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Player Background: A League adult league. Play minimum two times a week. I am 6'0 185 lbs. I have had the skates for over a year. Fit: directly out of the box the skate is very uncomfortable before you bake it obviously. Problem with not being able to experience the skates best feature is it makes it hard for you to commit at such a high price. All I can say is once you commit to baking the skates the fit will be like nothing you have ever experienced before. I have always been a player that insists of having very tight skates to the point of almost cUtting off circulation. I would re tie my skates between periods sometimes twice to keep the preferred tightness on previous skates. With the Makos II it was definitely a game changer. I only have to tie the top two eye lets tight. The way the skate forms to your foot after baking it so good you do not have to mess with anything else. The Mako II offer exceptional support and stiffness that has held up over a year. Break in time for me was less then a period that's how amazing the feel of these skates are. The tongue is thicker then skates I have had in the past which I think is wonderful and further provides protection from lace bite which I have yet to experience with these skates. It is a higher volume then usual so I would take that into consideration when going through the sizing process.Fit Grade: 10/10 Holder/Runner: This was the biggest thing to get used to for me. The forward pitch was definitely something new to experience. Again after using the skates for over a year I have to say the pitch is a little to aggressive for me but I only say that because I am a defenseman who is constantly in transition from backwards to forward. I did end up recently getting the skates profiled to alleviate some of the pitch and have been very happy with the result. I would only recommend this if you are a defenseman because like I said with some much steel on the back of the skate every once and awhile I found my skate getting caught when transitioning from forward to backward skating. I find the runner itself to be a little softer then other brands at this price point. For me all that really meant was I had to sharpen my skates a little more often than usual which is not a big deal in my opinion. The holder itself has held up well no complaints what so ever. Holder/Runner Grade: 9/10 Protection: this is where the skate falls short for me. Granted I have not broken a foot yet with these skates lol but I have found that the few times I have taken shots off the foot that it has not protected me the best and some of the shots were pretty weak and I felt all of it, especially in the quarter panel. Protection Grade: 7/10 Durability: so I have had these skates for over a year and have to say the skates are in great shape. Stitching has held up very well except for one little spot on one of my tendon guards. Skates has gotten the typical scuffs and scratches you would expect with the amount I have used them. I have not seen any sign of significant breakdown at all. The stiffness is still the same as the day I got the skates and the comfort level is just as amazing. Durability Grade: 9/10 Weight: I could definitely fell a difference when holding this skate in my hand compared to other skates. Once I compared them to others on my feet I have to admit compared to most at the same plot point I did not notice any bit of difference. Definitely a very light skate comparable to all other skates at this level and price point. Weight Grade: 8/10 Overall: I have never been more excited or happy with a skate in my entire life. I am very happy I took the risk with these skates it has definitely improved my performance while providing me with a comfort that I did not even think was possible. I am coming to you as a player that does not often change equipment other than sticks and can honestly say that if you make this investment you will not be disappointed in the least. I hoped this helped all of those looking for more information if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to private message me.

Just ordered a pair today, very excited to try them out!

Custom Pro Repair (Pat Rivest). http://www.customprorepair.com/ These were pro stock Jimmy Hayes APX2 gloves (non-PORON lined) that I wanted beefed up, and re-palmed: I asked Pat to taper the backhand plates to fit the profile of the flex cuff, so that I max on protection, without interference when my wrists flex: These thumb guard half moon pieces prompted this customization, and then I figured that if I am paying shipping over the border both ways, then I may as well go all out. If anyone wants to save time in dialoguing with Pat (he's cool, but he's busy; and I highly doubt that he wants to have the same 5 conversations that he had with me, 100 more times in the next 5 years, so he can identify what people may want), then here is what everything is called, and the price in Canadian dollars:

My team was able to get some ice for practice in our last season for dirt cheap (I think about $10 a piece for an hour). I'll have to check into that again. I'm only the backup goalie for now until we move up a league next season so little bits of playing time shouldn't be too hard on me either. As long as that's what it is, LITTLE amounts.

I wish I could get past that new Eagle logo ?

Background: I will be giving this review from a referee's prospective. For my first 2 years of officiating, I used the same skates for adult league and refereeing (NikeBauer One70). At the beginning of the hockey season, I decided to finally buy 2 skates: one for playing (Easton Mako) and one for officiating (RBZ). I was hesitant at first but I figured since I plan on officiating for a while, I might as well make sure I have equipment dedicated to the specific craft. Before my RBZ purchase, the last pair CCMs I had were the 652 SuperTacks from my youth days. I knew I was in for something else. Officiating Specs: 5'11"...205lbs...work Youth (both travel and scholastic), JRs (all tier III), ACHA club hockey (DI - DIII) and Adult league...work all four officiating systems (usually as a linesman at the higher levels). Size: 9.5D Ice time: roughly on the ice 3-4 times/week Usage: About 7 months Fit: Ah. It took about 2 months for these skates to break in and be pain-free. The RBZs seem to take on the traditional the longer period wasn't totally surprising. During the break-in period I experienced lace bite, arch pain and tightness in the foot box area (not nearly as bad as I had with my previous pair of skates). Now that they are broken in, the RBZs are roomy and comfortable and I don't have any issues with them. The custom support insoles make significant difference in comfort and support also (I use the MED size). I do have to skip the top eyelet so that I can gain forward flex and lengthen my stride. CCM made a stiff boot and that is the only way I can truly use the RBZs to its fullest potential. 8/10 Blade/Holder: The blade/holder combo is the best I've experienced/seen on a pair of CCMs. With the Hyper-Glide runners, there isn't near as much bite as I have experienced with other skates. It took me a little bit to get use to but I've enjoyed the decreased resistance with every stride. 10/10 Weight/Protection: The RBZs are well constructed. Going the traditional theme, they aren't the lightest skates on the market. But given there depth and width, I feel they are on par with its competitors. I've been whacked with sticks and hit with pucks. The worse I had it was when a wrap-around hit the inside ankle of my right foot. Left a bruise and my ankle was somewhat swollen but I would expect the same result with any other boot. 10/10 Durability: The RBZs have held up well and given my previous experience with CCM, this comes at no surprise. I do have to point out that one of my top eyelets (that so happen to NOT use) is already coming apart. 9/10 Intangibles: I'm bullish on the looks of the RBZ. CCM modernized their look without looking gimmicky. As an official, I feel it's important for me to look professional no matter what level I am working. I've had both fellow officials and players comment on how much they like the look of the RBZs. CCM has made the necessary step(s) to having looks match performance. 10/10 Conclusion: I'm a fan again. It's as simple as that. I feel that the RBZs represent the growth in R&D by CCM and it shows in their skate. The worst part about this skate is the break-in period. It was the worst I experience in a while but well worth it in the end. I highly recommend RBZs for people looking for more volume/width. 47/50 = 9.4/10

