althoma1

As a big Mako fan myself, I have to agree with the others on finding something else that works if he's in skates that small. You may be able to find a pair or two that works for the next year or two, but after that it will become almost impossible to find them. So unless you can find a pair in almost every single size and are prepared to buy them right now then it's probably best to move on. If it was for someone whose feet have stopped growing, or at least almost stopped growing then it's easier to stockpile. With that said, here are the best leads I have if you're still determined to go the Mako route: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-hockey/belleville/mako-2-jr-skates-size-4d/1384639143?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true That's a 4D Mako II for $125 CAD plus whatever shipping would cost to your location. You could potentially also contact this seller on FB, but I believe they have mainly senior sizes 8-11: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/507918219628585/

Just avoid Ups and FedEx ground ect. so you aren't hit with brokerage fees. If you get them to ship via Canada Post I wouldn't be worried about any large fees. I have shipped skates in the past to the US via Canada Post (with tracking and insurance of course) and have received skates and other products via USPS without issue. Once in a while there is a small processing fee and tax, but often there's nothing. In my experience, it's only Ups, FedEx ground and other courier services that have the large brokerage and custom fees. With that said, if you're more comfortable shipping to Windsor; go for it.

I asked them if they had my size, 8EE, and they said they had 8.5D in the Mako II and 8D, 8.5D and 8.75D in the OG Mako. No 8EE for me (I already have a few pairs anyway), but I am glad they have the 8.5D you were seeking. For anyone else looking, they said they also have many sizes between 7 and 11. You can contact them to ask about certain sizes.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/507918219628585/ There is also this FB Marketplace listing that says they have multiple sizes of the Mako II for $375 Cad.

If you look a few pages back, the las vegas ice center pro shop has Mako II and OG Makos in various common sizes, but they're asking $455US for the OG Mako (according to an email I received when I asked about stock for 8EE) and $600 for the Mako 2 when anothe member phoned them. http://www.lasvegasice.com/CONTACTUS.aspx

The issue with the padding compressing around the top of the boot sounds exactly like what happened to my heavily used OG Mako conversions. I knew the M8 was the closest to the OG Mako out of the newer skates since it uses the same tongue and metatarsal guard, but I would've hoped the padding would've been upgraded. I did not experience the padding compressing on my heavily used Mako II's, but those were almost exclusively used for officiating. So it sounds like for you, the Mako II and M8 have essentially the same performance, but the Mako II was more durable. That's good to know. The M7 also seems to have similar performance - the jury is out for me regarding durability since I've only used those for about a month.

I own the Mako 2, OG Mako and have used both the OG Mako and M7 for roller conversions. I did briefly own the M8, but in an 8D and I need an 8EE. I tried baking the 8D, but it didn't get wide enough for my forefoot. The biggest difference I notice is between the original Mako and other models. The other models are all stiffer and the ankle padding holds up better. I've only used the M7's for roller for about a month now, but so far I'm VERY impressed. They're only a bit heavier than the OG Makos, but feel about as stiff as the Mako 2. The thick felt tongue took some breaking in, but now it feels good. I didn't know if the M7's would mold to my feet as well as the Mako 2 or OG Mako, but they did. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the M7 skates and the M8 are one model up from those. The M8 use the OG Mako tongue (not the thick felt tongue) and metatarsal guard, but have the improved ankle padding and are a bit stiffer than the OG Makos. I don't think there's much drop off at all in performance between the Mako II and M8. It's really just the 25% fibre glass content, a slightly thinner insole and a different tongue. The weight difference is marginal and the performance difference should also be marginal. If you can find the M7 or M8 in your sons size in new or like new condition; I would buy them. The only versions I'd be hesitant to grab unless they're at a very low cost are the original models.

I emailed them a while back and the price I was given for my size was $455 US, but that was for the OG Mako (I passed, considering the OG Mako is the least durable model and I already have a small stockpile of Mako 2's). Perhaps they were quoting you for the Mako II, but that's still high.

Yes, the Max+ will be similar to the old Max. If you're happy with the fit of your current skates then stick with the RPD Max+ skates. If they felt too narrow or you had to get the punched then go with the RPE Zenith+.

