althoma1

Your best bet is to try some pads on, but it seems like that isn't practical so I'll add my fit experiences with a few warrior pads and hopefully that'll help. I currently wear 16" 2010 Warrior Projekts (the white ones) and have tried on the 2012 Projekts (White, but with Blue and Grey accents) and the Dynasty AX1 16" Senior pads. They all seem to be the same length to me, but the AX1 felt like it had a wider knee cap and it also had much more room in the calf protector area (I can easily get the calf tight both Projekt models, but even with the calf fully tightened the calf protector in the Senior AX1s felt a bit roomy). The 2012 Projekts felt the most streamlined out of those three so if you'd like to go with Warrior and want something a little slimmer then I'd just stick to 14" and try to grab some 2012 Projekts on clearance. If you want to go with the latest model and your current 14" pads are the right length then you'll likely want the 14" Intermediate AX1s as those will have less overall volume, but the length will still be 14".

Fair enough - I was just curious. I know the Sprungs feel much faster than the Tuuk Rockers I was previously using, but I haven't used a flat or hilo chassis in ages so I don't know how they are compared to that. I do notice that I need to use harder wheels with the sprungs vs. any chassis I've used in the past, but I'm sure you already tried various wheels. The mount looks great and I really don't know if all coppers are an issue or not as I'm not a mounting expert. I was just curious about that because I have an almost all copper mount myself.

They look great. I know from other threads that you used Sprungs for a few years. Why did you decide to move away from Sprungs? I also notice that all coppers were used for the mount. Did you ask for that or did the shop decide to go that way? In another recent thread it was suggested that ice holders not be mounted with all coppers because the copper holds the chassis tight to the boot, but the steel rivets prevent it from moving side to side. There was some debate on this, but it was suggested that a mixed copper/steel setup was best and that all copper setups could lead to bent steel. Obviously bent steel wouldn't be an issue with roller hockey skates, but I'm not sure if there would be other issues with all copper. I'm curious myself as my current conversion has almost all coppers (8 coppers, 2 steel with Sprungs. 4 coppers at the back, followed by two more coppers at the front, 2 steel and then 2 more coppers). I didn't specifically ask for that - just provided the mounting instructions and that's what the shop chose to use.

I'd also be 100% sure that you actually received a 90/50 the last time. I've used 90/50 for a while and every once in a while I ask for a 90/50, but get something else that has significantly more bite. I notice right away and go back and get it cut properly at 90/50 the next day. I'm not sure why it happens (someone forgets what I asked for, didn't want to change the spinner and didn't think I'd notice, misheard me ect., but it unfortunately has happened a few times). Before switching to FBV I was using a 7/8 regular hollow and 3/4 before that. I first tried the 90/75 FBV and that felt like a bit too much bite, but the 90/50 works well for me and I don't know of a shallower spinner that's readily available at most places.

Amazing find. I'd just leave the black holders on myself, but they are your skates.

I've never heard of the product, but would certainly also be interested in hearing the thoughts of anyone who has had the opportunity to try the chassis. It looks interesting, but at $1995 SEK (the equivalent of $313.04 CAD or $304.92 USD based on todays conversion rates) plus shipping, it's not cheap so it may be a tough sell. I realize that package includes bearings, spacers, tools and wheels, but I think many people would rather use existing bearings and wheels or choose their own in order to get the chassis for a cheaper price. I think they should add a lower cost package that only includes the chassis, spacers and tools. It also seems to only be available for shipping to select European countries at this time so that also limits the people who have access to it at the moment. As a current Sprung user I wouldn't want to go back to a rigid chassis and I know that Sprungs outperform the older Rocker Chassis I used to use (which is probably hard to find now as well). I'm glad to see that there are other non-rigid options being developed. I hope Sprung gets the funds together for another production run, but if they don't I hope this product can perform as well or better, comes down in price and is available in North America at some point. It's being positioned as a training tool for ice players, but the wheel base seems small enough that it would seem to be useable to play inline as well. And if they were available to the US would you be willing to shell out over $300 + shipping and possible customs and duties in the hopes that they perform as well as Sprungs? If I heard from other Sprung users that they perform as well or better and are durable enough to survive several seasons of roller hockey (I'd want to have some players to have skated 30+ games/hours in them) then I'd consider grabbing them if the price were closer to the $100-$150 range. There's no way I'd spend $300+ unless they came with a lifetime warranty...even then I'd be hesitant because it's not a big well known company and who knows how long they'll be around - it's great to see smaller companies innovate and succeed, but it's certainly not an easy business.

