boo10

It's an interesting question. I was actually able to purchase a pair of AS-590 directly from CCM, without steel. That means either it's the retailers that are forcing you to buy steel with the skate, or CCM has a bug on their website. If it's the former, then I could see it being a problem trying to get a refund for the steel. Probably a question that has to be asked directly to CCM.

Yes, the X2.9 is fully bakeable.

Personally, I like the 2.9 better than the 3X. I find it to be more comfortable with nice thick internal foams. It's a tech mesh construction, which used to be Bauer's top level quarter material (think X:60/X7.0). it's a little heavier than the 3X, but it's by no means a boat anchor. If I was choosing between the two, I'd pick the X2.9, especially when you factor in the price difference.

I have used it on more than one occasion. For me, the process was very simple and painless. Walked into the store and said I'd like to utilize the guarantee as I wasn't happy with the skates. They refunded the purchase right away, no questions asked. This was at Pro Hockey Life in Canada, so I can't speak about any other retailer.

I have the HK version, it's a great stick. Unfortunately, I don't really like the P90TM that's on it, so I'll probably get rid of it or relegate it to emergency backup.

That's a blast from the past! I actually have a family friend that played for the Golden Seals (and the Cleveland Barons, among others).

I think that would actually look good with a black or blue toecap. Those white caps look like crap after a couple years as evidenced by the Supreme one.9 special edition. I have no taste or fashion sense, so there is that to consider. 😂 Edit:. Slap some blue holders a la Gretzky on those puppies too!

So here's my 2 cents.... I fit pretty well in a 7.5D Tacks (9090 and AS3). I'm so close to the cap in those skates, that if my toenails get too long they will touch the cap while I'm skating. I tried on an unbaked TF7 in 7R a few days ago and my toes were smashed into the cap. Unless a bake would move my foot back 6-7mm, that skate is too small for me. @PBHis pretty knowledgeable and is well versed in True's skate lines. He says go up a size from the TF line and I believe @Hills also had this initial impression (Matt can correct me if I'm wrong). Taking what those two members have said into account, I think your best bet as a starting point would be a 7.5R in the Catalyst line.

Honestly, I've been wondering if we're reaching the ceiling on hockey equipment prices. Bauer and CCM have been getting away with pretty good margins for a while now. We've reached the point where a pair of top of the line skates costs as much or more than a 75" tv. You'd think people are going to start to tap out soon, but we'll see.

LOL, you are correct. I did not even read my own post and missed my typo (twice). With observation skills like that, I should put away my stick and put on the zebra sweater!

There is no left and right, just a single holder shape that fits either side.

I think the True Shift holder is the narrowest, (also symmetrical). Edit: holder is symmetrical.

Seems like it's being resolved to your satisfaction, so probably not worth the effort and aggravation to pursue with CCM, but I think if you forced the issue you'd eventually get them to honour the satisfaction guarantee. Below is the info from CCM's website. As I read it, the only possible out for them is the reference to "Limited Warranty to North America", but I see nothing in the warranty language, so I don't think that's the case. With CCM being headquartered in Quebec which has the strictest consumer protection laws in Canada, you'd have a very strong case to make them honour the guarantee. A call to the province would be a headache they would want to avoid. (Source, my job requires me to deal with Quebec government ministries, and they are a royal PITA). SKATES Skates are warranted against manufacturing defects and workmanship under normal use and maintenance for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of sale to the consumer when used as intended under normal use and alterations. 90 DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE - LEGAL POLICY We're so sure that you will love your new CCM skates that if you aren’t satisfied for any reason, you can return them within 90 days of purchase. The 90 Day Satisfaction Guarantee applies to SR skate models over $199 and INT-JR skate models over $99. LIMITED WARRANTY TO NORTH AMERICA. The skate models set forth in this table are also subject to CCM’s 90 DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE which allows purchasers of eligible skate models to return the product to the retailer they bought them from if they are unsatisfied with the product. Upon presentation of the product to the retailer (along with proof of purchase) within 90 days of its date of purchase, the retailers will fully refund the customer in the full amount of the purchase price.

Don't trust what the store is telling you. Store is either lying or won't advocate for you. Contact CCM yourself and explain that your are unhappy with the skates and the store won't process the return under the 90 day guarantee. It's supposed to be no questions asked, but the reason you're unsatisfied is the lack of durability. If you push the right buttons, you'll get your money back.

Interesting. Was the official release date pushed back or did I have bad information? I went into Pro Hockey Life last weekend and was told they had to send back all the inventory they had received because roughly 80% of the skates had holder issues. CCM also has no information on the AS-V skates on their website, nor does any retailer have them officially listed for sale as of this morning.

Couldn't find a dedicated thread for AS-V skates so figured I'd ask here. I had heard that the AS-V skate line was supposed to release today, but I know there was a recall due to holder issues. Anyone know when these skates will actually be available in stores?

If you're able to skate well with the dropped eyelet don't change. If you're going to experiment with the top eyelet done up, you need to keep the skates pretty loose. Laced up to the top with really tight laces will prevent you from getting proper knee bend. You'll likely have the sensation of nearly toe picking with every stride.

I've been using the FT3 Team stick and see no reason to spend more on a stick. Performance, balance and durability have all been excellent. Got it on sale for <$100 CAD.

Do you know how they're achieving that increase in flexion? I'm no kinesiologist, but it seems unnecessary to have a super stiff lateral flex profile. Some stiffness is required, but I think the AS3 Pro was just overkill.

That spot is problematic for me in every CCM one-piece boot. I think if they wanted to use rivets instead of stitching to attach the toecap, they should have made it slightly wider to accommodate the space taken up by the fastener inside the cap.

The Bauer Synergy has a 15k shaft and a 3k blade. Can't find an existing Bauer model that has that combination, but a mashup of the Nexus Team shaft and Vapor Team blade would give you that construction. Also fits the price point, so I'm guessing that's what it is, (or something similar).

Tendon guard is definitely 80K. Eyelet row looks like 70K.

They don't mention kickpoint, so difficult to guess what it is, but my money is on a 3S with a modified blade construction.

My favourite stick of all time. I loved that thing. Finally broke when some fat guy fell on it and I was so upset I had to drink extra beer after the game.

A bent runner can be straightened. You need to figure out why it bent. If it's from a holder mount, then have CCM replace the skates under warranty. If for some strange reason they won't, then just use the 90 day guarantee and purchase a new replacement pair, (might just want to go that route anyway as you'd get a fresh warranty period). CCM owns STEP now, so you'd be dealing with them on runner warranty anyway.