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Cosmic

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Posts posted by Cosmic

  1. Posted · Edited by Cosmic

    I agree with your analysis, but I have no love for 30. If you go to sportrac and run the year-to-year and pay attention to % of cap hit, you can see that 30 makes too much, relative to cap. For the amount of cap that he takes up, he needs to give up 0 or 1 goal about 65% of the time, and 2 goals maximum the other 35% of the time, and then we'd be ok. However, he binges on GA too often, and thus, we lose. If we had the 1987 Oilers in front of him, then fine, let him binge once in awhile, but we have a lackluster squad. 

    What's the strategy, when your goalie makes so much of the cap? Withstand non-stop shellings? I do not like it. I really think that if we actually had all that cap money (his, 5, 18, etc) to spend, then we can with a Cup with a hot Raanta (why not? Plenty of average goalies have won Cups just getting hot at the right time, with great teams in front of them).

    I do not see what makes Matt Murray, Corey Crawford, and anyone not named Jonathan Quick, that much better than a hot Raanta or Talbot. I do think, however, the Crosby, Malkin, Kessel, Letang, Kopitar, J. Carter, Doughty, Toews, Kane and Keith are sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much better than anything we got. I just wish we could reinvest that money on skaters that can actually play.

    Get these guys (the Jamie Benns of the world, the Malkins, Letangs, Kopitars, etc.) when their contracts come up- have money waiting for them and let's get some marquee guys in here. No team has won with mediocre skaters and the best goalie. It does not work that way, and our guys are just so mediocre that it literally puts me to sleep about 60% of games (I watch all NYR games, and with my wife as my witness, I sleep best when I try to watch this year's NYR team). 

  2. Posted

    12 hours ago, dkmiller3356 said:

    Thank you for putting me out of misery.

    AMEN! Glen Sather's legacy (NMCs on 5, 18, 30, and 61 with #21 on a bad contract to top it off) has me on the brink of buying an Evgeni Malkin jersey T Shirt.

  4. Posted

    On 4/11/2017 at 9:48 AM, dkmiller3356 said:

     What the hell happened to Grabner after Clendening hit him in practice?  

     

    Do you mean hit as in, "Too bad we lost Zucc for the TBL series after the Captain hit him in the head with a clapper?" 

    -OR-

    "The Bulls were scared to lose after MJ hit Kerr in the face in practice?"

    Big time NYR fan here, just curious as to the story.

  5. Posted · Report reply

    On 4/20/2017 at 1:43 AM, tpedersen3118 said:

    Do these have the narrower toe cap like the Tacks do? I'm in a Supreme 190 EE and tried the EE Ultra Tacks with no luck b/c of that toe cap.

    check out 6:36- not sure if that answers your question (I cannot really tell):

     

  6. Posted · Report reply

    I was in Mako 2 in size 10, and then bought Mako M8 in 9.5 when I realized that I was oversized. I cannot really tell the difference in the 2 boots, aside from the M8 maybe being a bit stiffer (which is fine, as the Mako 2 may have been too flexy). Weightwise, I think that the skates are the same when in same sizes, according to the IW listed weights. I have never weighed my skates.

  7. Posted · Report reply

    1 minute ago, flip12 said:

    Do you have a link for that? I'd love to see that video as he was incredibly positive about his VH. With a quick search I couldn't find it.

    I think around halfway thru to the end, if you do not want to watch all 18 minutes. He just says they are great, not much else:

     

  8. Posted · Edited by Cosmic · Report reply

    4 hours ago, flip12 said:

    They look a lot nicer than CCM's other skates.

    Did the facing pattern change too? I thought the __K-series had been more L-shaped until now. These look very C-shaped. They just didn't mention a change in the video.

    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).

    • Like 1

  9. Posted · Report reply

    1 hour ago, start_today said:

    Last time I checked, lace locks were kind of hard to get for a reasonable price. 

    Why are people excited about getting rid of these? Was there a disadvantage to having lacelocks  and pumps on skates? If you owned the product, I I don't think either affected usage or quality, and if you didn't own them, who cares? 

    No pump = 75 grams less in each skate.

     

     

  10. Posted · Report reply

    3 hours ago, tickles said:

    Thanks for your insight Mr. Data and Cosmic. Is the BC71 unruly like the 28's in terms of keeping the puck low on quick release shots? I have used e28 and p14 in an attempt to replace my beloved p46's but I'm a risk to everyones teeth out there. 

     

    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.

    • Like 1

  11. Posted · Edited by Cosmic · Report reply

    8 hours ago, tickles said:

    Hey Mr. Data, 

    Can you please post the same type of pictures of the BC 71? 

    I am looking to buy a bunch of blades in a P46 type pattern - hoping BC71 is close.

    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.

  12. Posted · Report reply

    On 1/10/2017 at 3:33 AM, MikeBoyarchuk said:

    Sorry for the delay @vsawchuk I was away for the holidays... and by "away", I mean on the ODR with my boys! As @Cosmic mentioned we do have a thinner version that we use for Makos and we also use them for VH skates. We've had a great response with the users so far. Let me know if you need anything else!

    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.

    On 1/10/2017 at 3:35 AM, MikeBoyarchuk said:

    Thanks for jumping in! Just to confirm, your set up is working now... despite the lack of further investigation?? Let me know if you need anything from our end. Feel free to DM as well. Cheers!

    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. 

  13. Posted · Report reply

    22 hours ago, vsawchuk said:

    @MikeBoyarchuk Hi Mike,

    Just a quick question... Do you make the Powerfoot Inserts that fit VH skates? I have a pair of VH and they fit great but they just have a little bit of room that I want to get rid of in the toe box... Plus I've had Powerfoot Inserts in my Bauer 1X skates and really got used to the comfort and performance factor they provide.

    Thanks!

    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.

  15. Posted · Edited by Cosmic · Report reply

    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.

  17. Posted · Report reply

    On 12/4/2016 at 4:22 PM, Tsch25 said:

    Helmet - Bauer 5100
    Visor - Tron
    Shoulder pads - CCM Crazy Light U+ 
    Elbows - Jofa 8k
    Gloves - Warrior AX1
    Pants - CCM Crazy Light U+
    Shins - RBK/Jofa 6k
    Skates - Bauer Nexus 1000
    Sticks - 3 x True A5.2 (85 flex, HCS curve)

    Updates in bold.

    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!)

     

  18. Posted · Report reply

    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.

  19. Posted · Report reply

    3 hours ago, DarkStar50 said:

    ??????  A good sharpening cannot make things feel wrong.......

    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.

    • Like 1

  21. Posted · Report reply

    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.

     

  22. Posted · Edited by Cosmic · Report reply

    On 8/2/2016 at 6:09 PM, brianb said:

    Really disappointed with how everything fits/feels this year.

     

    Nothing is quite as comfortable as the last RBK line. I like the straps on the shoulder pads and shin guards, but it's not enough to upgrade to new equipment. They also added hard plastic components in some (I think) odd places. 

     

    The elbow pads are just not comfortable. 

     

    I'm guessing that they made a fit adjustment compared to the Tacks line. But I'm tall and thin, so I'm not sure who the Quicklite line would be for if the Tacks fits me better.

    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.

    • Like 1

  23. Posted · Report reply

    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

  24. Posted · Edited by Cosmic · Report reply

    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.

     

    38000F0C-9740-41F2-957C-33F834EBA0BC_zps

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