VegasHockey

The newest TRUE DLC steel is pretty good compared to the previous ONYX. Not better than STEP or JRZ. Bauer Pulse Ti is also decently good. Edge retention is good, but the steel seems a little softer so it get damages and gouged easily. Flare DLC needs some work, not very durable, and it separates from the steel easily. They also had some quality control issues recently with the company that was manufacturing the blades, as the steel they used dint have enough elasticity and instead would snap/break under load or when you took a shot off the steel. Not better than STEP or JRZ. JRZ and STEP are the best when it comes to DLC. I believe they are both using the same company for their coatings. No comment about Bladetech, I have not used their DLC and only used their black coated steel. It's been a long while since I touched their steel, the steel is good and sharpens nicely, but I didn't like the "flex" zone. RamonEdge has a coated steel, it's not DLC, but the coating is decently durable. Since their steel is slightly wider than 2.9mm, closer to 3.1mm I think it holds an edge well. Not better than STEP or JRZ. XC Blades, their DLC is very good. However, not better than STEP or JRZ.

This is a decent recommendation, except that it doesn't account for the areas where the skate is designed to flex. There was a really nice infographic released a few years back that showed where on each model they stiffen the boot, but I can't seem to find it online. Maybe someone else can.

I think it might be good practically, but the thing is UGLY.

Let's just blame Bauer for all of this, putting that stupid marking on the back of sticks 😛

It also depends on the league/rink as well. Living in CA, AZ, WA, and NV I have seen some associations that don't care at all while others require at least a half shield. This is also the same with shoulder pads, most of the associations didn't care at all, but some of them would immediately remove you from the ice if you tried to play without a chest protector of some type. I assume those associations has some type of incident occur, and they implemented those changes due to insurance or legal reasons...?

It would be cool if a company designed a cage for players who have aged out. I wear a cage for men's league and pickup, errant sticks and puck deflections happen far too often. I don't need a CSA/HECC cage, but I do want full face coverage. I have seen too many people take sticks and pucks to the eyes and mouth. If they took something like the Bauer Re-Akt titanium cage and made the grid .25" further apart, I would be thrilled.

Due to the changes in foam thickness, placement, and the factory molding process, heel lock issues should be addressed. The changes to the Catalyst Pro are all internal and not so much external.

Get a pop-up portable net designed for lacrosse, golf, or baseball. I have seen them about 10' x 7' and larger: Example: https://www.amazon.com/GoSports-Practice-Hitting-Personal-Designed/dp/B079JDQKV4/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1ZQU5BSIEMX67&keywords=golf+net&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=golf+net%2Csporting%2C118&sr=1-4

I think either one would resolve the heel lock issue.

SVH Customs are significantly heavier than the Catalyst Pro. I also find the Catalyst Pro fit and finish is nicer than the SVH Custom. The primary reason to go with the SVH Custom is if you have significant foot issues.

If you like the profile but want more pitch forward, then just add pitch to the current 9/10

Well said.

Very similar.

Composite Fiberglass, closer to a tech mesh.

They do not keep you as cool as Zenkai, but they are more breathable than most other brands of unders.

Sketchy in what way? Like you keep catching your toe?

Gen1 were notorious for having stitching issues. Gen2 seems better, but I also had issues with them not lasting very long compared to other brands unders. I started testing the Aycane Rebel Pro Baselayer Lock Pants recently and was very impressed. I can't comment on the durability though since I have only used them about 10 times.

Yup!

What size do you need? I have a ton of insoles.

Yes, higher than the AS4 Pro.

AS-V pro plays entirely different from any of the other Tacks stick I have ever used. The new taper, similar to the Ultrasonic in some ways, makes the lower portion of the stick extremely stiff and pushes the kick point up much higher than previous models.

I looked at it a while ago, during booking. It seemed similar to the QRE Girdle in a different color. The fit and everything else seemed the same.

I have. It's a little bigger than a P14, Lie 5.

Ok, maybe I should update this. When I say “overall” I mean what is most of your gear, not every single individual item. For example, most of my gear is CCM, but I do use a Warrior girdle. I think a majority of players will have at least one item that is not the same brand as others, but I was looking for what the general majority is. Hope that makes sense.

TRUE has some protective. Just not much.