Jbear

Don't know about the H2 but I believe the Mach is lighter than the H1. I'll have to check that. Honestly, aside from bragging rights and general interest, if the weight difference among any of these intermediate to pro level skates is an issue...better hit the gym🤣. I forget to take my skate-weights off sometimes after practice and I don't even notice...they're about 1.5 pounds each.

I here you but to be completely candid...I'm usually comfortable and good to go within 10 minutes of putting on a well-fitting skate. Sometimes I skate practice with a different model/ brand skate on each foot. It keeps me tuned in. Originally I tried it just to see what it would feel like, but...I kinda got into it 🤣.

Well...I really enjoyed skating in them on Wednesday night. Felt great on my feet. I did have to snug them up a bit more than my others (AS3 Pro and 100k), as they were a little looser without the waxed laces I usually use. I will make that swap. I did notice that they rode lower in the heel than the others (profile is Quad 0 @ 3/4") and that took a hot minute to adjust to. Had no issues skating drills or scrimmage, but my hip flexors were sore the next day from the mechanical difference. Anyway, not wearing them for my game tonight, as I want to investigate the pitch difference a little more in a situation that doesn't count. The only thing I noticed that I may want to address is the tongue, which flexes nicely but seems a bit thin. I'm not rushing to any judgment based on one practice though. It might be fine. First impression was quite positive overall!

When I was considering a girdle, I found thigh, hip, and kidney protection to be good in all (best in Super Tacks), but tail and hip flexor (this is pants too but.. we have to stride) padding to be lacking significantly. Be sure to evaluate that based upon your needs. If I find something I like a lot that's lacking in one area, I will mod it or have it modded. It is not difficult to add foams or pe inserts.

I think going to a good shop with patient and experienced employees is the best thing you can do at the outset. Later you can start buying online (SidelineSwap is AWESOME). I find that I spend an average of an hour fitting players for protective gear if they need multiple items. My recommendation is not to lock yourself into any one brand and choose with your eyes closed. There's always a mobility/protection trade-off, but if you're patient, you don't have to give up too much of either. I would take all the marketing with a grain of salt. For example CCM markets Jetspeed as mobile and Tacks as protective. FT6 Pro pants are more protective (IMO) than AS-V Pros. It's more important that your gear fits properly and accommodates your individual mechanics than what the catalog says. Try as many brands and families as you can and put together a package that works for you. When I have kids that I coach who come with stuff that's not right for them. Often they've made decisions with their eyes. They got what they thought looked cool, or it's what Connor uses, or the coach said to get it, or the blurb online was convincing. All that matters is that it fits you correctly and works with your mechanics. Anyway...that's my opinion. Good luck!

Appreciate your take. For me it's my left maleolar. I blocked a clapper in my last college game in 1982 (less than 5 minutes left in a ridiculously lopsided loss😖). That bone is deformed, so I've had to punch my skates (those that could be) ever since. On two skates have not needed that...the 100Ks and these Machs. I may hate the way they ride, but they sure feel great out of the box!

That's exactly what I liked about it...the greater upper flex with the stiffer lower boot...Ribcore upper with Tacks last. If it is actually that...perfect for me 🤞🥅🇨🇦🏒😎.

I will let you know. I'm putting 271's on and baking them today. Not sure if I'll have them for tomorrow night's practice, but🤞🥅🇨🇦🏒😎 First Bauer I've put on that fit as perfectly as my CCMs.

I'm tempted to grab those...but I just bought some Machs to try😖🤣🥅🇨🇦🏒

Mine are heavily used and holding up fine, as are the AS3 PROs. I will say that modern pro-level gear seems tuned more towards performance rather than durability. I do find it fascinating that we get skates in for sharpening and/or repair that look like they were pulled from a car wreck while others look lightly used. Same model skate...similar ages...similar usage. I'm an example. I skate 5-6x week between coaching and my games. I play D, block shots, bang in front of the net and in corners, and my skates look clean. Not new but not trashed. Could it be weight related (I'm 5'9" 168)? I do pull my footbeds after every skate but do nothing to the outers. I'd like to understand why this is.