I think only the A8 (large) model is in stock and can't predict the future as far as availability goes for sprungs. For those that already own the chassis or can find them used they could put them on this boot - otherwise someone would have to choose another option for a chassis. The point is a person can put whatever chassis they choose on the skates without having to first remove an ice holder. Weight isn't everything. Fit, durability, overall performance and other attributes all play a part, but if you can save some weight on anything that goes on your extremities without sacrificing fit or too much durability then that's a good thing. Sometimes people are a little too hung up on weight though - it's better to have skates that are 100 grams heavier that fit you well then lighter skates that don't fit properly ect. and I don't think most people will notice the difference of 100g or less in practice.

That's 520 grams WITHOUT holders and steel - that's compared to a Bauer X60 without holders and steel at 632 grams, but the comparison to an MLX skate at 900grams isn't fair because that's including the holders and steel. A comparison to the Mako boot without holders and steel or both skates with holders and steel would be more appropriate. Having said that, more innovation and competition should be good for players in the end. It also seems that they're planning to offer just the boots to be mounted on your chassis of choice (either roller or ice) which is what many roller players have desired for years. I imagine these with a set of Sprungs would make for a very nice roller setup.

Correction - Stupid HP Bloatware! Glad to hear the video guy was able to fill the space though.

Yes.

Thanks. I didn't see that one, but was very happy to win the stick! Did you win all new CCM gear in your contest or you guessed one product and won that?

I was lucky enough to win a new Mako II with the E28 curve E28 and Warrior Smyth curves When I was taking pictures last night I did notice a sloppy area on the lower shaft (it'd be on the tenon if it was a tapered blade) - if I push on those areas I can case the small flakes of composite material and paint to move slightly, but it's very solid underneath so I believe it's just cosmetic. I just hope it's not a weak point and I don't end up breaking the stick there after a few hard shots as I don't think a stick that I won will have a warranty:

If you know you're going to buy for sure then just be honest with your LHS and tell them you're not sure if you need size 7 or 7.5 and won't be positive until after they're baked. Then ask if you can have the 7's baked and if they fit well buy them. If the 7s are still too small then go with the 7.5s. From other peoples posts it sounds like some shops are letting people bake these skates before making a final decision.

Won Hockey Supremacy's dream stick contest on Facebook. A new Mako II 100 Flex with the E28 curve.

Once you receive your replacement pair from Easton, I'm definitely interested in hearing your thoughts on how the Makos compare to the Kors. Since you've already baked the Makos I'm sure you have some initial thoughts. You already mentioned that the Shift 2s are wider and deeper, but beyond fit I'm interested in knowing the differences in heat response and of course performance. The Mako (and MLX before them) and Kor skates are both based on speed skating technology, have long bake times and are highly malleable. When I first read about the MLX skates they seemed to me to be very similar to Kors in concept, but with more adjustability and a flexible tendon guard. The Makos are an evolution of the MLX skate and still share some similarities with the Kor skates. I noticed that in the video where Dave Cruikshank is talking about the Journey to the Mako skate there's an old picture of him where he's wearing Kor Shift 1 skates (47/48 second mark): He does talk about how the skates on the market at the time didn't allow him to do what he wanted and that's why he started work on the MLX skate. So obviously the MLX skates are different than Kors, but on paper certainly share some similarities. What I'd really like to know is if the Makos are more or less responsive to heat than the Kors, if they perform better and if so how much better? I know it's impossible to say they're 25.7% better, but some general comments like they're a little more response or allow for much better feel and edge work ect. would be greatly appreciated.

