BruinDust

In no particular order my top 5..... CCM Ultra Tacks - my first truly great stick, silky smooth release. True Project X - still to this day my best shooter CCM Trigger 4 Pro - remarkable consistent CCM Jetspeed FT4 Pro - best weight, balance and feel CCM Jetspeed FT5 Pro - my current twig since 2023 (this and the FT 4 Pro), on my 3rd and 4th (with one more left to go) a fantastic all-around stick with one caveat, I like 'em better uncut. Everything above were cut down a couple inches. Honourable mentions - CCM Jetspeed FT2, CCM Trigger 3D, CCM Super Tacks 2.0 Biggest disappointment - CCM Trigger 2 PMT, CCM Trigger ASY, True A-Series 6.0 The one that got away - CCM Jetspeed 6 Pro (broke within 30 day warranty, returned but didn't replace as could no longer get my specs)

About a year ago I stocked up on FT5 Pros in my specs (left, P29, 70 flex) at $230 CAD ($265 taxes included) and seeing the price increases on sticks I don't regret that decision at all. In my neck of the woods, the new FT8 Pro or the Vizion will run you a hair over $500 CAD after taxes.

Is it a problem if they actually make improvements? For example, the FT5 Pro has improved durability IMO over the FT4 Pro. All-new Sigmatex material. I'd prefer CCM produce and release a new model each year with improvements than double production on the older model with still contains it's flaws (in the above example durability issues with the FT4 Pro). In 2020, the Trigger 5 Pro was released and wasn't received particularly well. I'm sure Ribcore fans were happy to see an improved Trigger 6 Pro in 2021 and didn't have to wait until 2022 for an improved model. I only see annual stick releases as an issue if the manufacturer isn't making any innovations or improvements and the new release is basically a repaint. For example, I found there was almost zero difference between the Trigger 2 PMT and the Trigger 3D. There were slight changes but they were so minimal it wasn't noticeable.

I picked up a True Project X Pro Stock (Stephane Patry - PXS) in a 75 flex last year around this time. P19-ish curve. I was coming from a Retail Jetspeed FT2 which I liked so much I had already purchased a back-up. The day after breaking my first FT2 I came across the Project X pro stock at my LHS and couldn't resist and never cut the back-up FT2. Anyways the Project X is the best stick I've ever used. As great as the FT2 is/was, I liked the Project X even more. Great feel, balance and incredible shooter. Outstanding performance. However, The very first game I took a slash to the stick down low which made a large chip in the mat finish. I used the stick roughly 3 times a week for about 3 months. Taking a quick snap-shot during warm-up the blade broke clean off right where that slash occurred 3 months prior. The Project X falls in line with most True sticks I've used. Performance is great, durability doesn't hold up vs. CCM (I haven't used any Warrior or Bauer in many years).

Sticks is generally CCM. Other than a couple True pro stocks all I've used since 2017 is CCM sticks. Skates is Bauer. Been that way since a bad experience with CCM way back in 1995-96. Protective is all over the place, mostly CCM and Bauer (little bit of old Koho and STX sprinkled in) Can't say I've ever liked any Warrior or True protective I've tried on.

I did the same thing. Figured worst case I won't lose on it if I never use it and decide to sell. Although I wish I had bought 2 like yourself, I grabbed just 1 and then picked up another from PHL last week after reading this thread.

Weird yes, but I used these back in Bantam in the mid-1990s with a Bauer Composite shaft. Kept two blades in my bag and could change them out in seconds. The lock-jaw system actually worked really well.

Didn't the LS4 have durability issues and were prone to breakage? I'd go with LS Pulse or even drop down to LS3.

Are Superfeet Carbons available where you are located? I find they pitch you forward a little bit and may help alleviate your problem.

CCM used to produce this line of insoles. I would imagine they could be trimmed to fit a Bauer skate if need be. https://www.hockeymonkey.com/ccm-hockey-accessory-custom-support-insoles-sr.html

Are you just general skating? Or are you playing hockey? If you are just general skating and the skates fit tand are comfortable hose Koho's you have should be fine. Chances are they are a better quality product than the lowest end new skates are today. You'll probably learn better skating technique in a softer skate like these as compared to a higher end stiffer skate anyways. If you are playing hockey I'd probably recommend newer skates. Confidence is huge part of playing and having skates that you are questioning their effectiveness won't help confidence on the ice. But don't go too stiff or your muscles won't learn proper skating technique.

Going from my Nexus 5000s (with Pro Sublimated TPR) to my Nexus 7000s (with full composite outsole) I found the difference in stability and comfort quite noticeable. It's even more noticeable the rare times I have to break out the 5000s for a game or two when my 7000s were getting some repair done. I don't know how TPR compares to TPU but any future Bauer skates purchases the composite outsole is a must. I wouldn't go back to a plastic outsole.

I never got to skate in them, just tried them on at the local hockey shop. To give this context I'm a Nexus fit guy. When I bought my skates back in late 2014, I tried on Vapor, Supreme and Nexus (all in D width) in that order. The Vapor and Supreme didn't fit well and when I put on the Nexus I knew immediately that those were for me. Like it wasn't even close. The three nuances that struck me this time around from a fit perspective was: 1) They say "Fit 3" is like a Nexus fit but it's much more an "EE" fit than it is a Nexus fit. If I'm a Nexus user looking at new skates I wouldn't automatically assume that because you fit a Nexus that Fit 3 is the right fit for you. 2) I didn't find a huge amount of difference when trying Fit 1 vs. Fit 2 in a particular model of skate. Just a bit more volume in Fit 2. 3) The strange one for me was I automatically assumed coming from Nexus that Supreme would be the correct line for me, just a matter of finding the right size and fit/width. But it was the opposite. I found the Vapors fit me better than the Supremes did, especially in the heel pocket and the ankle wrap.

I had that video confused with this video. Enjoy your reviews BTW keep it up! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvfbeIb2cuU

I agree. I think Hockey Review guy on Youtube ripped apart a recent pair of Bauer gloves to show all the instances where Bauer has downgraded the material to something cheaper (while increasing the overall price of the glove each year). Same with Bauer shin-pads. I have a pair of 1S shins with Curv Composite protecting the shin and I don't believe Bauer uses Curv in their shinpads anymore and have gone back to hard plastic throughout. Yet prices have only gone up and not all due to inflation.