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Ever look down a shaft and see plastic bags? That’s a bladder mold - blown up to take shape then popped. Compression molding is when the stick is wrapped around a mandrel in the molding process.

The stock laces were craaaaazy long; I think 120. I use 96” laces on my size 8 stock TF9’s. Have to undo the top eyelet and can usually open it up enough to twist my foot into the skate. Sometimes I have to undo the top two. I dislike having a lot of excess length after they’re tied. 96 on left, 108 on right

Mine are either 7.5 or 8, not 100% sure. But I use 108s. I have to unlace the top two eyelets to get them off, but this way the laces aren't super long after I tie them.

Imagine being the person who needs so much control and petty power in their life they are mandating what color of laces and helmets mite players must wear.

It's not surprising that 7.5 skates from Bauer and CCM would be too small if it looks like you need a 7.5 True. For most people, after a proper bake, the True retail player skates fit at least a half size longer than current CCM and Bauer skates in the same size. So, if the 7.5 True retail skates end up being the right size for you, you'd likely need at least an 8 in CCM/Bauer. It's great you tried on so many pairs though. I also agree that being able to bake and try skates before being stuck with them is fantastic and am happy to see CCM and True offering satisfaction guarantees.

I have some being made. I am very particular about fabric so it took me a while to find the right type of fabric, proper fit, at decent price.

You’re all right. Honestly the 7.5 feels very similar to the 8 except the ridge they put at the front of the toe box to take up space. However as is always the case my left foot still was barely touching and my right was a little more then grazing. Will return the 7.5 for 7 which they also have to order from another store. p.s I did try on a 6.5 when ordering the 7.0 just to see. Literally could not get my foot in. Also if the area just before the toe box is too wide is that a problem? Obviously narrow causes pain and such but if there’s a lot of space side to side is that negative

If recent news has reminded us of anything, it is that successful coaches can also be dicks.

Step 1, remove existing laces Step 2, mesure existing laces Step 3, buy correct size.

It was like that across the two leagues they played in. l never really thought much of it. I've got no problem with the kids looking uniform, especially as they move up the ranks. The person you're referring to has been the director (and coach) of a pretty successful Tier 2 program, mite through midget major, for over twenty years at this point. He must be doing something right. I've never heard anyone complain about little Braden using a helmet that matches his jersey or not using neon green laces when the team colors are black and red. /shrug

Have you taken the insole out to see how it lines up with your foot? Lacking x-ray vision it can be hard to see what’s going on with the fit, and seeing is often believing. You have some peculiarities with your feet it sounds like you’re on top of, which is great. But size is just a reference number, and sometimes doesn’t align to what’s expected at all. Try to ignore the number for everything but knowing where you’re at in the fit scale. Don’t let a number scare you from buying the skate that fits the best.

Well, I wear 10W dress shoes and 10 sandals and have a pair of converted TF9 inline skates in 7W. They felt too small at first, but after baking and about 10 hours of skating they feel like the right length. I scan a 7.5 Fit 3 on the Bauer scanner. So, based on your Bauer and shoe size I'd recommend a 7 TF9. With that said, I wear 8EE Mako II skates. If you should've been in 8.5 Makos then perhaps a 7.5 is the way to go. With the 30 day guarantee, trying either size isn't that risky. Just make sure they're properly baked and you wear them for several hours before deciding if they're the right size.

If your length is right with 7.5 Bauer skates, I think you should try a size 7 True skate. It just sounds like the Bauer models are just too narrow where the toe cap meets the boot. The Trues are wider in that area. The 7 True will certainly feel too small before baking and you'll have to completely undo the top two laces and twist your foot in even after baking, but from what you're describing it sounds like you may be better off in a 7 True than a 7.5 after baking and break in. If you want to try the 7.5 first, it's low risk since you can return them within 30 days if they end up being too big, but if that happens, I'd try a 7 before spending the money on a custom skate.

You could move the tongues down further into the toe box or use something like Powerfoot to take up some of the toe box space.

There is a LOT to unpack here. Choosing a player on the Blackhawks and Kane himself as someone to introduce a logo that is supposed to promote inclusivity and diversity is definitely a choice. I want to know how many "not important" people sat in the meetings discussing this and offering warnings but the higher ups always just push forward. Anyone who has worked in the corporate world knows exactly the meetings I am talking about.

I may be misremembering but about that time, near the Bauer buyout, I think they took all Mexican production and moved it to China. Guys deeper in the industry may be able to confirm or deny that

FWIW, I just checked two Stealth CX sticks - one is retail (gold highlights) and the other is a Tyler Bozak pro model (blue highlights). They were both made in China.

Gotta upload the image to a host. https://imgbb.com/ The V3 was a lower price point stick and was not made in Mexico. Only top sticks. BTW, as a big fan of Easton sticks myself, I would say try pro stock hockey sticks. Com. Definitely have a very Easton feel and lot of custom curves. @PBHgot me into them and I like them a lot.

Still got yellow laces on my old Grafs

If a skates fits someone properly and it’s the correct skates for them, waxed laces shouldn have to be used. The skate can’t always flex with waxed and as a result eyelits pop and the skate breaks down faster