Westside

I transitioned from HP45 pants to a Super Tacks girdle about 4 seasons ago. Never had complaints with pants, just wanted to try something different and it's easier to use shells with a girdle. Came across the Alpha girdle from Warrior and was curious if anyone had any feedback on it. Looks pretty similar to the QRE girdle with different spine protection. For those of you that may have used Warrior girdles and Tacks girdles, do the Warriors run cooler due to all the perforated foams? That's the thing I seem to notice most with girdles vs pants; they run a lot hotter, likely because they're hugging the body. https://www.hockeymonkey.com/warrior-hockey-pants-alpha-girdle-sr.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiA8t2eBhDeARIsAAVEga00AU7mfpGH3Aw0IYdeKV_L_aLxK6Yttz2ZYEkl3fLYxWFfLoyefEcaAnPWEALw_wcB

I’m not sponsored by any company so I don’t have a go-to. Wore Bauer skates for a decade+ before moving to Trues. Had a mix of CCM and Bauer skates growing up. Also used CCM, Bauer, and Easton gloves growing up then added Warrior into that mix when the QRL came out. Have a mix of CCM and Bauer protective. Sticks are all over the place; CCM, Bauer, Warrior, Easton, PSHS

Same. I’m a 10.5-11 shoe and wear an 8 or 8.5 skate depending on the brand/model

I’ve been skating inline since I was a kid in the 90’s. Never splurged on ceramic or any other bearings really. Just regular upkeep (clean/lube). What I’m using now are some $20 or $30 bearings I bought off Amazon. Zero issues with them.

Is the Mackinnon curve anywhere close to P88? Gepetto has suggested that curve to me in the past

While I can’t speak to the sizing part, if he’s thin then it’s not a surprise he didn’t like the Tacks shins; they’re the bulkiest CCM makes especially when compared to the Vapors he’s been using. Did you try any of the Jetspeed line? That would be a more apples to apples comparison.

I do actually use these… hence the need to repalm them

Like others have said, it can be tough to find specific models or in specs that you like. Two favorite pairs for me are rare winter classic mitts that are pretty much impossible to find so I’d like to keep them going as long as I can. With CPR, I’d modify gloves to my desired gusset specs (reduced 1/4”) and almost always some form of red palms which I’m just a sucker for

Anyone used ITR before? https://instagram.com/itr_hockey?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk= Happy with the pair I had done by Joe (hockey menders) before he retired, but miss CPR. Have one pair of gloves I’d love to have the palms/gussets redone but am patiently waiting for the day they allow retail orders again. No one does a better job than them

Not Sniper, but there is definitely a weight difference between the TF9 and Cat9. The guy who swrapped out my holders commented that the carbon on the Cats was thinner than the TFs so not sure if the shell thickness is where True saved the weight…

That’s what I figured

So this is a protective film? My Cat9s have removable film on the tornados, but I just assumed this was excess glue or something

Just let it rest my guy. Geez. We get it. Trues don’t fit you. Onto the next topic…

Not the Cat Pros but I picked up a pair of Cat 9s and feel the same. Narrower and less overall volume for sure compared to the TF. Like you, I swapped the felt tongues in right off the bat and moved them up an inch or so higher compared to where they were positioned in the TFs. Toe cap still has a lot less volume even after the tongue adjustment. The other difference I can’t quite explain is the hardness of the midsole. I was using the same superfeet I had in my TF, but the Cats felt like I was standing on hard concrete for lack of a better explanation. Real strange feeling I’ve never had in another pair of skates before. Going to swap the stock insoles for my next skate to see if the additional padding makes an impact

Are you talking about clothing-wise? For me, it all depends on the weather, but always starts with layers. Out in CA, it doesn’t really get that cold in the mountains so I just wear pants with some stretch for the bottom, an undershirt, hoodie, and jersey for layers up top, wool socks on my feet, and if it’s really cold a beanie on my head. When I was growing up in the Midwest, I’d wear thermals top/bottom and maybe a second layer of socks, plus a scarf or gaiter for my neck/mouth. I’d also throw some hand warmers in my pockets for when my hands got cold. At some point my feet would inevitably get cold so I’d take my skates off and use the hand warmers on my feet, but in general I heat up quickly so it’s better to be able to take layers off rather than overheat and soak your clothes. If you’re talking gear-wise… skates/gloves/stick (obv), and if I’m playing a game, shins and possibly a helmet. A lot of the surfaces I play on are deeper lakes which are black so I have orange and white pucks which are easier to see vs a standard black puck. I also never go on a lake without a hand drill and ice picks. Gotta be safe and too many people die every year because they didn’t take necessary safety precautions before enjoying the ice.

Interesting. So it dries as a rubbery/grippy material? Not sticky like glue?

I’ve been using a pacific rink varsity bag for the last 4 or 5 years. It’s held up great! I didn’t need all the bells and whistles of the player bag, and honestly found the dividers to be more of a pain to use. I sewed some PR skate sleeves into the varsity bag and it has been absolutely perfect for me

The 4500 is definitely the most comfortable helmet I’ve ever worn until I picked up a Tacks X. Of course, a 4500 costs well under $100 and even a discounted price stock X costs double

Why not the rubber sock paint stuff? I’ve added this to base layers in the past https://www.amazon.com/Viva-Decor-Black-Liquid-fabric/dp/B004XGXOEQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=rubber+sock+paint&qid=1671914940&sr=8-1

I’m not a CCM expert so someone else can chime in, but custom skates give you the ability to swap out tongues, different liners, etc. Swapping steel is the easiest thing to do. Bauer has the carbon runners, not sure what you’re referring to unless it’s the fact these aren’t black steel. If these specific skates fit your feet properly, I don’t see the issue

I, personally, always wait until the next day. I’ve never been in so much of a rush that I’ve needed skates that day and either couldn’t wait or didn’t have a backup pair to use

Bumping up an oooold thread. Does anyone know where to find the knurled version of the knob? The knob on my XS holders has gotten a bit gashed up and I should probably replace it. Figured I’d see if the knurled version is available since new holders will come with it. I’m aware the other style is available if I need it https://www.icewarehouse.com/CCM_SpeedBlade_XS_Holder_Adjustment_Screw_Kit/descpage-CSHRP.html

CCM has been posting photos/stories about these skates for the last day or so. I dig em! https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl_Xvi3OFUv/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

That’s right. Totally forgot about that Looks good! I have essentially the same setup (with felt tongues) with TF9s and really like them.

Did you put the same size XS holder on your Cats? Curious if the new Shift Max holes like up with Bauer/CCM holders so less holes need to be drilled