Leaderboard

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php/files/file/174-2014-bauer-hockey-catalogue/ For the first time ever, skates aren't the first page in a Bauer catalogue; this year, it's pretty much everything else, and here's why: The two major technologies that Bauer's introducing to market in 2014 are FleXorb and 37.5. FleXorb was created out of a partnership with G-Form (MSH had reviewed the G-Form shirts a couple of years ago). In the performance apparel, the FleXorb application is Poron XRD is placed in strategic places in the apparel to provide additional impact absorption; the difference between the shirts that we reviewed and the Bauer pieces is that there is a flexible fabric surrounding the Poron, which will allow it to move better. (The G-Form shirt tended to bunch up where the Poron was.) Cocona 37.5 is a fabric in which instead of wicking moisture from the shirt and putting it on top of the fabric (which then goes somewhere, namely your equipment), it uses your body heat to evaporate it, leaving a dry shirt and dry equipment. Helmets - New helmet in the Re-Akt 100; with surprisingly a pretty big overhaul coming from the original. The Suspend-Tech2 liner has been tweaked - it's a 4-way stretch fabric with Poron molded on it; since now it has different stretch zones/attachment points, it has greater rotational impact properties coming from Re-Akt. The main foam has also changed - their VTX foam won't fade like the Vertex did as it has a different film on top of the foam. Also, the back of the helmet features 4 Seven technology pods that is embedded in the foam for those falls in which a player falls backwards and straight on the helmet. The adjustment system is also different - it is now called YourFit. The side pads are spring-loaded and have a bit of give to it, and are connected by a strap (the catalogue calls it Curv, but the final version is not) which pulls it in around the sides and rear. The tool-less adjustment on the 100 is actually inverted from the Re-Akt - so just imagine the lock flipped upside down. The occipital lock is different as well - very similar to what was on the 9900, and now, you can put helmet stickers on it again :) The front of the helmet has a ventilation port on top as well as a wicking liner that pushes sweat towards the temples, aided by channels, so sweat will go away from falling in front of the helmet. It'll be available in 21 shell/24 insert colors and fully customizable at the NY factory. Another thing to note is that the helmet combos have additional options for retailers; they can now order sets done with smaller/bigger cages (e.g., S helmet with M cage, or S with XS cage) The Re-Akt 100 is more of a traditional fit; it's fitting a bit narrower than Re-Akt even though it is a bigger shell. $269.99 helmet only, $309.99 combo. The rest of the helmets are unchanged. Facial remains unchanged for most part, however there are a few new models - bringing back the shield/cage combo in the Hybrid. Also, the Profile II is a new face mask for 2014 - for those who prefer the flat face (580) style, however, with oval bars. Will come in I2, silver, black and white and will retail for $40. 9900 and 5100 cages are gone. Gloves - new line for Vapor; starting out at the APX2 Pro, which has always been the "pro" version of their top-end Vapor. The biggest difference you'll see in the APX2 Pro is that the foams are dual-density and backhand pad will be Poron sandwiched between comfort foam, with a AXSuede Quattro ivory-colored palm. The inside liner of the APX2 Pro glove is 37.5 (same as the performance apparel, there's a pattern here) Now, going down to the APX2 glove, you're going to get triple-layer Aerolite with a thermoform able foam backhand pad. The cuff on the APX2 is a flared cuff (those who remember Techniflex gloves...that's the inspiration) and comes with AXSuede Quattro palms, however, they are colored to match the accent color of the glove. Supreme and Nexus lines unchanged. Protective - two line changes, including a complete overhaul in the Vapor line. The Vapor line is primarily an Aerolite construction, in which in the caps, sternum and back spine, the padding is a combination of materials that are heat-fitted together and molded into shape, resulting in a very light pad - in the CCM CL range. On the shoulder pad, there is a thin piece of plastic to keep the cap's shape, and it's NHL-compliant. The liner is 37.5 on all pieces, and the elbow pad is a completely new pad, with a soft elbow cap. The Nexus line has increased EPP in the shoulder, sternum and back, as well as a 3-piece construction. The shin straps on the Nexus 1000 didn't gain much traction, so they've gone to a Supreme-style strap. Also, the entire Nexus 8000 line has the 37.5 liner and has gained some blue accents for shelf appeal. New pant line for Vapor - with added adjustability in the APX2 pant - the pant can be dropped 1" for added length. The spine and kidneys of the pant is Aerolite, with 840 denier overlay panels in the thigh and hip. 37.5 liner, as well as suspender buttons - which have been absent from quite a few top-end pants lately. Skates - funny that it's so low on here, but two new lines in the Supreme and Nexus. Starting with the MX3, which has a beefed up tendon guard - still hinged (actually 5º more range of motion than NXG) and the injected facing that debuted on the APX2, but with a twist (or lack thereof.) The holes actually have two small teeth in it, which lock the laces better. When you pull on the laces, it sits in the groove between the teeth, keeping them flat as well as keeping them from shifting. Also, the facing wraps better than the APX2 version. The 3-Flex insert is also modified - it flexes much better because there is a notch between the middle of the insert and the wings which came on the NXG. HydraMax2 liner with wear patch - just like on APX2. $849.99/$599 Jr, dropping on April 17. The 190 skate has the same tendon guard, however with traditional eyelets and a shorter version of the 3pc felt tongue that's on the APX2. It'll come stock with LS3 - very similar to the version that NHL players order. HydraMax liner, at $699.99/$499 Jr. The 180 skate will also feature Curv (albeit not as stiff as the top versions due to different internal ankle workings) AND a flexible tendon guard (NXG spec) at the $499.99 price point. It'll have a 3-pc tongue (however 48 oz thickness with a traditional lacebite protector, and a polished LS Edge runner. The Nexus line has been reworked at the top end - featuring a Curv-based boot in the 8000. Still accommodating a wide foot with a high instep, there's more definition in the ankle/heel/forefoot areas due to the addition of Curv. You'll still have a felt tongue however, it's the 3-pc version with a big lacebite protector. The 7000 is a traditionally-made skate, essentially same spec as the Vapor X90 in terms of material. That's the skate you'll see most Nexus market share in the NHL. The 6000 will continue the Flexposite model (FL12/Nexus 800) on down the line. Bauer now has 5 skate models under 800g. Sticks - Supreme and Vapor are unchanged as those change in the fall (New Supreme models in the fall) but the Nexus will now have a standard release. Gone is the all-black look with some grey and light blue, and still the same flex profile as the previous Nexus, however, a new blade - it has the Aerofoam from the APX2 in the heel, however, a new core, which is their PowerCore 4. The 7000 loses the Textreme and goes to 12k shaft and blade, in a fused construction. PS - notice the lack of OD1N product. ;) Special thanks for Keith, JD and CJ for having video conferences with me in October - it's been helpful for the past couple of years, and gives me quite a bit of material.

