althoma1

Thanks...I'll definitely be looking at silent auctions at any event I attend from now on. That's a fantastic deal - the gloves look like new. Congrats.

Where exactly in London was this? At the souvenier shop at the John Labatt centre? I just want to know so I can take a look at whatever store it was the next time I'm in London visiting family.

Kor Shift 1 - size 8.5D Time used: 4+ years (2 pairs - one for just over 2 years and one for 2 years) Reviewer: 6'2" 210lbs, beer league forward Fit They felt tight in the forefoot area before baking, but fit perfectly after baking. With my first pair I felt I wasn't getting enough forward flex after the first bake so I rebaked them and leaned forward more when standing and squatting (as part of the process outlined in the KOR thread) and that worked like a charm. I have never experienced any pain or discomfort in the Shift 1's after baking. They fit so well that if they come untied during a game I usually don't notice until someone else points it out - that definitely wasn't the case in previous skates. Due to the great fit with zero negative space, I believe the perform better for me than traditional skates and are at the same time very comfortable. 10/10 Blade/Holder - The ability to experiment with the pitch is a great bonus. The steel is also hard and keeps an edge well. I've used the Pitch 3 holders on all my ice skates in the past 4 years and the only drawback has been on a couple of them it's been difficult to adjust the pitch (the screws dont' want to pop all the way back into place on some settings) and a breeze with others. I've also experienced burnt heels a few times when sharpeners haven't been patient enough to take their time with the harder Mission steel, but that isn't the blade's fault. 9/10 Weight - These aren't the lightest skates out there, but they aren't the heaviest either. At approximately 800 grams I'm happy with the weight especially when combined with the great fit 8/10 Protection - I've taken a few shots off the skate and most of the time I don't feel it, but I did feel a sting a few times and was left with a bit of soreness and bruising once. I haven't broken any bones in my feet while wearing these or missed any time due to foot injuries. The same can't be said of team mates who were hit with similar shots and were wearing other skates. 9.5/10 Durability - The first pair I had were used exclusively for over 2 years. After about a year in the first pair the tendon guards started to seperate from the boot and they had also lost all their stiffness. I managed to fix the small tears in the tendon guards with crazy glue a couple times - I'm sure a cobbler would've done a better job, but my crazy glue fix did last a few months each time and the tear didn't get any bigger. In the same time, the skate did get quite a few cuts in the shiney silver area and also started to chip where the toe cap meets the carbon sole. After close to two years the carbon and toe cap were really seperating - I could tug on the toe cap and a good 3mm of space would be apparent. The carbon part of the boot was still stiff, but the uppers were pretty soft and the skates were looking pretty beat up. At this point I retired the original Shift 1's and moved on to my second pair. Shortly after moving to my second pair I picked up a pair for Shift 2's and have been alternating between those two so the second pair hasn't seen as much use as the first. However, even though the second pair isn't as well used the seperation at the toe cap has already started and the tendon guards, while still attached, have lost all their stiffness. 7/10 Intangibles: I really like the built in fully moldable insoles - it makes the possibility of replacing the holders slim, but I have no need or intention of doing that (I'm stocked up on Pitch 3 holders and blades in my size). Conclusion - These fit great, perform well for me, and were a great bargain (especially the additional pairs I picked up after the first one). I obviously like them or I wouldn't have bought multiple pears of Shift 1's as well as Shift 2's. I'd recommend them if you can still find a pair in your size, but you may have to have the tendon guards repaired or reinforced at some point and it's likely the toe cap will seperate eventually. The toe cap seperation did take about 2 years of skating 2 or 3 times a week to happen for me so for the price you may be able to find these for it's still a great deal if you can get a couple years out of them. Overall 8.5/10

