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Yes. You can contact True directly (via phone or e-mail) and request to purchase different tongues. I think they're around $80 USD for a pair?

I've made that suggestion before; that is @JR Boucicaut's call... 🙂

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.

I had a Grade 3 tear of my MCL last year - 90% torn. My Ortho used to work in the NBA. I was never given a serious surgical option. It was possible but completely unneccesary, even for my severe injury. I was given extensive rehab. Not even a brace. After I returned to skating, I tweaked it a little and the doc suggested a cheap compression brace with flexible supports, nothing with a hinge, until my body got used to the laxity. I still wear it but mostly because it feels weird to go without it. He was adamant about not using strong support for collateral ligament injuries because they will often lead to further, and possibly worse, injury. Cruciate ligaments need them because they're under constant stress and see more dynamic forces applied. But collateral ligaments see less frequent stressors. Typically the body can support itself from most forces better than a brace can. If you need the brace to keep you from injury, especially after the initial recovery, then the force is probably too strong for the brace anyway, and the brace and ligament will fail regardless. Just what I was told.

“If you can dangle a wrench, you can dangle a puck!”

$20 Play it Again score.

Level shaming, really?? Almost as bad a membership/post count shaming...luckily I got that one covered. You don't need to be playing D1 or in the show to know when something's wrong. Just because someone never played to certian level doesn't mean they aren't an experienced player. In short, settle down Francis. Onto Flare. The major hurdle I see, they are trying to crack a market lousy with brand loyality and skepticism. New tech and concepts aren't always welcomed with open arms. Could be great. They may not get a chance based on those factors.