Wow, timing couldn't have been better! I just stumbled upon this forum after 10+ years away from the game and read through this novel of a thread while waiting for my membership to clear, wanted to share my story/thoughts. I just went on a roller coaster while reading this thread of should I/shouldn't I try out a pair of Alkalis and Justin's response couldn't have come at a better time.
Long story short, I recently spent an afternoon in the major hockey retailer nearby outfitting myself head-to-toe. Needless to say, the game has certainly changed (hmm, perhaps a separate thread) and when it got time to check out the skates I immediate said to the Rep who was assisting me, "Aside from my brief stint with V-forms, I've only worn Missions." He suggested a pair and I tried them on. As I (uncomfortably) skated around the area I noticed these unfamiliar looking skates on the wall with a design that conjured up thoughts of the OG "Wicked Lights". For a second I thought they were "Nexed" but I later found out that they folded, but alas they were Alkali. I asked him about them and the Rep immediately shut them down. He was relentless, to the point I jokingly asked if the skates had killed his dog. I really wish I had stumbled upon this place before making that purchase. I ended up with the current pair of uncomfortable Missions that the Rep said would feel better over time, even after baking, but they just don't feel like the Missions I was so fond of back then. For starters, I thought the front wheels looked bigger than I remember, I can barely tighten the axles or else the wheels barely spin, and the stance on them just feels off. Really looking forward to the Visium 2's coming this fall!