stick9

Big picture, not sure the current method is the best business model. If you thumb through this thread as an impartial observer, you see issues with cosmetics, build quality, weight compared to other brands and last but not least, fit. This all compounded by Bauer & CCM now doing full customs at retail locations. I don’t know enough about the process once the scan is complete to suggest any viable options. Though it does seem like there is a disconnect there. Customers are putting a lot of faith in True to get it right. Seems like they do, but it does seem they miss just as often. For example, somewhere in this thread a user mentioned he just got his Trues. The response was (I may be paraphrasing a bit) “they’re great once you get them dialed in. They’re customs, what’s to dial in?? Lace em up and go, no? FWIW, from an end user. I’d be furious if I had to tweak what was sold to me as a fully custom skate. The reason I went custom was so I wouldn’t have to punch and stretch and hack a retail boot onto my feet.

I saw it on the Internet, it must be true. 😉 The issue is what’s missing from the process, actual product to try on to verify the recommended fit is at least in the ballpark. Having a means to do that has to be cheaper then making skates a 2nd and even 3rd time.

I don't disagree with your experience. However, you need to consider what the AK27SL really is. It's a QX Pro with a lighter shaft. It's also a $179 price point, which makes it cheaper than the QX Pro. Comparing it to the QRL isn't really fair. The QRL is a top tier stick that retails out at almost $100 more than the 27SL. The AK27SL was never meant to compete with top tier sticks. Honestly, the AK is what the QX Pro should really be.

Two brands (Sparx & True) have gotten a ton of free pub here. It would be nice to see them recognize the site and it’s members who’ve helped grow their brands.

Pretty sure that’s an original AK27 not an Alpha AK27SL.

Interesting...those are the only two AK's I know of. Maybe Pereni's did an SMU??

@ParabolicActivity https://warriorhockey.com/2017/10/20/warrior-alpha-ak27-collection-limited-release-line-details/

The blade is different so it doesn’t have the same puck feel. Doesn’t have the same pop the QX. Still a decent shooting stick.

They’re a special run or limited run that uses the Alpha build model with the old AK graphics. I have two, great sticks! Not quite as good as the Alpha QX (though it’s lighter) but much better than the Alpha QX Pro. I thought they were a steal at $179 when they were released.

Define huge?

Not loving the angled bottom. Always hated that look, and why black? Very cool logo, the rest is a bit meh...

Completely agree. Adjustment to the profile was pretty easy. I really liked how I was transitioning front to back and easy it was getting in and out of turns. It was only one game, but it was definitely a positive experience. A marked improvement over my stock LS4 and Step.

Picked up my steel with a fresh Quad 0 last night, skating on them tonight. I was fortunate enough to be in a position where I was able to meet with Shayne from Pro Sharp and demo a few different profiles. The Quad 0 was the one that felt the most natural to me and my skating style. Curious to see how it translates to a game setting.

Yes. I have Step and I did not profile them. They are, like JR said, a bit more game ready. The LS3 I used in the past had to be profiled. I just could not make them work without it. Way too much material at the toe. LS4 is workable but not optimal.

FWIW, I’ve tried Blackstons FBV from two different places and the results were much different, same exact cut. As with any manual sharpening, it’s only as good as the guy/gal behind the wheel. Ive also tried a Blademaster flat bottom, which was nothing like Blackstones. Not all flat bottoms are created equal.

The rink @jimmy is referring to is the New England Sports Center. It’s an 8 sheet facility that houses all kinds of tournaments, leagues and travel teams. The shop runs 4 Sparx sharpeners and 1 Blademaster. I believe each Sparx is outfitted with a different wheel. The labor and equipment needed to keep up with the demand just isn’t feasible, not for what they’re doing. It’s a smart play for them. As for PH in my area. I’ve had more bad than good. From my perspective, going automated is a plus.

@GoalForFun give these a shot. https://www.hockeymonkey.com/equipment/hockey-protective/senior-protective/senior-shoulder-pads/easton-hockey-shoulder-pad-pro-10-sr.html#myGallery_238028 If you can find them, the Stealth’s might be worth a look as well. I wear the C 7.0 and they are very low profile.

I've spent a good deal of time on both. The Fire feels nothing like Blackstones FBV. It's more like a ROH with more glide, less bite. For instance, I usually skate on a 3/4 ROH. When i tried the 3/4 Fire I found it to have significantly less bite. I moved down to a 5/8 Fire, which felt more like the 3/4 ROH I was used to. Still not completely sold on the Fire. It's not bad...I was hoping it was closer to Blackstones FBV. I'll probably move back to my normal 3/4 ROH next time around.

Regardless what side you were on, it was a great series. I know a lot of people talk about how great of a story Vegas was. I think Washington's was equally compelling.

I’ve argued the P19 & W03 are NOT P92 clones and the P92 isn’t really a Sakic/Draper clone. In my experience, the P19 & W03 are almost exact. When compared to a P92, they aren’t as deep or as open, possibly even less toe. The P92 when compared to a legit Sakic/Draper (yes I still have one) is close, but looks like it’s been tweaked a little. It’s looks like a bit more toe and a bit more open. I guess you could say that the W03 & P19 are closer to the orgianl Sakic/Draper than the P92. I think we get hung up on “this is a clone of that” when it’s more so one companies version vs another and there may be subtle differences from one to the other. Could be marketing influence to it as well. Everyone has to make what everyone else makes.

He's not a guy you bring in during a rebuild or to mentor younger players. If you have a strong room with a good core group and a solid leadership he can come in and provide some secondary scoring. Give him a 2 year deal slightly above veteran max. Otherwise, thanks but no thanks.

Me too. I’d say second round was a good showing for this team. Still some work to do before they can truly be called contenders, but least the ship looks like it’s pointed in the right direction. I was really impressed with the way McAvoy, DeBrusk & Pastanak played... Gryz had his moments too.

I’ve been eying these as an upgrade to my 9k pants since seeing them at Winterfest. Does anyone have more info as to the differences between the two versions, other than the price?

Krug our for the remainder of the series with an ankle injury.

Really? I’ve read through these and you are just as guilty. Let’s be perfectly honest with ourselves, everyone....EVERYONE whines when things don’t go their way. When it comes to last night and what led to the tying goal. Had that happened to a Maple Leaf this place would have exploded with “typical Boston favoritism”. In reality, Boston is rarely shown any favoritism by the league or officials, note David Backes 3 game suspension for his first ever offense. Ill go one step further. Had that play happened to a Maple Leaf in Toronto, it’s a penalty 10 out of 10 times and we all know it. You wanna hate, fine. You want to root for the other team, fine. You want to be sour your team lost, fine. Just be realistic.