Cosmic

FWIW the guy from HockeyTutorial says that he likes the 70K more than he likes his VH skates (in a recent video where he is unboxing stuff at his HQ). I have never heard him get so excited over a retail skate (previous retail that he seemed to like best was Mako). So, I would not be surprised if thee significant type changes that you reference, were made (but the guy doing the promo video may not have wanted to talk over the "average consumer's" head, and thus he may have failed to mention these nuances that only we would appreciate).

No pump = 75 grams less in each skate.

Quite the contrary. The BC71 will naturally shoot the puck low, due to how closed it is at the toe. I would say BC71 is more closed than P88 (which to me is perfect loft/"slightly open"). And yes, I struggle with keeping the shots low with the 28 as well. If I can pull it back, cup the puck, and then push the shot through, I am good. But, coming across the front of the net and just trying to quick snap a shot, I find I will either get a weak shot off the heel or a high shot off the toe. The BC71 is nice in this regard, because you can unleash and know that no matter where on the blade you make contact, the shot will be low-. You may just pull the puck a bit if you connect at the toe.

If you go to the BASE Facebook page from around May 2015, I think there are 3 really good pics that actually accurately depict the blade. I used the P71 for a short while. It's a closed toe with very slight rocker (less than P88, which I consider a very small rocker). Rounded toe. Length and height about the same as the P88. I liked ripping nasty wristers with it, but it was hard to stick handle with, especially on the concrete like ice that I usually play on, because the blde hardly comes underneath the puck. With the P88/P28 (my curves of choice now), the bottom middle of the blade scoops just a bit, like a very subtle wedge, so that the puck lifts onto the blade a bit when I go from a standstill into motion. With the P71, it is like I am pushing the puck against the gravel-like ice that I play on, and it was super challenging. Thus, I got out of the P71, but I still appreciate it for what it is closed toe/ no rocker- very simple and great at the old school/ old style wrist shot, where you can start the puck from mid toe and just fling the hell out of it at the target. When I played on good ice (which is rare), I did not notice this difficulty which basically was crippling me at my present venue.

AHA! That explains it then. When I ordered from Amazon awhile back, someone from Powerfoot (maybe you Mike?) asked me what skate and size I was. I advised and was sent the inserts. The inserts themselves did not seem thick enough, so I added the extra piece. I just got a new pair of Makos, and put a sample into the skates. The sample seemed alot thicker, and I love it. I like the pressure actually pressing down on my toes. I was wondering why the sample feels different (better/ fuller) than the one that I ordered. I just investigated (I was overseas/away from my skates when I wrote the post so I could not see what was up, but just got back). Looks like the inserts are still intact, but as mentioned, I do not think they are thick enough. To each their own/ personal preference and all that.

I'm not Mike, but I have the PowerFoot Inserts in my Easton Mako M8s. The toe box of the Mako looks alot like the new toe box (the plastic anatomical one, not the old carbon one) of the VH. I think I heard that VH greatly reduces negative space in the toe box. So, if the shape is the same as Mako, but less negative sace, then it should fit, but you may experience more pressure in the toe box than intended. It just depends on the negative space there. So, obviously, I would not use the additional space filler that comes with the inserts, as this will likely just be too much (and I think with the extra bell and whistle of that thing, it just increases the chances of malfunction- in my last skates, I think that the addition of this second piece caused the insert to come undone- I pulled something out of my skate one day that looked like that piece, and then just played, and have since never investigated.

Gotta call them.