I believe the Mission AC series is based off a Bauer Supreme last. You might be able to find a pair of One100s at the higher end of your price range.

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php?/topic/62450-easton-e28-you-tube-video-promo/?p=949509

The Luxe definitely had a wider backroll than the Supreme gloves - it was more akin to the Vapor in the Bauer line (I thought the Luxe was even slightly wider in the backroll area than the Vapor gloves). The Luxe was a low volume tapered glove, but I found it to be a little wider in the back roll than I prefer. The Covert gloves felt similar to the Luxe, but are slightly narrower in the backroll and like the Luxe they open up in the cuff area. That's only from trying them on once though. They're definitely worth trying on in the store to see if you like the fit. I did see the show it off thread where you discussed the Koncept gloves. They do sound like a good fit and I might use them for roller or ball hockey, but I'm not sure about ice. I know they have plastic inserts and dual layer foams, but I prefer the bone system and the tri-lam foams that the Projekts have for ice on a regular basis (I did break out the old One90s for Winterfest, but that was because the palms are already beat up on those and I knew I'd be trying sticks with tape. My Projekt gloves have only been used with Tacki Mac and Oggie grips and I didn't want to befoul them with tape). I suffered a broken right ring finger in an ice tournament after taking a hard slap shot off the hand and since then I've taken comfort in the fact that the Projekt gloves use the bone system with tri-lam foams throughout the entire backroll and all the fingers. I did ask Gary (Vulcan7905) about the 2012 Projekts at Winterfest as he owns a pair that he won at SummerJam and he told me the cuff was tight at first, but breaks in well after use so I may consider a pair of those if I can find my size when they're being cleared out. I do wish the bone system was used on the entire backroll and all the fingers of the Covert, but it's better to have it down the middle of the glove than not at all and they'll still be one of the more protective gloves on the market.

Yes, it does look like the Koncept and Projekt lines are going to be discontinued with the exception of the Projekt girdle (and the Covert Pants are tweaked Projekts with a new name). That means the current protective and gloves only lasted one year. I'm definitely sad to see most of the Projekt protective go - the 2012 Elbows are my favourite elbow pads of all time, I also really like my 2010 Projekt shins and the 2010 Projekt gloves are some of the best I've worn (the 2012 cuff was a bit too closed for me when only trying them on, but probably breaks in a bit after use). Now, the new Dynasty Shins felt and looked nice when I tried them on at Winterfest (although I'd need a larger size) and will definitely garner consideration when it's time for new shins. The elbow pads there were mediums and I'd probably need a large so I'll withhold judgement on those - they looked nice and had a deep pocket for the elbow so the arm should lock in well, but were two piece pads instead of three like the Projekts and it'd be hard to beat the mobility of the current Projekt elbows. I'll certainly try them on in my size when it's time for new elbows, but I'll also be tempted to pick up another pair of 2012 Projekts when they go on clearance. I didn't try on the shoulders since they were mediums and there's no way I'd squeeze into them, but they did look to be low profile and you could see some similarities between the new shoulders and the Projekts (which felt very mobile and comfortable when I tried them on). The Polygiene is definitely a nice improvement to the liners if it inhibits the growth of bacteria as well as the catalogue suggests. I was also pleased to see the grip type liner on the AX1 protective. I also think grip should be added to the shins of the long Nutt Hutt under pants - perhaps that can be added for the next revision. As JR mentioned earlier, the Covert gloves are more closely related to the Luxe than the Projekt - they're basically a tweaked Luxe with the Smart+ palm from the Projekt. The backroll did feel slightly more tapered, but they aren't as snug as the Projekt gloves. I do prefer the cuff of the new Covert to the 2012 Projekt gloves, but still prefer the 2010 Projekts overall (based on simply trying on the Coverts...my opinion might change if I used them). That's just personal preference though - the Coverts definitely looked and felt like a very nice glove. I'm very happy to see the Projekt Girdle isn't being discontinued. I love that Girdle and already have one backup in my closet. I thought I might have to stock pile a few more, but it looks like I can hold off for now (of course if I see a good deal on one that's my size I'll snap it up). The focus on fit with the new protective is definitely positive and I could see the intermediate sizes working out well for tall thin people in general - teens are mentioned, but slim women and men will likely also appreciate the size options. I can see why it would make sense for them to reduce the number of protective lines and eliminate the different lies on sticks. Everyone has their own personal preferences and it's nice to be able to accomidate as many as possible, but from a cost perspective it definitely makes more sense to focus on less options and put products out there that will have mass appeal even though they might not meet every specific preference. Of course from a stick perspective most personal preferences can be met via the customizer (which has the most options I've ever seen at the general consumer level for any product in the hockey industry). I'm certainly very happy the DT1 contruction with a Smyth curve is available via the customizer. The AX1 socks remind me of the Tactics hockey socks I currently wear, but with different colours. That's a positive thing as I'm very happy with the Tactics socks so it's nice to have another option when it comes to cut resistant socks. Now the Tactics website isn't up (it has said "coming soon" for months) and there hasn't been an update to their Facebook page in quite a while so I'm thinking they either went belly up or perhaps Warrior bought them out and it wasn't widely publicized (if it was mentioned here I didn't notice that thread).

