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After getting to see the Sparx sharpener first hand at Summerfest I finally decided to pull the trigger and get one. It should be here tomorrow.

I got it today. I had it setup up, aligned, and sharpening skates 30 minutes after taking it out of the box. It's wonderfully simple to use. The machine itself seems really well made.

My "Soup Can" gloves.

Yeah, that was the customization choice that was the toughest for me... in the end I went with white because it looks more traditional, but I may order a pair of black down the line to swap them with.

I've been wanting a new pair of 4roll gloves for a while now but didn't really like any brand's current selections and price points so I tried to look into Finland's pro stock offerings. There isn't much pro stock equipment available here in Finland if any, but I found these online at ebay Germany. Supposedly some german hockey team's pro stock. Easton E-PRO's.

Warrior VIP Program First and foremost I would like to thank everyone at Warrior Hockey, especially those involved with the program. I am truly grateful and honored to be part of such a highly-coveted team. Warrior has really broke the mold once again and developed a very special program. A program that illustrates how important it is to them to recognize the individuals who support them day in and day out, both on and off the ice. Membership selections are made without social popularity or skill-level bias; Warrior sincerely cares about all of their customers. In addition to creating an environment of open communication, shared experiences, and a generous reward system, Warrior continually illustrates transparency, respect for the feedback in which they receive, and engages with their VIPs on a personal-level. As if that wasn't enough, I have been lucky to make connections with many people who, without the avenues created by this program, I would never have met. So THANKS again to Warrior Hockey and my fellow VIPs; this is such a special group and something that I do not take for granted. I hope that I can continue my membership in this program, and do my part to return the favor, to a company that has delivered value to me and my teammates throughout the years. And with that, let's get to the actual review! The Warrior Alpha QX is a completely new stick lineup and thus has been engineered from the ground-up. There was much time spent on research and development of the QX and it revolves around five focal points of technology: Sabre Taper, True 1 Phantom Feel, Minimus Carbon, Ergo Shaft Shape, and Protex Performance Grip. I have been using the stick heavily for over a month now and want to provide my insight on the tech and my experiences with the Alpha QX. Sabre Taper The primary focus of Warrior's patented taper design is to maintain stability throughout the blade when releasing your shot. In my experience with many competitor sticks, when loading up to take a shot, the blade tends to open up a bit. Although this may not seem like that big of an issue, compromise at such critical point in your release, greatly hampers the speed and accuracy of your shot. You can tell that Warrior really researched and honed in on the shaft and hosel technology in the Alpha QX. The mid-low flex point of the stick definitely allows you to snap-off your release much quicker while maintaining your accuracy. In my opinion, the ability to release a quick and accurate shot is crucial, as many times it prevents the goaltender from being able to establish his position. I personally noticed a huge difference in both snapshots and slapshots. The "pop" was exceptional as the puck jumps off the blade and follows your line of sight. Warrior really hit the target with the Sabre Taper; it's not a gimmick, it's legit. True 1 Phantom Feel The Alpha QX is extremely light and well-balanced. There are some other sticks on the market that are also very light, but finding the right balance is an artform. The Alpha QX is approximately 410 grams (senior model), but when holding it in your hands, it actually feels a bit lighter. That perception is a product of Warrior's focus on the balance of the stick, specifically towards the hosel and blade. A well-balanced stick really enhances puck-feel and this is an area that is extremely important to my game. With the Alpha QX, whether I'm skating through the neutral zone, making hard pivots, or deking, I never feel the need to look down at the puck. The stick is also very receptive at receiving hard, crisp passes. I have experienced a wide variety of blades in my time, ranging from too soft, to too "pingy", but the Alpha QX has a very natural feel combined with exceptional blade durability. Minimus Carbon Strength and durability is something that Warrior has continued to work on over the years and they have really developed a strong carbon-weave technology that greatly improves the overall strength of the stick without compromising weight. As I mentioned above, I have been using this stick heavily for a while now and it has taken quite a beating, especially through the playoff rounds. In addition to the shaft, since I am a center, the blade has also been put through the ringer. I can honestly say that through all the slashes, hacks, etc. that the stick's integrity has not been compromised at all; it plays the same today as it did on day one and that speaks volumes. We all know that sticks today are very expensive and there's nothing more frustrating than having your stick break shortly after purchasing it. My Alpha QX may show cosmestic blemishes, but the structural integrity is solid and I feel confident that this stick will last a while. Ergo Shaft Shape The shaft of the Alpha QX mimics that of a dog bone with it's slightly-concave side walls. Personally I am not a fan of the traditional box shaft shapes, so this works really well for me. I find it very comfortable to hold and provides a natural feel. Shaft shape is another area that may seem insignificant, but for me, it's important for a stick to feel like an extension of my arms. The dog bone shaft was quite a nice treat for me! Protex Performance Grip Complimenting the ergo shaft shape, I really love the textured corners that the Protex Performance Grip provides. It's that tactile feel that gives you the comfort and secure grip needed to have confidence when stickhandling and preparing to release your shot. These finer details really go a long way in adding to the stick's overall performance on the ice. OVERALL I would highly recommend the Alpha QX stick, it's a stick that performs as advertised and holds up to the punishment of the game. There a models for each level of play, so be sure to check out the full stick lineup. Speed, accuracy, comfort, and stability - Warrior really provides the foundation needed to help your game!

In relation my most anticipated price point $75-100 (US) how much of the performance trickles down the line for us dads with mortgages and kids in college?

Easily the Coolest Jersey's I've ever seen!

I've got a bad knee and a bad shoulder and I'm not the best skater. It's for the best, trust me. Lol. I'd rather deal with all the gear than fuck myself up and be unable to play. I only ever got to play roller as a kid, so I'm about 3 months into ice at this point.

When I grabbed the skate off the display, I thought I was holding players skate, until I saw the weird runner setup. Then I noticed that tendon guard is basicaly just gone. Looks to much of a retrofit, as if one took players skates, cut off the tendon guard, and grinded the rocker of the runner leaving what it looks like less than half an inch of steel in the middle (does not look promissing for sparx). I'd say if you order those, send bauer holder in if you think that cowlings are thing of the past. Also as a separate question to you as a goalie, does that rim atop of the toe area tears the edge of the pads up, or the cowling on your current skates covers it enough to protect the pads? so yes, boot is identicle, but as a goalie skate package, it seems a bit under designed.