thunderbirds_are_go

There's no scam about them - they're just a discontinued model that hockeygiant want to get rid of. We got a stack of them in when they were about $4 a set to put on skates the same as Jimmy. No problems with them at all. Quality wise they're just as good as any other holder (Tuuk, pro-lite3, whatever), just a different design. I haven't skated on them myself so I can't say what they're most like, but that would be the only issue with them that I could think of.

They were designed by the same guy that designed the Tuuk I believe. The steel is a little thicker than Tuuk or CCM steel, but seems OK. I think they had some legal trouble with them being too similar to the Tuuks though and changed them to Crew, so these would be closeout models.

Was just re-reading this post when I noticed this - anyone seen the Koho catalogue? What is in it (besides the 690 helmet?). Also, is the 690 helmet badged "Jofa" or is it changed to "Koho"?

Greatskate has a few of the new Tacks skates (along with other new CCM and Reebok gear) listed on their website for pre-order for those who can't wait for the catalogue to come up.

Nice work JR! Looking forward to seeing the pics. One question - are they keeping the Jofa 690 helmet?

Ice Gear: Helmet: Jofa 690 with Z-Leader Aviator cut half visor - most comfortable helmet I've tried. Visor is OK, but not great. Shoulders: none Elbow Pads: Jofa 8066 - excellent protection, but maybe a little to bulky Shin Pads: Jofa 8090's - again, excellent protection, but why can't they add another strap? Gloves: CCM 852's - I like them a lot Shorts: Bauer shorts with Nike ticks. Don't know what they are. Skates: Vector Pro's Sticks: Mission M1, but I prefer my Vector shaft with CCM 1052 blade Inline Gear: Helmet: Jofa 690 Elbows: CCM 852 (last year's blue ones) - great elbow pads - very comfortable, good protection, dry out quickly. Like them better than my Jofa 8066's. Shins: CCM 852 (last year's again) - very comfortable, but not as protective as my Jofa's. Gloves: CCM 852's Girdle: bilt-rite works girdle - great protection, but a bit bulky. Like the wrap around system though. Pants: Hyper Steel (2003 model) - light, but falling apart easily. Best pants were the old straight black CCM Edge 4.3 pants. Syven 501's OK, but a bit heavy. Skates: CCM Mavericks - serving me well. Might look at the new Heliums or the Vector inlines next year, but these are holding up well Sticks: Vector shaft with 1052 blade, Tri-flex shaft with Franklin 9006 blade. Prefer the Vector slightly, but it could just be the blade.