I had the pleasure of testing out a new Mako with the E28 curve at Winterfest. The stick felt very light and well balanced and I noticed significantly more pop on my wrist and snap shots than I did when I tried the original Mako. I was also pleasantly surprised by the curve itself - it's definitely not as open as an Ovechkin pro and I actually had pretty decent control with it. It's definitely more open than the Warrior Smyth I'm used to, but it's still a nice curve. The Mako gloves also felt really nice based on only trying them on.

I'll definitely try it if I have the chance to do so without shelling out for a top of the line stick (a demo opportunity or if a friend or team mate gets one), but I hope it's significantly less open than an Ovechkin pro curve.

I'd love to try a Kreps curve as I do like toe curves with a 5 lie, however; I hope it isn't too open as I generallly prefer more of a neutral curve. It looks like a pretty nice curve from the pictures I've seen, but you never know if you're going to like a curve until you try it. I have a decent sized stockpile of Warrior Smyth blades and sticks, but those won't last forever and it looks like the Gionta may be disappearing soon as well as a retail curve (and I didn't like it quite as much as the Smyth after using a tapered blade for a few games - it was missing the toe bevel and was more open) so it's always nice seeing new mid-toe or toe curves with a lower lie. From the catalogue pictures it looks like it may even have a slight lower toe bevel. The new Mako gloves and protective look interesting and I'm definitely interested in trying on some Mako skates to see if they fit my feet well. Again, I have a stockpile of what I know fits me well (KORs) that should last me quite some time, but it's nice to have options if they're ever needed. The R800 helmet is also interesting - previously I was pretty sure I'd grab the new Bauer IMS 11.0 when I decide to buy my next helmet as I love the fit of my current M11 and the improved ventilation and addition of poron is appealing, but the R800 is intruiging as well and I'll definitely try it on. Of course $299 is a steep price so I'll probably wait for some reviews and feedback on both helmets before dropping that kind of coin (even then I'd probably wait for a good sale). I wonder what the differences between the R800 and E700 cage are? They look the same and the description is the same...I guess maybe the sizes are a tweaked a little for each helmet. It's really a moot point for me though as I can't see going from a Titanium mask back to a regular one (currently using the itech and would likely switch to a RE-AKT if I ever needed to replace that). Hmmm...not as promising as I thought then. I've tried the Ovi and found it to be waaaay too open. It'd have to be toned down quite a bit for it to be useable for me - not the curve itself as I love a good meat hook, but the amount of loft.

