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Funny as I'm looking at this thread and came to the realization that I got exactly one skate in on the steel, in 2021 - last time I skated. Two total hip replacements later (had the last one in March), may get back on the ice maybe next year? I actually took the LSE set up to SkateScribe when we were up there for SummerJam last year, and so they're profiled. Will let y'all know when it happens. Sorry that I haven't been involved much lately - that's a story for another day - but I do appreciate the ones holding down the fort while I wasn't. Not sure how much I contribute going forward, but we'll see how it goes.

Here's my latest. Same skates as I'm using for ice, and with the heel riser, they're the same pitch as the I2 holders. Makes for an easy transition between the two.

2026 assuming the 6 means the year number like the 9x4 lineup 2024). Imo, the 9x4 look better and unless you're set on the new holders, id get the 9x4 on sale. True is offering the 30 day fit guarantee again as well now.

Bauer has a custom option as well. And the Bauer reakt 3d is coming out soon which will compete with the tacks x as it'll have 3d foam. I have a feeling it'll be more comfy since the reakts adjustment system is better than what CCM has.

If all else fails and you have the disposable funds (yes they are very expensive), I would highly recommend getting a CCM Total Custom. It's the only helmet I have ever owned that didn't give me pain at my temples or anywhere else over a prolonged period of time wearing it. Super comfy right away, perfect fit, super light, well constructed. To me, definitely worth it.

I actually picked up the Bauer reakt 90. I went in thinking I'd just get another 310 but I tried the reakt 90 just for the hell of it and wow, a medium for perfect. I love how you can adjust the width and length completely independently. Perfect for my oval head shape too. I then tried on the 310 just for fun and realized how diff it fit and although comfy, there seemed to be gaps on the sides of my head since it's meant more for a round head shape. The reakt 90 fit just as comfortable as the 920 in terms of I could feel cushion and support around my entire head. Obviously the foams feel different but not in a bad way. I actually prefer the feel of the reakt. Feels more supported vs the nest tech. For the reakt, I'm a few slots away from the smallest and could technically make it a touch loser too so I'm very happy that I have some wiggle room to adjust. Only annoying thing is that I had to use some washers for my j clips for my fv1 bubble to fit into them properly, but no biggy. Overall very happy. It's probably the best fitting helmet I've ever had. Lesson learned to just try everything lol... Or I was just lucky and this year Bauer actually made a model that fit me great. Their adjustment system isn't new and in the past the reakts never fit me this well.

Op, scroll down to the end for a bit more detail about the ftw lid https://ca.ccmhockey.com/en/ftw-learnmore.html

I'm sure you've done your share of troubleshooting on this, but that sounds like a cage issue more than a helmet issue. stretch out the cage so when you close it, the sides aren't compressed in?

I ended up returning my 920. It fit great on the smallest setting but what made me change my mind was the possibility of the foams breaking in a bit and it would make it a bit looser and I wouldn't be able to make it smaller. I've read the nest tech does pack in a touch and these memory foam things in the 920 seem like it will as well vs traditional eva foams. The 920 also sat a bit lower than I'd like. With a bubble, it would also weight the helmet down more as well. If I were to rock a visor it would have been fine since I could've worn it at the second smallest setting. Oh well. I may just get a new 310 since I'm a fan and my current one needs replacing. I just wanted to treat myself. If the ftw's shell doesn't sit as deep as the 920, that would also be a bonus. It seems like the trend for all newer helmets is that they sit lower and the rear comes down more on the back of the head. I've yet to try the reakt 155 in a medium but the small was definitely too small.

I'm from Canada and used a bunch of my Canadian tire money on it at sport chek, so I paid about half price. For those unaware , can tire money is like rewards money back that you can use at certain stores owned by the same corporation.

these look great but I just can't spend $400 on a helmet.

Op, I also found this video interesting. They talk about the ftw helmet being available soon which is essentially the 920 but shaped a bit different for women. This might be a good option for you. I am definitely going to try it out when it comes out as well to see how the fit is vs the unisex version out now.

My sons love the Bauer Re-Akt 85. You can adjust the sizing four ways... Maybe give that a try. Pretty sure it's been recently discontinued so you might be able to find a deal.

I'm similar but not to your degree. I wore a small v08 as well but medium in everything else (never wore 4500 bc it didn't fit my head shape at all). My experience with the 910, tacks x, and 720 were similar too. Where small at largest was too tight and medium at smallest was a touch too big. Although the tacks x and 910 felt like it could work depending how long my hair was lol. What had worked for me well were these: - warrior alpha one pro. It uses a boa dial to adjust like a bike helmet. - CCM 310/710 it has an occipital adjustment and isn't just forward and back like the tacks x, 910 and 720. - 920. Unlike you, this actually worked for me, but I am at the smallest setting. Initially I thought this wouldn't work but realized I could actually make the medium go smaller with a bit more effort pushing the sides of the helmets together. Right now the setting has 2 vertical lines on each side of the locking tab. Just nonchalantly pushing the shell together and stopping with the first sign of resistance, the sizing was at around 3-4 lines on each side of the locking tab. Hope that makes sense but if you look at the rear of the helmet where the locking tab is, it'll make sense. Imo the 310 should work for you unless your head size is smaller than a 7 hat size. I'm 7 1/8 hat size so medium in the 310 fits me well near the middle to smallest setting. the smallest end of the size range for the 310 is 6 7/8". So I would assume the 310 is your best bet if the 920 doesn't work on the smallest setting. What's weird about the sizing is that the 920 is actually advertised as a starting size of 6 3/4 for medium, which is smaller than the 310, but I can confirm that the 310 definitely fits tighter. You should also try the Bauer reakt 85 and up as they have good adjustability. ive attached a picture of the back of the 920 where it has the vertical lines by the locking tab that I talked about

Good to know. I just ordered the new holders and steel. Look forward to taking them for a test drive. Will place a photo when they have been installed.

The cutouts in these is minimal compared to what Bauer tried on a couple of occasions with the triangles on the vapor 8? And also the slots on the one90? Also Bauer steel is/was not great particularly back then.

Only thing to be cognizant about with the catalyst 9 and cat pros is the heel / shell cracking prematurely. They allegedly fixed this issue with the hzrdus 9 and 9x4s though

I’m sure all the ongoing macroeconomic issues aren’t helping. Is that a sufficiently apolitical way to say that so neither side can get mad at me? 🙄

In my experience they've always had supply issues with the baselayer stuff. They also seem to have a very small window of sales before items hit the clearance racks

We're just using the term anatomical because that's the lingo Bauer uses for their toecap vs their old style and shape. For most people, they don't have duck feet so this new shape where the area of the toecap that's around the big toe and second toe it slightly longer than the rest as it slightly angles down /is shorter matches the majority of foot shapes better. Obviously it isn't one size fits all.

As IP said, it means nothing. Put them on, flex them, lean on your edges in both directions. Go with what feels best. I currently skate 4-6x week between playing and coaching. I'm in in AS3 PRO, 100k Pro, and Machs. I've also skated extensively in 2xPros, 70k, 80k, AS1. I skate like me in all of them...they just have different fits and feel. Close your eyes whatever makes you wanna go for a slide...that's the one.