JC225

Ya, I'm definitely leaner and staying in that 1/2, 5/8 area seems to work best for me. I remember trying different ones until I finally found that one that felt like it gave me the best of both worlds for glide and bite. I really do like both the 1/2 and the 5/8 and feel each one is a great hollow. For me staying in this area allows me to things like slide turns but still have enough edge to punch stop and such with ease.

Hey Leif, I'm not really heavy at all. I'm about 6'2" and weigh only about 180 pounds so I'm a bit taller and thinner. I do believe you are correct with the 5/8 and 1/2 being the NHL's choice of hollows. If I had to guess I think the 1/2 is probably the universal standard for most of the hockey community as a whole. There are certainly players that like other choices but again I think the 1/2 is probably the most common all around request.

Hey Leif, Sorry for the late response, work has been crazy this week. That's awesome, I'm so glad the 7/16 helped you out. It definitely has some bite to it but again it really helped me out while learning to use those edges. However as you pointed out, It was a little difficult at first because you can really dig in and that can make stopping and transition skills a bit more unforgiving. It sounds like you have really found a good spot and have already made great improvements in your skating my friend. Stay at it and keep us posted on how the season goes!

Hey Leif, Sound good my friend! Give that 7/16 a try and let us know how it goes. Like you said, you can always switch back to the 1/2 if it doesn't work for you. With the harder ice, I think you will find the 7/16 is a nice change that will give you a bit more edge and stability to work with during your edge drills.

Hey Leif, If I may and speaking from past experience with this issue myself, it sounds like to me you are not really getting out on those outside edges. The sliding of your inside foot is very good indicator that your are trying to make the turns by turning that inside foot in the direction you want to go (causing the slide) instead of actually using the outside edge itself. Now the question becomes, why is this happening? Could it be the new stiffer boot, blades? Or is it your experience and comfort level in using those outside edges? Again and this is only my opinion but I don't believe the 1/2 hollow has anything to do with it. I run Step Steel blacks with a 5/8 hollow on my Bauer 1X's and they have more than enough bite on any type of directional changes I employ providing I use the edges correctly. It really sounds like you just need to spend a bit more time working those outside edges and trusting yourself to use them. It can take a minute to really gain the confidence to lean onto those outside edges so keep at it. To answer your other question, when I first started, I used a 7/16 which had a huge amount of bite but it really helped me develop the confidence to use my edges because they really dug into the ice and that made me feel more stable. I found myself confident enough to lean further and further out on the edges with each skate because of that stable feeling. As I got more comfortable, I began to back off and went from a 7/16 to 1/2 and now the 5/8 and it's great. All the best.

Hey Langkow, I recently switched from the AS1's to the Bauer 1X's because I was having some of the same issues. I had some pretty bad cramps in the bottom of my feet but luckily I didn't get to the point of blistering the way you have. However I can tell you that it probably wouldn't have been to much longer before I did. After having them the better part of three months and trying to make them work, I was beginning to get a lot of heel movement and my feet were starting to get chaffed up pretty bad. I tried baking them a second time and even different lacing patterns to make the skates tighter and all that did was affect my circulation and make my feet go to sleep. The AS1's are extremely stiff and I think they are a great set of skates if you have the right foot for them but from the sounds of it, you might want to look elsewhere. If you are inclined to stay with CCM, the profile of the FT1 might give you that fit and lock you are looking for. Even though I was reluctant at first to make the switch to the Bauer 1X, It was the best thing I could have done. The Bauer 1X's offset and anatomical ankle design has made a huge difference in the way the skates fit my feet and because of that, I am able to get these skate to do much more for me. I would honestly use your "90 day satisfaction guarantee" and go back to the drawing board. Just a thought.

Helmet: Bauer Re-Akt with Oakley Pro Modified Aviator Shoulders: Bauer Nexus 1N Elbows: Bauer Nexus 1N Shins: Bauer Nexus 1N Gloves: Bauer Vapor Pants: CCM HP32 Skates: Bauer Vapor 1X Stick: Broke last one yesterday and will be going to shop today for new one's but usually try and stay in the Nexus line.

I had a set of the AS1's and they were pretty awesome! I think they have a bit of a different feel at first because of the slightly higher boot and of course the stiffness that comes with the one piece construction. Fast, responsive and comfortable all come to mind. I think if you have the right foot profile for them you will be more than happy with your purchase.