215BroadStBullies610

I've had a couple of eyelets come lose/out since the initial purchases during the spring. Other than that, I've enjoyed them a lot.

Diggin' the Makos!!!!

I agree. With the loud design of the Mako, there is no way I'd use them to officiate a game. The SE would open several avenues including the one I just mentioned.

I feel that the flexible guards' affect is predicated on how tightly you lace up. Having that extra give could be beneficial.

Hello everybody! About Me: I've used Bauer for most of my hockey life, stints with CCM and Graf. I got my last pair of Bauers during my freshman year of college in 2006 and was long over due for a new pair of skates. They were 9.5D and the fit was ideal except for the toe box being a bit too tight. Between playing Men's A and officiating games, feet were taking a beating. This past spring, I felt it was time to upgrade. As a Bauer enthusiast, I gave a long, hard look at all three lines of skates they had to offer. There just something about the Makos and the unknown intrigued me enough to purchase my first pair of Easton skates. I was somewhat hesitant when I first bought them but I can now say with confidence that it was worth it. I felt that this was a fantastic opportunity to not only upgrade my equipment but also expand my horizon as to what the hockey market has to offer. Player Specs: 5' 11"....210 lbs....Men's A league...Forward/Defenseman Size: 9.5D Playing time: I'm on one team...about 1-2 every week Usage: About 4 months. Aesthetics: I don't know if theses skates will ever fully grow on me haha. I never thought that I would ever buy these skates so at least I've gotten past that point. It's the heel that really turns me off. Maybe if they made the heel black to agree with the rest of the boot? Idk. This is really a non-issue in the grand scheme of things. The design itself is modern and sharp and agrees with the aggressive boot/holder. Let's put it like this: you won't have any problem spotting these on the ice! 7/10 Blade/Holder: There doesn't seem to be anything unique about the ES4 blade. The fun starts with the CXN holder. This holder first came to my attention when MLX came on the scene. This holder truly promote an aggressive skating stance which was immediately noticed when first put on the Makos. I already have an aggressive skating style so the Makos compliment my style. I did take me a couple of games to get use, especially skating backwards, but it's been smooth skating ever since. With the CXN holder, I also find myself more on the balls of my feet with encourages more knee bend. I like what MLX and Easton has done here. 9/10 Fit & Break-in Period: If there was any skate made for baking, the Makos are it. When I first put on these skates, I was concerned with how uncomfortable they were. The felt awkward for me given my low arch and going to a more aggressive skate. I contemplated going EE width due to my wider feet but I figured that sticking with D was better based on the boot's flexibility/mold-ability. After I got them baked, they conformed to my feet better than any other skate I've ever worn. I was shocked by the 'night and day' experience with the pre-bake and post-bake. As for breaking these bad boys in, it only took about 2-3 games for me to feel comfortable with them. I had a little pain near the arch area my first game but I think it was just due to the hold. I was really impressed with how little work I had to put in for these skates to feel like an extension of my body. 10/10 Durability: If there is one area I still have reservations on, it's the durability of the skate. I haven't had any major problems with this skate yet but with a boot this flexible, I can't help but be a little concern. Easton warns about eyelets coming out if one ties too tight immediately after baking. With this in mind, I made sure just to tie my skates with mindset of having the skate fully conform to the shape of my feet. Even with my cautious mentality, I still had 2 eyelets come out on me. It's the only problem that I had but a concern nonetheless. With the Torx tendon guard, along with aforementioned boot, I'll hold off until I get a full year or so out of these skates. Come late fall and all throughout winter, I'll be able to get more ice time at the local prep school so I hope to have a more confident score. 7/10 Performance: My Holder portion of this review goes hand in hand with Performance. This skate really allows my to go through my skating motion with ease. The boot is stiff enough to give support but doesn't prohibit me from having proper technique. Whether going full out or utilizing my agility (or lack there of ha) I feel like the Mako isn't getting in the way of me doing exactly what I want me feet and legs to do. I feel that the boot, along with the Torx guard, really do aid in allowing any skater to experience an increase in range in motion. Big fan of that both parties collaborated to do here. 10/10 Weight: These skates are heavier than the NXGs (go figure) but lighter (by a couple of grams) than the APX2s and RBZs so take comfort in knowing that these skates are on par with the rest of the market. 9/10 Overall: I didn't think I would enjoy this skate as much as I have. The hardest part for me was breaking away from what I knew. I'm glad I did. I enjoy skating with this skate and also writing this review because it's been an interesting adventure since Day 1. Durability/Protection seem to be the biggest ? mark for the Makos but I feel that if you want something out of the box, this is the way to go. Everyone I have talked to has asked me about these skates and I tell them the same thing: it's like no other skate out there in the current market. 43/50 = 8.6/10

You are exactly right. It was my first pair of Eastons. I wasn't a fan prior to the Makos. They have changed my mind for @ least the near future.

No doubt! They had to grow on me but I've gotten use to mine.

I've seen the same reality between games I've played and officiated. You'd be fortunate to see one pair of Makos between both squads in any given game. I know in my Men's A league, I'm the only dude who has a pair.

Cool. That was my only concern. I like what CCM has done with the infusion of new design/technology.