The APX2 will stay unchanged.

It's not so bad if they are doing it because there wasn't anyone more qualified available. When those people think they are great coaches and prevent more knowledgeable people from getting involved, that's a different story.

Anyone have actual pics of their skates?

2013 Alkali RPD Max Me: 57 160lbs mixed positions. Played most of the last 19 years (few breaks from where I was stationed). Previous skates, Alkali CA9, Mission T9, CCM something, more missionsetc. Boot: after the bake and a few pickups/games the comfort of the hugging my foot is pretty awesome. The initial grip on the heel was great, but after some heat and sweat it has got a very snug hold. Sides of the feet fit great along the boot, no areas that rub uncomfortably. Can get the top of the foot laced nice and tight without cutting off circulation, but still keep the ankle a little loose (personal preference). Very stiff and supportive boot. Only small thing I notice is the inner ankle pad is taking a little longer to break in than the rest of the skate, but no blisters or anything. Tongue is soft with a guard down the middle for shot protection/lace bite. Molded excellent around foot/ankle. The aggressive stance is explosive for starting and all around movements are smooth. 9/10 (just cause of the inner ankle) Chassis/wheels/bearing: love how the chassis sits low with the recessed wheel. Solid feel skating on it and the turn radius is phenomenal. Cutting, stopping, turning is like skating on 72s, very responsive. Cant go wrong with the Labeda Addictions. I dont weigh much but I can get great grip on these and top end is up there. Ive skated these before and I had them for quite a while before they wore out so I know I wont need wheels for a while. I know others may have different opinions of these but I love em. Bearings are decent, but Ive skated on Bones Swiss for a while and I dont think theyre on the same level, so those got swapped out. Still pretty decent though. Unless you skate with Swiss or the ceramics youll be content with these. 9/10 (bearings) Weight/durability: these are fairly light and really easy to move in. I move my feet a lot cutting back and forth so these work great for that. the strength of the boot is pretty solid. Ive taken a few shots in the ankles and barely felt it. I cant see these breaking down and weakening in the ankle areas at all. Its just a really solid feeling skate like they are part of you. 10/10 Looks: Sexy. Very sharp and appeasing to the eyes. Not an overly done design, but with lines that wont bother someone who is a little OCD. Everything flows great. 10/10 Overall: Amazing! Has everything you want in a skate; speed, strength, comfort, weight and looks. To make anything better might require some animal sacrifice and maybe digital equipment. The only thing that could be changed would be to add a top end bearing set, but with the price hike that might cause I think they are great as they are. May not be good for business in the long run cause I dont think I will need another skate for years. 9.5/10 Thanks Justin and the Alkali Team.

