Ive skated in ccm tacks for almost 6 years (i have a medium volume foot and instep) i need the stiff boot for ankle stability. I got a cheap pair of ribcore 88k to try out for a bit more toebox room, which is a low volume skate, and with 1 bake treatment, i had to crank down on the laces to get any ankle support. I stepped onto the ice this past tuesday and couldnt skate! I had floppy ankle support, and i felt like i was slushing thru sand i almost fell down. So there obviously is a performance difference between the two models. I can fly and stop on a dime with my tacks 9060s, but the ribcores were horrible! Mind you i play defence.