VegasHockey

The RE-AKT 200 and FL500 were both too bulky and hot to wear for extended periods of time. Especially that damn FL500. It was like wearing a bowling ball lined with foam on your head. It weighed a ton and was so hot all I can remember when wearing it was an endless supply of sweat pouring down my face.

Correct. Which is why you rarely see the new Bauer tongues being used at the Pro level vs retail. I remember some kids coming into the store and one of them played for Team USA U18 National Team. He hadn't been into a typical retail store in a year or so. His first reaction to a lot of stuff was "GOD, THAT IS UGLY" or "HOW COULD ANYONE SKATE WITH X or Y." It was quite entertaining.

I personally miss the nut/screw that hed the tongues in as compared to velcro.

Yeah. I think the 2X and the 2X Pro both incorporate the same designs and such except for the recoil tongue, which I personally hate. It's not as bad as the previous generation tongue or the 2S Pro, but it's still too stiff and prevents proper forward flexion.

2017 SkatePal Pro3 - $2250 https://imgur.com/a/DcaLx31 Selling our ProSharp SkatePal Pro3 unit. Comes with 3/8” 1/2” 5/8” and 3/4” and medium ZC wheels. Still under warranty for another 2 years. We recently got a second AS 2001 ALLPRO-SC so we no longer need this unit. Open to all reasonable offers. I will post pictures later today. Unit is flawless. 2017 ProSharp AS 2001 Sharpening/Profiling machine - $4500 https://imgur.com/a/1sr6dwL For sale, 2017 ProSharp AS 2001 Sharpening/Profiling machines Still under warranty and recently serviced. Unit is in excellent condition and comes with the following profile templates: 12´, 13´, 14´, 17´, Quad 1, Quad 2, Detroit 1, Zuperior S, Zuperior M, and Goalie Sam. Priced are firm. Units work fine and are still under warranty. Shipping from Seattle, WA.

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.