Background: 6’2”, north of 200lbs Adult Recreational player (both ice and roller) Product: 2012 Warrior Projekt Elbow Pads (blue and grey) – Senior Large Previous Pads: Mission Sub Zero, Bauer One90, Nike V14 (all Senior Large), and 2010 Warrior Projekt (white, Senior Medium) Timeframe: Late Spring 2012 - Present Fit Unlike the 2010 Projekts, the 2012 Projekts fit true to size and I was able to go from medium back to my usual large. The elbow slot is both narrower and deeper compared to the 2010 Projekts and this locks your arm in better. They’re very comfortable and lock your arm in very well. The forearm protection does feel a little bulky when you first put them on, but you don’t notice this once you’re playing. The bicep guard opens up to allow the shoulder pad to pad to slide in if so desired. This is carried over from the 2010 model and I think this is a good thing. I find the bicep pad feels more comfortable this way even when you aren’t wearing shoulder pads. 9.5/10 Mobility These pads don’t feel quite as mobile as the 2010 version when you first put them on, but in game situations they’re very mobile. They definitely feel mobile in comparison to all the other top end 2012 pads. There is a little slot cut out at the bottom of the elbow that helps with mobility. The bicep guards are also segmented like they were on the 2012 version, but are beefed up. 10/10 Protection These are much more protective than the 2010 version. The elbow caps are deeper, harder and more protective. The forearm protection is also beefed up. I have taken a hard fall in these and was no worse for wear. 9/10 Weight A very lightweight pad. Slightly heavier than the CCM CL U+ pad, but not much (a medium Projekt is 31g heavier than a medium CCM CL U+ if the measurements on IW are accurate) and are lighter than most high end pads. 9.5/10 Durability After a few months of use the pads still look like new and none of the stitches have come loose (I had a problem with the stitches on the middle strap of the 2010 version). The top elastic pad will likely stretch out at some point, but so far it's still in great shape. Edit 16/07/2013: After a year of use the top elastic has stretched out, but the middle and bottom straps are still holding up well and lock my elbow in pace. The bicep guard is looser with the top strap stretched out, but this really doesn't impact me when I'm playing. I also noticed that the splits in the plastic/rubber material before the forearm have enlarged - especially on the left pad which is on my top arm (I shoot right). They're still holding together, but the splits are significantly larger than on a new pad and are approaching the edge on the left elbow pad. Right now the inner material seems to be preventing it from completely splitting, but it is an area of concern. They're still very functional after a year of using them for both ice and roller hockey several times a week though. 9.5/10 8/10 Intangibles The pads are grey and blue instead of white so stains and dirt don’t easily show up on them. The elbow portion is a little pointy and is quite deep so they aren’t as low profile as the 2010 version. Conclusion These are mobile, comfortable, light, protective and stay in place, but the top elastic strap could've been thicker or made from the same neoprene like material as the middle strap and the splits before the forearm get bigger with use (although this has not affected the fuction so far). I prefer the grey and blue colour to white of the original Projekts. These are the best high end elbow pads I’ve ever owned and I highly recommend them. 9.5/10

