VegasHockey

What size do you wear? Maybe it's just the EE they made bulkier. The D width seems more streamlined.

There will be fewer curves this year than the previous years, but a couple more options for max height blades. The P30 has not been selling well so I doubt it will be around much longer. There has been a lot of people asking for the "Coffey" curve pattern to come back but I personally don't see that happening.

A couple of the ASU players have them. I had a chance to try one on and it's very similar to a more advanced E700. I'm excited for them to be released soon.

You didn't find the new boot a little bulky? It's very light, but the new foams just make it feel very wide.

Does the CCM V8 fit a little bit bigger or more loose than most other current generation helmets? For example, if I wear a medium in a Tacks 310/710 would I need a small in the V8 because of its only dual-density VN foams?

I don't see how that's vague. They specifically list the weight reductions and high level design changes in the boot and in the holder.

I like the new toe cap but find the new Vapor 2X Pro to fit not as close to the foot as the previous models. They feel bulky to me when you look at them in person vs a FT2 or the previous Vapor generation. However, the 2X feels more streamlined than the 2X Pro.

You posted this on Reddit as well. I answered you there, but I will also post it here. The best profile is the one that complements your personal skating style and ability. There is no "magic" profile that is the best for "speed." Also, the term "speed" is open to interpretation, are you talking about short speed (first 1-3 strides) or long speed ( 3+ strides), and you must also understand that if you are talking about long speed you will typically sacrifice agility unless you use a combination profile. However, you need to determine was combination profile works best for you. There are quite a few "safe" profiles you can test to see if you like them but its best to sit down and have a conversation with an experienced person to help determine where to start.

Yes

Does anyone use anything like graphite lube, pro-glide, Teflon, or something else when you sharpen your skates on a Sparx? I know the grinding wheels are basically "diamond dust" and thus you don't need to use any additive or lubricant but I am wondering if anyone does regardless and if it gives better results. I had my first experience with a Sparx this week and the finish is decent but doesn't meet my expectations for what I would use in a retail environment for my teams or customers.

I would say 1/2 is generally the same regardless of the machine. However, depending on the weight being applied it can be slightly affected. On the ProSharp you can increase or decrease the weight being applied to the wheel/steel which will remove more material in a pass and will also cut slightly deeper. Think of when someone sharpens by hand having one person pushing the blade into the grinding wheel vs someone gently gliding the blade across the face of the grinding wheel. The Sparx has no ability to adjust for wheel tension.

You're absolutely right that the Sparx Fire is not the same as an FBV. I would probably consider going with the 5/8 either with the Fire or traditional ROH. I am honestly shocked when people tell me they skate on 1/2 or less. I feel like I am sinking into the ice and every stride is sucking the life force out of me....

I recall one of the first pair of TRUE skates with the VH/STEP holder we sold. The customer ask me to grind off 1/2 the steel cause it was too tall and it was throwing off his balance..... That was a very long process which chewed up my cross grind wheel. If the holder is designed properly the height of steel doesn't matter as much as the skate won't "boot out." Bauer is also aware of this concept as they did something similar, but very ugly, with the OD1N concept skates for Ovi and Kane, etc

I think this helmet is going to allow the flexibility and adjustability to fit a very wide range of players with either long, narrow, or wide heads.

Full video below. I didn't notice that IG cut it short.

No need to have tall steel if the height is built into a stiff lightweight holder. 😉 Pumped for these!

As long as the steel in your old holder is the same size and fits in the new holder, which it should, you can swap steel.

No one cares about goalies...... kidding. Not sure.

Looks pretty damn sexy if you ask me.

I was more than shocked to see Bauer separated the Speed Plate from the 2X Pro. You now need to buy it separately. I assume this was done to get the pricing down enough to match the FT2.

Nex time I'm out East I need to visit and get this done. I am VERY interested in it.

In manufacturing, any option or modification is a variation. I am sure they have various facing templates that they use but it would be ridiculous to think they actually do each section separately and unique. I think we are missing the definition of custom, made or done to order for a particular customer. It doesn't mean unique.

That would require TRUE to offer multiple variations of their skates which would drive the cost up if enough people started to request such. I think the big picture for TRUE/Scott is they/he are/is trying to focus on is minimizing fitment issues for both younger and emerging players while also appealing to the older player who likely has spent considerable time in the wrong size or incompatible skate. For example, the player who came in yesterday and got TRUE skates after owning multiple pair of skates that were too big in volume for his feet because they were more comfortable for him as he has sensitive toes. I do think eventually TRUE will have to expand their customization options because Bauer and CCM aren't going to stop evolving and with the percentage of market share they own it's much more likely for them to put a ton of money into research and development. I wouldn't be shocked in 5 years from now Bauer was leading everyone in this.... How can I think that way when Bauer is behind everyone else in evolution and still hasn't adopted a one-piece boot and such? Well, Bauer had financial troubles, multiple leadership changes, acquisitions, and selling of units (Easton for example) and spent a considerable amount of money in the last decade on manufacturing. Once that has depreciated they will certainly be looking at options to offer custom skates, likely using some type of 3D printing. I am sure that is where most manufacturers will go with high-end custom skates.... From scan to your foot in less than 5 days.

I don't think the TPU outsole is a bad thing. Many pros still use it and the rivets for the holder actually grab into the TPU much better than composite. I think for the price the 2X or the FT490 are quite nice.