Are the blades in the RBZ really that shiny in person? I wanted to get a pair but I'm not digging the 'mirror-like' finish.

Well, if it ain't broke haha...

I have wider feet and I wear a 9.5 D Mako boot and the fit nice and snug. I still use my old pair of Bauer Supremes (same size) for officiating and the toe box is too tight to the point that I'll have to get a new pair at size 9.5 EE. I haven't had any problems with my Makos so I'm glad I stuck with D. Baking the boots was the key for me.

Yea, I had no idea. What a newb ha.

Finally got me a pair. I was previous wearing Bauer Supreme One70 in 9.5D with the issue of my right big toe being mushed after being in them for a while. I stuck with the 9.5D when purchasing my Makos and they actually feel more comfortable. As mentioned before, these skates are night and day when it comes to pre-bake and post-bake fits. I got them baked at my local Total Hockey (for free!) last Friday and played my first game in them last night. No problems. I'll try to post a review in mid-fall but just had to give my first experience.

Hello all! Durometer: XXX grip with Bevo Swiss Elite Micro bearings (668) Size: 80mm Body Specs: 5'11" 215lbs...play both forward and defenseman...intermediate skater League: Adult (intermediate) Surface: SportCourt Used with: Tour Thor EX1...1-2x/week Duration: 4 months Grip: I do feel that these wheels live up to their self-proclamation as being ultimate grippers. Given my weight and being an ice hockey player/official (the difference is apparent immediately) playing inline on the side, grip is of the utmost importance. I'm a heavier guy so my weight helps to optimize the wheels' grip. 9/10 Speed: These wheels haven't given me any drag when moving around the rink. Even with the accumulation of dust, there isn't any evident resistance. When I want to move, I move. Can't complain about that. 9/10 Durability: This is my biggest beef with these wheels. They seem to wear quickly and I'm not on the rink nearly enough for this to occur. My inside edges are already apparent on the wheels and while I don't mind it while I skate, it does make for harder turns. This aspect may be the biggest reason why I would consider another brand of wheel. 6/10 Looks (aka 'Dress Game'): I'm big on the white/clear wheels with the gold and black font. They complement EX1 boots well. 9/10 Value: This would be the other reason why I would consider another brand of wheel. When you add the cost of the 688 bearings, one could probably find cheaper bearings/wheels using 608s for their setup. Since these wheels came with the EX1's, it was a chance for a trial run. 7/10 Conclusion: I like how the wheels have performed for me. If one has more weight to carry around, I would suggest checking these wheels out. You will have to fork up extra cabbage for a product that may not last as long, but it will live up to the Labeda name. Final score: 40/50 = 8/10

Hello all! My background: I have worn several Bauer helmets so you can consider me somewhat of a loyalist and I have decent understanding of the progression of their product over the years. Ownership: ~5 months Fit - The helmet is able to handle the size of my head with ease. With the appropriate adjustment, I can wear this helmet and still have room to spare. The padding is there but it doesn't seem to get in the way or weigh one down. The padding does it job. 10/10 Protection - My comment on this should be taken with a grain of salt because I havene't been put in a vulnerable position requiring vital protection from the Re-Akt. I've been blessed to have never suffer a concussion so someone who has could say if this helmet is an improvement. All I know is that it hasn't let me down. 10/10 Weight - For the size of the helmet, I'd say this helmet is on the lighter side. It obviously isn't the lightest helmet on the market but it's nowhere close to the heaviest. It seems to hold it's lightness (for lack of a better term) even while I play. In other words, I haven't experienced the 'water log' effect that I have with other helmets (I sweat a lot!). 9/10 Durability - My only beef that I have with this helmet is the aforementioned helmet screw pads. The same thing happened to me when I was taking off the Titanium cage and putting on the Concept II full shield. 7/10 Intangibles - Since I already mentioned how it handles the sweat, I'll focus on the helmet's air flow. I'm impressed how breath-able the Re-Akt is even though I work up a good sweat quickly while donning a full shield. 10/10 Conclusion - Bauer has done a fantastic job with this helmet. The price will obviously be a deterrent to some potential buyers but I feel that head protection is one place no one should become frugal. I'd suggest to anyone playing/officiating at any level. Final Score - 46/50 = 9.2

Haha ain't that the truth.

Double wammy! They are beauts!

Hahaha I will use the same line when I get the keys at the dealership.

And that's my beef with luxury cars of German heritage. You have to pay an arm and leg for cabin/trunk space haha. May be one day I'll be blessed enough to have my own Audi/BMW/MB.

I'm curious to see how the 1's do in the long run. They definitely appeal to the crowd that wants top-notch luxury without taking on a mortgage to afford such machinery.

Hahaha so true. It's all part of the (unfortunate) politics game that is happens in officiating circles. Some places are worse than others but no one is exempt from the shenanigans.

Ah. The Ultimate Driving Machine(s). Well done sir.

Yea that year was brutal. Not to mention that the Flyers ended up with JVR even though they had the worst regular season record ha. Well I am sorry you picked such a frustrating team to root for (@ times) but welcome aboard haha. Gags was the man. I can still see him streaking down the left wing and letting that snap shot go....

The gloves were $10? Redunk.