Reebok 9k Pump Roller Skates Size 8.5 E Used roughly 1 year, about 30 games Player Bio: Age: 24 Height: 5' 7" Weight: 250 Play: Semi Competitive 1-2 times a week. Previous Skates: Mission RMx, CCM pf8, Reebok 9ks, Mission AC2. Currently with the AC2s Fit: The fit at first was great and I thought "OK, finally a skate for my foot!" and i bought these bc the LHS told me with my foot size the Reebok E size would be the only boot wide enough for me. I played some games and I got used to it very quick but then i realized my foot was sliding around in the boot while other parts of my foot were cramped in. I then tried to use their lace lock and that helped but only so much. i would leave the bottom barely taught and the top had to be laced up tight, this led to other problems such as not enough forward flex but thats another issue. For an E width boot there is also very little volume for the top of your foot. mine was coming out so much that the top laces had to flex out to fit my foot. The toe box also doesnt get wider for the E width and that does other things to the boot that seem to inhibit it as well. I think half of this is the boots fault and the other half is that after getting my foot sized i was told the reeboks were the only option for me but they clearly were not. they are for a wide and flat/low volume foot, not a wide higher volume one such as mine. 6/10 Wheels/Bearings/Chassis: The wheels that came on the skate were alright labeda millenniums in x-soft. i used them for a game and they were like skating on gummy bears, enough grip but it slowed me down. I immediately saw chunking so i switched to my trusted rink rats. no issues since and i cant blame the wheels bc they werent made for my weight. maybe one day there will be an option for us larger guys to get harder wheels stock. Or better in my option, leave bearings and wheels out of it bc i will be putting on my harder wheels and sweet swiss bearings first thing anyway. The chassis is a disgrace. Heavy, clunky, can take a shot off them but the holes for the wheel axles go out of round and develop burs that i needed to remove. I was told by a trusted source that reebok just made the chassis haphazardly to put on a roller boot and then paid labeda to have their name and a license on it. for a real chassis look at the high end tours, missions and the new apx2r. now those are chassis. Bearings were abec 7s, they are weak especially for the $350 price point of the skate, immediately switched them to my bones swiss bearings. 4/10 Weight/Protection: Weight wasnt an issue but now in the lighter AC2 skate i see how heavy those things were. I even think my old CCMs size 10 were a little lighter. Protection was fine and i never got hit in the foot, ankle or skate and had any pain afterwards. 7/10 Durability: I never had a lace break except on these skates. mentioned above chassis holes needed deburring after a while to get the axle to go through. Screws stripped very easily. though the boot itself does seem to stay decently stiff it only does that around the ankle and the rest of the boot gets soft. the bottom outsole where the chassis bolts on also seems to be very thin and never looked like it was fitted right to a wider boot. 7/10 Intangibles: It took about 3 games to get used to the straight 80s chassis and i ended up really liking that set up because i could accelerate and skate faster than i used to even though it did cut down on some maneuverability. That larger front wheel is something i miss now but the switch is for the better. even with the straight 80s it still wasnt as good as say a tour skate where its all 80s but its recessed in the front to add some maneuverability to it. The pump is ok but it never locked my heel in there. It was more of a push my ankle forward so thats its tighter to the tongue, because of this i only pumped the thing about 2-3 pumps per game to take up the extra space that they put in there. Moving to the AC2 i now see a good heel lock with my heel all the way back and no need for any pump nonsense. the carbon outsole on the bottom is soooo thin that it flexes a lot and doesnt do its job really. a matter of fact my skate bottom flexed so much it rubbed against my second wheel and the wheel wore a hole through it. HUGE no no! but i do wish more skates had a skate lock, but going to waxed laces also helps with that. 6/10 Conclusion: Reebok roller really is lacking, especially for the price they charge. The little to no effort shown to make a roller boot is evident throughout the design and after talking to some industry insiders the whole thing just wreaks of a fast cash in at the cost of the roller market crowd. 30/50 = 6/10 I would say avoid at all costs unless you really, reaaaaaaallly reeeeeeeeeaaaaaaalllllly just want an easy switch, fit wise, for their ice skates, but even then the fit is different and the roller parts are subpar. I moved on to Mission AC2s and couldnt be happier at the moment.