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stick9

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Posts posted by stick9

  1. Posted · Report reply

    1 hour ago, Cavs019 said:

    The issue is that it’s really hard in any industry to conjure up significant innovation on a yearly release cycle (it’s really more like 10 months when you factor in holidays, shipping lead time, et al). Most of the improvements are incremental to non existent at best and of course there are the anecdotes of NHL players like P. Kane using a 13 year old O33 Total One build muddying the waters further. That said - I do like what Bauer is doing in releasing stuff like the Sling, ADVs, etc in parallel to their standard lines, or the ODIN project from a few years back (as cheesy as some of those releases and concepts might be). The “think big” type work that looks 3-5-7 years out in conjunction with the annual releases to please the masses (and slowly integrating some of that future tech into the main lines) seems to be a logical approach to me. 

    All that said - the biggest improvement in stick tech by far in the last few years has been the recoil on lower flex sticks (in my case a senior 70). They used to just lag and fold on me like a pool noodle up until around the Trigger 2 vintage when shooting or battling for loose pucks - but now they recoil and kick like a performance hunting bow which has led to real improvements in quick release power and velocity.  @stick9 @psulion22 have had similar experiences and maybe want to chime in. 

    Yup yup. 67 flex intermediate sticks were way too flexy and never felt right. 75 flex seniors stick felt way too stiff after cutting. Being able to get a senior in a 70 flex was perfect. Switching to the proper flex and a pattern that better suited my playing style and ability was one of the better things I have done. 

    51 minutes ago, PBH said:

    Do you live in Canada? How many AA/AAA or higher level programs do you have within a 50 miles radius that operate constantly, 365 days? How many rinks are within 50 miles? How many registered players do you have within 50 miles? 

    Hockey equipment sales cycles in the US are significantly different than Canada. 

     

    I would say, certain parts of the US. The stick market in the north east is brutal right now. Right now, I couldn't walk into a shop and buy a stick. I tried online and there is nothing available in my specs. Luckily I picked up a second FT3 when they went on clearance. 

    In all honesty, a two year lifecycle is a little short....three seems about right to me. If you can plan it right you can release a new twig every year, 

    • Like 1

  5. Posted · Report reply

    On 8/3/2022 at 4:40 PM, stljrs said:

    If you have the FT4 Pro, can you comment on how protective it really is.  The mobility is outstanding and the caps and collar seem fine but the thin foam body seems like it would not be protective at all.  Compared to say the 3D Printed foams on the Tacks mid lines and up, it seems like it just wouldn't do much blocking shots or taking errant sticks?  Thanks.

    No complaints here. If you want something beefier you could pair them with a padded shirt.

  8. Posted · Report reply

    3 hours ago, skates73 said:

    Is it true that if you were to go get custom skates that the only real or "true" custom fitting skate would be through True?

    I've heard Bauer custom skates are not truly custom and more of just a general tweak to improve fit and to might as well just get their stock Fit 1, 2, or 3 skates instead if you want Bauer.

    Not sure about CCM.    

    Pretty sure both Bauer and CCM still do full customs. Whether or not that's available to the general public is another thing. 

  9. Posted · Edited by stick9 · Report reply

    23 minutes ago, PBH said:

    Margins have stayed the same. The cost of goods has increased, so all of the brands have adjusted MSRP/MAP to maintain the margins. 

    What has changed though, is unless you are a bigger store doing lots of volume you are not considered a premier account, and you don't hit all of the discounts for booking. This means a smaller store will likely have a 10-15% lower margin than a significantly larger store. 

    Typically stores like Pure Hockey, Pro Hockey Life, Monkey Sports, and other big box stores also get rebates and marketing funds as well. 

    The point I was getting at is, just because margins are high that doesn't mean they are actually turning a profit. I have seen plenty of examples of high ticket items where companies still lose money with each sale. 

    No one here seems to acknowledge what it costs Bauer/CCM to design, build, market and ship a product. All that cost is factored into the product cost. Companies don't make a single penny of profit until that cost has been paid off. With these short product lifecycles and low volume sales. I doubt they make all that much profit from an $1100 skate.

    • Like 1

  10. Posted · Edited by stick9 · Report reply

    16 hours ago, boo10 said:

    Honestly, I've been wondering if we're reaching the ceiling on hockey equipment prices.  Bauer and CCM have been getting away with pretty good margins for a while now.  We've reached the point where a pair of top of the line skates costs as much or more than a 75" tv.  You'd think people are going to start to tap out soon, but we'll see.

    Serious question, do you actually know what their margins are, or are you just guessing based on retail pricing? Even if you know what their margins are, do you actually know what it cost them to produce, market and deliver products? Even if their margins are great. I doubt they sell enough to make a decent profit. Material costs have gone thru the roof over the past few years. 

    FWIW, if people aren't happy with the prices, don't buy the product. The customer is the main reason why prices are what they are.

     

  13. Posted · Report reply

    18 hours ago, DSOP said:

    Thanks for the prompt reply!

    I only skated in the Ribcor six or seven times.  Before that, I hadn't been on skates in about 15 years.  My last skates were the CCM Tacks 252 which I purchased new sometime in the late 80s (basically a leather boot). I'm kind of at a loss with the new stuff from CCM and Bauer.

    There aren't many stores selling skates, let alone much of a used market in Los Angeles. Add the pandemic to the equation, and stock is low everywhere.

     

    Sounds like you'd better served looking at something mid-tier rather than top of the line. I've seen quite a fewer Bauer's that feel much softer than their top of the line siblings.

    • Like 1

  15. Posted · Report reply

    14 hours ago, pgeorgan said:

    I kind of thought that in the back of my head, but at the end of the day the store is giving me credit for my original purchase so I just went ahead an ordered some Machs after trying them on in store. I'm happy to give them my business and hopefully build some loyalty up. 

    If a CCM rep comes on here and reads this, they're more than welcome to PM me and they can deal with the seller directly if it upsets them, but at this point I'm not getting involved. Call it a byproduct of having the policy in the first place. If CCM is delegating execution of the guarantee to it's sellers, they shouldn't be surprised if some are a little self-serving at their expense.

    The store has some skin in the game. If you get your money back you can take your business to another shop. Giving you a store credit seems like a nice gesture, and it is, but it also assures them the sale. And it's not really true to the nature of the 90 day satisfaction guarantee.

    Anyway, good to hear you got it sorted out.

     

  16. Posted · Report reply

    In my opinion. CCM should automatically replace the skates as a warrantee claim. Whatever time is left on the 90 day satisfaction guarantee should be transferred to the replacement pair. My reasoning, the damage prevented you from using them for the full 90 day period. 

    Maybe you could argue that you are no longer satisfied with the skate due to the damage from routine use. Either way, I'd reach out to CCM directly and see what they say.

  22. Posted · Report reply

    19 minutes ago, Beflar said:

     

     

    The P92 is the best selling curve for a reason.  It can do everything.

    A mid flex is probably the safest flex you can use as it can do everything.

    An 85 flex is probably the safest flex as, you guessed it, it can do everything.

    I think the only question up for debate is how long your stick should be.  Short for better stick handling or longer for a harder shot.  I found that shortening my stick 1.5 inches changed my game more than curve and flex ever did.

    All that said it didn't stop me from buying the Laine curve from prostockhockey..  It was a mid 85 flex though..

     

    I'd argue it's not the curve doing the everything...

    • Like 1
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