Jbear

I did this with my Machs. 7.5 and I have XS 271 holders on them. 7.5 CCM is 263, but I like the 271s. I had 271 on a pair of size 8 100K Pros and liked the feel so I upsized my AS3 Pros and the Machs. I use a Quad Zero profile and I feel I'm more stable on the longer steel, and faster straight ahead without any loss of agility. It is certainly a personal preference but those are my observations. As far as name on steel...all I would care about is condition...nobody looks at stuff like that except the user.

No socks here, but. DriMax...super thin socks if you need socks.

I skate in AS3 Pros and Machs...I'm 5'9"/170...no issues with stiffness. It's all about your stride and what feels good. I started using the Machs because it seems to be the perfect blend of the stiffness of the Tacks and the forward flexion of the 100k Pro. I do love the Tacks though.

I would not give any thought to radius for a 5 year old. Kids readily adapt, and I would be amazed if a child would even notice from one to the other. I coach kids who skate on garbage used skates from Play it Again, and they do just fine. But yes...any shop that does profiles can change it if you want.

Having fitted and sold skates, and skating for extended periods in just about every top-end model, and currently bouncing back and forth between three (AS3 Pro, 100k Pro, and Machs), my observation is that marketing claims are worthless. I skate like me regardless, and I'm no less agile in Machs or Tacks than I was in 2xPros or Jetspeeds or Trues. It is entirely about closing your eyes and skating on what feels best on your foot. There are subtle differences and that is all they are. If you're a strong skater with a N/S game and Vapors feel best...skate them! Barzal may be THE most agile skater in the league...he's wearing Tacks...not an "agility skate." Yeah...I know...they may have boot customization but they're still Tacks. The Machs have a flexible boot with a stiffer holder...Hyperlite is the opposite. Guess what...I don't notice once the puck drops. I put sized-up CCM XS holders on my Machs and I don't feel a difference when I'm skating. I just hate getting those trigger mechanism runners in and out. Also have lots of XS Blacksteel and don't want to have two systems running. Anyway, bottom line...if it feels good and gives you confidence on your edges...ignore the marketing. That's my take Peeps👍🏒🥅🇨🇦😎.

I'd give them a couple of skates before doing anything. I Skate in AS3 Pros, 100k Pros, and Machs. When I skated the Machs for the first time, felt just as you described...great fit, back on my heels, couldn't get my edges going, very unstable. The next day I couldn't lift my legs without pain cuz my hip flexors were blasted. I decided to try again before changing pitch, and the next time they felt fine. I go back and forth between skates easily now. Don't be impatient, you can easily change the pitch if you prefer.

I use AS1 Tacks and FT4 Pro. The Tacks are definitely the most protective, but I don't like what they did with the AS-V at all. I modded the FT4 Pro by affixing a D30 patch in each knee...it's sleeker but still good protection. I really like both. Not a fan of Bauer shinnies or protective in general. Love the Mach skates and some gloves, but that's about it. Both brands seem to have too much gimmicky stuff in their latest lines (ex: plastic calf guards-ASV...hinge on the bottom of the Mach). Not a fan.

As IP said, it means nothing. Put them on, flex them, lean on your edges in both directions. Go with what feels best. I currently skate 4-6x week between playing and coaching. I'm in in AS3 PRO, 100k Pro, and Machs. I've also skated extensively in 2xPros, 70k, 80k, AS1. I skate like me in all of them...they just have different fits and feel. Close your eyes whatever makes you wanna go for a slide...that's the one.

Try DriMax...awesome for thin socks.

I like Superfeet Carbon Pro and have no motivation try another type. I do also like CCM Orthomove, but I have the SF's in all of my skates. The only time I contemplate others is during the summer when I coach three one-week, full-day camps...might be nice to have a softer ride by about the tenth day🤕🤣🥅🇨🇦🏒.

I'm the same...progressive but contacts are distance only. I am gonna try to force myself to get used to using them😖😬🤣🥅🇨🇦🏒😎Thanks everyone!

You make many good points...thank you!

Appreciate that...I'll give it try before buying another product.

I have a pair and have not been using them because they fog at the beginning of the second period...like clockwork. Tried the liquid they provided and it's worthless. Tried dish soap...no luck. Any ideas? I really need to nut up and get used to taking out my contacts, but my initial experience was a disaster and the thought of getting home from a game at 1 AM and clawing at them doesn't appeal. Thoughts?

I agree...that's not a proper fit, but honestly I don't think it's going to be cost effective to modify it. A shoe/luggage repair place might agree to do it, but I'm thinking it's going to be pricey compared to the value of the gloves. Can't hurt to ask, but there are so many quality pro-stock gloves available...maybe just sell them and grab another pair that fit. I'll be interested to know what you find out should you decide to give it a shot.

My favorite twig by far! Balance, blade feel, and pop...everything about it works for me. It's also the only one I can get with a W02 Lidstrom curve. Thought about switching to the FT6 Pro, which is damn good, but I still prefer the Alpha.

Okee dokee.

Upon what are your hypotheses based? Gut feeling? Something read online? In the course of selling these things we are very much aware of what customers are breaking and with what frequency. We also get to speak with company reps about retail and pro usage/design. Maybe you have insight to which I'm not privy. There's no rule as to what we are obligated to use, so you do you. I'm just offering a possible solution for those who are experiencing breakage with some frequency. I use top-tier myself, but...eyes wide open.

Example...instead of a Hyperlite 2...grab an X5. Instead of an AS-V Pro...use an ASV. A little more weight, a lot more durable. Some pros use off the shelf, some have custom spec, some use older models "dressed." Their all over the map. I don't think Pros want their sticks to break, but I also don't think they would hesitate for a second to use a stick that felt right even if it only lasted a period. I haven't used a True twig that I cared for, so...with you there.

Relative to top-tier...lower price point sticks are heavier and more durable. I'm not comparing today's with yesterday's.

Top-tier sticks are made for players that don't have to buy sticks. Weight and performance are IT! Durability is waaaay down the list of priorities. If durability is the primary concern...drop a level or two down from top models. They'll weigh a bit more but last a whole lot longer.

Not sure. I'd definitely fit in a medium HP45 (and have considered it), but the Tacks...not comfortably.

It just has to fit properly and feel comfortable. I found that Warrior's DX (top model at the time) did not have quite the bulletproof protection that the Tacks had, but the way my arm sat in the AS1 pads exposed my inner elbow joint (where I personally need coverage). I switched to the Bauer 2S Pro and they covered everything well at the expense of a little mobility. Then I tried the Warrior and they were/are hands down the best compromise of coverage, protection, and mobility...FOR ME. Recently we got the Machs in our shop and I really like the protection and mobility, but they're too bulky for me...same with the current Tacks protective. I love and wear the AS1 shinnies...the AS-V is a big, bulky, plasticy thing...same with the bows...not for me. Be very honest with yourself about your needs...try on many...eval the cost/benefit and make your choice. If you decide you don't like it...return it or hit Sideline Swap. That's my rec. for ya.

Yup...a Sakic/Crosby-esque curve...P92/29/90 W03 family.

We have them at the shop and I was messing with one the other day. I'm currently in medium 710's and the fit is perfect at the small end of adjustable range. The medium 720 was too big for me even closed down. I'd need a small (which I did not try). I seems nice, but really nothing that makes me want to change out.