Stick specs- STX Surgeon RX2.1, 85 flex, X88 pattern Reviewer Background- 6'2, 215 lbs, limited experience in ice hockey (1 year playing on a team in 1988-1989). I have played a bit of street hockey (very informal/ casual 2 v 2 mostly, sometimes with a goalie, in the front yard when I was a kid). I played some inline hockey- more than ice, way less than I played street. Took up ice hockey again in August 2013, after a long layoff (I played 3 months of pick up, in 1995-1996). I have used this stick 2-3x/week for about 5 months. I bought this stick for 2 reasons: 1) I wanted to try the PureGrip shaft design, and 2) I thought this to be an excellent value stick. The RX2 weights 425 grams, this one weighs 455 grams, for about half the price, with the same blade. So, seems to be a no brainer, until someone else tells me that they want to sponsor me and buy my sticks. Blade - The blade has a nice feel to it. It is thinner than the last blade that I was using (a BASE Hockey blade that I had connected to a shaft), which I like. It seems strong and stiff, but I assume it flexes appropriately when I shoot. I never tried to flex it with my hands; no need to compromise the integrity of it I suppose. The blade itself is neither dampened nor lively. The blade does feel easy to stickhandle with, but it is hard to say if that is due to how easy it is to handle the PureGrip shaft, or the blade itself. The puck does not seem to come off the blade terribly "hot." It is ok, I have scored my share of goals, but I attribute it more to accurate shots (on the occasions that I actually have hit the target) and goalie screens, than to me blasting shots by goalies who are made inefficient due to my blistering shot. The blade has held up well, durability wise. So, although there is nothing about the blade that has me saying, "This is the best blade ever!," I also cannot find fault with it. Score: 8.75/10 Shaft/Flex - This is where it gets interesting. PureGrip technology is epic, for a guy who has mostly played street and inline hockey. One of the more difficult aspects of the game to adjust to for me has been squeezing the shaft to receive passes and shoot. This is not necessary in street hockey when one is using the rubber ball. So, for the first year or so of my comeback, I did not even know about this necessity of squeezing the shaft when working with these aspects of the game. Still, I often do not squeeze the shaft hard enough, even when I remember to perform this action, when using a traditional shaft, as evidenced by the stick deflecting in my hands to flub shots and pass receptions. However, with the PureGrip, I no longer have these issues. I pretty much successfully receive all passes now, unless I mis align the blade, or the puck is bouncing, but neither of these items are the fault of the stick. The dual kick point is another "interesting" feature. I am not yet as sold on it, as I am on the PureGrip. Sure, I score goals, get shots off quickly, and get hard shots- usually not all 3 at the same time though (and I am faaaaaaaaaar from a good player, just saying I have experienced some limited success). It seems that in order to get this aspect of the stick to work with the user, one would need a ton of reps to figure the sweet spots in hand placement and shot type. Regardless, it works well enough, while just using it in an intuitive manner. Although it does not kick as quick or hard, usually, as my Warrior Covert QR Pro, it does, on occasion, kick similarly, when I apparently use the stick in the manner it was meant to be used (or when I get lucky or whatever is happening). Flex is a bit stiff. I was in an 85, and am moving into a 75 tomorrow. Perhaps this is more me than the stick, and I am just coming to awareness of where I ought to be (after having been confused by a number of factors- such as the Oggie Ergo grip adding so much flex when I had previously installed it on other sticks, and since I used a chippy stick previously anyway- the Warrior Covert QR Pro). Score: 10/10 (I am now pretty useless when I use other sticks, as the deflection factor is now more pronounced when I try to take big shots, and receive hard passes.) Stickhandling/receiving passes - like butter, as described above (due to the shaft geometry working seamlessly with the contour of the hand) Score: 10/10 Shooting - Shooting is just ok. I have great control with the shaft, but the kick just seems ok. This could be due to my being in a curve that I have just recently found to be a bit crippling (P88). I am moving into the P28, to be able to shoot off of the toe. Perhaps this will improve this score in the future, and is actually no fault of the stick. So, figure this score to be somewhere between a 7 and a 10; we will see how the next 6 months go. Weight and balance - For the price? 10/10. However, since value is not factored into these ratings, the stick does feel a bit heavier than my QR Pro- nothing enormous, but noticeable. The weight is nicely balanced, though. Score: 8/10. Durability - I have blocked some pretty hard shots at the neck of the stick, thinking as the shot hit, “Why the heck am I blocking shots in pick-up with a $160 stick, in a country that does not sell this stick?” To my surprise, no damage. I have noticed some nicks, that I have filled with epoxy to reinforce. Score: 9.25/10 Intangibles - I cannot go back to standard shaft geometry (again, unless someone wants to sponsor me and try to pry me away from the PureGrip). Score: 10/10 Conclusion - Love the concept, and looking forward to trying a new flex (75) and pattern (X28) in this stick (STX Surgeon RX2.1). I have a vision of my leaning on this technology to bridge the gap between myself and more skilled and experienced players. It may be a fantasy, maybe I am giving too much undue credit to the stick? Perhaps, I will provide another update in 3-6 months. Score: 56/60 Granted, a lot of this close to perfection achievement is due to how much I appreciate the PureGrip. If you have been playing a ton of hockey, are used to the box shaft geometry and may find the new feel to be distracting or unhelpful, then I would not advise this stick. If, however, you are a bit of a newb or more accustomed to street/inline hockey with a lighter puck (ball), then do yourself a favor and pick this stick up (just sample it; but do not buy unless you are feeling it) at the pro shop, and see if you like it.