I hear you, but I just want the best possible combo for my skating mechanics. I really don't care if it shortens the life of the skate. When I was a kid, I had to make do and make it last. I don't have to do that anymore. I certainly get that folks would not want to compromise longevity or void the warranty.

7.5 F2. I've done this before with my AS3 Pros. If drilling is required it's no big deal for me. I'll let you know tomorrow when I actually do these.

Very. Just remove the rivets...the new holders line up just fine...put new rivets in. If you have a shop that does repairs, it's likely they do this. If you were changing sizes drastically, you would probably have to drill but from 263 up to 271...nope...at least with Bauer and CCM.

I did get the Pulse Ti with them...you have to pick runners. You don't have the option to choose holders unless you go custom, which is not 50% off. Anyway, I've got six pairs of CCM XS 271 Blacksteel...it's just easier to stay with that holder. I also prefer XS to Edge...fingers hate that trigger 🤣.

Been working at my LHS this summer, and one of the benefits is a 50% off from Bauer for completion of training. I've been trying EVERYTHING cuz I don't want to be that guy who just quotes the specs and marketing. I tried on a pair of Machs and they felt as good as my AS3 PROs...maybe even better, so...they showed up on Friday. Having upsized XS holders put on so I can just go with the Blacksteel I already have on my 100k's and AS3Pros (I'm a 7.5 but I like 271's). Anyway, the heel-lock is fantastic and they are completely comfortable everywhere without baking. My haven't-skated-in-them-yet impression...the upper boot flex of a Ribcor with the lower boot stiffness of a SuperTacks. If that's true, it makes for my perfect skate! Should be skating practice with them on Wednesday...I'll let you know🤞🥅🇨🇦🏒😎. Have not skated in Bauer since I sold my second pair of 2XPROs. I liked them, but the CCM skates fit soooo much better. These Machs may have changed it for me.

I'm using both...retail FT4 Pro and pro stock HP45. The FT4 Pro is significantly lighter and even more significantly less bulky while being highly protective. I'm a fan of both, and the HP45 is definitely more ruggedly built. I do like how close to the body the Jetspeed fits. Interestingly, I find the FT4 Pro much more protective than the Super Tacks (mine are pro stock). Both are up there at the top for me. Also really dig the Warrior QRL, which falls in between in term of bulk. I have two artificial hips, so I do not F around with regard to pants.

I wish CCM would do what Bauer does with gear education. I am going through modules on BauerUniversity.com to prep for my summer job at my LHS. It does have marketing hype, but some of it is very informative. Example...it has videos that show and explain the flex profiles of the skate families in detail. Supreme has a stiff lower boot with a relatively flexible upper while Vapor is opposite. It shows the flex under force and explains the effects on the stride (choice will still vary for individuals but...). I found that very helpful, and I'd love to have the CCM version.

AS1 Tacks also a good choice as is the 2SPro and 1S from Bauer. If you don't mind a little more old-school...Reebok and Jofa pro stock stuff are tanks.

I'm working at my LHS this summer, so I'm going to try the 6P, but as far as Jetspeeds go...I LOVE the 3P. I'm usually a Tacks guy or LX Pro, but I do use the 3P semi-often. I may be lucky, but I've had zero durability issues...and I'm not easy on my game sticks.

All of that scrolling wearing you out? Hockey training.com can help you build your stamina. Meanwhile...turn that frown upside down little guy...you'll find your binky. No need to be grumpy.

I recommend the shrink wrap method for all skates...not just True. It looks like (as was mentioned) they were improperly or over-tightened when baked. That being said, there's a good chance they're not ruined...just doesn't look pretty. If the shop did that...they should make it right.

Here's another thought for you. If you happen to need a pair of mitts, grab some CCM pro stock w/ shot blockers. I took the blockers off and used the D30 from those to make some wrist slash guards, but they'd be perfect for reinforcing knees in shinnies.

I don't see anything currently...just keep looking. If I need to do it again and can't find D30...there are other good foams out there...I'll use those. I still have some D30 left but it's too thick (from a motorcycle back protector), otherwise I'd offer it to you.

I pretty much limit my purchases to SidelineSwap except for the occasional support for my LHS.