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Howdy, I think the only "Must have" is an edge checker. I have both the Sparx as well as a cheapie ebay one. The ebay one is fine (its easy to check these... Put it on the skate facing one way, then put it on the skate on the same side of the runner facing the other way and see if it shows the same thing). The Sparx one is much nicer to use (mostly down to the spring loaded clamp that holds it on the runner, but also that its wider than the cheapie), if you don't mind the price. I call this a "must have" because for me, I've found that the alignment tool gets you close, but you need an edge checker to dial it in to perfect. I've also had one ring (out of maybe 10?) where the center of the ring apparently was off 6 or so clicks from the center of the alignment ring. Without an edge checker you basically can never know for sure if you have even edges. Now is the alignment tool by itself 'good enough?' My guess is frankly yes, that if the alignment tool says its centered then the range of unevenness you'll get is pretty small and probably small enough that most people would never notice. But most people don't want to play that game and want the edges even, period. After that its about "what's your usage?" If you want to be able to sharpen steel not in a skate, you'll want the blade holder. If you have coated steel you'll want a rubber stone. If you like non-dusty things, you'll want a cover. etc. You'll also want to think a bit about what grinding rings you'll want, if you're planning to do friend's skates. I plug the thing into a reasonably good surge protector. That's more of a "protect my device" thing vs. required by Sparx, of course. I really like using Wissota's Speed Skate to get a little better finish polish than the Sparx does by itself. https://wissota.com/product/speed-skate/ Mark PS... If the edge checker says you're off, adjust the alignment. DON'T do what lots of people recommend and turn the skate around and run the same number of passes in the other direction. Yes, that will give you even edges, but its at the expense of making a wider hollow. Sort of a poor man's flat bottom radius, which by itself isn't that bad a thing, but its pretty much unknowable as to what you're actually getting so being consistent with it across grinding rings will be quite difficult.

Agree with the edge checker and rubber stone if you're doing DLC coated runners. I'd also get the blade holder.

The Level Tool is a must in my mind.

It certainly helps bring it closer to the boot specs of the 2XR Pro, still not quite as premium, which is intentional and reflects in the pricing and specs. The 3X Pro is an amalgamation of the 2XR Pro and 2XR. If you can get the 2XR on sale, the chassis and wheel makes it a no brainer alone.

There’s a lot going on here with David’s shoulders. CCM belly pad, Old school Jofa chest pad, Reebok shoulder caps…

Howdy, IIRC its something impregnated with with a very fine abrasive / polishing compound. You essentially wet sand with it. Mark