Nike V10 Shoulder Pads Time used: 1 year Reviewer: 6'2", 210lbs, 43" chest, non-contact beer league forward Fit The size large fit very comfortably and the pads had great mobility. 9/10 Protection The protection around the ribs was lacking as the middle of the pads was quite narrow. This isn't a shot blockers pad. The rest of the protection was more than enough for beer league, but I didn't test them out under full contact conditions. 7/10 Weight Light weight for a second tier pad although not as light as some recent offerings. 8/10 Durability They held up well for a year with the exception of some of the stitching coming out of one of the shoulder caps. 9/10 Intangibles There was no grip print, but they didn't move around alot. There were no vents like in the modern Bauer pads, but the cut was slim in both the front and back so they didn't get too hot. Conclusion These are very mobile, light pads that I'd recommend for a non-contact player who wants something on for incidental contact, but doesn't want anything bulky. I wouldn't recommend these for shot blockers or those who want a lot of rib protection. Overall 8/10

BAUER ONE90 SHIN GUARDS Time used: 2 years Reviewer: 6'2" 210lbs, beer league forward Fit I picked these up from a fellow member after one of the knee caps cracked on my Nike V14 pads. The One90s were definitely more comfortable when I first put them on, but even when done up tightly they moved around a little which didn't happen with the V14s. I had to use tape to make them fit more securely. It's a narrow fitting pad compared to other top end pads like RBK/Jofa and the very bottom indents - I wore them under the tongue. The size I wore was 15", but that left a gap between the top of my boot and the skate - this isn't a problem with the pads themselves, but I should've been using 16" pads for more complete protection. 8/10 Protection I was hit a couple times in the gap just above the skate and just under the calf protector, but that was my own fault for wearing one size smaller than I should have. I didn't have any non-size related issues with the protection, but I definitely don't block a lot of shots. 9/10 Weight For a high end pad with a good amount of protection it's pretty light. 9/10 Durability The outside of the pads did scuff and the graphics wore off in some places, but that was purely cosmetic. I did hear of people having knee cap issues with these pads and that happened to me with the Nike V14s that I believe used the same caps, but it didn't happen with One90 pads. Some of the stitching in the middle of the removable liner came out, but I did wash the linters once or twice a week for about 2 years so they were pretty durable. 8/10 Intangibles I like the removeable liner and the grip print on the pads. The removable liner combined with airing the pads out and/or running them through the Shock Doctor blower bag I have helped keep germs and stink away. Conclusion These are good, light weight, comfortable pads. The knee caps may not last for everyone and the strapping system could be even more secure, but overall I was satisfied with the pads for the time I used them. The only reason I stopped using them was due to a sizing error on my part - I really needed 16" pads. Overall 8/10

It's too bad Warrior didn't come to the MSH Summer Jam. As it was, it was an amazing event, but it would've been great to be able to try that Gionta curve head to head vs. the Smyth curve I'm using in my main sticks/shafts now. It seems the lie is the same as the Smyth (which is my preferred lie), but the curve definitely doesn't look to be as deep and it starts more toward the toe. At this point I can roll the dice and just buy a stick or blade with the curve and hope I like it or hope someone I play with gets one and is kind enough to let me handle the puck with it for a few minutes and fire off a couple wrist shots. I would've also loved to try the Projekt gloves as I currently have Bauer One90s and like the tight fit. Eventually the One90s will need to be replaced and it'll likely be with another tight fitting glove. I had the opportunity to demo the X60 and RBK 10K at the event (as well as try on the One95) and am thankful for that, but being able to compare the latest tight fitting Warrior glove at the same time would've been ideal. Oh well, for now I'll just follow JRs long term review closely and try them on in store once they're released.

What's the lie on the Gionta curve?

How did you get your hands (no pun intented) on those Projekts? I saw them in the Holiday catalogue which lead me to believe they wouldn't be out for several more months.

Great effort all around against the Pens this afternoon. Trotter and Desharnais had a hell of a game and were impressive call ups. I saw Trotter play in the AHL vs. the Marlies when he was first signed and he was one of the players that stood out (another was Mitchell who was playing for the Marlies at the time and is now on the Leafs full time). It's taken him some time to crack the lineup, but he didn't look out of place at all - the between the legs backhand pass he made to Desharnais just after he tipped the puck off the post was phenomenal. Hopefully the team effort carries over into tomorrow's game.