Both boots are top end, but the RPE Zenith+ is wider than the RPD Max+. The Max+ does have a magnesium chassis vs. the extruded aluminum chassis on the Zenith+, but in my opinion that's a minor upgrade. The key difference is the last - if you usually need EE or wide ice skates or shoes you probably want the RPE Zenith+ and if you have an average width foot then you should go with the RPD Max+.

The Jets original jerseys would be WAY better than the atrocity that was leaked. Throwback week for all teams is a great idea.

I don't mind the Sharks or Avalanche jerseys, but definitely agree that the Jets jersey is terrible.

One of my OG Mako/Sprung conversions split, but after one skate I really like my new M7 conversion. The M7 actually feels stiffer than the OG Mako ever did, it fits the same and the weight difference is marginal (not noticeable while skating). The only real difference I notice is the thick white felt tongue vs. the thinner heat responsive tongue with the plastic metatarsal guard on the OG Mako. The M7 tongue doesn't naturally wrap as well and I had to fiddle with the lacing a couple times, but I'm sure it will break in with use.

I don't think Sprung is dead yet (although it does seem to be in a bit of trouble with a drastically lower price on their plastic chassis and an aluminum Fizix version that's been in development for a couple years, but never seems to come out), but you make a valid point with the others. As someone who has used several pairs of KOR and Mako skates (thank goodness for my stockpile) and who also loves Sprungs, the post makes me both laugh and cry.

Sparx is far from unique in that it's a smaller company that's been discussed in great detail on MSH. Marsblade, Sprung, VH/True, KOR and many others have had long and popular threads over the years. It's great if some of them are able to come to events and buy advertising, but it's the members who choose to discuss the products; both what they do and don't like about them. I agree with IPv6's statement above.

It's not the first email. The first email went to my inbox immediately. Then a second email appeared in my junk folder with the code about 15 minutes later.

Check your junk folder. That's where I found mine ended up at first.

They also send you a 20% off code if you signup for their site which makes the deals even better for those of you who are in the US and can order.

It appears they only ship to the US as well. Not that I need to order right now, but eventually I'll probably want some new STX Surgeon gloves since the Surgeon 500s are currently my favourite gloves. I signed up for the site and tried to add a Canadian billing address, but there's only US as a country option. So that means I can't even order with my Canadian credit card and have it shipped to the US (like a hotel at a Modsquad event or a US based member). For most industries the Canadian market is rather small, but for hockey one would assume it'd be one their radar and hopefully they can work on affordable direct Canadian shipping (and not ground courier services like UPS and FedEx that have huge brokerage fees) or even free shipping over a certain dollar amount. One can hope anyway. EDIT: I found this in their FAQ section regarding shipping outside of the US: Unfortunately, we are only able to ship to the continental United States, Hawaii, and Alaska. For our fans in Canada and other parts of the world, we're working on bringing STX hockey equipment to you throughwww.store.stx.com. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay in touch so you’ll be the first to know when it’s available in your region of the world! So there's a glimmer of hope for those of us who don't live in the US.

Sorry to hear that Dave. I know how furry friends are part of the family and it's really sad when they can no longer be with us.

Step in. Think Dynasty, but lighter with more segmentation and a new colour scheme.

I have some retail Mako 2's and Pro Stocks that are stiffer. I'm debating if I should use the stiffer pro stocks for a roller conversion or keep them for ice. Any thoughts?

Having no negative space means you aren't losing energy transfer. If money is no object then either going with the CCM full pro custom option or the True skates would be what I would choose (I like the flexible tendon guard on the True skates and they're the most similar to the Easton Makos I currently wear, so I would lean toward the True skates). The True skates, CCM Jetspeed FT1 and Tacks AS1 are also all one piece boots, they have no separate outsole; this should also help maximize energy transfer.

I was going to recommend the Surgeon 500 gloves before even reading the post from Santos. I tried the XC9 and QRL gloves on at Modsquadhockey events and both felt comfortable, but the QRL is the snugger fitting glove of those two. I own a pair of HSX gloves and STX Surgeons and the Surgeon gloves are definitely the tightest in the fingers and backhand, but open up more in the wrist area. If I was buying new gloves today I would go for another pair of STX Surgeons, but the QRL gloves would be on the shortlist. You could also consider the CCM Quicklite gloves.

I found some new in the box size 4 Mako II's for $150. Sent you a PM. I'd have a hard time justifying spending $800 for skates for a player who is going to grow out of them in a year as well.