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If you have arch pain, I would recommend doing the cut out method on the red insole. I actually use two red insoles and the blue one. I cut out the arch on the bottom red insole and use an intact red insole and blue on top. I needed the extra cushion of a second red insole as I found the footbed too hard and uncomfortable without the second red insole. You can email their customer service and request additional insoles of both types, if desired.

Thanks for the input, especially that last blog post. I went back and tried to remove as many variables as possible. I got the alignment ring back out and did that. I pulled out an old Step regular goalie runner - since we agree Step quality is probably the best - and sharpened it in the Sparx holder. And I ran 4 passes, per Sparx's recommendation, to adjust the edges. I tested in 3 places along the blade and it was all nearly perfect, maybe out by one click either way. So knowing that the machine was set to produce level edges, I took my Flare steel off the skate and sharpened it. Testing it out of the skate again produced pretty good edges, with a little more deviation. Lastly, I ran the other Flare runner in the skate, and tested it there. The results were all over the place. So it clearly seems that the problem was either with the sidewalls of the steel or the checker, or a combination of both. The Sparx is fine. The Flare Square is different than most others because it has a deeper channel and the top corner where the edge sits isn't square. I think the design was what was throwing it off because the Flare steel is worn down and may not have enough left to make good contact with the edge checker inside the skate. Either the set screw lands on the flared part, or the whole thing hits the holder.

Does this happen in the skste? And always in the same right or left skste?? If it happens in the same skate every time holder is bent. If your doing blade only out of skate. The machine is the issue.

When I said back on topic, that means STOP ACTING LIKE CHILDREN @oldtrainerguy28 @pgeorgan That means no “final words”. Just stop. The next person to post in this thread had better read and re-read their post to ensure it’s content is specifically about the Flare skate blade and has nothing to do with what machine they like, who they can name drop, or who cares about science more.

Which boots were highest on that study, out of curiosity? It's also nowhere near the price. As with just about everything else, there is always a tradeoff between price and quality. When considering price and performance, the Sparx is an excellent product for most home users, particularly those who don't have access to quality, or even competent, local sharpeners. And before you argue - no, not everyone has an extra $1000 to buy a ProSharp. No, most people don't have the time - either in training or sharpening - or possibly even the skill to use a manual machine. No, not everyone has a nearby sharpener that can sharpen a skate without ruining the profile - not even themselves. Yes, there is a lot to be said for the convenience of sharpening a skate while you pack your bag, allowing you to have good edges every session. No, the end result is not as good as other machines or a good hand sharpener. Yes, there are limitations on what it can do. Yes, it's probably still a good idea to send the steel to a quality sharpener for a refresh periodically. Yes, that partially defeats the purpose of having the machine. Yes, despite that it's still worth the money for what it delivers.

I should have just said strech wrap.

LOL no need to tell me... tell the guy who suggested Saran Wrap 😉

Clamp the steel in the vice then push firmlyish on the side of the skate. You are looking for the holder to move from an upright position and deviate to the side. If it is loose enough you will clearly see the holder go on a lean.

Wanted to top this thread, and maybe move the discussion out of the Flare thread, since it’s well away from that brand of steel. What can I look at at home to see if steel is loose in Edge holders? My vices are both vertically mounted, so I can’t hold hold horizontally by the steel. Is there a feeling/experience I can look for on the ice that might point to loose steel? I’ll ask my sharpener next time I’m there, but it helps me to see things with my own eyes.

I pull the tongue forward, and put the lace through the eyelet behind the tongue. Then tuck the tongue back under the eyelets after I've got all the laces through.

https://www.bauer.com/en-US/hockey-pads-protection/hockey-pants/supreme-s29-pants-senior-675865.html

3xl... https://www.icewarehouse.com/Bauer_Supreme_S29/descpage-BS29IP.html

This popped up on Sideline Swap if anyone is in need of a giant helmet. https://sidelineswap.com/gear/hockey/hockey-helmets/1198465-ccm-new-blue-large-11k-helemt

Totally agree, The OHL tries to represent that they take education seriously but its all a facade.