Well, I think the intent there was to not run up the score further. I don't think you would've appreciated them continuing to push for goals, pulling michigan moves, putting the toe of their blade on the puck or over celebrating goals when they were already up by 5 late in the game either. At the same time I can see how the team playing keep away would come off as disrepectful. I can definitely see how that situation would've been frustrating. Perhaps saying to them at a faceoff or after a game that while you appreciated them trying to not run up the score or trying show boat moves, you'd all rather just play out the game than have them play keep away if they're up.

I also skated on 3/4 and 7/8 before going to the 90/75 FBV. It initially felt a little strange, but I got used to it after a session or two and really appreciated the extra glide while having better grip. I tried the 90/50 FBV for the first time at a pickup game on Monday night and love that cut. I felt more comfortable on that right away and it will now be sticking with that cut going forward. I'd recommend trying both the 90/75 and 90/50 cut for a few skates before deciding if its right for you or you want to stick with a regular hollow. I now prefer the FBV and my new favourite cut is 90/50, but I could still skate comfortably with the 90/75 cut.

If you're going to drop that amount of money on skates (the X60s are a new model so I'm assuming you're going to be spending quite a bit) then it may be worth it to plan a trip around it...maybe plan a family vacation for a week/weekend somewhere that happens to have a good hockey shop in the general area. With that said, if that's out of the question I think your on the right track with your estimate of 9. I've worn an 8.5 Mission before and have tried on a friends NBH One90 skates and while they were a bit narrow for me the length of them was correct (from trying them on and standing on the foot beds) - they were 7.5. So it seems to me that from a length only perspective you need to go one size down when going from Mission to Bauer...but the overall fit of the skates is likely different and sizing can vary by model. If you're going to order online then just order from a site where it's easy to exchange sizes if you guess wrong.

The pass to MacDonald was one of the best passes I've seen in a while and the spin move before that wasn't too shabby either. It's too bad for the Blues they lost the game, but it certainly wasn't Perron's fault. He played very well especially since they mentioned he was battling the flu and was questionable for tonights game.

oldtrainerguy, Is there a possibility the FBV could be available at the Sport Check location on Eglinton East near Warden Ave in Scarborough in the future? My friend had his skates sharpened there on Saturday and I noticed that they use a Blackstone machine...I know the store isn't that old so assume it's a fairly new machine. That's the closest Foranzi group store to me so I was hoping that perhaps they'd have the ability to sharpen that way in the future. For now I'll drive up to Markham.

The McCowan location would be the most convenient for me followed by Yonge and Sheppard. As far as the FBV in general my impression was the glide was fantastic, but I'll need to get used to the edges for turning with the 5/8" that was put on since I usually skate on 7/8. I found that when I went to make sharp cuts and turns where I usually have to dig in a little my edges grabbed the ice a lot more...once I make the adjustment and don't dig in as much I think it'll be great. And if I do head up to Markham for my next sharpening what's the equivalent to 5/8" with the FBV system again? (I believe that's the shallowest that can be done with the system).

I also used the rocker for years and while it felt more like ice then the old flat chassis I used before that I have to agree that the alloy chassis used on the high end Vapor was pretty heavy. The composite (plastic) version was lighter, but once I tried the A6 sprungs I couldn't go back to the Tuuk Rockers. I was planning on using my old conversions for outdoor games, but had to get another pair with Sprungs since they spoiled me and am trying to sell the old rocker conversions. In my opinion the rockers were a good chassis, but the Sprungs are just much better.

I like them a lot. They're comfortable and give me no pain, there's no heal lift and slopiness, they're stiff for good power transfer and low cut so there's good mobility and forward flex. I also like the pitch holders as it makes it easy to not only try different pitches, but also to swap steel. I like them so much I picked up a back up pair.

