shoot_the_goalie

Don't get obsessed with power. Of course you don't want to shoot muffins, but speed of release and accuracy will beat power every time. So get a stick that feels good in your hands (Jr. vs. Int shaft), and then go with a stick length that allows you to do everything well equally if you play all positions. In general, that would mean cutting it to about chin height on skates. And as far as flex, I find that the feel when giving/catching passes is a good barometer for what flex you should use, not the half your weight thing (which is still a decent starting point though). Play "catch" with a hard passer - if your can feel you stick flexing when you catch a hard pass - probably too low in flex. If you're stick feels like a piece of metal when catching a hard pass and there's no give at all, go a lower flex.

Again, focus on fit. If you've been using Supremes all your life, you might not even fit into a Vapor to begin with. I personally can fit into a retail Supreme, but can't get my foot into a retail Vapor unless the Vapor is a wide EE model. Same with CCM. I can wear retail Tacks, but can't get my foot into a retail Jetspeed. (though from my understanding, Jetspeeds have gotten roomier in later models). So my suggestion, as others said as well, is go to the store, try on different brands, models, and see what fits you best. Don't even go into the store thinking you have to get one brand over another.

I don't know what to tell you.... Are you asking if Vapors make you more agile, and Machs make you faster, etc.? Is a mid-kick for slap shots (and defensemen), whereas a low-kick is for snappers (forwards)? IMHO that's all marketing, cause good shooters can rip slappers with low-kick sticks, and fast skaters can be super agile in Machs and vice versa. If you're asking for something that suits you best, then that's a different question. Sure, there's all personal preference and I understand that. I prefer mid-kick sticks, cause that's what I'm used to, but I can shoot just as well with a low-kick. But if you think by buying Vapors over Machs you're going to be more agile but lose speed (with fit being equal), then you're falling for the marketing jargon. Like I said before, the biggest difference in the product lines for skates is fit. Go with the one that fits you best, not which one promises more of certain skill attribute.

Pretty much all marketing jargon, but there are some differences in the actual boots. Mostly fit, but also some boots are stiffer in certain areas than others. However, I'm sure Connor McDavid will still skate like Connor McDavid regardless of which boot he puts on if you get what I mean.

I just lightly sanded the existing grip, wiped down with damp cloth, let dry, and then sprayed automotive clear coat over the stick. Worked great for me.

I find the Tacks blades to be historically the stiffest and most responsive of the CCM line of blades. They are "pingy", but I prefer that.

As some said, the benefit of the Sparx is consistency and convenience. I used to sharpen FBV on a Blackstone prior to owning a Sparx, and I loved it. Nothing bad to say about it and it definitely produced better/cleaner edges. Blackstone makes a great machine. BUT, you have to know what you're doing, it takes more time, and yet there were occasions where I would still mess up and have to re-do everything. Eventually, loading a skate, hitting a button, and walking away and getting a 9 out of 10 was much more worth it to me than spending more time fidgeting with settings, checking marks, etc for a 10 out of 10 sharpen. Not surprisingly, pro EQMs use both. Sparx to establish the hollow and then a conventional sharpener to get a final finish.

maybe spray a very light coating of 3M Super 77 on the palms? I remember when I used to play with a wooden stick, there would be kids who used a little pine tar. Not sure how that would work on composite sticks though.

@stick9 Try to find some FT1's on clearance or used. I think they may work with your pointy elbows. Though they may not give you the protection you're looking for.

Reviving this thread, now that I've had time to use an AS-V Pro for a bit. (so sort of answering my own question for the forum). I find the AS-V Pro is very comfortable to hold and I really like the new shape for stickhandling. However, I find the kickpoint not nearly as smooth as the previous AS lines, so it doesn't feel as effortless to get good shots off. Gotta really work to get power vs. previous gen. It could just be that I'm so used to traditional square shafts, but the kickpoint is definitely different. Feels a bit like the old Supremes. I did find I could shoot pretty accurate with it though. Also noticed that the curve (P88) is slightly different than previous gen.

