Leaderboard

As some who pushed off getting custom skates due them being being "too expensive" and subsequently regretting that original thought process, I've grown to appreciate the "Custom" route that is more readily available for us on the retail side. At the end of the day, comfort is critical for the enjoyment/safety/performance of the sport. I'm sure there are people who've had issue after issue with stock helmets over the years and finally have a viable option: I'm all for that.

I played with the OG O1 chassis and currently use the R1. The R1 feels much better to me when playing. You can definitely "get away" with using the O1 but I'd spring for the R1 if you can.

As long as the holders are mounted centrally, it's not the steel, it's the boot. It's a newer, stiffer boot that I assume is fitting you better than your older boot. This better fit helps to hold the ankle straighter therefore you have more edge biting into the ice. Your older boot has less support for the ankle, this allows the ankle to fold slightly inwards on the outside edge (the boot stands more upright) and therefore the edge isn't as good. If you are noticing this big a difference between the 2 boots on an outside edge then your bio mechanical alignment (ie pronation) over the skate blade isn't that good.

If it's the identical steel swapped to the new skate/holder then maybe it's just the newer boot with more stiffness creating the feeling of a sharper edge? Maybe the old holder was worn and the steel was sitting ever so slightly off so it felt less sharp? I'm just coming up with theories but my bet is the stiffer boot has your foot in a better position and therefore the steel is contacting the ice a little different and feeling a bit sharper.

A $400 helmet will reduce concussions better than a normal helmet. .....because the buyer will have less money to spend on actually playing. Finally, a groundbreaking innovation in helmet safety.