Helmet - Mission Carbster/Itech 908 Ti Shoulder - Supreme 70 Elbow - Nike V14 Gloves - RBK 9KN Pants - Nike Quest 1 Jock - Shock Doctor Power Jock Base Layer - Nike Bauer Grip Print Shirt and Long Pants Shins - Nike V14 Skates - KOR Shift 1 Sticks - 6K tapered shaft with Warrior Smyth Blade, backup Nike Apollo Legwand pattern. I have a bunch of other sticks and shafts in the closet, but those are the two I've been taking with me to games most of the time.

Double split fingers, cable knit, vented back roll...they do look like great gloves. How is the fit? Is it a tigher fitting glove, loose or in between?

Thanks for the reassurance. I emailed Kieth/Sprungster - he said if it was way too far forward then I should consider remounting, but if the difference between front and back was minimal it shouldn't matter. Since it's only about 5mm or 1/4 of an inch difference (a bit more wheel out the front then the back) they should be fine and I'll leave them as is.

My Mission L7s pictured above have the chassis mounted closer to the front than the back (the chassis is about one finger width away from the back and half a finger width away from the front edge). If you look at the pics closely you can also see that the front wheel sticks out a bit further than the back wheel. Since the mount is straight left to right and is solid I wasn't too worried about this at first, but now it's just making me wonder a bit. In most of the other pics I see here the frames are actually closer to the back than the front or somewhere in the middle. Will having the chassis mounted a little further forward have any significant negative performance effects or should it be fine?

Thanks...I like that too. They'd look even better with some all silver or black wheels. That way the white chassis would match with the white accents in the boot and the wheels would compliment the silver or black...the silver would also make it similar to a steel ice blade. However, I do like the Rink Rats for Sport Court after trying them last year (started out with a durometer that was too soft for my size and had a couple wheels crack off the hub, however Rink Rat customer service was great and warrantied those wheels with a harder set)so unless Rink Rat changes there colour scheme or I find something equally good it's probably going to be all Yellow and Silver 80a MB816s or Yellow and Silver Hot Shots (I do have 4 80a 76mm Hot Shots, but don't have a full set of 76mm indoor wheels in any one colour..only outdoor wheels).

Mission L7s with Sprung Chassis. I haven't really used these yet as I just got them mounted (picked them up from the LHS today), the roller season here doesn't start until May and the weather really isn't suitable for skating outside right now, but I'm looking forward to using them. I'm going to pick up a few more 80a Rink Rat wheels for them...I was using the Tuuk Rocker last year (mounted on a pair of Nike VForce boots..they'll now be a backup pair unless I don't like the new setup for some reason) and have some 72mm 80a's that I was mixing with the 76mm 80a's, but the Sprung uses all 76mm wheels so I'm short a couple which is why I've used the 76a red wheels at the front for now.

Kovalev is an outstanding player with loads of talent, but isn't consistent and can look like the best player in the world one night and be invisible the next. Based on the article it seems like David is not only talented, but consistently produces based on those numbers...it's good to read that they admire Kovy, but don't copy all of his behaviours. It's great to read about a guy who worked hard to get a shot and is making the best of it and I do hope his success continues.

Update: Helmet: Mission Carbster Cage: Itech I2 Shoulder Pads: Nike V10 Elbow Pads: Nike V14 Pants: Nike Quest 1 Jock: UA and Itech Compression shorts (alternate) Shin: Nike V14 Skates: KOR Shift 1 Socks: Salming Undershirt: Nike Loose Fit and Itech Pro loose fit (alternate) Sticks: Nike Apollo, Samling G1, Salming TF1 Tapered shaft with Christain comp tapered blade, RBK 6K Tapered shaft and Christian comp tapered blade (mainly use the shafts for pickup and the OPS for games). Gloves: DR 1455 and Ferland (forget the model number)