Westside

Didn't you just buy the new Bauer stuff that's more expensive? 😉 Speaking of which, I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on them whenever you get around to doing a review

I’ve been using Darn Tough ultra thin running socks for years. They’re a bit speedy at $20 a pair, but the wool doesn’t stink, they’re thin without being paper thing, super durable, and Darn Tough has a lifetime replacement (which I haven’t had to use) https://darntough.com/collections/mens-running-socks/products/mens-merino-wool-run-micro-crew-ultra-lightweight-running-socks

I use the tacki Mac command (faux tape style) without the double sided tape. Just spray some hairspray on it which helps it slide on and also helps it stick https://www.hockeymonkey.com/commandgrip.html

Some additional info/closer photos were posted to Reddit. The Powerfly holder. New trigger section seems unnecessarily large compared to the current generation. Wonder if steel will be backwards compatible?

Looks like McDavid is keeping with the ST girdle https://www.instagram.com/p/CjpQfFWu6IS/?igshid=NzNkNDdiOGI=

Looking forward to this! Preferred the fit of the profile ii years ago when I used them. Have gotten used to the reakt after sizing up but will definitely want to try out the new design when they release it

If you can find one, I’m a huge fan of the Reakt titanium cage. Had to size up from the profile ii size so it was long enough, but much preferred it over the CCM titanium cage. Been using the Reakt cage for 4-5 years at this point with various Bauer and CCM helmets

Definitely popular year-round in SoCal. Also popular in and around DC. I got back into roller when I moved to DC and was surprised by the scene. Obviously more options in SoCal which isn’t surprising given the climate

I use superfeet comfort in my TF9s. Had carbons in for a quick minute but they pushed my arch up a bit too high causing blisters on my arch

I use the same tongue on my TF9s and also ordered it from Hockey Vancouver. They did free embroidery which was pretty sweet, but that may have been a Covid thing. Like you, I don't have issues with lace bite, and don't crank the laces, just leave them taught

Great, informative video Matt! Really wish the Pro colors were available on the Cat9. That subdued grey color looks so much better

So far, every jersey shown has been a patch. Figure this is how will go moving forward. Habs is definitely the worst ad patch shown yet since it’s not the same color of the jersey and the blue doesn’t match. Makes it even more of an eyesore

Let me know if they don't work out! I was tempted as well, but believe they'd be too small

Could you clarify what you mean? The Cat9, Pro, SVH, and TF9 all appear to have the same top ankle surround construction in my eyes.

STX has been direct to consumer for the last 5 or so years which is why you don’t see their gear in any stores

But that’s not going to be until at least 2024, right?

Likewise. I’m a 10.5-11 depending on shoe and an 8-8.5 depending on skate

Absolutely loved the DX! Shame the LX was a step backward in quality

The 2x pros were some of the worst elbow pads I’ve ever used. They never stayed in place and the funky/bulbous elbow pad would get hung up on my jerseys and felt like it would move if I fell on it. The curv composite forearm wrap was great tho. I say this because the new hyperlite line got rid of the only seemingly redeemable feature the 2x pros had (curv composite). Not sure why anyone would opt for this elbow pad vs any other brands/options on the market. Check out the FT4 if you want mobility and low profile. While they’re not what I look for in a pad, I’ve heard good things about the new ASV line as well

Can’t speak to the protective aspect of them as I didn’t get hit or take any pucks to the chest when I owned a pair. They were light, fit great, and moved extremely well. For me they didn’t breathe well at all and that was the deal breaker as I already run hot. Wore Quicklites for about 6 years prior that breathed much better. Ended up selling the FT4 Pros and going back to the CLs which also breathe better

I wish CCM or True would offer the white cap on retail skates for roller. Bright/loud skates would fit in perfectly!

Pre-bake, I thought to myself, ‘there’s no way these things are going to fit’ when I got my TF9s. Like you said, toes were smashed hard into the cap. Once baked, they open up and fit perfectly length-wise. I went from 8.5D in Bauer to 8R in True.

Totally agree. The new hyperlite got rid of a lot of protective elements the previous generation had. When I checked them out in store, they were very flimsy and felt poorly made compared to older models. They look terrible too (like a toilet bowl around your neck), but it's not like you can see them when you're playing so that doesn't really matter. It's a shame because I used to love Bauer protective, but the last few generations of all their gear has seemingly gone down hill. Back to the OP's question, the new Tacks ASV Pro shoulders seem extremely protective in photos/videos, but I don't have any personal experience with them.

Clearly you haven’t seen the new hyperlite line…

I’d say that’s even more true when you look at the build quality and materials being used now vs just a few years ago. The new Hyperlite line gets rid of curv composite for foam and plastic. Say goodbye to poron for lesser foams. And so on and so on. IMO you’re getting much worse gear at a higher price today vs 4 or so years ago