Grabbed a pair of M8s on clearance; and gonna give the X28 a try. Also trying a new flex (75).

I like how you tell us how many sticks you have. As if, we might be worried in case one might break, how you might get by HAHA! I will follow suit: Helmet - CCM Resistance Cage - TCCM Res 300 (white) Shoulder pads - CCM RBZ 130 LE Elbows - STX Surgeon 500 Gloves - Warrior QRL Pro Girdle/ Shell - Warrior Dynasty/ Warrior Dynasty Shins - Reebok 20K Skates - Easton Mako 2 Sticks - 85 flex STX Surgeon RX2.1 X88; 75 flex STX Surgeon 2.1 X88 and 75 flex STX Surgeon 2.1 X28 pending my arrival home (I have 3 sticks too!)

In motorcycle helmets terminology (oval, intermediate oval, and narrow), I have an intermediate oval to narrow head, which is kind of not a wide head. Wide would be oval. The CCM Resistance fits me perfectly- not sure if it is just a super comfy helmet, or if it is an intermediate oval to narrow fit.

I think he is saying that the body/ skating technique adapts to messed-up-endess (bad sharpening)- like a - times a - = a + kind of thing. So, when a guy whose skating and body has adapted to bad equipment (or, in this case, just the sharpening); and then all of a sudden the guy gets proper equipment, then he has to unlearn the bad habits/ maladaptations. I think I get it.

I like this look much better than a jersey'ed goalie.

Does anyone know if the Speed Plates are intended to be left inside the skate? At 1:33 of this video, he seems to impy that the skate and plate become 1. I have heard that getting the Speed Plates out can be a challenge. I always remove the footbeds after I skate, for proper drying out of the skates. Curious if these are intended to be taken in and out. I will use with Makos.

Funny about how CCM is promoting the hard plastic as "new tech." I just got back into hockey a couple years ago, so I do not know what was happening in 2005, but I know that my CCM CL and CCM U + 12 shoulder pads both have hard plastic, with vents at the sternum. So, this "Vent Shield Technology" does not seem newly engineered for QLT; they just changed the color of the plastic from red to black, changed the areas of coverage, and are branding it as "new." That being said, I am loving my 130 LE shoulders (I have 2 sets of gear for 2 continents, thus so many pads). The U+12s and CLs have been rock solid as well.

Helmet - CCM Revolution Shoulders - CCM RBZ 130 LE Elbows - STX Surgeon 500 Gloves - Warrior Covert QRL Pro Pants - Warrior Dynasty girdle/ shell Shins - Reebok 20K Skates - Easton Mako 2 Stick - STX Surgeon RX 2.1 (numerous shafts and blade combos as backups; will likely only use the Surgeon RX2 line until/ if/ when a better geometry is developed

