stick9

Looking for some input on what people find to be the most protective elbow pad available. I'm currently wearing some Ultra Tacks and while they are a decent pad, I find the point of my elbow sits too deep in the pocket. A spill or bump against the boards will bruise my elbow up pretty good. Also, any input on CCM's U+ Pro pads would be appreciated.

How do know CCM and Bauer are reacting to True and not just following their intend development path? Usually reactions to competition is an obvious change to either the products themselves or how they go about marketing them. I see CCM and Bauer slowly building on what they've been doing over the past decade. In reality. True is reacting to CCM and Bauer hoping to gain market share. Multiple skate lines with multi fit options, propitiatory holders and steel and branching out into protective. That's exactly what Bauer and CCM have been doing and have done so since True entered the room. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a niche company/brand/product. In some cases allows you to better focus on your costumers wants rather than doing things that appeal to the masses.

When you compare total sales to Bauer or CCM, it's a niche skate. Some would argue CCM is a niche skate when compared to Bauer.

Meh, not sure I agree completely. I find the Benn pro, pro-stock CCM P90T and the retail CCM P90tm almost indistinguishable. There are however some subtle differences. The lie on most Benn pros and pro-stock p90t's is usually a 6 where as the 90tm retail is a 5 or 5.5, I forget. The blade on the Benn and 90t is also a slight bit shorter than a retail 90tm. I think the retail CCM P90tm has evolved slightly since being introduced. At some point between the FT3 and FT5 they tweaked the lie and moved the kink in the toe back. They still feel and play the same. I only noticed it because when I cut my first FT5 to the length of my ft3's it played short to me. I added a 1/4 inch and it was fine. If you like a good mystery, dive into the Benn pro world. 😁

I've been in 100k's since right about when they launched. Whats that, almost three years?? Anyway, I play 2-3 times a week year round. I have had zero issues with the boot or the holder. The only issue I've experienced was a broken runner which was under warranty and quickly replaced. I saw that pic too. I think it was just one of those things.

If you've ever changed a tire with a stubborn wheel nut. What the first thing you do? You put an extension on the lug wrench. Boom, it gives. The wheel nut didn't magical loosen while you were looking for an extension. You increased your leverage point by extending the handle of the lug wrench. It's the same principle just applied differently. To my other post. Companies don't have different molds for longer shafts. They use a standard shaft and add an extension. So while it does feel different it's not a different shaft.

I don't totally disagree. Though you can still find quality items. You have to look and they're generally not cheap. In some cases it's not that the quality sucks. It's that due to cost they can't use premium materials. In general, we live in a disposable world. It doesn't make sense to make something that will last 15 years if the user will only be using it for 5 or you plan to release another version in 3. There is another aspect that the normal consumer doesn't consider. Most companies are using contract manufacturers to build their products these days. You no longer have your own QC people on the production floor. It's the CM's QC people upholding a standard that's been agreed upon. It's not easy. Then there is other side where things do last, like cell phones, but they want you to upgrade every two years. Most companies don't want to produce crap, they really don't. It ruins the brand. Once you ruin the brand, you are cooked. Since we're discussing hockey equipment. Look no further than Graf. Does anyone have any faith in anything that company produces, aw hell no!

Oaf, I think it moved... *Seinfeld reference

Spent some time with the FT6 Pro stick last night. It was similar to the FT5 Pro which I liked a lot. The 6 still had that great puck feel the 5 had. I'd say a bit more pop and a slightly quicker release were the big adds. I know it's said to be lighter. I didn't notice a difference. So maybe just not enough to be noticable. Think I prefer the FT5 graphics. Though I do dig the pearl white they are using at the top even if it makes it look a bit Hyperlite esque.

Maybe, and I stress maybe, you got a ring that was mislabeled at the factory. If everything else checks out, one would have to think it's the ring. Sparx customer service is pretty good. You could give them a call and see what they say.

The profile aspect VH brought up is legit. A few back I switched from 254 to 246 holders. I had to go with a deeper hollow to achieve the same amount of bite.

In addition to noupf and mojo's suggestions. Was it a new ring? You could be feeling the difference between a fresh ring and one that's worn in a little.

Thanks! I'm in a bit of a pinch having broke both my FT5's in a span of three days. One was stupidity, the other was age. Anyway, I grabbed a pro-stock off HSM. I'll continue to scourer the web for others.

Anyone currently using them? Thoughts? $249 at IW seems like a decent enough deal for a sub-400g stick. Though I wonder if I should just spend a bit more an FT5 pro, which I use and love.

I am shocked by the amount of people that don't get that.

Bringing back an oldie... I am starting to see pro-stock version on sideline for reasonable money, sub $300US. I'm curious if anyone has tried them yet and what are your thoughts. I'm currently wearing a Tacks 710 that's getting a bit mangy on the inside.

I'd stick with the pattern and change the flex. Or I'd do a custom order and resell a few.

Are you sure that's not just the pre order period? It seems really odd. If that is the case. Load up on FT5's.

The FT4 pro shoulders are a fantastic piece of gear. They're exactly what a modern hockey shoulder pad should be. My big disappointment with the FT4 line were the elbows. I pre-ordered a pair and when they arrived the overall fit was good they were just way too short. I might give the FT6's a try.

I believe this is the case as well. It seems as though Bauer only went after companies that were a sizable threat like Step and Tyden. You gotta pick your fights. We'll see if Bauer has learned from their past mistakes.

Probably because it's not really needed. Between socks and proper length pants it's not an issue for the majority of players. And it's added cost that most would cut off with the tags.

Sigh.... There is a lot crap in this thread that really bothers me. Some comments approach Facebook level garbage. I'm not gonna get into it though. My question is simple. Who here has tried full customs from all three brands? Their input would be relevant in answering the OP's question. Though, which is better, is somewhat vague. All other comments are recommendations based of personal bias and therefore should be ignored.

Not readily available at retail. Like Step. That may not seem like a huge deal but it will be if you break a runner. @BeflarI'd opt for the CCM XS holder with Step Blacksteel. Swapping steel may not be as fast as the Edge holder but it's easier. If the lock mechanism breaks you can replace it without removing the holder. Something worth noting, Step has a 1 year warranty on all their steel. If you break a blade, which I did, they send you a new set.

Don't forget the 50 pack of Charmin. My point from the start. Custom skates are made to your specs and foot. If made correctly why would you be unhappy. In the off chance you are, they're your specs so it's not the companies fault. It's like a salad bar. Don't get pissed at the restaurant if you don't like the salad YOU made.

Not sure what Costco has to do with this, but it should be noted that you pay to shop at Costco. I am pretty sure you aren't buying custom made items from them. The question here is, why would you go custom to "try" them??? Going retail where you have the guarantee makes way more sense. You can always return them, then go custom. BTW, True isn't going to do what you expect CCM to do. Yes, they will remake them if they are off, but you can't just walk away and get your money back.