shoot_the_goalie

Just started using my pair, and I find that I like them with the shim, giving me a very snug, tight fit. (I like my skates to be very snug in general - I wear skates 2.5 sizes smaller than my shoes). I started using them with Stable 26 socks, and now I have very little negative space in my boot, which is great. Not sure if there's a significant performance difference from using the Powerfoot inserts (and the Stable 26 as well), but I'll tell you this... from a comfort standpoint...it's fantastic. It's also prevented me from curling my toes when in stationary positions, which has caused aches in the past. And for less than $20, it's a great value. I'm sold and am already recommending to fellow players who have complained in the past about roomy toe boxes.

and like MThockeydad said, don't forget to bring beer to share! cheers!

I agree. In addition to making a great machine, Blackstone's customer service is top notch. I've dealt primarily with Liam for all my questions, and he's been fantastic and knowledgeable in his support.

I think this is going to be your major decision maker. If you like FBV, it makes sense to use the machine that is built by the people who invented the tech. I personally love FBV. First time I tried it, it took getting used to (almost felt slippery), but once you get used to it, it's fantastic and it's the real deal. I once had to go back to ROH for an emergency sharpening at the rink, and my skates felt so "sluggish" compared to FBV. I'll never go back to ROH if I can help it. Both machines are great and both have phenomenal customer service. IMHO, the Wissota has a much steeper learning curve than the X01/X02. However, If you're out playing, and you need an emergency sharpening somewhere else (like I did), chances are you're more likely going to have to get ROH, as it's more common. And in regards to sharpening your own skates... I am very picky. I once had FBV done on my skates, and I kept losing my edge cause they were poorly done. So a lot of the quality is on the operator, more so than on the machine. When I sharpen my own skates, I know #1) that it was done with meticulous care, #2) that the edges are to spec and that they are level, #3) they can be done anytime I'm around my machine (so no waiting, no trying to get to the LHS before they close, etc) When I first got my X01, it took me about a hour to sharpen a pair of skates to the desired level of quality, cause I had to figure this thing out, reposition this thing there, etc, etc... but now I can sharpen my skates with very good precision in about 5 minutes. Plus now I sharpen for my kids, and in no time, the machine should pay for itself pretty quickly. Best of luck in whatever machine you get!

Currently skating on FBV 100/50, but heard good things about 95/75. How much of a difference is the feel and the attributes of 95/75 vs 100/50? Is there really a noticeable difference, or is it very subtle? I currently like 100/50, but wouldn't mind a little more grip on my edges. Just for reference, I'm 5'9", 170lbs, and skate on relatively hard ice indoors. Thanks

I think that was Matt Cooke? Jordan Leopold also uses it I believe. I don't think FBV will be revolutionizing the market until it becomes easily accessible everywhere, and it needs to start with young kids. Hockey players (athletes in general) are creatures of habit, and FBV (which I believe is superior to ROH) is not enough of a performance jump IMHO for people to change from what they've always known and are comfortable with for years (NHL pros, etc). I will say this. I sharpen with FBV, and the other night I lost an edge. Had to get an emergency sharpening at the rink, and of course, they only have ROH. Well, got it done, and man, ROH felt sluggish. Couldn't wait to sharpen back to FBV.

Thanks for the advice. Sounds like it's not worth it to get the new gauge since I can get the Batgage to work with good results. I too find that you must make sure that the left side of the gauge is completely flat against the blade. I also make sure to check that there are no fibers (after I wipe finishing oil off with a rag) or any burrs, hairs, etc on the blade, as those foreign materials could throw off the gauge significantly.

Anyone use the new ButterflyGage? The BatGage is kinda finicky, but I've figured out how to use it to get good results. Wondering if the ButterflyGage is that much better to be worth the extra $125.

on the mini, they said spec showing when in compartment. however, I too agree, it doesn't seem like it would matter if it was either way since the mechanism seems to be symmetrical in nature.

I was told by Blackstone that the spinner spec should be showing when placed into the spinner compartment. Wouldn't that make the spec side the side meeting the drag cap? Blackstone told me as long as you're within one notch on both sides (BatGauge), that should be pretty close to even. Each notch is representative of one thousandth of an inch.

Another side question: How do you know when a mini-spinner is no longer good? Blackstone customer service told me after 5-6 grinding wheels (depending on frequency of dressing), but are there physical signs to knowing when it's time to replace a spinner?

Digressing a bit, but just saw that Blackstone has a new edge checker on their website. Does anyone know the price? Is it worth it over the bat gauge? I finally figured out how to work the bat gauge, so I can get decent results with it, but it still is not without it's inconsistency issues.