jimmy

Did I show up at the wrong rink? No way I get to that deflection without the FBV. I put 4 of my teammates on FBV's. In all cases, they were faster by leaps and bounds. One older, good but overweight player, was able to pull off 3 breakaways, something he was never able to do before. The only downside to the FBV is once everyone gets it, then we are all even again until the next breakthrough.

Excellent. And unlike some companies who market stuff without any independent testing, it's refreshing to see BS have all their ducks in a row, with quantifiable data.

Agreed.....I've never seen an oggie grip. In some ways, I think your impression of Oggie Grips being a bust is due to the internet. What I mean is there is a saying about "you don't know what you don't know" but it's the opposite here. I haven't spoken with Joe in a couple of months, but he said the sales of the grips have increased each year. Plus he's starting to get NHL players to use the grips, although sometimes he modifies the grips so much that it's hard to tell. In any event, let's go back 5+ years to before MSH (or the Easton board) were created. Let's say you've never heard about an Oggie Grip, but you noticed something real weird on an NHL player's stick, so you ask the guy at the shop what it is. No idea. Enough kids ask that question all year before the owner of the shop makes a connection that that was the booth he buzzed by at the trade show, then he remembers he saw an ad by them in USA Hockey, so he calls Joe to inquire about carrying the grips. That's a common chronology prior to the age of the message board. You wouldn't consider a product a bust because you'd have no idea how long it'd been on the market. In the case of Joe's product, I think it's crazy to suggest a product whose sales have increased annually is a bust, particularly when we know that NHL players using products help drive sales, and Joe didn't get NHL approval until last season (I believe). I realize the counter argument could come from a retailer like Jimmy saying they haven't sold well in his shop, which would mean Joe's happy because his sales have increased, but Jimmy's not happy because the products sat. That's a fair assessment, yet the products have always sold well during demo days, so it may just be that this product won't ever have explosive growth -- it's just going to be slow and steady over the years as more people try it. You are partially correct. However, also with the age of the internet and BB's, and hockey journals in every rink, many people are exposed to product advertising before a product even makes it to the stores. I judge popularity and sales potential by how many people ask me for a product, either phone calls or in the store. If there is enough interest, then I'll stock it. In the case of Oggies, I think I got a dozen from Ronnie B. at first. It took a yr to sell them. I think the problem was the amount of stick that had to be cut off to install them, people didn't want to risk it. it may be a great product, just lack of interest in our area for wierd butt plugs. FWIW, the angled ones didn't sell much either.

On that note - SmartHockey Stickhandling balls? I know every shop seems to have tons, but I don't think I've ever heard of someone actually buying or using one. we sell one or two a week. We've been selling them for 6 yrs. They sell great, not a bust for sure. I'd guess and say we sold approx 1000. Now Oggie grips.... that's a bust. But we also must take into account that some things sell better in different parts of the country.

For those unfamiliar: http://www.gohocks.com/hockey/index.php Yup, hocks were a bust for sure. I don't think I even sold one at regular price. I told them, they needed to make the upper in black, not white. They looked like a tidy whitey sewn onto socks. If they were black, they would have sold.

The Curtis Curve is not a bust, many love it and still use it. I had one, a VIC in the early 80's, in fact it's up in the rafters in my garage. for sale, best offer :) I personally didn't like it but I have lots of people ask for it. I've been selling the Eagle version, no problem. Goalies still like it.

How many cuts with the spinner do you get before it needs replacement?

Yea, I hated to change from ralph, but the shipping, duties and fees were just ridiculous.

I'm not sure. It depends on if England has higher duties from stuff coming from Canada or the US. I'd go with whomever is cheaper, shipping and duties. I had been using NASH but switched to Midwest. Shipping is cheaper and no duties for me. NASH seemed more "informed".

Yes, the steel is excellent, although I haven't got the veliocity in goalie, just the regulars. The Step goalie steel is like 1/2" taller than the standard RBK's. Very pricey tripple of the RBK's. And Skate Dr, you have to contact a STEP distributor, not the main company. For you I would go thru NASH.

Be sure to let us know how long the edges hold, compared to your old steel. Intervals between sharpenings.

Why? The Pitch steel is perfect. No reason for an aftermarket version. Actually the width of the Step steel would enhance the fit and the performance of the Pitch Holder even more so though. Hmmm? Just measured the Step and the Mission widths, they are the same, within .5mm. Both around 2.95mm. As with any steel there could be variations in width, but I don't think that would be enough to make any noticeable performance difference. Is there something i'm missing?

Why? The Pitch steel is perfect. No reason for an aftermarket version.

No LS2.1 yet. Step would be foolish not to produce replacement runners for the Bauer models. I checked today with two STEP distributors, neither knew anything about 2.1's, so I imagine it will be some time before we see them.

The reason why they are liked by skaters and trainers is that they are less likely to break in a game situation than the stock steel.

What skaters have told me is that they noticed extra stability and more power in heel turns with the STEPS.

Oh, I know how to prevent it... I even own a ozone chamber. I just thought I was immune because if I hadn't got it in 45yrs, why would I get it now. Answer: SUPERBUG!

Just got back from the doctor to get stitches out, however another round of horse pill antibiotics, at least not more IV's. For those of you who don't think you can get staff infection from hockey equipment...oh well that's another topic. I'll get a good pick of the Velocity mirror finish here later today.