Background: 6’2”, north of 200lbs Adult Recreational player (both ice and roller) Product: 2010 Warrior Projekt Elbow Pads (white) – Senior Medium Previous Pads: Mission Sub Zero, Bauer One90, Nike V14 (all Senior Large) Current Pads: 2012 Projekts (blue and grey) – Senior Large Timeframe: Late 2010 – Late Spring 2012 Fit These pads fit larger than most. I’m a large in most elbow pads, but had to use medium with these as the large slid right off my arm while done up if I gave it a good pull in the store. These are the most comfortable elbow pads I’ve ever used – the middle strap is made of a neoprene like material and is very comfortable. The bicep pad flares out and I also found this to be very comfortable. The pad feels secure when you first put it on and it’s dry and for the most part it does stay in place during gameplay, however; a hold or hook can dislodge them once they’re wet with sweat. 8.5/10 Mobility These pads are extremely mobile. You really feel like you’re wearing nothing and have no restrictions at all. 10/10 Protection I found the protection on these to be lacking when it came to taking a hard fall on the elbow. I took one and was left with a large bruise and a tender elbow. Nothing was broken and I could still play on, but I thought the elbow protection should’ve been better for a high end pad. Slash and bicep protection were reasonable, but the elbow should be a priority when it comes to elbow pads. 6/10 Weight Very lightweight for a high end pad. The use of zote foam helped keep the weight down while still providing some level of protection. They aren't quite as light as some newer pads like the CCM U+ CL. 9/10 Durability The stitching was weak on the middle strap and started to come loose after only a few months of use. I had them reinforced and they held up, but that really shouldn’t have been necessary. After a while some small holes did develop on one of the middle straps and the top elastic bicep straps started to stretch out. Having said that, I only stopped using them because of the elbow protection issue – they were still in useable condition when I moved on to the 2012 Projekts. 6.5/10 Intangibles The white colour tended to easily get stained and I once washed them with something black (my mistake) and they got dyed grey (main part) and brown (velcro). Conclusion They’re mobile, comfortable and light pads, but they definitely aren’t the most protective pads out there and the stitching could’ve been better. If you want to sacrifice protection for mobility and grab these on closeout, I’d recommend picking up a size smaller than you’d normally buy in other pads. I think you’d be better off spending a bit more on the 2012 Projekts as the issues I had with these pads have been addressed. 7.5/10

Warrior Projekt Gloves, 2011 model Size: 14" Time used: 2 years Fit: Snug through the back roll and fingers and open up at the cuff for excellent wrist mobility. I prefer this type of fit, but those who like a loose fit should look elsewhere. Due to the protective bone system and the rounded shape of the rolls, the back roll sits a little higher than most gloves and this adds a little bulk. 9.5/10 Weight & Mobility: The cuff is both open and segmented and the wrist guard uses an elastic to allow full mobility when stick handling, passing and shooting. They have three-piece index and middle fingers and two-piece ring and pinky fingers that allow for great finger movement. The thumb flexes forward well, but doesn’t allow you to hyper extend it backwards. They’re light weight nylon gloves with a bit of synthetic leather. You may find lighter gloves, but they won’t be as protective as the Projekts. 9.5/10 Protection: The bone system (a combination of foams, plastics and a pocket of air) is used throughout the entire back roll and all the fingers. Some other gloves in the Warrior line, like the Luxe, also use the bone system, but they only use it through the mid-section of the back roll and fingers instead of the entire back roll and all fingers. The bone system does add a bit of outer volume as mentioned in the fit section, but also offers amazing protection. I’ve never used a more protective glove than the Projekts. 10/10 Durability: After two years of use there’s one minor cut (which happened early on and hasn’t gotten any worse) in the nylon of one glove and a few marks. The palms show a little bit of discolouration, but have no holes at all. With that said, they’ve only been used with Tacki Mac or Oggie grips and have never touched traditional tape. 9.5/10 Palm: They use a Micro Nash palm with reinforced high wear areas (double layers) that Warrior calls the Smart Palm. The Micro Nash felt nice and soft to start, but can stiffen up over time. A lanolin shaving cream treatment every once in a while makes them soft again. I prefer the feel of the stretch palm on the One90 gloves I have, but these palms have been more durable. 9.5/10 Ventilation: The gloves have mesh gussets and use a ventilator liner to help wick moisture, but they don’t have any external vents beyond the gussets. I find my Bauer One90s breathe a little better with their back roll vents, however; the ventilation is still above average when compared to gloves without vents or mesh gussets. They’re perfect for ice, but get a little warm if you use them for roller hockey. 9/10 Aesthetics Some people hate the looks of these gloves, but I like the skeletal look and appreciate the sublimated graphics. 9/10 Overall: These are still my main ice hockey gloves. I love the fit and the protection is fantastic. The new 2012 Projekts have a colour scheme that matched my team better, however; when I tried those on I found the cuff to be quite tight and restrictive. If you can still find the older 2011 model Projekts in stores and they fit you well I highly recommend them. 9.5/10