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I scheduled a Graf fitting at some shop in the island, and found another random shop that has True retails in stock, so I'll probably get out there some time next week. Looking forward actually. Not thrilled about having to spend more money, but I've kinda reached the point where I just want to play hockey without having to think about anything. Also arranged with my brother's roommate to try on his makos. I'll have to dig through that monster thread to find baking instructions. He only has a regular oven

It's all of those things. Generally, a lower tier skate meant for beginners is going to use lower quality/less advanced materials leading to being heavier, less stiff, lower durability, and resulting in lower cost. There are usually price points associated with each tier. Here's a more thorough description of the tiers: https://www.icewarehouse.com/lc/skates/how-to-select-an-ice-hockey-skate.html The $300 price point is usually a low to mid price point in other brands so that's why I said it's hard to tell where these skates fall. I didn't say that they ARE beginner or intermediate skates (although they may be), just that it's hard to tell. When you put a product in an established price point, people are going to think it's of similar quality. Maybe some shop owners would know better. Being a once piece boot doesn't automatically make it premium skate. I'm sure they could make the same once piece shell out of plastic. And fiberglass isn't that special. I agree that it seems like the TF7 provides a lot of bang for the buck but who knows.

Retails are likely made in China. People knock on things made in China and although there are some pretty shitty quality things coming from China, or dollar store stuff, the products coming from China from big names have pretty good QC. I would imagine the retails look way better in terms of fit and finish. From pics I've seen it already looks way better in terms of stitching, lack of glue residue, etc. Attention to detail is definitely something the Chinese are very good at... And reputation. All those factories probably fighting to get the contract to make products for diff companies.

Sure, there are differences, but I'm wondering how much of an impact they have on the overall skate. So the TF7 is a little bit: heavier and not quite as stiff. Is Clarino a significant upgrade from the nylon wicking? Maybe. Is the low profile tongue "better"? Steel is somewhat of a consumable, so not sure coated vs. regular makes a huge difference either. Maybe I am way off base, but I have a feeling the TF7 will be the popular choice for the value to performance ratio it provides.

Well, the TF9s have the same specs as the customs; they're just built on a standard last. I'm sure pros can get specs the average player can't, however; some pros will essentially wear custom TF9s. I don't think any pros would bother with a retail skate unless it was an emergency situation. When you're getting paid to perform your best; custom makes the most sense.

Yeah same here 😀

I find that most people who have issues with ankles and such, injuries, they usually prefer a skate like the 80k as it has more give/flex than other boots.

Yes! Got the "shipping soon" email as well. I think I am going to put them on some old Easton S15's. That should offset any weight issues.

The ST2 short hosel blade is dead this coming year then? I guess I have to start picking up some heatleys for my future.