Picked up myself a pair of the FT6 Pro pants, and while not game changing from the FT4 Pro pants I was coming from, I do like the small little changes they made in the interior padding. I also feel like the FT6 Pro is a bit more streamlined in fit, which I like. Not that the FT4 Pros were sloppy, just the FT6 Pros feel like a more "tailored" fit. As far as the AER-TEC; nope, found no difference in cooling between the two models.

I love my FT4 pro shoulders, but the only thing that bugs me with them is that stupid flap piece at the back of the neck. Always catches my jersey when I put it on.

I thought none of the manufacturers actually make a physical last of your feet for customs unless you're a special order (i.e. pro hockey player). I was under the impression that True used a 3D scan in conjunction with a base last and then adjust and build accordingly. I didn't think they actually make a physical 3D last from your foot scans. But again, I'm not sure of this.

Just read a bunch of articles about it, and it sounds like the science is too young and fuzzy to give any conclusive evidence that it helps prevent concussions. So could be placebo and at $200, expensive placebo. It's funny....in one of the articles it said: Dr. Fisher, the co-inventor, said the lack of slam-dunk proof has allowed critics to “moan and groan,” as he put it, but no one in his family rides a bike or skis without wearing a collar. “Let’s say it does nothing, then you lose nothing,” he said. Um...I think you lose $200 if it does nothing, no? smh.

Anyone familiar with this? https://q30.com I'm no scientist, but the science makes sense as it's based off research on woodpeckers and how they cushion their brains when "pecking". Not cheap at $200 a pop though, but if it can help prevent concussions....

Ahh...I always appreciate your voice of reason Stick9. CCM would not say 220 for 2 minutes if they didn't mean it. Heck, it probably can handle more than that, but they need to still be on the safe side, otherwise everyone baking their skates would wreck them. I have baked many a skate on my own (I use a convection oven and a temp gun to make sure the temp is accurate) and I've never pushed higher than 220 on temp (oven turned off before I put the skate in), but I have left the skates in for more than 2 mins on occasion (never longer than 4) and I've never had any problems to date. I make sure to pull laces straight out, not over-crank them, and make sure the skate wearer doesn't move for 20 mins. The OP pic looks like an over-bake and/or over tightening of laces. And yes, just cause it's a LHS, doesn't mean the employee does it right all the time. In fact, I have witnessed myself quite a few store employees (won't name the stores), that clearly pull up on the eyelets and/or tighten too hard, and I have also seen many kids of all different ages not stay still while the boot is still hot, literally flexing their ankles. (I guess some people can't help themselves) I also agree. Use the warranty and just exchange them and then be there for the baking process. As long as you're not a serial skate returner, you shouldn't have a problem with CCM customer service.

An add on here. I noticed that the AS-V (non-pro) has the traditional square shape vs the v-shape. Does the AS-V play more like the previous gens then?

IMHO, CCM is just putting out better sticks lately than Bauer in terms of both quality and durability.

Anybody know how much the new Tacks AS-V Pro stick compares to the previous gen sticks? Is the kick point and v-shaft significantly different?

I'm biased toward CCM cause the few times I've had interactions with their customer service, they have always been top notch and very helpful/accommodating. Everything I have is CCM, except True skates. However, when these Trues are up, I think I may go to CCM customs...though I've been very happy with my Trues.

Agreed. The filter can be reused. I usually just give it a good vacuum. I have replaced it once in the 4 years I've owned the machine when the filter just got way too dirty.

Some of the players on your old team won't care and some will...you can't control that. But no point to be disappointed playing, especially when you're paying to play. Just switch teams and don't bad mouth or denigrate the other team.

Imho, supertacks are closer to the nexus line…much more so in previous generations of both brands. As the supertacks has evolved the kick point seems to be moving from a true mid kick to more a higher but softer mid kick.

Those look legit.

Amazon has them: https://www.amazon.com/Adrenaline-Design-Powerfoot-Hockey-Performance/dp/B01E7VLMJK?th=1&psc=1