The price is closer to $70 each, not a pair. Very tough to swallow. To some it will be worth it.

I sharpened my first pair on Monday. They came out very nice. Customer picked them up today so I'll see what he has to say. They have an unbelievable mirror finish. When I tried to take a pic to post here, you could see my camera reflection and my face in the pic. They sharpened fine, didn't seem to have much shavings/curls that needed to be honed, but I honed them with a 220grit followed by a diamond hone and it didn't mar the finish at all.

I have a big order of the Velocity steel coming in the next few days. This is my first Velocity I've gotten so for now can't say benefits other than simply it will hold edges better and be less likely to break or rust. I have 2 customers waiting for the Velocity, so after they test it out I'll see what they have to say. It is pricey, prob most wouldn't spend $65 per runner, although some would. Heck, figure skaters spend much much more than that, I guess it will be where your priorities are, e.g, flashy colored stick, or better performing steel. The regular Step steel is better than most manufacturers stock steel and virtually everyone who has replaced their stock with it is happy so I envision the same will be true with the Velocity. On some holders the Step needs a light tap with a rubber mallet to sit the steel the first time after installing, after that it goes in easy.

Hi, I know your predicament, I use to live in Southern Maryland and play up in Mt Vernon. I don't recall any LHS's in the area, I did all my business with a LHS near my home town. I really don't sell equipment like the online stores, I'm more of a local guy and really just sharpen skates my mail. Some MSHrs have asked me for stuff and I'm glad to help if their LHS doesn't have the product, but it's not something I want to get deep in to. I recommend you go to JR if you want something. This is his board, and from what many have said, he'll treat you right. If he can't then PM me and I'll see what I can do for you.

Jimmy: Actually, not to split hairs, I didn't misquote you, you mis-directed me to the "post above" rather than one 4 or 5 posts back. No wonder I was confused! And I remain confused in that you direct your customers to MSH so they can get information, yet you have repeated several times in this thread that you don't believe MSH should be "giving away information for free" because it is "cutting our own throats". As I said in my earlier post, from reading your comments in this thread... "Your stand seems to be, and I may be confused by this, that it is "much better to keep everyone UNINFORMED, so that I, the LHS, am the only source of product information and they are forced to come to me". Your second stand seems to be: "An informed person will rip me off/scam me by going and buying the product somewhere else."" Certainly the industry faces many challenges, and arguably the entire industry has been very slow to change. We agree, I believe, that brick & mortor businesses must evolve or die. Where we differ, I think, is where and in what way. I believe that a well-informed customer IS your best customer. Of all people they recognize the inherent value of a well informed and well stocked LHS. There are other areas to change; but of course, I'm not going to discuss that here, because it would be giving it away for free! Although I don't believe my business experience is relevant to the point, I'll satisfy your curiosity: Yes, I have owned a business; I am very much aware of profit and loss statements. I am now a marketing and advertising professor; I am well aware of the vast shifts in business practice and strategy as the world has transformed. And, just in case you subscribe to the adage "those that can, do: those that can't, teach" ... LOL, for many years I worked in advertising with experience in virtually every product and service category, (including both LHS and a hockey manufacturer) with a particular specialization in, and fondness for, retail. I have also developed business plans and strategies for on-line companies as well as developed strategies for retailers faced with stiff on-line and/or big box competition. I think your putting words in my mouth. I never said I want to keep customers MISINFORMED, that's your interpretation and your wording.. I have no problem ON THESE TYPE BOARDS, helping people find information about a product and do it quite often. Simply put, giving them exact instructions how to buy something on ebay or online is against my interests, and that of the local hockey stores in their area. I liken it to a auto mechanic or a doctor who worked hard learning his trade, then going on a board and posting info how to bypass their locals. The post I quoted is a perfect example of what I'm talking about. I notice you didn't have any comments about that, and that's fine. Well, got to go, I hear a guy at Coke is posting the secret recipe on a BB. :D

Hockeymom, I don't expect you to understand. Business has changed quite a bit since the online and ebay explosion. We brick and mortor stores have service as an edge over the online stores. Service includes the ability to feel, see and try on equipment and get proper fitting and advice. There is a price to pay for that service, yet some want to have it both ways. You misquoted the post I was referring about, here's the correct one: "I've got friends who recently bought skates of E-bay but used their LHS to try the skates on first to see if they liked them or not. Turns out that they saved about 400$ Cnd for XXX's. Now I personally think that it is not fair for the LHS owner as he provided a service but did not get any rewards. I think it sucks for the LHS. However, you can't blame the customer much either as he's saving a lot of money" My customers are not the enemy as you suggest. I actually have a MSH link on my website and encourage customers to visit this and other boards to get as much info as they can. Curious to know what your business is and what your internet competition is like.

I agree with you, those who don't have LHS's nearby have a dillema. When I was in the military and stationed at god-forsaken places that had no LHS's, I had to rely on advice given by phone from a trusted LHS in another part of the country. We didn't have online and ebay stores. However for every one person like you who doesn't have a LHS nearby and is using the board for true need, there are 20 who are on these boards just to save a buck, no other reason. You don't have to believe me, on this board alone you will find many posts from folks, who admit scamming their LHS, trying stuff on and then buying from ebay or online. Perfect example is the post above. Until you've been scammed, you really don't know how it feels.