Giltis

Yeah I have the clear plastic one because of the True blade spike, and it's a bit hard to ensure that the blades are sitting properly at the toe.

You're going through exactly what I went through ~7 years ago with my CCMs, I almost hung them up because my feet would be numb and needing to deal with constant blisters. I tried different socks, footbeds, lacing methods and whatnot, and some days I would skate without pain, but then the next game it'd be worse. Got them punched twice by professionals, but because of the way my arch collapsed it was impossible to pin point exactly where I needed to get punched, if anything the first punch made it worse because afterwards the bottom of that punch would rub harder whenever I put weight on my feet as my arch collapsed. In the end, I got custom Trues although my next skate purchase after that were non-custom TF9s as they had better moldability (they are comfy but not as comfy as my customs of course). I really hope it goes better for you, but you may have to go custom if it doesn't work, or at least have a look at non-custom Trues and have them baked by a reputable store.

This is probably the best idea if you are going to keep the skates long term (and if the skates were expensive). But in the end when you skate, that area is going to go through a lot of stress while flexing and for that the blockers will not be able to stop any of the force. I don't know 100%, but I have heard that like @Sniper9 said punching out modern skates is quite different than how it used to be, and it's more about compressing the inside foams than pushing out the outside.

So this is what I'm using to sharpen loose blades https://ca.sparxhockey.com/collections/accessories-es300/products/universal-blade-holder I'm not a huge fan of it, it's a bit flimsy and kinda hard to get my blade to sit properly. Are there any other choices for True Shift blade? I know VT Sharp sells an incredible looking one, but they're in EU and the cost/shipping is just too much.

So my Sparx gen 3 is here and the machine is incredible. I tried the BEAM, but the machine didn't need any adjusting. I've done about 8 pairs of skates/blades now and all are within .001 of an inch or perfect. Four have hit the ice so far and they all have reported perfect feeling edges. I came home after a game one night saw that I had a super minor nick from a post, did one pass and then played the next night. I've had a few issues figuring out how to deburr properly and everyone does it differently but I think I have my technique down. I may introduce Chromium Oxide for the last step, I dunno though, probably overkill. Wipe down the blade with towel Run the gummy/regular stone flat along the side Leather block at an angle Leather block flat along the blade Wipe down the blade with leather chamois

I have both of these and I don't like them either, that top one folds oddly making creases that feel weird at times. The second one doesn't fold well at all and is too stiff causing a rebound when I flex down.

Way back in 2016 I wanted one so badly but I could not find my size in person. I think through trying on other skates, we were like 80% confident in the size/width/style that I needed. The retailer said that I could order one directly through the, but if it didn't fit I could not return them and so I didn't feel like chancing it. Years later I found a 2nd hand pair, and I think other than the wide volume and the footbed nails poking through, the fit was pretty good.

The D3O softens up a bit after it warms up from your skin

I like Aycane stuff, but shipping to me is terrible. I'm gonna give Aegis a go, I like it well enough for my goalie gear, so I hope I will be okay with the bib type as a player.

I love my CCM JetSpeeds, super comfy and protective enough for my play.

My last stick that I loved was the FT3 before trying different brands. I guess I should have stuck with CCM. I might try the newest Trigger though, I didn't quite like the first one so I went JetSpeed.

I've been hearing from some Sparx FB groups that they are being told that there's an unforeseen delay with the manufacturing, does anyone else have clarity on the issue? It is Facebook so it's full of FUD and I won't really believe it without checking.

If you had to pay full price, what would be your stick of choice today?

Honestly I think this is to make use of a pro team's equipment budget.

I've heard of some guys who get 1" rings for their Sparx as a way to do a pseudo-Crossgrind. Anyone else done this?