Foot spec - Wide forefoot, wide heel, small arch Last skate worn - Bauer Supreme TotalONE NXG Size - 10.5D Length of review - since August 2012 The Bauer Nexus line debuted in 2012, replacing the Flexlite (as a third skate for Bauer) line. The direction of the line was to offer a skate that would be more traditional in terms of technology, as well as an emphasis on comfort. The Nexus 1000 line is a standalone fit; the 800 on down fit more like the Flexlite did. Fit/Break-in - The Nexus 1000 is built on an oversize last; a D will actually be a true-to-last EE. The boot is pretty much straight-walled; the forefoot tends to be similar to a Vapor EE (albeit with a roomier toecap) however, the boot has a deeper fit and a relaxed lacing pattern, which ends to a wider heel. The skate fit me decently in this aspect; just a tad bit wider than what I've been using in the past few years. The instep was a little bit higher as well. Skate feels extremely supple inside; harkens back to how mid-90s Supreme skates used to feel, with the tan Clarino and plush padding. I baked them once; had a little bit of issues with the right skate, which was because I was overtightening them while lacing. Once I figured out the optimal lacing, my problems were minimal. The only glaring issue I had (and when I write these things, I try to put it in a global context; what may not work for me may work for you) was the tongue. It's a 52oz felt with a lace-bite guard. It had been years since I skated with a felt tongue, and quite frankly, I prefer a molded one nowadays. There were times in which I was fighting it; they would twist on me while I skated. I went ahead and flopped them, but since I was lacing them up fully, the break was before the metatarsal guard. I got to use them about 5 times after I did, and while it improved it slightly, it wasn't something I was fully able to solve. Break-in process went extremely well; it has been one, if not the quickest skates for me to break-in. 8.5/10 (deducted 1 point due to tongue) Performance - As I stated earlier; the line was geared towards those who prefer a traditional boot and put an emphasis on comfort over performance. You don't get the added perks that the Supreme and Vapor offer in terms of their quarter packages, however, you're not exactly getting a circa 1994 boot here. Not once did I feel limited by the skate in any way. One of my main concerns going in was the stiffness - I had said that in the Initial Thoughts thread as well as the LTR - but that thought was eviscerated once I hit the ice. It was plenty supportive on the foot, as well as giving me a bit of forgiveness in the ankle area, which is always a good thing. Don't get it twisted - this is a pro-level boot. 8.75/10 Blade/Holder - The skate comes with a LS2 holder and LS Fusion steel. Halfway throughout the review, I picked up a Step BlackSteel project to review, which has no bearing on this review, so I'll use my standard LS2 score from previous reviews. 9/10 Weight- The skate was not designed to be the skate for the gram-counters out there, however, it is surprisingly light; much lighter than skates in its class/spec. 8.5/10 Protection - When I do reviews for helmets, I mention I'm not a crash-test dummy. The same concept applies for my skate protection; if I'm by my defensive zone hash mark and it's not because I'm lining up for a faceoff, something wrong has happened. I don't get in front of shots. However, the Nexus 1000 does have a bit of padding to it; the internals consist of high-density foam with additional reinforcements. The outer quarter package is Tech Mesh, which was used on top-end non-Curv Vapors (X 7.0, X:60, XXXX, XXX, XX) so it should stand up to rigorous play. 9/10 Durability - I haven't had any issues with anything on the skate; the boots are well-made, no stitching issues, no major gouges, and the wear properties of the Clarino liner have always been strong. 10/10 Conclusion - All in all, it was a pleasant experience reviewing these skates. They've visually appealing, they perform well, and they fill a void in Bauer's lineup. You still see those guys out there with their older Supremes, Tacks or Grafs, and simply refuse to adapt to the technology-driven boots of today. With these, they can be with the times however still maintain the comfort level they are used to. While I like to be on the bleeding-edge of technology personally, these skates certainly didn't hold me back, and should meet your needs for a workhorse skate. Overall - 53.75/60 = 89% Shout-Outs - Once again, must thank Keith Duffy, who is the Sr. Skate Product Manager at Bauer Hockey, for supplying me with a pair. As with every manufacturer, I've always had an excellent rapport with Bauer and our discussions and feedback I have provided to them has been warmly received. Please address any questions you may have in my Initial Thoughts thread. Also, if you want to track the progress here is the Long-Term Review on the skate. It will still be updated to reflect any change on the product.