

[gosinger 122]

IIRC: LS3 is an LS2 with 3mm more steel (taller), similar effect as the new raised tuuk holder tower height. The fusion has a bad rep as I think there were some pros saying they would blast through those as they wouldn't withstand the forces being applied by a pro; maybe thats a part of it?

[guitarfreek92 7]

from everyone one i see coming in to replace it it starts with the fact it cracks easily from heavy abuse and from going from the cold ice to hot trunk garage or other storing place. it really just depends on how hard you play and how you maintain your equipment. plus with the extra height on the ls3 it gives you room to rock your steel but still have plenty of life left on it

[squat 5]

Fusion is a small piece of steel "fused" to a light weight metal that goes in the holder. LS3 is higher steel a lot like STEP, it means you have more lean before hitting the holder and falling.

LS steel generally is not as quality as STEP, what does that mean to the user? It means you might have to sharpen it more. It means the STEP will keep an edge longer. How much longer? Depends.

However most of the NHL Pros use LS3, so if food on someones table depends on your steel, LS3 definetely cuts it for the pros. Why dont they use Fusion? Because Fusion being two peiced and fused and lighter durability is the issue. The edges are going to be the same as LS2/3 the problem is with almost anything lighter you have less strength so you get a NHL caliber shot off it and it can bend, warp, break.

Being a Pro you cant risk that, hence pros not using it. I have heard the hockey shop stories of guys "breaking it" just skating on it but rubbing elbows with 2 NHL teams equipment personnel they didnt complain about the Pros breaking it skating on it, they didnt like the durability issues. Again lighter isnt better at the level of play these pros are at.

If you are a beer league hack breaking Fusion.... The same applies to the guy that blows through sticks. Pros break twigs due to the stick play, leverage, and strength at high levels. Beer leaguers break stick because of bad form. Likewise with skate issues.

NO OFFENSE Meant. Some of what I posted was parroted from equipment manager and staff mouths so its painted with a broad brush. I am certain someone has broken steel skating and they are probably a high level skilled skater. I am speaking in generalities.

[jimmy 194]

If you don't block shots or take passes in the feet or jump over the boards, or lean hard in turns, the Fusions will work fine for you. They definitely are lighter than LS3's.

[squat 5]

If you don't block shots or take passes in the feet or jump over the boards, or lean hard in turns, the Fusions will work fine for you. They definitely are lighter than LS3's.

I do all of the above, Only with ECHL, USPHL, some d3 college and mine never broke.... I mean the talent is way less than I am sure you are used too though. Kinda funny that s couple d1 guys I refed had fusion. Then again I didnt see them blocking shots, they used the door, and they did stops and starts instead of leaning. So thats probably why ;)

[jimmy 194]

I replace a minimum 3 pairs a week, just average Joes, beer leaguers, and high school kids. One guy I personally skate with has gone through 6 pairs this year, all from taking hard passes in the feet. I tried to get him to change to STEPs but he refuses, says he likes the lightness. Hey, as long as you're willing to dish out $130 everytime they break, who am I to judge. :-)

[hollowicked 39]

I was in the same boat and had issues with my fusions. 1st took a puck to the side of the foot the steel bent then a few days later the other foot got hit and it actually cracked. Switched to step have not looked back.

[squat 5]

I live in The DC region and with the lockout there was a lot of guys that get paid to play showing up. A lot of skaters here have the Fusion and when #81 takes a shot off your APX2 and you keep going I think Bauer knew what they were doing. Granted I didnt take a pro level shot to mine but they have been perfect with pucks in the feet etc.

your mileage might vary.

Put it this way. I would be using my Fusion and Blackedge if I didnt get the edge holders.

[hunterphfr 12]

I play 2-3 times a week C to C+ish, I play D, weigh just under 200, I block shots and I jump the boards. My Fusions came with my custom TotalOnes a few years ago. Interesting note on the custom Fusions is the black line isn't there and you can see the 2 metals, the joint & the fusion points. Oh, by the way I have a bent blade.

[gxc999 7]

By the way, is the Fusion the same height as the LS2 or the LS3? I like the extra height on the LS3 a lot.

[Amiroo39 121]

How does the step velocity steel compare to the LS3? And does the V-steel compare to the regular step steel, other than the mirror finish?

[syinx 139]

I'm pretty sure the Fusion is the same height as the LS2.

[gxc999 7]

I'm pretty sure the Fusion is the same height as the LS2.

I'm 95% sure you're right but am just wanting confirmation. I'll find out soon enough though.

[customskateworks 39]

Fusion is the same height as LS2. By "fused", they mean its aluminum epoxied and riveted to stainless. Aside from being easier to bend, I also see a lot of separation between the metals over time. If you have Fusion steel you might have seen where the aluminum is bubbled up where it has broken free of the epoxy, caused by expansion and contraction differences in the metals.

When it comes to the mirror finish on the V-Steel, the edge quality is great. The better the side finish you can get on the runner, the better the edge that can be produced.