Davideo

There is the PRO 9271, which is a PRO71 but with a different, and taller, blade shape. Actually, I have an uncut flex 70 9271 that has only seen about 20 shots before deciding I didn't want to go with it.

The 3D visualizer uses solid black, which greatly reduces its utility. For example, if looking from the top you can't get a good sense of how open the blade is and because of that it can skew what is curve vs openness. For me, the ability to side by side compare two different curves that have a checkerboard pattern would be incredibly useful. Gepetto should just send a few of us one of each curve to review :) Though I just ordered my fourth PRO curve trying to chase the perfect curve, so it might cut into his sales...

Thanks. Is there less loft heel to mid-point? That's what I don't like about a P92, not the amount of curve.

Old post, but I figured I'd add my two cents for future internet searches. As a point of reference, for the past decade or so I'd mostly used a P88 with a P38 thrown in there for a bit. I would generally agree with flip's comments. An open heel throws me off. The PRO34 is relatively flat and the then there is a moderate curve and loft from the middle to toe. Those parts I really love. However, there is a pretty extreme rocker, which I don't like. And the toe shape is very pointy. Between the rocker and toe shape, it caused some issues for me. I would sometimes bumble pucks under the toe. I play old man hockey at this point and often do high flips to the neutral zone for the speedy young guns. I find I really need to focus on getting under the puck, or I'll just muffin the puck. Can anyone comment on how the PRO97 compares to the P92 as far as the curve from the heel to mid-point. Some angles it looks about the same and in others it looks a good bit flatter.

What would be great is if the manufacturers could just describe in technical, but simple to understand language, the design and construction elements of the skate and how that impacts fit, feel, and performance. We get meaningless marking spiel about "super carbon extreme nano-weave for the most explosive, reactive speed!" Then we go here to get tidbits of actual information from folks who have tried them on, tested on the ice, etc. I'm not in marketing, but as a consumer I'd be way more likely to spend top dollar if I'm really understanding the skate and not just that they look flashy and are the new hotness.

It will be very interesting to see what they release. We'll see if kids have any interest. Selling to old timers who buy new gear once a decade is a more difficult business model.

If we go further than 10 years, my blue and yellow Easton aluminum from the mid-90's. The thing was like playing with rebar, but it was very cool.

There are various places online that you can get new pro stock pants, but I've only ever bought used ones on eBay or Sideline Swap. I've found it better to identify the model of pants you want, for example "CCM HP45", and search for that. If you only search for pro stock, you often are missing a good number of options. With both Sideline Swap and eBay you can set up alerts to get notified of new items that get listed that match what you are looking for. With a bit of patience, I've had good success getting specific model and color used pants still in good shape for under $100. You can pay $50-$100 more, but I'd rather save the money. And by "save the money" I mean fund other hockey equipment purchases. That being said, if you have your heart set on an exact color/version that is uncommon it can take a lot of patience and a lot more money depending on what it is (like specific outdoor game or specialty colorways).

Based on the pictures you show, it also seem to be comparing different areas. Both have similar sized, small foam flaps above the belt. I think it's mostly just the cut of the padding above the waist that makes it appear different.

I don't follow this sort of stuff very closely, but that is really cool

Excellent, thank you. This is exactly the type of info I was looking for. The few minutes I've messed around with toe curves I didn't like them, but it could also be I'm not used to how much they open up. I briefly used a P92 the other day and it just felt like I was using a pitching wedge. But I also know that my shot is a relatively weak aspect of my game and spending some time with a toe curve might be worth a try. Do you think a P71 would be better fit than just a P92? I think I can adjust to more modern shot mechanics more easily than an open face.

How would you describe the PRO71? I was a long time PM9 user growing up and then the last decade or so have been using a P88 as it's easier to lift the puck and sticking handling is slightly better. I was thinking of the trying the 71, but I am terrible at judging curves from pictures. I do know I don't like particularly open curves.

Lower costs and raise prices... doesn't sound great for consumers...

Not necessarily. You can tie the bottom tightly and then loose at the top and those differentials should stay with waxed laces. Of course you won't get further flex with waxed laces, but it should be stiff at the bottom and loose on top. Depending on exactly what you are looking for, it is unlikely to be a good solution, but when talking about dropping a grand on skates, an $8 test might be worth it. As someone who liked the amount forward flex on mid-grade '90s Tacks, all skates available today don't have much forward flex to me.

Have you tried playing around with lacing? Such as waxed laces tight on the bottom and loose up top? Or very stretchy laces?