crazykoreo

Check out No-Icing Sports. They had regular STEP steel for CCM/RBK holders.

Background - 5'11, 210 lbs., Medium forefoot, medium heel but more on the narrow end of medium, moderate arch, fair amount of volume through the instep. Regular shoe size - 9 - 9.5 Recent Skates - CCM U+12, Bauer X40, Fit: Normally, I'm a 6.5 in CCM or Bauer. With Easton's, I fit into a 7 R. Before the bake, the toes were more than feathering the toe cap, the heels felt a little tight, but the volume through the middle was good. After the initial baking, the skates felt much better. The heels sat back in the pocket, the eyelets wrapped around the foot better, and the toes did move back from the front of the toe cap. The heel lock was fantastic but they might be a touch too narrow as I've noticed over the past 8 months when I first put on the skates, my toes are crammed against the toe cap and then the relax a bit as I skate in them. This skate is probably the best heel lock I've had and I erred on the side of a little tighter than looser based on how I tie my skates. I replaced the stock insoles with the yellow superfeet and noticed a slight volume change and fit in the heel. For me, it opened the heel up a allowed it to sit back a little further from the stock insole. It comes down to personal preference, but the only thing I didn't like about the fit was how high cut the boot is. Tied to the top, the boot seemed to really restrict forward flex so I started not tying the top eyelet. It made a huge difference on the amount of forward flex in the boot. The felt tongue on the S12s are pretty nice. They are just thick enough and long enough for tongue floppers and provide adequate protection. 9/10 Blade/Holder: Initially, I tried out the LPS 2 runners and just did not like them. The steel flexed too much and made the holder seem very mushy. With my weight during turns, I could feel the steel and holder flex a little. After 3 public skates, I switched them out for Step steel. Huge improvement. It changed the way the holders feel and the way it skated. This is when I noticed the RBII holder was more lively than an LS2 and had great feel for the ice. It definitely does not feel as stiff as the LS2 holder or E Pro holder but after skating on it for 8 months now, I would put this setup on future skates. The RBII is pitched just slightly forward that I really enjoy it more than an LS or E Pro. 10/10 with Step steel 7/10 with the LPS2 Weight: Lightest skates I've ever owned. First I put them on, I thought I was wearing sneakers. I have noticed that the lighter weight gives me a slightly quicker first couple steps. Also, with the liner and the Dryflow areas in the sole, the skates do not hold much weight after a hard or long skate so a definite plus for Easton. 10/10 Protection: I've taken several shots off the foot and I'd say the protection is good. It's not great but it's nothing like the old Custom Lites I had. It's better than the Pureflys. Some of the older Supremes I used to skate in had much better protection. 7/10 Durability: I've been in this skate the past 8 months playing about 2 to 3 games per week. Durability has been very good. On par with the U+12. I seem to have issues with tendon guards and breaking them down because I like my ankles loose and play both D and O but the S12 have begun to break down in this area. My tendon guards are starting to crease and the side material have cracks. However, I will say that the tendon guards are stronger than the U+12's I had. Those completely broke and became floppy. I don't abuse my tendon guards by using it to take off skates, not fully unlacing my skates, etc. Otherwise, the exterior of the skate has it's fair share of cuts a scrapes. I've had to glue some of the stitching back onto the boot but other than the tendon guards, they have pretty solid. The stiffness hasn't really broken down too much in the 8 months I've worn them. 6/10 Intangibles: For the price I got these skates, they were a great value. They've been extremely comfortable while providing great performance and I'd recommended to otherwise if your foot fits the Easton last. The liner has been very very good and has held up well. I have not had any issues with rusting of the rivets or the rivets popping loose yet but I live in a dry climate and I air out my skates each time I play. Conclusion: The S12's are the a great skate for the money.... especially with the clearance prices you see now. They are solid skates that perform well. I wish the durability of the skate's tendon guard was better but I can't fault Easton for that as it seems to be a personal issue (having large calves and liking a lot of ankle play seems to contribute to early tendon guard break down fore me). I liked the S12's more than the U+12's. 8.4/10