icewalker_bg

New sticks. All 75 flex E3 curve.

New skates to add to my existing Makos. Mako M7 7d and 6.5d, 6.5d turned out too small as I am already a bit squeezed in the 7s, it was the only size left on HM so I figured id try.

Same can be said about other brands - Easton Stealth S15 forward QC and durability has been so bad. S15 / S17 getting unglued and rivets, Makos - Well its makos endless problems and poor QC with those skates, Bauer NXG - Just about everyone I know the tendon guard is broken, Bauer Edge holders screw up... I know Graf has had issues, I am not taking sides but not sure why so much hate towards Graf. I know lots of guys that have had 709 / 735 IIRC for many many years, and are super happy with them.

I struggled in the beginning with the stance, took me a few hours to adjust, to be honest my body still tries to throw me off sometimes even today after 2 years or so in the Makos, it remembers all the years skating on skates that did not put me in such a deep knee bend and leaning forward.

The original Mako boxes did not say 16min, it has always been a MAXIMUM of 10min and I have seen plenty, unless its a batch that I a have never seen. 8-10Min is what I have been doing for probably 7-8 pairs, at home, works like a charm, 16 is overkill I find. EDIT : Just saw some comments the first boxes were saying 16min, absolutely not needed if you ask me.

I am sorry I missed your post above somehow where you explained everything. You know best how you feel, they are different than your vapors yes, but I do believe that you gave up way too fast if you skated only a few minutes or so on them. I could not step on my feet after removing them after the first hour or two, arch completely numb and in pain, which is simply the amazing wrap my feet have never seen and keeping somewhat squezzed , my feet were always used to ''flatting out in skates that were always too wide and too voluminous''.

My feet were going numb too the 1st few shifts, zero problems now. Which ones did you get? The original Mako's were slightly softer than the M2, M8 and m7, but they are not a soft skate by any means, you must really like a stiff boot.

How is the Vapor better if it is tearing your feet apart?

HM used to charge 10$ shipping, when I ordered mine a few days ago they did not, it is free shipping now. So technically it is cheaper.

I agree with you 100%. Every foot is diffent. Id say it mostly has to do with volume issues, obviously the if you are fine in CL volume wise, the makos might feel a bit tight, and to compensate youd get .5 bigger. Lenght wise, toes touching for me while standing in a Mako 7d and a CL 7d.

Same, the only difference is i had to put two insoles in my CL's, much more volume than the Makos.

Absolutely, unbaked = most uncomfortable skate, some cannot even put they feet in. Baked = Most comfortable skate you have ever put on your feet. I have a narrow heel, medium-low volume.

And just ordered two more pairs on HM of the M7s

I am currently using the M7 and the original orange Makos. I prefer the M7, the ankle padding is better, they are stiffer, and the thick pro style tongue (personal preference, its not everyone, takes some volume away).

The M7 is probably light years ahead of your U+ 10 in terms of fit and performance.

Ya. Because of you now I'll have even more Mako skates.

Loose, yes, look at page 122.

nope

Try my suggestion above, it works wonders, you can squeeze the rear to make it narrower or even work it with your hand to make a better wrap and contour around the rear of your ankles, its super easy.

I have a narrower than average heel, heel lock was never an issue for me.

The mako is a wide skate? Remove the tendon guard, heat gun heel area gently, then pinch the area with a towel and your fingers, stop when you are satisfied, you will see how much narrower itll get. Place in freezer for 15min.

RE AKT 75, the safest hockey helmet according to Virginia Tech ! Oh, I dont think you got enough of them true sticks, you should probably buy a few more.

Aint no thang like a RE AKT helmet, thing feels simple amazing, words cant describe how happy my head is. I have been using a 9900 / 9500 / 8500 for very long time in a L/XL, but in the RE AKT I am a M.

Finally got my M7's, probably the best skate I will ever buy for under 200$. I was afraid from all the comments that it is a softer skate, but is definitely stiffer than the Mako 1s, and as stiff as the Mako 2. Not a skate for everyone, the low volume boot and the super thick tongue will give you trouble if you have anything over low volume feet. Very lightweight too, only 40 grams or so heavier than the Mako 1. HM just restocked all sizes in M7 and M8's.

Mako 1 / Mako M7 Skates Easton E3 Sticks