shoot_the_goalie

I have the PRO97. It's like a mix of a P88 and a P90TM. I guess that would make it kinda like a P29-ish? But I also have a P29 and it a bit feels different. The PRO97 also has a more squared toe, which I love, but some may not. The P90TM is like a mix of the P29 and P28, so maybe that type of blade is where you want to go?

That's a tough area to punch out, but it's doable. Main thing is that it will require discipline and patience, cause it's gonna take a few careful cycles to get that area punched out properly without damaging the skate. Maybe one day, skate manufacturers will start creating a "pinky toe" zone like they do with ski boots, where that part of the boot is semi-flexible to accommodate for bigger pinky toes.

Yeah. Sadly P88s are becoming less available. Seems like the demand is for blades with bigger hooks, etc. (funny enough, when I first played back in the 90s, curves like the P88 were considered extreme curves....ha!). I still have a collection of P88s so I should be ok for a little bit, but I've been testing out a P29 to see if I can eventually switch over to it. I find shooting and passing, there's a slight difference, but stick handling I find a significant difference. That's been the biggest learning curve for me thus far. I also ordered some sticks from Geppetto, so I keep my stock of P88s going.

-CCM Ultra Tacks (incredibly smooth and consistent mid-kick) -Bauer Nexus 1000 (personally what I think is the last good Bauer stick made) and agreed about weight. I think sticks are getting way too light. I personally don't like playing with a sub 400g stick; the feel just is off.

Skip the rivet. Just use helmet hardware or the appropriate bolt, etc. Will stay connected much better and you don't even need access to a riveter.

If all else fails and you have the disposable funds (yes they are very expensive), I would highly recommend getting a CCM Total Custom. It's the only helmet I have ever owned that didn't give me pain at my temples or anywhere else over a prolonged period of time wearing it. Super comfy right away, perfect fit, super light, well constructed. To me, definitely worth it.

The original 8mm socket I got with the skates was no longer able to fit and grab the bolt, probably cause over time the bolt hole deformed a little. So I just got a cheaper new 8mm nut driver socket with thin sidewalls and that did the trick. It does make you really appreciate all the new tech with the newer gen holders. (triggers, nut screws, etc)

I spot 3 major design areas that could use refinement - 1) the toe cap, 2) the holder, 3) the carbon fiber bulge at the heel of the boot. But like I said, I'll take functionality in a skate over design any day, but don't think the two need to be mutually exclusive either.

Still rocking the original True SVH customs and still love them, but man, True skates still look ugly. You would think after all these years they would finally have a good looking custom boot. I get fit is paramount, but....

Forget it. Got a different nut driver and problem solved.

Still using the old True Step holder and having trouble now getting the bolts unscrewed. I know it's an 8mm nut driver, but the driver doesn't seem to be setting on the bolt and/or the bolt is stuck. Any ideas on how to get the bolt loose?

Isn't it a Pro Stock Hockey Stick? Covered in some other thread.

Is there a real tangible benefit from the 3D printed tongues? I'm due for a new set of tongues, and not sure if it's worth the cost vs. the traditional ones.

I loved the RBZ when I was wearing them. Quicklites, were more "boxy" to me and didn't love them. I'm in FT4 Pros now which I love, except for that small protrusion on the top of the backplate which always gets caught on my jerseys. FT6 I believe has it as well. In general I thought the QLT line was a miss by CCM. CL, RBZ, FT lines are all great.

Jetspeeds. FT4 Pros are great. FT6 Pros are very good too, but less adjustability and customization than the FT4s. If you really want to go streamlined and light and don't need that much protection, you can always try out referee shinguards.