X Bionic is the latest sweat management/ athletic performance apparel manufacturer. I first learned of X-Bionic from Sports2K's Show it off section, and then tried some of their stuff. It is actually pretty amazing. I wear the 3/4 Effektor * shown below (or some ektor or Energizer or sth I cannot keep it all straight) compression pants, and afterward, they do something so that you can remain in them, comfortably, and they do something to decrease the post workout tightness/ cramping/etc. I sweat as more than anyone, so I think this is saying something. I have been wearing one of their shirts (MK Summerlight). I do not have such positive feedback for this, as it smells harsh once I sweat into it, and I want to take it off when I am done. Supposedly, the PowerShirt has some anti-smell tech in it, so I ought to be better off with it. Anyway, if you check X-Bionic's site, they are riding Lambo pretty hard right now (which is not really my thing; I like bikes, and SUVs; if the world were like 99% less populated with good roads, and no speed limits, then maybe I would be a sports car guy, but everywhere I have lived, they have just been so non-practical that I never got into them). And of course, X-B have all kinds of videos with sweat tech sort of stuff. I do not know if it does what it is supposed to, or if their science and theories are even legit. All I know, is that I always feel good, after a long skate in these, so I wear them. I am pretty good at stumbling on sites giving 75% off of these things too (at this time last year, Sierra Trading Post was like 73% off and I grabbed a bunch of items). For a lower cost, still pretty good, partial compression, I also use Peresvit * shown below, available on eBay from Ukraine. This shirt is pretty cool, it makes you look more buff than you are, because of the subtle graphics. It does not really compress around the waist though, for whatever reason. It is fine for hockey, but for working out, every time I raise my arms, I would be showing skin around my waist, which is not cool. My pic is lame and does not do the shirt justice; check out eBay to see what the shirt actually looks like. They run big; I am XXL in most shirts, but I am L/XL in Peresvit.

STX Surgeon RX2.1 Warrior Covert QRL Gloves Warrior Covert QRL Pro Gloves CCM Pro Jock X Bionic Power Shirt

In terms of durability, is the RX 2.1 > than the RX 2.0?

+2 for Coffey - I always wanted to try this pattern as well since having gotten back into hockey. However, right as I was getting back into it, this style of curve (closed, mid?) seems to have fallen out of favor. I also like the idea of a tall paddle, as the ice where I play is always chewed up beyond what seems fathomable (thus passes are always skipping).

Any idea when we will have information on this development? (I am infinitely more interested in this "classic closed mid toe" curve than the new Shanahan- a heel that is low in height makes catching fluttering passes impossible; and where I play, all passes flutter):

What's the difference between this P10 Shanahan and the BM09/ PM09? They look alot alike.

I was specifically trying to fit one of the Bauer Hybrid fishbowl with the cage underneath, onto a CCM Resistance. A guy who used to work over at HM said something to the effect of, "Impossible, it used to be a possibility, but Bauer changed their rigging so that this fishbowl had to be used with a Bauer lid." Maybe it is unfair of me to try to determine their intention, perhaps they were just innovating; I think the guy over there maybe put it in my head that Bauer did this to just lock people into their stuff. Whatever, point is, I do not work in the industry, so maybe I know nothing. But judging from the Twitter feud between Bauer and Warrior last year over QR this and that, I don't know, I cannot see a great Meeting of the Minds over Flex Summit happening any time soon (which is fine; we will sort it out). On a side note, I ended up "discovering" the CCM Res 300 Cage (in white; it is perfect, as it whites out the ice and has compressed wire where the eye port is) as a result of being forced out of Bauer stuff, so it was all for the best. If you can get to a HM where they have the stick testing section, then that's a win. I vacation close to the HM in Irvine, and enjy testing out all the new sticks and flexes in their area.

Seeing as how Bauer recently changed their helmets and cages so that they are only compatible with each other (and no longer compatible with the rest of the market, thus stifling us, if we were to try to mix and match helmets and cages), I think it is safe to say that Bauer will not be singing "Kum-Bay-Yah" with the rest of the manufacturers, to ease the burden of the guesswork on the "consumers," as one of their (former?) product line guys likes to refer to us in one of the IW Insight videos. The only flex standardization we can expect, will come from here, I am guessing.

Right on, just trying to figure some preferred specs/ specs I am interested in so I have a bit of a clue, for when we met in June (Nasty R shaft with grip powder matte, somewhere between 80 and 90 flex, Savoy blade). It is pretty nice how you Base seems to have so much available with customization.