Paddy

We've got a giant roster and luckily almost never have this problem. We did have a game this year that our goalie cancelled, and we couldn't find a spare; we almost forfeit the game before it started, but noticed the other team only had 6 skaters + goalie. With a full bench playing hard (and luckily having a few of our top players), we actually won the game. This is low low level beer league, but it was a hell of a fun night and great story. The 6 skaters got gassed and could never keep any pressure.

I'm not a fan, first impression reminds me of my old $200 first skates. Pictures can be deceiving though.

I'm not a fan, first impression reminds me of my old $200 first skates. Pictures can be deceiving though.

Have you been back to Sterling shop recently? They took over half the goalie side of the shop and turned it into skater gear. It could be deceptive, but it doesn't look like it led to an increase in skater inventory, just spread it out and made more room for manufacturer's displays

Did you notice any difference in backwards skating? I like the concept of a flat in the middle of the runner, but I know I tend to get too far in my toes when going backwards...

Where is your local pure hockey? I'm in a situation where I have one closer to home (<1hr drive), and another 5min from work (work is 1.5-2hrs from home). Anyway, the PH near work is super convenient, but their skate fitting was a joke when I got my last pair. A couple teenagers, occasionally walking by, who'd go in the back to grab something I ask for. It took hours to try on 4 pairs. The other PH has a fitter who's been talked about on this site as good. My locations are Sterling and Rockville. I wish there was a prideful, knowledgeable, local shop that did custom skate fittings around me.

Without a doubt, that's been my number one issue having skates sharpened. Second to that has been large burrs. It almost seems like no one wants to "damage" the black coating on the runner to deburr it well.

Am I crazy or am I seeing more guys wearing these in the NHL this year? Maybe I'm just taking more notice...

I have a dented eyelet on my supertacks. It was apparently a factory defect, i noticed it when i got home with my new skates, before ever hitting the ice. It's held up though...

Check out the clamp use at the end of this video. I'd think a little heat gun action and clamps could concentrate on the hell lock issue. On mobile, hope the link works.

Thanks for the additional photos. I really might spring for these elbows next time i have money burning a hole in my pocket.

If it stays that way, it may put a hurting on the no name undercutting stick companies that sell direct to consumer. Same price, with a big name behind one; i know who I'd pick. I don't break sticks, so warranties mean very little, but the warranty policy from the no names is also pretty terrible from what i read.

I'm right there with you. I cut an old stick extremely short and absolutely loved it, did wonders for my hand eye. That said, the 87 flex is now way too stiff for me, and I've missed some poke checks/interceptions by just an inch or two.

$328usd for their top skates. Count me in