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Those are pur-tay. Never been a fan of the Vapor fit though. I guess I'd have to buy a pair and bake 'em to really see how they go.

Background: I will be giving this review from a referee's prospective. For my first 2 years of officiating, I used the same skates for adult league and refereeing (NikeBauer One70). At the beginning of the hockey season, I decided to finally buy 2 skates: one for playing (Easton Mako) and one for officiating (RBZ). I was hesitant at first but I figured since I plan on officiating for a while, I might as well make sure I have equipment dedicated to the specific craft. Before my RBZ purchase, the last pair CCMs I had were the 652 SuperTacks from my youth days. I knew I was in for something else. Officiating Specs: 5'11"...205lbs...work Youth (both travel and scholastic), JRs (all tier III), ACHA club hockey (DI - DIII) and Adult league...work all four officiating systems (usually as a linesman at the higher levels). Size: 9.5D Ice time: roughly on the ice 3-4 times/week Usage: About 7 months Fit: Ah. It took about 2 months for these skates to break in and be pain-free. The RBZs seem to take on the traditional the longer period wasn't totally surprising. During the break-in period I experienced lace bite, arch pain and tightness in the foot box area (not nearly as bad as I had with my previous pair of skates). Now that they are broken in, the RBZs are roomy and comfortable and I don't have any issues with them. The custom support insoles make significant difference in comfort and support also (I use the MED size). I do have to skip the top eyelet so that I can gain forward flex and lengthen my stride. CCM made a stiff boot and that is the only way I can truly use the RBZs to its fullest potential. 8/10 Blade/Holder: The blade/holder combo is the best I've experienced/seen on a pair of CCMs. With the Hyper-Glide runners, there isn't near as much bite as I have experienced with other skates. It took me a little bit to get use to but I've enjoyed the decreased resistance with every stride. 10/10 Weight/Protection: The RBZs are well constructed. Going the traditional theme, they aren't the lightest skates on the market. But given there depth and width, I feel they are on par with its competitors. I've been whacked with sticks and hit with pucks. The worse I had it was when a wrap-around hit the inside ankle of my right foot. Left a bruise and my ankle was somewhat swollen but I would expect the same result with any other boot. 10/10 Durability: The RBZs have held up well and given my previous experience with CCM, this comes at no surprise. I do have to point out that one of my top eyelets (that so happen to NOT use) is already coming apart. 9/10 Intangibles: I'm bullish on the looks of the RBZ. CCM modernized their look without looking gimmicky. As an official, I feel it's important for me to look professional no matter what level I am working. I've had both fellow officials and players comment on how much they like the look of the RBZs. CCM has made the necessary step(s) to having looks match performance. 10/10 Conclusion: I'm a fan again. It's as simple as that. I feel that the RBZs represent the growth in R&D by CCM and it shows in their skate. The worst part about this skate is the break-in period. It was the worst I experience in a while but well worth it in the end. I highly recommend RBZs for people looking for more volume/width. 47/50 = 9.4/10

Man, that is rough. There always be those men and women who take adult hockey way too seriously. I am surprised the officials didn't step in. I can see waiting for your partner to come in with you but not doing anything is dangerous (as you had to experience first hand). Stay strong my friend.

With the my Makos, I use every eyelet but I don't tie my skates tight. The Makos fit my feet more like a sock so I don't rely on my laces as much as I would wearing my RBZs. I haven't had any problems and I've had my Makos for a year now.

This is so true about the Makos. Bake first and go from there.

I haven't handled the EK15 (only the T100) but the Surgeon shaft is concave. I get my first try at it tonight and see what impact, if any, it has on the way I handle the shaft.

Interesting color scheme. I like the blue but maybe with gray? Either way, I'm intrigued.

Impressive. The should increase their market share by going 'all black.'

Ah. That's not right haha.

Interesting. I guess Mako II would have address that issue? I haven't had the 'pleasure' of deal with Mako bumps so I'd be interested to see how the Mako II's do when they are released for retail sales.

I meant 'I would NOT be opposed' but I agree. I know the Pens were removing themselves from years of misery but I wasn't impressed with what he did during his tenure.

Add Ms. Knight to that list.

You can throw Eddie O in the mix as well. All three of them could be replaced and I would be opposed. Apparently, Eddie wants to get back into coaching. You think some organization(s) will give him a look?

*Slow golf clap* Well played sir. Well played.

Him and Pierre are a dynamic duo.

If USA wins, you have to tape it with stars and stripes haha.

Do you find yourself working more in Accounting or IS? A balanced blend of both? I minored in IS and it was a nice entry-level experience to some of the applications/software used in accounting. Excel and Access, to lesser extent, are the only two I use now and had exposure to in college.

I've been fortunate to have not experienced any problems with my Makos. Wish I could say the same for my RBZs ha.

Point well taken. I guess higher 'education' needs to take on a new definition then ha. I'm glad I majored in Accounting. It gives the degree holder many options when heading into the work force and/or post-grad education.

It's sad but true. College fails to 'keep it real' with those enrolled. It's one big and expensive bubble ha. Now you are ready to become an official. It's amazes me how some coaches and parents forget the fact they are suppose to show leadership for the kids. This will always be a problem because there is no accountability.

I too have keep runner/holder combo that comes as stock. My lower back doesn't hurt as much as it use to when I had my NikeBauers (due to the way I skate and slight curvature in my lower spine). It only took me one game to get use the aggressive pitch. Easy transition.

Now do it again haha.

Well that's good to here. I guess I'm overstating the negative experiences ha. Mine are still going strong so no complaints.

From my limited experience in the real world experience, you are better off majoring in Accounting than Finance. Your employment opportunities are greater with the former than the latter. I majored in Accounting (minor in MIS) and I know that I still could have worked in the financial sector. I work as an accountant now and probably wouldn't have my job right now if I had majored in Finance. I'm glad I listened to my Dad back in high school. I had always wanted to work in the financial side of sports and was ready to major in Sports Mgmt. He told me that I run the risk of pigeon-holing myself with that major and should look to purse an Accounting degree. With the degree, I could still find my way into sports if I really wanted to or look otherwise. This was back in 2006 during my senior year. This is also the year that the economy is now what we have come to know. As for consulting, there really isn't a degree for that line of work. It all depends what industry(ies) you want to specialize in. With all that said, I would consider a Master in Accountancy. This type of program is made people who want be CPA and either don't have enough credits or didn't have an BS in Accounting. Just something to consider. It's amazing what you learn OUTSIDE of college ha.

I'm digging the Mako 2s. As for my Makos, I'm not on the ice as much as I'd like to be but it seems to be a blessing in disguise. Based on the feedback, it seems like the Makos aren't fairing well in the durability department.