bergstsm

There was about a 45-55 minute lag before any skating. Im not a "knowledgeable" gearhead, so I omitted that fact out of ignorance (shouldnt have). My skates were being sharpened, and I ended up buying two kids' worth of new gear and new sticks for myself during the same trip to the store. It was nowhere near 2 hours, but wasnt straight from the oven to the ice either. They werent brought out from a retail box, FWIW. I'd venture a guess that these would be demos, as there is always demo gear available to test out, including skates and sticks.

its like throwing me keys to a brand new porsche and being told to drive it. So I drive it.......like I stole it. I wont be paying for the wear and tear.

I did. The guys in the shop know me as the MLX guy, and were real curious to get my feeback while they sharpened my skates. They baked a pair and sent me out on their synthetic ice and asked me to give them my thoughts. Here's what I said: They feel lighter than my MLX in my hands, but the fit was very much on par. IF I didnt look down, I'd swear I had my skates on. Very similar boot. Boot fit after baking was better. It took me 3 bakings to get the right fit on mine, this one felt good the first time. If I bought them, I might punch out the same hotspot on my right foot just a little, but it was almost grab and go on this boot after the first 10 minute bake. The tendon guard is identical in function, but does 'feel' different; a little less stiff. Skating on them, my stride feels very similar, though. The boot fit in the arch area is similar, and retains the slight elevation of the top of my foot that the MLX had. If you have a tall foot it might give you pause. But having skated on MLX for over a year now, it doesnt bother me. The tongue is not removable anymore, feels similar, but not identical. Maybe a little thinner, but comfortable. Would I buy them if I was in need of skates? Yes, in a heartbeat. Its feel great in all the right places on my foot. Would I trade my MLX skates for them today? Probably not; mine are less than a year old. It would be the right progression if mine were worn out. All in all, its a better looking finished product than the MLX, and a little less weighty. As far as fit and skating, it's like I was was wearing my own.