VegasHockey

Like these? https://www.hockeymonkey.com/ccm-hockey-accessories-xs-tongue-extra.html

Most brand increase the size of S, M and L, so they eliminated the need for an XL.

There are multiple XS tongues to choose from. Why didn't you just get a thinner tongue? That's an option too.

Ventilation is better than the FT4 Pro, but would not claim it's significant. If anything, I feel the FT6 Pro is a mix of the Crazy Light + FT4 Pro shoulder pads. The bend didn't in the lower abdomen didn't bother me when playing, and was more of an aesthetic annoyance. However, every time I would hang my gear after skating, I would notice it and it would make my eye twitch 😉

FT6 Pro Shoulder Pad review: Sorry for the delay. Been super busy.

They also are horrible helmets. That's why Bauer did a single year release and then made the new Hyp2rlite helmet, lol.

Ellipse II feels much longer than a Quad II.

Usually when that happens, the hole where the tab goes through is a little too small, and it puts pressure on the locking side of the tab. I would use a small file and just open that one hole up a little, and you should not have any more issues.

The CCM 910 and 720 (new for 2023) fit a max size of 63cm. What is the circumference of his head?

Nope.

Correct.

If the eyelets stretch more than this, Bauer might give you a hard time with the warranty and may not replace the skate. I would go back to the store and ask them to warranty the skates through Bauer directly. That way you get a new pair of skates and they keep the sale.

Graphics are a little more durable, but still wear off quickly. I wish they would just use black nylon/plastic for the base and minimal print for the graphics. Like all brands did in the past.

You get what you pay for 😉

Since the liners are removable, you should be able to stitch new fabric over top of the worn areas. I would also recommend using some denier nylon in the high wear areas. https://www.amazon.com/Black-Denier-Cordura-Nylon-Fabric/dp/B00I80QH3S

I would personally do the CCM XS tongues so in the future you can replace the tongue again easily.

Do you mean the posts aren't staying clipped in? Kinda like this?

+1 Always do shrink wrap, it gives a much closer fit and doesn't put unnecessary stress on the skate boot.

The area on the boot the allows the skate eyelets to wrap over the foot.

Correct.

I don't like ANY of the current Bauer skates, lol.

In this specific case, the team paid for the equipment and the equipment manager was selling the inventory on the side. It was a shady situation and something that is not uncommon.

Logically, the APX2 and the Hyperlite are nothing alike. The APX2 was released in 2013, that is nearly a decade between releases. What did you not like? Fit? Feel on the ice? Stiffness of the boot? Steel?

Make each team sign a contract that will eventually limit how much pro stock product and what specific items they will allow to be sold by teams to 3rd party resellers. I know some equipment managers in the WHL and NHL who made a healthy amount of money selling pro stock items on the side. One of them was causing me significant issues in the past, selling top-tier CCM sticks for $125 cash to locals. It got so bad that I had to file a complaint with CCM, and they had to get involved.

I imagine manufacturers will eventually limit how much pro stock product and what specific items they will allow to be sold by teams to 3rd party resellers.