krisdrum

Probably this. I'd bet the shaft dimensions for youth are pretty varied.

Yes, the general consensus is 1/2 size down. So 5.5 - which will also mean a shorter runner, so just be aware of that. I wound up needing to put a longer profile radius on my blades to feel stable. As for width, True TFs (and all their out-of-box retail models) only come in Regular and Wide. I had a pair of Nexus D for a hot second and they were pretty snug, but comfortable on my forefoot. I recall the toecap being pretty roomy. Really not sure whether you could get away with the Regular or need the Wide. Not sure how different the two widths are in True. I'm guessing if you go Wide and don't need them you'll just get more wrap as the facings will be closer together on top of your foot. If you haven't tried True before - they are a pretty different beast. "Extreme" wrap of the foot from toecap up. I can't just slide my foot straight in. Have to twist and wedge my foot in - and similar process for taking off. Just something to be aware of.

I'd go 1/2 size smaller than whatever you are in the Nexus (assuming the Nexus fit you well). I have a wide forefoot, narrow heel. TFs fit me great. But I wouldn't count the newer Trues out just yet. Again - very moldable. I haven't tried them, so maybe someone who has can weigh in on the fit with a wide foot.

TF series became the Hzrdus line. But they've changed the fit a bit. From what I understand the newer skates are a bit narrower and less "duck feet" shaped. But the shells are incredibly moldable - like nothing anyone else is making. I'd try both - but they MUST be baked to try. Believe they are still doing the 30 day money back guarantee as well. Worst case - I'd bet there are still plenty of TFs out there if you look. The Cats are a softer "agility" boot and have the same fit/shape as the Hzrdus.

Not doubting they were done correctly. Theorizing that moving down a holder size and only adjusting the profile up 1 foot radius may not be a big enough change to equal out the reduction in holder size. Find a knowledgeable person/shop to talk this through with. I ended up with Binnie - as he offers "free consultation" that I found helpful and wanted to give him my business as part of that, but I'm sure there are plenty of other folks out there that can advise on highly technical matters like this.

That might not be a big enough difference in profile. I've got small feet, but with the True TF9s, even smaller than I'm used to runners. The standard 9/10 profile made me feel very unstable. Reached out to Binnie's in Pittsburgh and he suggested a ProSharp Zuperior Small (6'/12'/20') for my 238mm blades. It's made a huge difference. Way more steel on the ice gives me way more confidence I can grip and hold an edge.

They did make a big jump in price compared to the OGs.

My son who likes his gear to hug his body picked up a pair of the newest Vapors a few months back when he clearly outgrew his Supreme shins. He likes them way more than the Supremes I bought in the next size up and had to sell. Not sure if he tried the Warriors on in the process of settling on the Vapors.

Connect? Are they out of stock already?! We got my son a pair about a month ago. Coming from OG Cat9s. He likes the 9x4 even better. And dad likes that so far they seem to be holding up way better than the OGs. We went through 2 pairs of the OGs with shell cracking issues.

No one else is using or has experience? Is it just too fringe a product?

Yep, I'm gonna pull a nearly 2 year old, 2 post thread back from the dead. Been seeing the I2 "club" ads on social media and has piqued my interest for my 14U son, especially with what looks like a growing roster of junior and D1 young studs adopting the tech. Anyone have long-term impressions based on extensive use of these over the last 2+ years?

No direct experience with the newer models, but the lower level skates may not thermoform to the same degree as the upper level ones. I have TF7 and 9 and don't really notice a difference, but not sure if they've changed their approach since those were released.

@swede just to be clear, my statement was purely an educated guess based on my knowledge of gen 1 Cat construction. I thought that was pretty clear based on my statement. Agree with @Sprungdownunder that it is likely only the models that use carbon for the shells (it tends to be thinner, lighter and more fragile than similar composite weave materials). My understanding is gen 1 Cat7s did not have carbon, but I could be misinformed / misremembering. I know the gen 2 7x4 and 9x4 are carbon shells, although there has been some debate in here that each model might have slightly different lay-up construction. So far, my son's 9x4 are holding up well - about a month into use. But it is a long season ahead, so I am cautiously optimistic.

I would think the 5 and 7 would be less prone, given they use fiberglass, which tends to be thicker and heavier. But I'm sure someone closer to it will confirm/deny. The 9s definitely. My kid cracked 2 pair in about 12 months. He's in the 9x4 now and is loving them. Dad has his fingers crossed they are more durable. Especially with the price jump.

Sounds like a profiling adjustment would be in order instead of "renovating" the boot to holder interface. Believe the stock profile on the True blades is a 9'/10' combo.